**Chapter 45: Six Months On**

Ashley sat on the couch, watching as Tia crawled across the floor, her little legs and arms moving rapidly as she made her way towards a toy. It was hard to believe that six months had passed since they'd left the hospital. Tia was now ten months old, and what a transformation she had undergone. She was still tube fed, but that hadn't stopped her from becoming a bubbly and curious little girl. As Ashley watched, Tia picked up a toy and began to babble excitedly, making sounds that were almost, but not quite, words. Ashley couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's antics, feeling a surge of pride and joy. She had been worried about how she would manage as a single mom, but Tia had turned out to be a resilient little thing, adapting to her new life with ease. The home health nurse, Mrs. Johnson, had been a godsend, providing guidance and support as Ashley navigated the challenges of caring for a tube-fed baby. Ashley had learned to be confident in her ability to care for Tia, and she was grateful for the progress they had made. As Tia continued to crawl around the room, Ashley got up to prepare her lunch. She had learned to make a special formula for Tia's tube feedings, and she had developed a routine that worked well for both of them. She mixed up the formula and administered it through Tia's tube, then sat down to feed her some pureed fruits and vegetables. Tia was a good eater, and she enjoyed her meals, even if they were a bit limited by her tube feeding. Ashley was determined to make sure she got all the nutrients she needed, and she spent hours researching different recipes and foods that were safe for Tia to eat. As they finished up lunch, Ashley realized that it was time for Tia's physical therapy appointment. She had been taking Tia to therapy sessions for a few months now, and it had been amazing to see her progress. Tia was getting stronger every day, and Ashley was excited to see what the future held for her little girl. As they got ready to leave for the appointment, Ashley felt a sense of gratitude for the support system she had built around her. She had friends and family who were always there to help, and she had Mrs. Johnson to provide guidance and support. She knew that she wasn't alone in this journey, and that made all the difference. The drive to the physical therapy appointment was short, and Ashley used the time to go over her mental checklist of things to do that day. She had a few errands to run, and she needed to make a doctor's appointment for Tia's check-up. But for now, she just focused on the present moment, enjoying the time she spent with her little girl. As they arrived at the physical therapy office, Ashley could see the excitement in Tia's eyes. She loved going to therapy, and Ashley loved watching her progress. The therapist, a kind and patient woman named Sarah, greeted them warmly and got started with the session. Tia spent the next hour playing with toys and working on her motor skills, and Ashley watched with pride as she crawled and rolled around the room. She was a happy and contented little girl, and Ashley felt grateful to be her mom. As they left the office and headed home, Ashley knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.