All That Shines...

We've been practicing math concepts a lot lately with Madilyn- counting, shapes, and more. Math doesn't seem to come as easy to blind children as it does sighted children. I get so overwhelmed sometimes when I think of all the things Madilyn is missing out on just by not seeing. We recently moved into a new home with many beautiful windows that give us an ever changing display of the most unique art one could ask for, the sky. I sit and look out, wondering what Madilyn listens to, or feels, to get the same satisfaction as I do from the magnificent colors and textures.

When Madilyn was born, I immediately thought of all the things she would miss out on by not seeing them. How could you ever appreciate a sunset without being able to see the natural blends of colors no man can recreate? But she has recently become fascinated with the sun anyway. She is captivated by its warmth. She sat on the chaise one day by the window, sunbeams streaming in full force without the curtains or blinds to hinder them. She waved her hand about in front of her face, blocking a little piece of the ray on her face. I know she could feel the coolness on that little shaded spot of creamy skin instantly. I just sat in awe of how she was 'seeing' what I thought she may never know. I almost felt like crying to see her expressions as she experimented with positioning her hand in different places, probably feeling the warmth, then the coolness, dance back and forth between her hand and her sweet little smiling face.

Since this moment, when of course I had no camera at my fingertips, Madilyn has asked to feel the sun each day. At our new house, the schoolroom/playroom has three long floor to ceiling windows in a bay where she can lounge around and feel the sun most any hour of the day. I didn't realize that she wasn't getting much sunshine at all throughout the day inside our old apartment, which had very few windows and we kept them shut for privacy most of the time anyway. We went out for walks and more, but that doesn't compare to getting caught in a sunbeam on a lazy afternoon. I wait each day for moments like that one. I assure you my days are full of brightness just seeing her smile and be happy, but every parent must know that there are just some little moments that fill our hearts and last a lifetime.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see a shadow." - Helen Keller

Still Progressing

Well I'm happy to say that M walking last week was not a fluke! She has continued practicing every day in the living room and is getting better. She is attempting to stand up independently, without holding on to anything. She has been trying this for a while now, but I think it is just recently that she has realized what exactly it is that she is trying to do!

Mealtime is going so much better lately, as well. I have started bringing up eating about 30 minutes before it is actually time to eat. This is giving her time to think about it and know that it is her decision to eat instead of being forced. Even if she isn't ready a half hour later, I let her wait and tell me when she wants to eat. I just have to be careful not to let her fill up on liquids, as she would do this all day long most days given the chance! Her favorite meal lately has been my own adaptation of my favorite sandwich which we call "turkey guacamole." I simply put a few slices of quality turkey lunch meat, an avocado, a small ripe tomato, and a little fresh chopped cilantro in the food processor and blend til it is almost a puree, but still thick. I often had organic baby cereal- rice or oatmeal- to thicken the mixture even more. M likes a thick, but smooth texture the best. We are slowly adding a few more textures and slightly larger chunks of food every couple of weeks to slowly transition her into learning to chew solid foods. We are also working with chewy tubes to practice the chewing motion of her jaw. I try to make it into a game so she doesn't feel like she is always working so hard! Sometimes it seems like everything is work for her, besides watching TV or drinking her cup.

It often makes me sad to think that maybe she isn't truly experiencing being a kid. Only adults should have to go through the trials and tribulations she has had to deal with in her first few years. But then I see her smile from ear to ear, and hear her laugh and giggle for no apparent reason; and God reassures me that she is happy as can be. My heart quits tugging and mind goes back to work figuring out how to give her the world.

First Steps - MISS M IS WALKING!

Yesterday was a day I will remember forever. I've written of this kind of day before. But yesterday was extra special because it marked a huge milestone for my Miss M! Yesterday, she walked. I wanted to write this last night, but am now remembering why I didn't - tears of joy!! I have waited years to scream this for all to hear and to celebrate with us. M is six years old now. It has taken her quite some time to get where most children do rather quickly. But we all knew she could do it and last night she proved it!

I cannot do justice in describing how I'm feeling inside. In some ways, it is almost surreal. I haven't stopped smiling since about 6pm last night. My dreams were filled with her laughter and giggles of knowing she made such an accomplishment. Before it was always dreams of what it would be like when she finally did take those first few steps all on her own. But now it is reliving those moments over and over again. It would make me happy to have that same dream night after night. I could never be upset or sad again. And to be honest, I think it will take quite a lot to knock me off this pedestal of happiness I'm on right now!

I could try to describe it to you, but again, my written words would not do justice to the miracle that I witnessed last night with my precious little girl! With that, I share this video clip with you! Enjoy!