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August 16, 2002
Therapy: Day 1
We finally received some good news about Quinn today!
She had her first trip to physical therapy, which was recommended by her neurologist but not required. I'm so glad we decided to pursue it! The therapist, Kim, was WONDERFUL. She did an assessment on Quinn, and found her to be progressing along very well! Behind, yes, but she's on the right track.
She told us what we can certainly tell from watching her gymnastic feats: she has extremely flexible joints in her hips, legs, and ankles. Because she goes from the crawling position to a split to sitting down, she hasn't ever been able to move herself forward. (It's kind of hard to explain this in writing... you need to see her... the girl is Gumby) And in order to crawl, you have to be able to hold and lock yourself in the "four-point" position, which Quinn just can't do, flexible as she is.
Among other things to do with Quinn at home (exercise and positioning activities), she gave us a pair of purple spandex bike shorts that are modified for babies who hyperextend their legs--the legs of the shorts are sewn together! After we put Quinn in them, she not only looked like she just got off the "Saved By the Bell" set, she couldn't do her splits, so she had to sit with her legs straight out in front of her. And when she crawled backwards, she couldn't just spread her legs to go into a sitting position...she had to bend them and bring them around correctly. And boy was she PISSED OFF after a few minutes of this! But she was making progress...already! Yay!
As far as standing, Quinn has never been able to support her weight on her legs. She will stand up against the couch or our lap for about 2 seconds, then she'll sink to the ground. Kim put little one-pound weights on Quinn's ankles to help her develop an awareness of her ankle joints, and she propped her up against a chair... and Quinn STOOD THERE and played with a toy! Like a normal little baby!!! And when she wanted to sink down, Kim stuck her leg between Quinn's legs, so Quinn could perch on it, then stand back up when she was ready. It was AMAZING. Andy and I both almost cried!
But there's even more! Oh yes! More!
Kim also solved Quinn's breath-holding thing...at least, she started us on the road to a solution. Every time Quinn would hold her breath, Kim stroked her chest (starting up near her neck) downwards in a V-movement. While she did this, Kim said, "Ccchhoooo... cchhhooo... chhhooo." She was helping Quinn to relax the muscles that she was holding... Kim was, in effect, breathing for Quinn by pressing rhythmically on her chest. The point of the "choo"-ing was to get Quinn used to hearing that sound in conjunction with the activity, so eventually we can just say it to her and she'll relax on her own. And you know what? IT WORKED! Of course, every time we would halt Quinn from the breath-holding, she'd look annoyed and do it again...but maybe she'll slow down with it, and it will disappear altogether!
I mean, really. Could that hour with Kim have been any more helpful? Any more worth the $248 it cost? I don't think so... I really don't. Kim seems to think that she'll have Quinn crawling very quickly, and that her remaining tests at Children's will come back positively. She said that if Quinn weren't doing anything, or weren't progressing at all, she'd be worried, but she said Quinn is obviously doing pretty well if she can get herself in the crawling position, rotate, crawl backwards, sit up, etc. etc.
"So she doesn't have, say, Muscular Dystrophy, you don't think?" I choked out, trying not to cry.
"No... I think she's going to be fine!" she said as Quinn crawled by (backwards) in her purple spandex shorts.
Best. day. ever.
Posted by Amy at August 16, 2002 12:23 PM
Comments
yay for the prettiest baby ever.
Posted by: loocy at August 16, 2002 1:01 AM
Maybe Quinneth Paltrow would be more comfortable in her purple spandex shorts if Mommy got a matching pair. Hopefully the Lester Ladies will get over to High Street for some swimming. Since EVERYONE on High Street has jobs now, the house will be empty in the afternoons. Secluded swimming. Just peel off your matching purple spandex shorts and hop in!Kisses to all the Happy Lesters. Kisses, I say!
Posted by: Auntie Rikoshay at August 16, 2002 1:03 AM
Go Quinn, Go Quinn.That's wonderful, Amy. You'll have to chase her around in no time :D
Posted by: Suzy at August 16, 2002 1:46 AM
I just wanted to let you know how happy I am that everything is going in the right direction. Just remember if you need anything I am always here for you guys!!You go little bunny, forwards or backwards!!!!
Posted by: Erika at August 16, 2002 1:58 AM
More teary eyes here! I am so thrilled, thrilled I say! You have such a sweet little bunny who has been the subject of many prayers. I am so glad to hear that you are finally seeing some of them answered!Keep up the good work, little one! Abigail is cheering you on and sends you as many "uh-oh's" as you need for the road ahead! ;)
Posted by: Merilla and Abigail at August 16, 2002 3:45 AM
Oh, we're so happy for all of you. And yay for baby Quinn! What great news to start the weekend.
Posted by: Amy & Spencer at August 16, 2002 3:52 AM
Ohh I am so happy to hear this. Yay for Quinn!
Posted by: chel at August 16, 2002 5:12 AM
Way to go my birthday buddie!! I am very glad to hear you are doing well. Please crawl my way soon, I have a cookie to share :)XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Posted by: Miss Anna Clare at August 16, 2002 6:24 AM
Oh my! How absolutely wonderful. You and Andy must be beside yourselves! Have a wonderful weekend with your purple-spandexed baby Quinn!
Posted by: Erica & Audrey at August 16, 2002 7:48 AM
Yay for Quinn! She rules! I'm so happy for you guys... the wonders of spandex!
Posted by: lara at August 16, 2002 7:53 AM
I'm so happy to hear all this! Way to go, Quinn!
Posted by: Heather at August 16, 2002 7:57 AM
YIPEEEE!! I have such a good feeling about this! Jeez, this post has made my morning!
