Therapy and Claire's bee-day

Lara had her first official therapy session today with her new therapist in Urbana. Again, we love Darcee, she is very sweet and accommodating. She was a little distraught today, however, because our specialist in Peoria was not completely okay with the report Darcee had written up after Lara's first evaluation at Carle. Dr. Morgan wanted to change the outcomes a little and have some items be reworded. It was also obvious that he was attempting to explain to Darcee what his philosophy of physical therapy is in his revamping. Darcee had never before not received an "OK" on a report from a doctor, and she was slightly distressed that she and the specialist do not see eye-to-eye on everything. I actually do think they are on the same page in regards to Lara's progress and are just approaching therapy from a different angle. I called the specialist today and discussed some aspects of the report with his assistant. Everything is just fine. I think Darcee felt a little rejected from her first experience with Dr.Morgan. It personally does not surprise me at all, and I told Darcee that Dr. Morgan is a very detailed man who wants everything just SO.. and is very particular about how things are explained and worded. Darcee said that most of the time, she feels doctors just sort of glance over a report and okay everything, and it's quite different to see a specialist who is so involved and thorough, though she felt some of it was unnecessary.

Darcee and I had to chat about so many things. Lara is probably going to do therapy once a week now.

Afterward, the girls and I did some grocery shopping. The only way to keep them both calm and happy is to give them lots of food the whole time. By the time I got to the counter, I paid for an opened box of Caprisuns, an opened bag of cheese squares, and an opened Hershey's bar. ;)

Claire is going to be 2 in just a couple days. We are having a party with friends and family at my parents' house. Also, this time of the year means I can start retelling and bragging about the birth story! Haha. It's what every mother loves to do, and we all find our own stories to be exciting and interesting, even if they are technically run-of-mill births. But, in truth, every birth is extraordinary and a miracle. But, in my case, I remember some of the things that were said during the week before, or after, regarding Claire's birth:
Mom: I couldn't convince Jennifer she was in labor, she was so relaxed about it!
Doctor: HOW are you still pregnant!?!
A friend (2.5 days before Claire's birth): Are you in labor now? Cause you LOOK like you're in labor. (In truth, I had been in some labor, having dilated 4cm in that one night.)
Various people on Facebook: WHY are you still home?? Get to the hospital!!!

Ahh, yes, it's funny how you kind of get over the pain and torture you feel from childbirth. At least, in my case, I know I said after each birth, "Never again. No more children. I am never doing that again." But somehow you really do get over it, and for me, I look back with only fond memories of an exciting and powerful time.

Claire is such a sweetheart...well, not always SWEET, but definitely cute and silly. We are so blessed to have her!!