Angelica Grace Designs Blog

Monday, November 19, 2007

A USUAL MONDAY FOR KENIDI

Every Monday morning, little Miss Kenidi Grace spends two very grueling hours-back to back-at her therapy clinic with her OT and PT. (occupational therapist and physical therapist) Some Monday's are much easier than others. In these photos, Kenidi is working with her Physical Therapist, Mrs. Mindy. She loves Mindy-she really does. However, she doesn't love when Mrs. Mindy makes her work. Ha ha! It takes a special person to be a therapist. They have to love children inside and out as well as know how to cut through the bull and the drama and make them work when they are trying to weasel their way out of it. The tears and the screams break my heart at times. In the end, I know it is best for Kenidi. I realize this is huge regarding her ability to get stronger with each passing day. The therapies are a MUST! There is no way around them. She might hate them from time to time but when all is said and done, they help her accomplish what she has thus far and then some. We are very blessed to have the therapists that we do for Kenidi. All of them have wonderful personalities and are extremely talented in what they do. Because we spend so much time with them, they literally become part of your extended family almost. I've posted some photos proving just how draining and emotional therapy can be for Kenidi as well as for her Mommy. (Yes, me!) Consider this a look behind the scenes with "Hypotonia" (low muscle tone) now rather than the behind the scenes with Epilepsy that I posted last week. Again, this child is a trooper!
These first set of photos (above and below) are of Mindy (the physical therapist) trying to motivate Kenidi to climb a set of stairs on her own. Kenidi's depth perception is different from other children. Climbing up or down a curb or stairs scares her. (most of the time) Therefore, we are working on growing stronger in that area as well as teaching her more confidence when attempting these movements on her own. I can still remember when she was about 18 months old and our old PT put her on top of a simple phone book. She sat her on it. I'll never forgot the look on Kenidi's face and the shrill that came from her lungs. It was as if we had just set her atop the biggest mountain-right on the edge of a cliff looking over. Although the phone book was just on the floor, that 4 inches of height scared her so bad. The therapist back then was trying to show me - first hand - what Kenidi was dealing with. Granted we've come a long way since the phone book day, however...stairs and curbs really test her confidence level.
Kenidi is a true drama queen. If you didn't know better, you'd think we were killing her had you been there to actually "HEAR" this take place in person.
Mindy helping Kenidi's footing and the direction of her legs while she climbs the stairs.
Kenidi looking at me with those pitiful baby blues and trying to sway me to allow her to "stop."
Kenidi gaining some confidence...on the move...and climbing now on her own.
This is a device that we work with Kenidi's balance on. It helps strengthen core muscles as well as confidence again. Needless to say, she hates it too.
Ahh....a little quieter now and we actually begin to see some smiles. She really enjoys working on the ball. Mindy has her do core exercises such as crunches to help strengthen that mid section of hers.
More ball work
The balance beam. Kenidi likes doing this too. If you look closely, you can see stickers on the beam. We were trying to get her to stomp on the "santa" sticker. Sounds mean and vicious but we will use and do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. Ha ha!
And after all the work is said and done....she is out like a light within 5 minutes of me placing her into her car seat. Unfortunately, now it is time for school where she works with more therapists for the afternoon. See how inspiring a 4 year can be on the days when I want to give up or be lazy??? How could I when I look into her eyes each time and know what she has to endure each second of each day? With that said, I'll leave you with a clip from one of my favorite little movies. Brennen turned me onto this DVD and we watch it over and over again. Of course it has to do with football but it also has great educational points within it surrounding your faith and everyday life in general. The film is very low budget but HUGE when it comes to making your heart feel good at the end of the show. If you've never seen it, I recommend you buy it and watch it with your kids especially. It's called "Facing the Giants." This particular clip is a good 6 minute reminder that in life we sometimes quit before we ever start. Great show! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyPkUXGq1S0

You can actually purchase the DVD here: http://www.facingthegiants.com/home.php if your local Christian bookstore doesn't have it in stock. Again, another great stocking stuffer for the season.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Angie, So happy to hear that Kenidi is doing well, she seems to to be making great strides. God is GOOD!!! We will continue to keep her in our prayers. Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!

Kim Springer

P.S. I love the "Facing the Giants" movie, we have watched it over and over. Their new movie called "Fireproof" is supposed to be released in August 2008, the preview sounds like it will be an awesome movie too.

11/20/2007 10:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THANKS again, Angie, for showing us up close what Kenidi battles daily and what you do as well. It makes my heart heavy, yet at the same time lifts my heart and fills me with gratitude and praise for SO many, many things.......for you and the strength and grace God fills you with, for Brent and the immense love he has for his little girl and for his drive and perseverance to provide for his family, for Kenidi's brother and his nurturing and sensitive heart, and of course for the progress Kenidi has made and continues to make. ....and for the mercy and faithfulness of God both in the past and with each new day (the Bible says "His mercies are new each day..:)

Keep the photos and reminders coming!

11/20/2007 12:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So interesting to learn about K's days in PT/OT. Wow! We have both at school, but I'm usually working with kids while the kids are working on those skills.

We watched Facing the Giants this summer. I agree, so good! A church made the film and obviously the community jumped in. It was fun to read the credits and see the names of "normal" people.
Ellie

11/20/2007 12:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello,
I wanted to write to you personally to let you know how much I look forward to hearing about Kenidi's progress. My daughter is 4 and also has
depth perception issues as well as other vision issuesand is
developmentally delayed. She goes to preschool where she receives therapies and on Monday she has back to back PT and OT sessions. She has colpocephaly and is at very high risk for seizures, but we have been blessed that so
far she is seizure-free. We had so many parallels I thought it was
very interesting and your blog is a blessing. My little Olivia Hope is a trooper too and I feel like she is our angel on earth. I hope Kenidi continues to do well and I wish you and your family the very best. I just felt like I needed to say "thanks" for being so open and honest. It is such a great testimony for so many. Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!!

In Him,
Samantha and Olivia Hope

11/20/2007 9:09 PM  

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