Back to Ballet

We are lucky to have a ballet studio here in town. Not only for the exposure to the art, but also because the owner provides classes to little, little ballerinas! Poor Charlotte hasn't been able to get out much. The Mommy and Me class I did with Grace was cancelled the year Charlotte was eligible as was the music class. So it is nice Charlotte finally has her own activity! 

She is loving every minute!

Grace is back in ballet too! She is in a class for five and six year olds and it is much more rigorous!

I can't even begin to explain how happy I am to haver her surgery behind us so that she can begin to build up her strength, balance and confidence!

Ballet has been hard for her. The movements require a lot of leg strength which she is slowly re-gaining. She has asked to sit out several times because her legs get wobbly or she "feels weird" (i.e. embarrassed) which breaks my heart. But better now, when she's hopefully too young to remember, young enough where it doesn't really matter and that the other kids haven't picked up yet on ostracizing the kid that is different. How thankful I am too that her ballet teacher is so patient and understanding. Pushing her when she needs to be pushed, understanding and patient when that is what Grace needs too. Taking extra time to help Grace re-learn her body and how to use it again.

It is comfort to an anxious heart and I am beyond grateful

So while it is just ballet, a sport I do not see my girls investing many years of their life, it is the perfect opportunity and activity for exactly what they each need - right now. 

Recovery for Grace AND Charlotte

After Grace's surgery, we were visited by Court's brother's family.

Balloons (and chocolate) make everything better!

We have been amazed at how well Grace has done with her recovery. She has been so bubbly and happy. You know, preparing for surgery - especially surgery on your child - really weighs heavy on your heart. You worry. You hear horrible stories. You think about the what-ifs. And then you kiss them goodbye and they are wheeled into the operating room...everything in motion...but you. You are helpless. Dependent on whatever is to come. Dependent on the unknown.

You rarely think about the benefits of surgery. The reasons you are making this leap of faith and surrendering all control. Most likely because you don't want to jinx yourself. You don't want to assume an outcome and like my dad always says, "Hope for the best; prepare for the worst."

We were so worried about how she would feel waking up with casts. How she'd feel different from others. Her pain. Her immobility for six weeks. And while we are not out of the woods yet....we still have five and half weeks to go - Grace's overall happiness leads us to believe that this surgery has been a relief! A relief from being "different." A relief from being constantly challenged by gravity. A relief from "keeping up." It may have even relieved pain or exhaustion that would likely go hand-in-hand with walking on your toes - all day, everyday, for years, that we didn't know about or understand because how can a four year old explain pain when it is her "normal." Think about it! Try walking on your toes for five minutes and you'll know what I am talking about.

 "Like a rainbow after the rain, there's always a good thing after the pain." 

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Regardless, we are beyond grateful that this experience has gone as well as it has and thankful that we took a leap of faith.

Changing the subject...Grace was given a chance to take some pictures with my phone...

I don't think Charlotte wears her emotions on her sleeve at all! hahah

Grace's recovery has been the hardest for Charlotte. Attention and gifts being showered on Grace. Her playmate unable to play. Getting in trouble anytime she gets too rough or gets too close to Grace's legs and big girl cups of liquid (around Grace) are out of the question.

In spite of all that, she has done a fantastic job of helping.

She jumps out of bed (about 30 times a night) to fetch whatever Grace needs to fall asleep. 

Charlotte, will you get me a new book? 

Charlotte, will you bring me that doll?

Charlotte, I dropped my blankie on the floor, will you get it for me?

Charlotte, without grimace or gripe, dutifully jumps at Grace's call. 

Two nights ago, I was listening to them in their room as Grace asked Charlotte to do a favor for the  umpteenth time.

Finally, Charlotte had had it and in a tone similar to one I use a lot and mimicking words I use a lot, Charlotte said, "Grace, this is the last time I am doing this for you. I'm tired and want to go to sleep!"

Made me laugh.

So glad they have each other. 

Last night, Charlotte dodged the bullet of being Grace's servant by falling asleep at six! She even skipped dinner in order to get some uninterrupted shut eye.

Like I said, I think that all this has been hardest on Charlotte!