First Steps

When Oliver first came home one of the things we noticed right away was that he had very high muscle tone. Bending his arms to dress and undress him was a real challenge, and playing "pat-a-cake" was nearly impossible. In his round of doctor appointments during those first weeks, one doctor was concerned about this. In May we did a follow up with this doctor and after being evaluated by a physical therapist and the doctor, Oliver was given a diagnosis of mild Cerebral Palsy. Of course no one ever wants anything to be wrong with their child, and we are no exception. I spent some time being weepy and sad and anxious for the unknowns, and the extra challenges Oliver will face. But as I processed and prayed, I became more and more convinced (and still am), that everything is being worked together for good by the God who brought Oliver to us. Good doesn't always look safe or easy and it may be a process, but we have the promise that all things are being made good by our God. 

Having said that, the key word in Oliver's diagnosis is mild. His symptoms are mild and with early intervention and therapy they should be very manageable.  

The physical therapist that did the evaluation said that maybe Oliver would walk by the time he was two. Several days ago, Oliver took his first steps on his own. He turned a year yesterday. 

I was so proud and excited that I jumped and hollered (and maybe cried a little). Since then he has been pretty selective about when he wants to walk, but this past week he took 34 independent steps in a row.

There's something else about our Oliver. He is very determined.