Maria has been doing great with her walking–earlier this week, she broke her record 3 times in a row!! We count the steps she takes by herself and she’s up to 92 or so. It’s much easier on the back when she’s bearing weight and taking her own steps. When PT Barb walks with her, she’s very patient and waits for Maria to take her own steps. When I do it, my back isn’t in as good of shape as Barb’s, so I kick (gently, of course) Maria’s feet, not waiting for her to move her own feet, rather my method is to give her more practice taking steps. I think it helps to have a variety of methods–you never know what’ll work from day to day.
I was walking with Maria on Saturday and she made it 4 laps pretty much by herself!!!! Each lap is about 35-40 steps. I was shocked and amazed and so proud! She took step after step after step by herself, I hardly had to encourage her feet at all. Not much foot dragging, not too much tangled feet. It was awesome!!! I only wish I could’ve captured it on video. Between the Jin Shin Jyutsu and the intensive physical therapy this summer, it seems to be working. We just need to keep her healthy and keep up the practice when school starts…