a blog about raising a daughter with cerebral palsy and learning unexpected lessons along the way

Monday, February 22, 2010

Another First with CME

Firsts. We long for them. We wait for them. Even dream about them. Practice over and over to get them. Then wait some more. And finally, when you least expect it, one happens in the blink of an eye. Our morning was blessed with a first and it's almost impossible to sit still long enough to make this post as I am beside myself with pure joy.

Oia had PT this morning, the usual hour of CME. Our main focus for Oia right now is her posture; hip alignment and bearing weight equally throughout her legs (she favors the left side of her body) as well as shifting weight appropriately to step up and down steps. This is not easy. At all. Especially the down part. BUT, she is getting stronger and better by the day and this morning was proof.

Oia successfully stepped down from 1 step to the floor, unassisted, with no handrails or a hand held, and she remained standing tall once both feet were on the ground!

I cheered. Screamed really. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I swallowed back some tears before cheering some more.

Oia's PT is wonderfully challenging for Oia and she insisted that Oia try for a second success. Oia tried and failed. A third attempt...success. Fourth, fifth and sixth attempts...success yet again. This. is. huge. We have been practicing this for several months.

Oia's one step down today is literally one step towards a more enjoyable trip to the playground or a safer, more enjoyable walk anywhere outdoors, a safer walk in public places. Heck, it means Oia can one day come downstairs from her own bedroom without our help. In simplest form, this is one teeny-tiny step towards Oia's independence and that is why just one step feels so significant.

To say the least, I'm over the moon happy and so darn proud.

Hats off to you, Oia Lee!

9 comments:

  1. That's wonderful! I remember the first time that Gracie stepped down without a hand hold. What a wonderful feeling to watch your child be able to do something so significant after trying for so long. I'm not sure that anything can beat that feeling!

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  2. Congrats to Oia and to her number one cheerleader!

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  3. WOOOOO HOOOOO, Oia! What an amazing acomplishment! So happy for you, Mo, that is such a big deal! I think yo need to throw a stair climbing party!

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  4. Hi there! I just found your blog through "KIDZ" and I love it!
    My daughter has Microcephaly, and she is blind.
    It makes me so happy to read how amazing little Oia is!
    She is so beautiful.
    I hope you dont mind if I follow! :)

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  5. That is SO exciting! I'm so happy for you!!!!

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  6. That is awesome! It is really opening up so many huge opportunities for her like getting around the house on her own!
    That step is so significant!
    Hooray!

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  7. Hi! I just found your blog! I am looking forward to reading more!

    Please check out our new social networking and review site www.knowledgesafari.com for parents/families with children who have special needs, started by a special needs teacher.

    Great giveaway going on now that you might like as well!

    I'll link your blog to ours. See you there.

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  8. I found your blog recently and just read up on the beginning of your story. How wonderful to read the recent accompishments! Oia is beautiful. What wonderful progress she has made.

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