…When Jillian was diagnosed at 13 months old with Cerebral Palsy was “Will she walk?” My answer was “well, we hope so, but we can’t guarantee it.” I allowed myself to be cautiously optimistic. I mean, don’t all parents hope their kid will walk?! We had an appointment at Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital on Thursday. It was our second appointment, getting in to see the developmental peds team and getting set up with physio therapy and occupational therapy. During our appointment, our developmental pediatrician asked if Jillian was cruising on furniture, or attempting any steps. Sadly, my answer was no. I swear that Jillian likes to prove me wrong. That night? Jillian walked about 5 feet across my living room. I was SO excited. I posted on my Facebook “just watched Jillian pull herself up to standing (on tippy toes) and push a kids chair in front of her WALKING. Like 5 FEET of WALKING! As soon as I got my phone or camera, she stopped. She said she was tired. Maybe Bloorview was right… maybe she will be walking in the spring. 🙂 ♥”
The next day, Jillian decided to walk ALL DAY. Using the chair. She’s even been possessive over her little chair, and driving her sister and I a little crazy. Because she needs us to turn the chair around, but I’m quite pleased to do it! Her technique is not great, and we’re waiting to get into the botox clinic at Bloorview, BUT- she’s taking steps! You heard it um. 3rd here. I haven’t even posted this on my own blog yet.
Honestly, this is one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever received. My lovely Jillian has started to walk and is definitely showing us that she’ll keep working hard to do all these “normal” developmental milestones!