3-Month Recap

I can hardly believe that it's been three months since Charlotte first transitioned to her boots and bar! It has been an exhausting three months, and I won't lie, it has NOT been easy.  However, Charlotte is doing well and I'm pleased with how well she's developing.

At just over four months, on October 17th, Charlotte rolled over from her back to her belly with her brace on! She had been getting so close and trying very hard in the weeks leading up to it, and she finally got it that night! Before long, she was rolling in both directions all over our living room floor. At five months old, she started pushing herself up onto her hands and knees and rocking back and forth.  She hasn't quite figured out crawling yet, but I know it's just a matter of time.  I'm okay with her limited mobility right now, and honestly, am in no rush for her to be ALL over the house.  She's now 6 months old (as of yesterday!) and she's sitting up on her own for the most part. She topples occasionally, but she can sit unassisted for several seconds at a time.

Charlotte practicing rolling over at just over 4 months old.

Charlotte getting on hands and knees preparing to crawl.

Our sweet, happy girl in her shoes.

Our journey has not been all smooth sailing over the past three months.  Charlotte has not slept well ever since being placed in her boots and bar, and regularly wakes four or more times every night.  It's more frustrating because of the fact that toward the end of her castings, she was sleeping through the night and now she hasn't done that in 3 months.  It's exhausting, to say the least.  I can't figure out if it's her shoes, her gassiness, or her just being a poor sleeper.  In reference to the gas, I've noticed that Charlotte gets really uncomfortable, especially at night, because she has trouble passing gas through the day.  I'm assuming this is because her brace does not allow her feet/legs to move separately, hindering her ability to move gas bubbles through her digestive tract.  After adjusting my own diet (since I'm still nursing her) and talking to her pediatrician, we decided that she's just a naturally gassy baby and are hoping that going to part-time wear will help her be more comfortable.

Charlotte has a follow-up appointment next Tuesday with Dr. Jex at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to check out her progress.  We are hopeful that he will "clear" her to go to part-time wear at this appointment so that she can get more free time from her shoes.  I'll be sure to post an update after that appointment. Until then, prayers are always appreciated!

Charlotte Jane, 6 months old.