Managing expectations

Don't worry, I'm no longer on a rampage about our doctor setting our expectations poorly. I've accepted it and moved on. Actually, we're doing pretty well these days; I think we've found a little bit of a routine, a groove. It helps a lot that Zach has slept until at least 7 AM the last 3 days in a row, as opposed to the 5:30 wakings that had become his norm the first couple weeks he had the cast on. Actually, he's been sleeping a lot better in general, which helps all of us.

And while I have completely run out of enthusiasm for playing cars, Zach sure hasn't, so I'll just be happy he's found something to do that entertains him so much. Our days basically rotate between playing cars and play-doh, with a few other activities thrown in occasionally. And yes, with the movie Cars usually on in the background, or the occasional Diego. And we're getting a little braver with our outings - we'll keep going to Zach's "school" and ECFE for a few hours a week, and will keep trying things like the zoo and playdates with friends. While his immediate reaction is that he just wants to stay home, he usually does pretty well once we're out and about.

I titled this entry as I did because we are already thinking about having the cast removed, and what Zach's recovery will be like. We've been told it's possible he'll want to walk immediately, but that it may also take up to three weeks for him to do so. According to the doctor, and to what I've found on-line, the recovery varies dramatically kid by kid. Obviously his joints will be pretty sore and stiff, since he won't have been using his hips, left knee, or his left ankle for five weeks. But there is also the fear factor - the kids are understandably afraid it will hurt to walk. We learned that physical therapy is a possibility, but not necessarily standard for small kids, since the best therapy is just to encourage them to walk again. It's very odd to think about Zach having to learn to walk again - he's been walking since he was 10 months old! Yet another adventure we'll just have to watch unfold, trying to keep our expectations to a minimum!

Spica cast days completed: 17
Spica cast days remaining: 18

Oh... I have to mention a funny story. Zach occasionally makes references to not being able to walk/get up/stand, and he states the obvious so matter of factly we always laugh. Last night after Scott put Zach to bed, he was crying a little bit, so I went up to see if he needed something in particular. Turns out his leg was itching inside the cast; we had just begun using the hair dryer on the cool setting to relieve the itching that day, and Zach thought it was pretty fun. So when he asked for the hair dryer, I said it was downstairs and that I'd go get it. He responded with "thanks mama - I'll wait right here." :)