I'm happy to say that Rosie's biting and face grabbing has subsided quite considerably. Whilst it hasn't stopped altogether it's certainly a step in the right direction and we anticipate it disappearing completely in the coming weeks – wishful thinking maybe but we can certainly hope.
Since Bud has learned to climb down safely from the couch she seems to have gained a lot more confidence in attempting more physically demanding challenges. I've made no secret of the fact that I get quite anxious at the prospect of her being unable to walk as she never shows any interest. As soon as she learned to shuffle about on her bum it was as if she thought she'd 'made it' in life – after all she can get from A to B and for those 'out of reach' items her ever doting brothers are constantly on hand. Well I'm delighted to say that my anxieties have been kicked into touch a little recently!
A couple of weeks back Karen texted me at work to say Rosie had just pulled herself up on the side of the couch and managed to stand upright for a short time. She has only done it a couple of times since and sadly I have yet to witness it.
However last night Rosie treated us to the biggest and best surprise of all when she figured out how to get up onto all fours with her legs locked. We couldn't contain our delight as we clapped, cheered and made a general fuss of her – which of course encouraged her to do it again...and again...and again giving me time to rush upstairs and grab the camera to get shots of her (below) through the various stages. The technique she uses looks quite painful as her legs seem to bend backwards! It's ridiculous how bendy she is and I guess, as a result of her hyper mobility, she has to find her own unique way of getting onto her feet no matter how awkward it appears to us!
We're so proud of little Budlington and I see this as one of, if not her biggest, physical achievement to date. Clearly there is a long long way to go before she's confident on her two tiny feet unaided but this is a monumental leap forward to achieving that goal.
Wow! Go Rosie! She will be chasing her brothers round the living room before you know it! Clever girl! ♥
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny! Thanks for your comment. Hope everyone is well :) x
DeleteThat's absolutely wonderful. I get almost as much pleasure as when our 3 sons went through these stages. She is so determined and lively I'm sure she will make her way through all sorts of stages in her own time and own way, with all your loving support. With love
ReplyDeleteThat's really kind Alison – thank you so much :)
DeleteRosie, that's yoga! Much more important than yoga. :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha yes, she's definitely got the yoga boxed off :)
DeleteWell done sweetheart! You'll do it In your own time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting :)
DeleteGo Rosie. We are all willing you to :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love
x
Thanks H. Much love to you all too :) x
DeleteHi! Been following you on twitter for a while but only had the chance to read your blogs today,very inpsiring and encouraging! My 2nd son,Abdulrahman now two and a half,also has DS. Hope to keep track of Rosies progress and wish her all the best! Tell her she has new fans all the way from Kaduna, Nigeria :)
ReplyDeleteWow Nigeria! That has made me proud thank you for your lovely comment :)
DeleteWow. Well I am in tears!! Well done Rosie! I only tweeted yesterday to say how encouraged I am by your blog. I can really relate to this post - hence my tears. My son Asa, who has DS, is 19 months, hasn't long been sitting and now commando crawling but has never been able / wanted to stand - he never had that 'reflex' in the first few weeks that babies are supposed to have to bear weight. Even now, he will mostly refuse to bear any weight. We go to a speech therapy group activity & the others his age are ahead of him physically & responding with signs and some speech. And its mostly ok. After a bad physio session yesterday where Asa just screamed at being put in any specific position, its left me discouraged & frustrated. I know he'll 'get there's in his own time. Most of the time its not that a big a deal. But occasionally I get a few days where everything seems a bit harder. So reading your blog tonight has been balm to my aching heart. Im so glad people like you & Hayley write so openly. I genuinely feel so happy and proud of Rosie. I really do get encouragement from your blog and tweets. Rosie has been born to an amazing family. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteLizz, xx
From the Vale of Glamorgan
Thank you Lizz. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and to know you get comfort from seeing Rosie progress means the world to me and makes everything I do worthwhile. Take care and much love to Asa :) x
DeleteJust beautiful! Well done Rosie!
ReplyDeleteWahoo! What a big girl! So proud of you sweetie! Keep up the good work! Love the smiles! Thanks so much for sharing!!! Much love from Utah!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to hear Rosie's finding her feet Tom. She'll get there x
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to hear Rosie is finding her feet Tom. Just watch her go now x
ReplyDeleteWhat a super start to 2014! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more little lady!! Great photos btw! Very beautiful - as ever! Lou F
ReplyDeleteI love seeing Rosie's progress. It brings back so many memories of our daughter, Mindi. She did the "butt scoot" too and we thought she would never walk. Her first steps were at 18 months. You've been warned!!!
ReplyDeleteWow thats an amazing achievement for Rosie and must've been amazing for you and Karen to watch too! What a clever girl. Bet Shes very pleased with herself. Love to see these photos and read your blog as its like looking into the future for little Elsie. Its very encouraging. Well done Rosie and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Steve