We were able to locate a stroller....hopefully one that will accommodate the every growing Hannah! It has the option of a sit-n-stand and also allows me to see baby in the carrier...many models have the baby in front and toddler in back.... I am hoping it will suit our needs. I have tried it out with a toddler and preschooler and it seems to fit them just fine.

Lately, I have been having difficulty with Hannah's plight. I am happy she is able to get around in her braces and it does not stop her from "Hannah do it." I am just concerned once baby arrives just how many hands I will have to care for 2 children. Hannah needs help with climbing which usually means I carry her (out the front door, onto her chair, etc.) The struggle for me is that I KNOW she is capable of doing all of these things WITHOUT the braces and it scares me to think I will not be always readily available to her once baby arrives. I know having a baby in the house will be an adjustment anyway, but as with everything else, it is the unknown that is frightening.

At times like this, I wish I could rely more on family and friends to lend a hand, but this is not possible for us right now. I pray for a break from this stress and hope that our next ortho appointment at the end of April will show that Hannah's Blount's Disease has made progress. I want to see the "light at the end of the tunnel." I want to know that she will not be wearing these until she is 8 years old and ready for surgery.

Continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to adapt to the changes ahead and hope for good news.

Potty Training???

So we had been working on potty training with the braces on for a few months. We were excited as she seemed to like wearing her underwear and getting praise for going on the potty chair. I was thinking she was well on her way and would be trained by the time baby #2 arrived in April. At this time, it does NOT appear to be going as well as it did at first. She does not tell us when she has to go, will sit in her wet/ dirty underwear, and does not seem excited to receive the praise for going as she once did. She DOES like to wear underwear (which because of the braces, we have had to cut off of her when she wets/ dirtys them to avoid more mess on the braces!) I have tried telling her she can wear the underwear ONLY after she goes on the potty chair, but this has not been enough to motivate her..... much to my frustration!
It is wonderful that the snow is melting and the sun is shining....Hannah loves the outdoors and we even ventured out (utilized the Tingly Rubber Boots over the braces!) which worked wonderfully! Now it is off looking for a stroller that will accommodate a toddler that can't bend her legs to put them on a footrest! This may be a challenge, but I am hopeful!