We are a month and a half post-surgery, and Clementine is doing amazing!

As can be expected, Clementine still fatigues very easily; her staying home all day means that she’s been able to sleep in much later than before her surgery, and we think this has helped her quite a bit in the recovery process. Though some of her muscles are weak, as well as her sitting/standing skills, she has been much more active than pre-surgery. One of her favorite activities right now is “dancing” to music, where she bobs her head up and down with a big grin on her face. Whether it’s music in the background of a movie, a song on our phone, or even the repetitive beat of the drier at home, when she hears a beat she develops a big smile and begins to slowly bob her head up and down. It is hilarious, but also something she really didn’t do pre-surgery.

We are working to get Clementine out of her comfort zone and at ease around people and in public. Just last week we did a redo of the Costco trip, and she was much more eager to engage with the world around her. Pre-surgery, Clementine would not explore her surroundings by touch - largely because she would shut down in unfamiliar places. However, now she will look, reach out, and grab her surroundings with her left arm (her “good” hand). We included a collage picture of her doing this; we’re so proud of her! 

We are thrilled with Clementine’s progress these past weeks. There is always a lingering fear in me of “this must be too good to be true,” but I’m working hard to enjoy being with her in the present. Every moment of lucid, cognizant interaction with our girl is an incredible blessing. It has also been pivotal having Lottie home a few weeks from work to care for Clementine. When Clementine finally returns to her typical schedule I’m sure it’s going to be very difficult for the both of them.

We will likely only send out one more update when Clementine is back to her normal routine in a few weeks, with periodic updates here and there afterwards. That said, we feel extremely well cared for and blessed by folks interested in Clementine, her story, and her progress. Please do remember her in your prayers. Thank you everyone!