Friday, February 20, 2009

NO Cheesy Smile!!

This morning Alida tried on her summertime gear! As soon as I showed her the swimsuits I had gotten she wanted to put them on. We played a little game of peek-a-boo and I got some GREAT pictures. It's so rare that I can capture a real smile!!!! I was ecstatic to get more than one!
Here's to warm weather!!





Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"Scared...Pablo"

Matt and I recently took Alida to see her favorite cartoon character at The Crayola Factory...Pablo from The Backyardigans. I was so excited to see how she would react. She absolutely LOVES this guy! Well....sure enough she was scared. BOOHOO!! She wouldn't even stand with him to get a picture! From a distance she loved him but up close and personal was way different. Despite my disappointment I was still glad that she got to experience the visit, even if it wasn't ideal. The entire ride home (and for the next few weeks) she chanted the words "Scared Pablo" over and over. She still loves him though!!

By the way...I am crossing my fingers that one of these days...when I ask Alida to 'smile' she won't give me the cheesy toddler grin that she just hasn't been able to shake yet. One of these days!

Waiting for Pablo...
He's here.....


Scared Pablo!!


The world's largest crayon and the world's cheesiest toddler grin...

Another cheesy grin! Man, I gotta stop asking her to smile!!!

OK....so, it's my fault. I know what she does when I ask but I still do it!!!!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Erb's Palsy

Long story short....I had Early Intervention out to see Alida recently...I was still concerned about her left hand. As soon as they got here and engaged her in some play they told me that they think she has Brachial Plexus Palsy. The Brachial Plexus is nerve that runs from your spinal cord into the neck that controls sensations and movement in the arm, hand and fingers. A lot of times when babies are assisted deliveries (forceps or vacuum) the neck can be stretched too far from the shoulder pulling on this muscle causing damage. The damage is usually severe and in Alida's case it is very mild...thank goodness. So...Miss Alida now has her own Occupational Therapist that visits weekly to strengthen the muscles and the nerve signals in that arm, hand and fingers. She enjoys the playtime!! I plan to take her down to CHOP to see a specialist...if I can ever get an appointment!!