The Story

Despite all the awesomeness that has been going on around here, I just haven't been able to bring myself to blog the past few days. I think the reason is because I am so excited and happy about all of Aubrey's progress, that I don't really know how to write about it. How can I put into words how proud I feel, or how thankful I am, or how much hope I have for the future?

I guess I'll just tell the story of Bree's first steps. It happened on Tuesday when Julie the (blessed) physical therapist was here. After warming up, I was showing her how Aubrey has started learning to balance while standing up. She was so impressed, and said "Megan, she's ready." So we played a few games like Head Shoulders Knees and Toes to get Aubrey ready to balance. Then Julie had me sit on the couch. She took Bree a few feet away, stood behind her and put her hands under her elbows (just barely touching). I reached out for Aubrey and said "Come get mommy! Come get me!" Then Julie gently pushed her elbows one direction and the other so Aubrey get the hang of shifting her weight.

And just like that, she took 3 steps right to me!

I was so stunned when it happened that it took me a second to react. I looked at Julie and said "Oh my gosh...Aubrey just took her first steps didn't she!?" Julie and I jumped up and down and gave Aubrey so many kisses. Then we did it again and again and again, until Aubrey was so tired she laid down on the floor, rolled onto her side, and sucked on her fingers like she was going to take a little nap right there and then.

After she rested for a bit we got out the walker and started practicing with it. We shoved her little baby doll between the bars and said the baby wanted to go for a ride. Aubrey pushed the walker (with help) all the way from the stairs to the kitchen. It was such a high experience that I think we're still recovering!

Since then we've been doing a lot of practicing, but with all new things...Aubrey is nervous. Her low muscle tone makes activities like this so hard. She would always prefer to do something easier like crawl or let mom and dad carry her. But when she is ready, she'll get there. That's how it has been with everything. I know she'll get there. She is so close, but we can't force it.

The other day I was just thinking about how hard it is to remember what life was like before Aubrey could crawl. And now she is unstoppable. Watching her take those first steps helps me know that some day we won't be able to remember what life was like before she could walk.

I want to thank all of my sweet friends who commented on my last post. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that we have friends out there who are rooting for Aubrey just as much as we are. This blog really has become the place where I share the good and the bad of my motherhood experience, and the triumph and struggles that come with raising a child like Aubrey. I just really appreciate the people out there who care enough to cheer us on.

*blowing kisses*