Kinesio Tape Dilema

Our OT ordered Kinesio tape for P.M.'s hand for us. We received 3 rolls and they showed us how to tape her hand to help with wrist extension and to bring the thumb out of her fist. I at first didn't see any difference. With more time, I think it is helping. I actually think it does more good than the Benik brace does as it doesn't restrict her movements, especially since a big part of her OT is getting a good pincher grasp developed. The Benik seemed to be in the way and keep her thumb and forefinger from meeting easily. THEN I found a video on YouTube that showed a more extensive tape technique (more tape mostly) that seems to provide more encouragement to keep her wrist up. The technique involved more stretch placed on the tape across the forearm (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD3xrQPqj6g). It really has been working well. BUT it seems P.M. is getting a rash from the tape :( Her wrists are prone to eczema anyway, but this was definitely from the tape remaining on. I'm disappointed. She never had a reaction to the original tape we were using, a flesh colored Kinesio tape (the backing only said Kinesio with some Japanese characters along side). The pink tape is Kinesio Gold and I'm wondering if there is a difference in the adhesive OR if it's the dye. My only other guess is that it's just to darn hot these last few days and it's just a heat rash exacerbated by being under tape days at a time. I am going to let it heal up, then try the pink tape again. If the rash returns, I'll talk to OT about some alternatives, or try out plain old flesh colored and see if anything makes a difference. P.M. doesn't seem too bothered by it, it was a little itchy for her, but not too uncomfortable. She's such a trooper. She likes her "stickers" and will sit nicely to let me apply them.

The pink Kinesio tape in action.

The lovely rash after 2 days.

White wine is for desert, right?

You know that beautiful enticement to the last trimester of pregnancy? The one glass of wine you have so missed? I had mine today, and let me tell you, white goes very well with cookie dough. I didn't even eat the finnished cookies, just the dough. I made one batch and then froze the rest. I have also decided I don't have the time right now to sell Tupperware, so I got out my show items (the children's playset and the all temp spatula) and we had a tiny tupperware cookie party. The kids like the tiny bowls, pitcher and tumblers. I stashed the lids so someday I could actually find them. The kids donned their aprons and chef hats I made them to help me mix up the cookie dough with promises of eating what they liked. I don't know why I am always so hesitant to make cookies, our big mixer makes it so easy (start with the wet, add the dry, chips last). Cleanup was only a few utensils and bowls, plus everything is already licked clean! I love cookie dough, especially with white wine.

Finally....I get pictures!

The kids are somewhat resistant to having their pictures taken. I'm not sure why, I mean they've had a camera in their face since the day they were born, but it'd hard to convince them to sit in the studio. Except Princess P.M., who likes to pose and try to butt in on real clients getting photos done. I all but lock her upstairs to keep her from being in the studio. A.M. likes to help me with small children, making silly faces or handing me things, she's very useful! SO I convinced everyone that with Grandma M's new outfits, we should go downstairs and take some photos. They finally agreed and were very goofy and fun. A.M. told me that next time she would LIKE to take pictures.

Our Week In Wisconsin....

It's been SO long since I posted here!! We spent a week in WI with the family. It was so much fun...I wish we could have stayed longer! It was nice to see everyone, some we haven't seen since Christmas or even last fall!! I want to thank everyone who put up with us and fed and housed us! I love all of you guys!

At the Betty Brynn Kids museum

New cousin baby S.

Wind Point Lighthouse in Racine

Snape's serves EVERYONE???

HI, we're not really tourists!

A Week In Wisconsin...

Uncle K & Aunt V's new puppies

How awesome is this?

Lake Michigan in the morning

M.D., A.M., & J2 (J1 would be his older brother!)