It happened this past weekend ... she took her first successful independent steps!We were in a neighbor's backyard for a labor day cookout. While the bigger kids were busy running around she took advantage of the deserted little tike chairs. We spaced them out for her and she spent the evening stretching her arms from one chair to another, then from a chair to the table. She was very tentative and wouldn't let go until she had a firm grasp on the next chair. She was happily cruising around, watching the big kids and making her way to our larger table once and a while for a quick bite of food when her dad decided to introduce a little challenge and increased the distance between chairs. And then it happened! Way to go little girl!
Her physical therapist says she'sdefinitely strong enough for walking now and Maryn's little orthotics were recently upgraded which provide greater sensory feedback for her ankles in addition to her feet. Previously she would often rotate one of her feet while standing so her weight was typically on one foot at a time. Apparently almost all kids do this type of exploration with their feet at some point before they begin to walk, but kids with sensory integration issues tend to be slower to move beyond it. They have trouble feeling where their feet are in space and so they need additional outside input (firmer shoes, orthotics, some occasional downward pressure through the joints). Couple that instability with her low core muscle tone and it's no wonder she has always been so hesitant to take the risk.
She's one step closer to walking and she'll get there when she's ready. We're so proud of her.
