More walking..

All of the independent walking that Natalie has been working on in PT has really paid off. Most noticeable to me is the steady improvement in her balance.  For those who have known Natalie a long time, it's hard to believe that she used to have trouble just keeping her balance sitting up, let alone standing and walking!  She generally likes to walk holding someone's hand.  This is the first time that I've seen her get up and walk on her own without being prompted to do so by someone else.  She was a little distracted by watching Curious George on the ipod but still did a great job.  And when did she get so tall?!

After School

I was off work on Monday for Columbus Day.  After an early morning meeting with Natalie's teachers (more on that soon), I got to spend a peaceful day home alone!  After an exciting day of   mowing the grass, doing laundry, and even lounging on the couch, I got to do something I haven't been able to do yet this school year - get Natalie off the bus at the end of the school day!  When the bus door first opened she looked less than excited but when she saw me she got so excited and gave me a big smile like this..

 

Since Kindergarten makes you very hungry, Natalie went straight to the pantry for a snack

 

And of course, a big glass of milk

 

Then we settled on the couch to read some books

 

Can't wait until Veteran's Day so we can do it all again! 

 

 

SIX!

 

 

Six years ago today Andrew and Natalie were born.  It was definitely the scariest day of my life.  So much has changed since September 2, 2006, but today I am happy to celebrate Natalie's 6th birthday with her.  She has beaten the odds in so many ways and I can't even put into words how proud I am of her.  She's a perfect combination of sweet, stubborn, and smart --a perfect six year old!

 

 

 

First Day of Kindergarten

Natalie went off on the bus this morning for her first day of Kindergarten.  She just got her wheelchair last week and will be using it on the bus and for field trips or traveling longer distances in school or in the community.  My plan is to have her in this chair AS LITTLE as possible since she has been making great progress with walking.  She's such a big girl. 

N-A-T-A-L-I-E

As you can see, Natalie knows how to spell her name (I had to shorten the video to send it so the N at the beginning got cut off).  She did it right before this perfectly but of course I did not get that on video.  In order to get this video I had to bribe her with chocolate chips. 

Walking Progress

Natalie's been practicing walking without her walker in therapy. She's doing an awesome job. I love the way she's chatting away while she walks. Not sure what she's saying but I think she's proud of herself and so am I!