Posted by: Melissa at August 16, 2002 9:01 AM
Yay! That is so awesome! Being hypermobile myself and not crawling until late, I know how hard it must be on you. To see progress and to hear that your wee-one is going to be okay must be such a great feeling. Rock on!
Posted by: Jen at August 16, 2002 9:11 AM
Congratulations! I can only imagine how much better you must have felt by the end of that session.Good luck with Quinn's progress!
Posted by: Beverly at August 16, 2002 9:21 AM
I'm sitting in my cubicle pumping my fists!!!! YEEEAAAHHH! Let's see a photo of her in those bike shorts.
Posted by: Funder at August 16, 2002 9:21 AM
You don't know me, I somehow stumbled in here by accident, but I am sure relieved for you! Whew, bet you can breathe now! Good luck and smooth sailing to you.
Posted by: Susan at August 16, 2002 9:25 AM
So happy for you guys! I've only left comments a few times, but I'm a loyal reader, and was nervously waiting to hear about Quinn's results! My daughter is about Quinn's age, and it makes things that much more emotional, when I hear about other babies being sick, or even possibly sick. I hope you guys have a great weekend, reveling in this good news! :)
Posted by: Helen at August 16, 2002 10:22 AM
Reading this just made my day, heck, my week!!! Way to go Quinn! We (dh and I) have been thinking about you a lot these last couple of weeks. Now you can smile one of those "real" smiles again!
Posted by: Texasgal at August 16, 2002 10:42 AM
Yay Quinn! Oh, I'm so happy for you and your family, Amy. What fantastic news. Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Kim at August 16, 2002 10:42 AM
Such wonderful news!!!!! Made my day. :)Hugs and kisses to you and the Quinn bunny from me and Justin.
Posted by: Kristi at August 16, 2002 11:05 AM
I will never make fun of spandex again, I swear! Way to go, Quinn!
Posted by: Kristin at August 16, 2002 11:33 AM
That's WONDERFUL news, Amy! I'm with Auntie Rikoshay -- Mommy should get some swanky bike shorts, too!
Posted by: Erin at August 16, 2002 11:46 AM
How exciting! I'm so glad to hear she's progressing and that the tests have come back okay. Woo hooo!
Posted by: liz at August 16, 2002 11:47 AM
SCHWEEEEEEEEEET! Yay for totally normally developing Quinn!The worst thing in the entire universe is when a doctor seriously tells you there might be something wrong with your baby. I am SO GLAD Quinn is OK and doing great! Woo-hoo!
Posted by: Jan at August 16, 2002 11:56 AM
Tear in these eyes my friend! I couldn't be any happier for you ALL! Kisses to you and the bunny! I so wish I could see you this weekend! WOOO HOOOO! Awesome news! Simply awesome.
Posted by: Tonya at August 16, 2002 12:36 PM
I've been hoping all was well for Quinn! So glad to hear that it is!
Posted by: Leslie at August 16, 2002 12:39 PM
I'm holding back tears right now! I've been reading these latest entries and hoping that Quinn would be ok. Yay!!!
Posted by: Lex at August 16, 2002 12:42 PM
Oh, AMY!! I am so terribly thrilled for you! I cannot tell you how awesome that is to hear! I am so very, very happy for all of you, but especially for little Miss Quinn. I know what a relief this day has been for you guys, and as frustrating as it may have been for her, I just know things will end up making her happier. I want so badly to give you and the Bunny a big hug and kiss. Maybe the next time we all plan a get together ;).
Posted by: Kristin & Parker at August 16, 2002 12:50 PM
That's wonderful! Give the Pretty Bunny and yourselves a hug for Rog and I.
Posted by: Shae at August 17, 2002 4:11 AM
I was so happy when Andy called on Thursday, and even happier when finally reading all the details tonight. Yes, a picture of Biker Quinn would be great. I read the entry to Great Grandma and Gail had to finish reading it since I was too happy and crying.Love from Idaho from Grandma and Grandpa
Posted by: Grandpa Dan at August 18, 2002 1:55 AM
Yay for Quinn! I had a big grin picturing Quinn sailing on by in purple-spandexed reverse. That's absolutely fabulous news!
Posted by: Amanda Page at August 18, 2002 3:02 AM
Yay! I am so glad it's turning out better. Yes, she is quite the flexi-baby!!!!!
Posted by: wendy at August 19, 2002 1:42 AM
Oh gosh! I just caught up on everything today. I was so confused when I read Quinn needed an EEG, so I had to backtrack and find out why. I was so relieved to read this latest entry telling the success with the physical therapist. My thoughts and prayers are with you that every other test comes back just peachy and that she begins progressing quickly with the therapist and that her breath-holding thing fades away. Quinn is so precious! Thanks for always sharing pictures and stories.
Posted by: Katie at August 19, 2002 7:03 AM
My AOL has been down most of the weekend! What fabulous news to come back to!!! Jeff and I have been reading and searching, looking for anything we could offer to help, but I am overjoyed to hear this news. Just OVERJOYED! Andy and you must just be breathing so much easier. Our Monkey sends love to your Bunny. Let me know when you guys are done dancing with glee so we can come by for a visit! --Love The Murrays
Posted by: DarcieBells at August 19, 2002 9:10 AM
Pics, we need pics, ASAP.
Posted by: Sam T. at August 19, 2002 11:30 AM
Excellent news, just wonderful. I can't wait to hear more in the same vein of progress and success and good news for the Prettiest Bunny. :D
Posted by: Dreama at August 21, 2002 1:05 AM