Here is a glimpse into Jessie's Day in therapy and an introduction to her Therapists at KKI (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
This is Beth, She is Jessie's Occupational Therapist, and she and Jessie planted a Mirror Flower Garden together today. At the end, Miss Beth let Jessie take one flower back to the room and put it on her window to remember the day and what they had done. What you may not notice, is that Jessie is sitting on a cylinder that rolls slightly, and each time it does, Jessie mus react and balance. Jessie just thinks that she is playing a game and never realizes that she is doing therapy. Miss Beth is great!!
This is Miss Heather. She is Jessie's Physical Therapist, and does many things, but focuses a significant amount of time on walking. Today, Jessie got a new customized AFO brace that helps keep her foot at a 90 degree angle...essential for learning how to walk again. She may wear an AFO for the rest of her life, or she may be able to walk someday without it. The guy working on the wheel chair is Mr. Mike. He's giving Jessie's chair a front-end alignment.
This is a view of Jessie's room at KKI. That's Dr. Carson and Coach Thurman (the bunny) hanging up in the background.
Here is Miss Heather (Dr. Carson's PA), getting ready to remove Jessie's staples. She had 66 in her head, and some of them didn't cooperate as they were being removed. We tried to calm Jessie down by telling her that "The Staple Fairy" would be coming tonight, and that if she let Miss Heather take them out, the Staple Fairy would give her a quarter for each staple removed and waiting under her pillow. I guess that I should have done the math on that one first. Oh well, I guess that $16.50 is not too bad...especially since Mom has to play staple fairy tonight.
Here's Mom and Jessie telling secrets so Dad can't hear. I'm happy that they can share secrets. I hope that they share secrets for the rest of their lives...that's important for moms and daughters.
OK, drum roll please. Monday, Matt cut his hair so that he could look like Jessie, and the picture is finally in. Matt, it looks GREAT!! Jessie is going to feel so good that you sacrificed your hair for her. We're proud of you!!
And Here is the whole crew. Matt, Jake, and Josh climbing rocks in Veedawoo between Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming. They still look like they're having a miserable time. Boys!! Mom and Dad love you and we can't wait to see you again soon. We'll be at the Baltimore airport waiting for you on July 1st.
