New Shoes and Blocks

Elise's therapist suggested we invest in a good pair of shoes that would help to support Elise's ankles. Up until now, we've fought Elise to wear socks and Robeez shoes (all leather shoes that slip on over socks) with no success. An average outing would look like this: 1) put on socks/shoes and head out to the car. 2) Elise kicks and rubs off socks/shoes in car. 3) find socks/shoes hidden in car and put back on to go into store/restaurant. 4) Elise kicks and rubs off socks/shoes in store/restaurant. 5) we find socks/shoes and store them in a pocket until leaving...meanwhile Elise is barefoot in public during the winter and people stare for obvious reasons! 6) we put on socks/shoes to make it back to the car before Elise takes them off again. Augh! So, when Ann (our therapist) told us to invest in a good pair of high tops, we were skeptical.

At the shoe store, Elise was measured (size 2.5) and we picked out her first 'real' shoes. We settled on Stride Rite white high tops that have pink soles and pink hearts. They are too adorable. Ironically, Elise loves them! She is to wear her shoes as much as possible during the day to provide the support she needs before she is strong enough on her own. Ironically, she cries and fights us when we take them off for naps and her bath. Our girl is proud of her new footwear! Ask Elise where her new shoes are ...and she'll gladly point to her feet!

Elise has also taken a liking to her blocks. We build towers everyday. This is the first tower she built by herself: it may appear a bit abstract and modern, but she chose each block carefully-- and placed them into the exact location she deemed appropriate. I have to admit that she and monkey man (her little lovey she sleeps with and appears in the picture) appear to be happy with the final project!