Feet

We, well mostly Jen, decided that although Ayden Jane is very functional getting around, she needed a bit of support in her shoes. Things like getting bigger and therefore heavier and the ability to jump from higher and carry heavy things made the final decision. We went to see Mr. Alan and he made molds for her custom afo's. He did a great job of explaining what the inserts will do. It sounded a little odd that little things you put in the shoes could do so much. Apparently they not only support her foot, but they also cue some of the little lazy muscles that might be sort of hiding out other wise. Sort of like the use it or lose it concept. The afo's will keep her feet in the proper position so she will use all the muscles as intended. It sounded a bit odd, but I am a believer in what Jen says and Jen says Mr. Alan knows what he is doing so...

The result? Ayden Jane jumped her way out to the car. In the middle of the grocery store later that day, AJ stopped and said, "Mom, what in my shoes? My feet funny." She followed that with a round of jumping and jumping and jumping... seriously, like 20 plus. She had a big grin and said, "they jump high."

I have to admit she has bumped into her fair share of walls today as well, but the cute little run jump thing she does which is supposed to be skipping is about the cutest thing.

I am sure some of the jumping at random times comes from the trampoline. Ayden Jane has become amazing on it. At first, she did not like when we jumped much and she fell fairly often. Now she manages to stay on her feet even when I jump on it with her. The other new thing is before, when she tried to sit while we bounced, she just couldn't hold herself in a sitting position very well so she would yell for us to stop bouncing. Now she can stay seated upright and thinks it is hilarious. She will also yell, "butt drop" and put her feet out and land in a good sitting position. At first she tried but fell awkwardly backward or sideways. I am guessing it is a combination of improved body awareness and strength.

Tonight at the football game Ayden Jane was enjoying her new shoes. We sat and watched for a bit, but then for the last 20-30 min. (yep, 8:30-9:00 and this kid is still going) Ayden Jane ran up and down the ramp to the bleachers. It is at the far end and has that U shape to it so it is up, turn, up and magic she is way up high. Now you also have to picture the fact that there are groups of wound up kids going up and down as well. These kids are all ages and many are moving FAST playing tag ect.. I stayed at the bottom and watched as she would weave her way through or dodge and be dodged. She was 'taken out' a couple of times but it did not deter her. She would complete the journey up as quickly as she could and then do a little dance at the top, grin at me and head back down.

In the end, all things are working together. She loves her afo's in her shoes and is still getting lots of work on the trampoline in 'nakey piggies'. (bare feet)