Walking
At PT the other day they strapped Lali up to a giant suspension machine and moved her hovering self across the room while she kicked out her little feet to keep them from dragging. She eventually got a rhythm going: right left right left. She looked in the mirror as she went by and exclaimed with so much pride, “Laelia walking!” I couldn’t help but tear up. “You’re doing it! You’re walking! Look at you!” She grinned her head off. 
Didn’t have my camera on me. 
I would give almost anything to see her walk one day. Her doctor, well all three of the orthopedic doctors, said she flat out won’t walk–not enough muscle. So we wait on technology. Come on engineers! Make me some legs! How hard could it be. 
(That’s a dare by the way.) (Don’t make me make the chicken sounds.)
PT and OT went really well. Laelia’s teacher from school, Dawn, came over to learn what therapies we do with Lali. By the way, I don’t know how to express how grateful I am for school! I learned that they are working on making adaptions so Lali can join in on snack time. They are already thinking ahead to how they can help Lali move on her own out to recess. And I heard about some of Lali’s friends at school who like to imitate her movements. There are typical (the word we use instead of “normal”) kids in the class so Lali has physical models for movement. But Lali is influencing them! I know another baby friend, Christopher, who did the same thing when they were spending time together. It’s pure flattery from these little kids, but I know it’s not from the older ones. I’m not looking forward to the day when Lali gets teased in big kid school. But for now I’ll not worry on it overmuch.
Taking the kiddo to a well-deserved Disneyland adventure this Saturday. I have requested almost all of my records for the Seattle clinic in March. Got some good advice from Jill, our OT, on questions to ask the specialists there. Bought my flights. Planning a trip to the Space Needle. It’s gonna be good!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:16 am
I can’t believe you did not have your camera…..next time we want pics!!!
Great job Laelia - it must have been amazing to see her upright and moving forward. We’ve had Ryan using a walker during therapy (though he sits down on the little sling seat that is attached), and I just love seeing him navigate his way around the whole room!
So proud of Laelia, and so happy for you and Charlie and so psyched for Seattle!!!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
that is sooo awesome. sophie wants to walk SO BAD. were laelias legs in contracture at the knee at all? sophies are and the doc we saw says bah nothing we can do about it.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Moments like thoes make the work worth it!
January 29th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Sorry, those, typing one handed while nursing the baby.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:58 am
The technology WILL come. So glad that you’re getting prepared to go to Seattle. Our son attends UW there. Are the docs with UW Med Center or elsewhere?
I have been up there a few times but didn’t get into the Space Needle. My husband and son did and took great pics. If you get the chance, go up into the Columbia Tower. It it is clear, the pics will be the best–it’s the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Of course, I realize, your focus is on much more important matters!!