Learning to walk...It's a process.

I never realized what a process learning to walk would be for Russell.

With my other kids once they learned to walk they were off and I never thought twice about anything else! And I guess a part of me thought once Russell learned to walk he would be off and running, with everything else just sliding into place...But now I am starting to see what a huge process it is...That there are many more things he needs to learn, and it all takes time...And patience...And practice, lot's of practice.

One of the first things I noticed after Russell learned to walk was that he was an expert at walking at home, but take him to a new place like outside or in a store and he would not walk! If you put him down he would freeze up and not budge and inch. He would just stand there. He was scared.

It was almost like teaching him to walk all over again in a new environment...Like he didn't quite register that he could walk one place, and also another.

It took time, but he got there...Now in stores he never wants to hold your hand and he runs around raising hell everywhere he goes!

Right up until last week if you put Russell down outside he would not walk unless some one held on to his hand...But just over the past few days he has started walking around on his own...He goes slow...But he goes alone!

Did you hear all the cows in the background? lol...We were right in the middle of a mini cattle drive. I have a little video clip of it but it's not very good...Try not to be too jealous that you all don't have cows running through your yard!

Anyway...In the first video did you notice how slow and  cautiously Russell walked? He is learning to walk on uneven surfaces and that takes work! It's hard for him. It takes him continuously balancing himself while moving...Most people may not realize that kids with Ds have to learn each small step individually...Things like walking on bumpy or uneven surfaces...Stepping over things...Walking uphill, downhill...Kicking a ball, jumping, and running...All these things take time to learn. It's a process.

Russell has been a full time walker for months now, but many of these things he is just learning.
He is showing an interest in walking up stairs now instead of crawling. We are a looong way off from him being able to do it independently, but we are working on it. I am proud that he is learning to "take steps"...As in, lifting his legs and bending his knees.

I bet most people don't realize that this is something Russell has to work at to learn...That it is a process that does not come automatically or easily to him...He has to work for it.

When Russell walks and then sees something in his path, like a stick or something it takes effort for him to stop, and then lift his leg over it while keeping his balance...And it it's going to take time before his masters that movement perfectly.

Last year I wrote about how I noticed Russell's ankles were weak...How they seemed to slide inwards a bit. We left it alone because he was crawling back then and not interested in walking. Now that he is walking I have noticed it is still the same...His feet slide in a bit and that makes his knees slide in also.

I have not seen Russell's PT since last October. Many of you know my approach to Therapy is a little different...As in we don't do weekly or even monthly appointments. My approach to Therapy is...
"I will call you if I need you"
And in this case I felt I needed to see Russell's PT.

She came by and instantly noticed what I was talking about with Russell's feet. She took a mold of his foot and had an insert made for his shoes...It just slides in and gives him extra support in the areas we see he needs more stability in.

We have noticed a big difference in Russell's walking. He is more confident...He is more steady, and his knees don't slide in anymore. This may be the only thing we need to do to help Russell walk better. He wears higher topped shoes for the added support with his ankles...And he wears his shoes for a couple hours a day in the house. This is a subtle change, but it is forcing Russell to learn how to use different muscles than he was use to before.

So walking...It is a process...And it's not as easy and straight forward as some people may think. Everything Russell learns takes time and practice...He works hard for everything he accomplishes and that just makes me all the more proud of him!