Snapshot

I wish I could bottle this time in my life and keep it forever.  I keep taking pictures but I wish I could preserve my feelings--things are going so well with us (all-around) that I am bursting with contentment.

Vivian is getting so big and independent.  She loves school, is trying to read, constantly makes us laugh.  She's hilariously expressive.  She just shines.

Elena is simply AMAZING these days.  She can now put on her shoes and braces by herself--about 80% of the time, without trouble.  It does take a while, so we put them on for her on school mornings.  Still--pretty huge.

E puts on her KiddieGaits--these new ones have demo covers

She is playing on the big playground at school--no small feat, as she needs to climb up a big ladder and stay safe among other kids and fall hazards--all down a huge grass hill.  She went on longer bike rides--today, she rode for 2 miles (there is a paved trail we like to bike) which is her furthest to date.  Her feet still come off the pedals when she gets too tired, but that will improve with practice, as will tackling hills.

2 mile bike ride!

Elena can carry things--like a preschool chair to sit on--to another room (with one hand on the wall most of the time).  Sometimes we let her bring her (glass and ceramic) dishes to the sink, and she hasn't dropped any yet!


Almost clearing the tire obstacles at PT!

Last week, E walked to and from the car to her Brownie meeting.  I got this video at the end of the meeting.  She looks great!!!



Hippotheraphy/riding lessons have started up again!  Elena has "graduated" to longer lessons, including horsemanship and learning to be an independent rider.  She is riding a new pony to the stable, Pinky.  She looks so grown-up here, oh my goodness.

Riding Pinky

E and Vivian wanted to come to my soccer game this afternoon--it was beautiful outside, but a long time to be without shade (especially after a long bike ride in the morning) and both girls stayed the whole game and played with friends.

E and O pass the ball

I tried to observe them when I could from the field--and once I saw E's crutches on the ground, and wondered where she was.  I made a few passes, a run, and then subbed out to see if she was okay--she was kicking the ball, by herself, on the (terribly patchy) grass field and had been for some time.  I rushed to get my phone, huffing and puffing, to try to catch that moment.

t's not much, but here it is:

THIS IS A BIG DEAL.  Not only does she have the confidence to try this among tons of strangers and other kids nearby, but she was successful.  She is getting better at her side-step to catch her balance--you don't necessarily see it here b/c the video is short and she does fall, but it's a pretty big improvement.  She falls and keeps trying.  This is after a long morning bike ride, and nearly 2 hours in the sun, playing with friends and watching the game.  I'm wicked proud of her.

After the game, Elena and I passed the ball back and forth to go shoot on the goal.  A bunch of other kids followed us.  We took turns being goalie, and each kid got to shoot (one kick at close range).  All the kids got to score a few, and all the keepers got to save a few.  I've never seen Elena be such a "normal" kid among strangers...it was a dream come true.

I'm so grateful to all who have helped us come this far--especially our main PT Theresa, West City Soccer, and her educators at school.  We wouldn't be at this moment without you.