Ortho Clinic

I hate the ortho clinic. I have officially decided I do not like it there. And Caroline doesn't like it either.
Web and I took Caroline with absolutely no idea what to expect. We knew that our orthopedic dr. is ready for her to stand and so are we, so we had 100% faith in the appt. And I guess when it comes down to it, we are doing what's best for Caroline. But I am so sad that she has to wear braces on her legs. Not only am I sad, but I am pissed. Caroline is such a trooper. She was all smiles and happy to be there. Until we had to have her fitted for her new braces. My gosh, that girl can cry and scream like no one's business. Thankfully the CO that worked with us, has the patience of a saint. Caroline sat in my lap and he had to plaster both of her legs to make her braces. They are actually called AFO's, Ankle Foot Orthosis. Caroline kicked her legs, kicked the CO's hands, plus kicked the CO's tech assistant! She was not wanting anyone to touch her legs. I have no idea what will happen in 2 weeks once the actual braces go on her legs. I am sure that will be another battle. And of course, once that was done, we had to lay her down and they had to take measurements of her so they can make her Mark 2, or what we will call her standing frame. This will be built around her size and we will use at the house to help her stand on her legs. Which she is wanting so badly to do. And her AFO's (braces) will do the same thing. They will help her stand and walk and of course, that is what we want for Sweet Caroline. I thought I would handle this better, but I am a basket case. As soon as I got home and put her down for her nap, I went into my bedroom and just cried. I cried because I am sad Caroline will be stared at. I cried because she doesn't deserve braces. I cried in frustration because there is nothing I can do for her to take it all away. I am so damn pissed off at OI, I can't even see straight. This is harder for me than the casts because I know that these will be on her much longer. Oh and then we had to pick out a pattern for her AFO's, and of course, they were all UGLY. So not only does she have to wear braces, but the pattern is ugly. Well it was the cutest pattern they had, but STILL. I mean for the love of GOD and all his disciples, if you are going to make a cute child wear ugly braces, the least you can do is have better patterns! So I cried about that too!
As you can tell, today has not been a good day. Matter of fact, it just sucks.
BUT some good, miraculous thing happened today. As I was in my bedroom crying my pity party, the doorbell rang. At first I was mad because I forgot to hang my "DO NOT RING, BABY SLEEPING" post it sign. Then I was mad, because I had to answer the door. But then I was excited because I saw UPS truck! Wonder what I ordered?!? It wasn't what I ordered, it was what I received. A very, very wonderful friend that lives in Tulsa and went to college with me sent the most perfect card and the most perfect devotional book. I couldn't believe it literally arrived as I was crying about Caroline. it's like one of those stories that your minister tells during the Sunday morning sermon. I opened the card and it had the best words of encouragement anyone could ever give me. I am crying just thinking about it. I haven't had a chance to look at the book in depth, but from what I can see there are devotions that you read every day. I can't wait to start it! So, hard lesson learned today.
Yes, my daughter will have braces and yes she will be stared at. And yes, the wrath of Kristine will more than likely strike some sweet, innocent stranger when they stare at Caroline. But I will just look at the card and the words of encouragement that I received today and be thankful for my family and my Sweet, Sweet Caroline.
Love to all.