Standing in place, take two

I stood in my gait trainer for the second day in a row. I watched a movie, ate my snack in it and didn't complain. Then, after half an hour and several adjustments, she took me out, sat me on my little couch and the movie ended. What was I to do? I wanted to watch, but mom wad walked out of the room and I didn't have time to let her know. Suddenly, I grabbed he remote, started pressing buttons and (drum roll) the movie started again (symbol)! I made it start all by myself. Good thing I like pressing buttons. That really came in handy this time.

Small steps

I have my gait trainer at home now. We brought it home from therapy after about a month. I dislike being strapped into it very much. I had to be bribed with an Elmo DVD and snacks to stay in. Right now, I’m just getting used to standing in it. Maybe soon I will move around in it. Forward would be best.

My Neuromuscular Therapist, Jim, came by to stretch me today. I was wearing my braces and when he stood me, I held my own weight for two seconds while he let go. Then I fell onto him like I always do. What's more impressive is that I took some steps with him. These were not just ordinary steps, I had a goal - to turn off the television. It's usually on to help distract me while I receive treatment.

I stepped all the way over, across the room, while he held onto me, and pressed the button. Suddenly the tv began to static and I cried because it scared me. I don't know what's hiding in the static. Could be anything.

I played "gotcha" today with mom. She didn't have a chance to "get" me because I got her first. This is the first time I reciprocated in interactive play. I am usually just the recipient of the game's highlight or just an observer. Everyday, you can almost see the wheels beginning to turn in my head. I'm getting the hang of things.

I have perfected identifying numerous animals and their noises. I have also applied this to mealtime. I see chicken, say chicken, make a chicken sound (bok bok) and then eat it. I don't know if that was their intention. I'm pretty clever and have a wild imagination.

Lastly, after many failed attempts, I reached the water dial in the tub. I don't know how to turn it on as of yet, but I am working on it. I twist one way, then another. Nothing seems to come out. I try every day a little harder. I'm slowly learning to pull. Can you say childproof? I guess my parents had a late start in this department.

Birthday No. 2

I had a great time on my birthday. I went with Oma and Mom to the aquarium. We also visited the mall play area. I had never been there before. I was hesitant to leave.

At home, I had an Elmo cake and lots of presents. I entertained, stayed up late and blew bubbles. We had a lovely evening with some of our neighbors and my family. My balloons continue to live in the living room. I find them fascinating.

Now that I'm 2, I expressively display all that does not please me. I throw tantrums and cry for everything. It is especially frustrating since I am not physically able to walk yet and always want to be put down, on the floor, to discover things in my own way. If I could only understand that some places are not suitable for a commando crawler (i.e. restaurants, grocery store, pavement, etc.). Perhaps the stress would be less.

Stronger

Look what I can do! I know this is what the shopping cart instructions say not to do, but as long as there's an adult around... I can be rebellious! I especially like when the cart is moving. Have you noticed I am also using TWO hands. My OT will be so proud. Hold on!

Cousins

I had a good time with my cousins and family up north. I enjoyed trying to climb the stairs. It was easier to go down. I miss the constant entertainment. I miss everybody. I hope they can come visit me soon.

One Second

I'll be two years old this week. It's hard to believe that I almost didn't make it since I had such a rough beginning. I had assumed the position though it was a little early. The doctors told my parents that if they would have waited any longer, the infection would have killed me. Or if they had come in sooner, they may have tried stopping my birth, not knowing the infection was causing it. That is basically how I came into this world. That and an emergency c-section.

Anyhow, I'm glad to be here. I've come a long way already. I was a fighter from the beginning and I'll continue to be the best I can be.

Wanna watch Elmo?

Splash, splash

I get a bath in the big tub now. I seemed to have grown out of the extra-large infant tub. It works up to two years and it was great for me, since I couldn't sit up for a long time without falling over. Now I have even started to get on my belly in the tub. My Oma always wanted me to do this and I finally can.

My Oma took care of me for almost a week while my parents were ill, bed-ridden. I know I require a lot of attention and she did a good job. Hooray for Oma!

I'm getting a new glove for my right hand. I seemed to have outgrown the one I have now. I still need it to keep my thumb from tucking in.

I am an experienced counter now. I can count to ten. I enjoy watching Wheel of Fortune and repeat the letter that is called. When someone loses, I respond with an empathetic, "Aw". I also clap along with the audience.

In other news, we're going to visit my cousins next week and over Easter. Maybe they can teach me a thing or two. It will be my third trip by plane.