Emily and New Orthotics

Emily recently got new orthotic inserts to wear with her shoes. She is doing well with walking and running but her feet still pronate a bit so she'll be wearing the new inserts for another 6 months to 1 year. These are a bit different than her last pair and so far she doesn't mind them. The certified orthotist recommended that we make a physical therapy appointment in about 6 months to have Emily evaluated for muscle development.

Emily is walking and running and trying to jump. She is so active and loves being outside. I'm posting a few pictures of her new inserts so you can see what they look like.

Emily's School II

The Toddler play area at SMA.

On the bulletin board!

Ok so I have to blog about how I'm doing with this new school experience. Way back in February St. Michaels Academy had an open house and we took a small tour. Emily was not yet walking and that concerned us but we liked the school program and decided to register her for the upcoming year. Between February and September I kept taking her to storytime at the Euless and Hurst libraries so she could get used to being around other kids. The first day of school kept getting closer and I started to panic a little bit. Afterall, this is my baby and we're like a daily duo. I bought Emily her first nap mat and got her used to laying on it.

Knowing Emily was only two and couldn't really comprehend what school means, it was hard talking to her about it because she didn't understand. My mom bought her some books about going to school and Emily flipped through them while Jon and I explained what happens at school. Still, on that first morning we did our normal routine but then we made our way to school. Emily was confused and apprehensive. She had met her teachers the week before but now it was time to separate. I don't know who took it the hardest, me or her. But I'll never forget her face and the tears on her cheek as I handed her to her teacher and walked away. Luckily there was someone with the program there to talk to me and assure me that everything would be ok and to lead me to the "Parents Cry Room". As I tried to stop my tears I kept telling myself that Emily would be ok and that all first days are difficult in some way.

When 2:30 came at last, I waited outside Emily's room with the other moms. I was so excited to see her again and to find out how she did without me. Once the door opened all these small faces turned to the doorway and then the crying started. Emily saw me and immediately cried and shook and held out her arms. It was like a relieved cry and I tried my best to stay calm and smiling. The teacher said Emily had a good time once she stopped crying but that she didn't want to nap.

School is a big adjustment for both of us and I'm sure we'll get used to it as the months go by.

Emily's School

Hello! I'm finally blogging again. Emily started a preschool program for two year olds at our church in September. The preschool is called St. Michaels Academy and so far Emily is doing very well. We attended the meet and greet session a week before school started and Emily didn't know what to think at first. The room she's in has lots of toys and books, a couple of small round tables and it's decorated really nice. She has two teachers, Ms. Rina and Ms. Annette, and there are 12 students in her class. Emily goes to school on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 until 2:30. From the start Emily didn't want to nap with the other kids so for a few days I've been picking her up after lunch. Her teachers assured me that Emily will eventually feel better about napping once she gets used to being in school. This Friday I'll let her stay the entire time and see if she naps. Emily loves playtime outdoors and she loves making crafts. A teacher comes in once a week to teach sign language and another teached comes in to teach Spanish.

I think this program is making a positive impact on Emily. She is talking more and getting better being around other kids. I've posted a few pictures from the meet and greet day and her first day of school. I'll try to get more pictures posted soon.