Andrea had her physiotherapy assessment with the lady from CF today. Andrea liked F. a lot, because she brought over plenty of new toys for Andrea to play with! F. evaluated Andrea in many areas, not just PT, because the agency wanted to see if Andrea had any other needs that we hadn't previously mentioned.
Basically, F. said that Andrea is age appropriate in all areas: speech, play, fine motor skills, and even gross motor skills.
But, F. noticed that Andrea doesn't place her feet right when she stands up and walks. (Hmm . . . didn't Mommy make a video and comment about that a few months ago?) Anyhow, it appears that the area between Andrea's ankle and instep is a little bit weak. She walks on the arches (instep) of her feet with her ankles turned in a teeny bit. Therefore, it makes it much more of a challenge for Andrea to walk. In fact, F. says she is impressed by how well Andrea is walking, and says she must be a very determined little girl to have overcome this challenge on her own!
Anyhow, here are F.'s recommendations:
- Andrea needs to get extra supports put into her shoes, to help strengthen her instep, and get her muscles into a stronger position.
- In the meantime, Andrea should wear her shoes as much as possible. While most children should be barefoot as they learn to walk, Andrea needs the extra support her shoes give to her feet and ankles.
It may be a few months before we can get Andrea the inserts for her shoes, because of the agency's waiting list, but F. is going to try her best to get something for Andrea sooner. She is concerned that the heavier Andrea gets, as she grows, the tougher it will be for Andrea to correct the muscles on her own.
***
But really, I am not overly concerned. Andrea has made incredible progress this week! Last night she started taking solo walks all the way across the room; and this morning, after F. left, Andrea took her longest solo walk to date. She went from the living room, past the dining room, into the kitchen, and then across the kitchen. She has been doing it all day now. I am so proud of her, especially now that I realize she is doing this while being faced with extra challenges. And guess what? I got it all on video! http://media.putfile.com/Andreas-Longest-Solo-walk
***
Life is good. Andrea went for her 18-month-old checkup today, and the doctor said she looks great. She had to get two immunizations (ouch!), but she only cried for a minute or two. Andrea weighs 29 pounds now! She's not a little baby any more. Sigh. :))
***
But she can be a little stinker! Today, she got into a kitchen cupboard (okay, Mommy forgot to lock it), and she dumped vegetable oil all over herself and the floor. What a greasy and smelly mess! I threw her into the bathtub, clothes and all! I swear, you can't let them out of your sight for a minute . . . :))
3 comments:
OMG! I'm bawling big fat drippy tears over here! That video was just the best! Way to go Andrea!
I'm going to watch it again.
Also, CONGRATULATIONS on the job! I am SO HAPPY for you Sis!
Love, Donna
P.S If you guys want to come over, I'll cook you a celebration dinner.
:) Let me know
Me too, Me too, happy tears falling here! It must run in the family :)
I had to watch the video again and again. And, I listened to Andrea talking as she walked. Did she say "Lookit that" when walking in the living room? When she got to the kitchen and held onto the chair for a moment, and you were praising her...did she say "Thank you"? Just awesome to see and hear that little walking talking machine :))))
Hey Donna, I wanna come celebrate with all of you too! :))))
Love you all!
Good for Andrea! Hopefully this means that she is on her way. This also means you two are in big trouble because she will be in everthing. LOL.Keep going girly!
Post a Comment