Billy, I was so happy to read this. I've prayed for your girls from the very beginning and I've always believed this would happen. And more. I'm not surprised, but I am thrilled for all of you. God bless you. Connie W.
This is absolutely incredible news. I am so happy for all of you but most of all for Eden!!! She is such an amazing child who I am sure only has more to prove to the world than this!!!! YAY Eden!
Mon Jan 05, 02:20:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
WooHOO Way to go EDEN. Billie you are an inspiration.
Hot Diggity! I'm a bit speechless. There's a point when you're proud of someone for doing something, or acheiving a certain goal, like getting an A on a test. Some acheivements just bring tears to my eyes. I'm very proud of your little girl for both the actual milestone, and the work that went into it. Also very proud of everyone who helped make it happen and kept hope alive.
I just started reading your blog. (one of our 15 mo old twin boys has recently been diagnosed with dyskinetic CP). I remember the joy we felt when he started sitting by himself.
Anyway, YAY Eden. What a milestone - it can bring such hope to you and such confidence to her that she can do ANYTHING she puts her mind to!
Yay Eden!! What a great gift to receive. I just wrote a blog about how we, as parents appreciate every milestone so much more when you struggle to reach it. Now that I have a full-term baby, I truly appreciate every single thing he does! Most parents don't realize how important all of these milestones are to their little ones because they have never had to live with a child that couldn't do it. So, good for Eden on making such a great milestone that will lead her into so many other wonderful things to come :)
Yeah Eden! That is a GREAT Christmas gift! That is such encouraging news as we have been having a hard time dealing with all the craziness of our house lately and being very worried that we haven't been able to do Annabel's therapies and that she isn't sitting yet.
Oh, that is just so amazing!!!! I know how you are feeling, I remember exactly when Max sat up for the first time. Every milestone Max passed was the best gift I could have ever gotten. Again, I feel your happiness!!! It gives me such a lift to hear about other kids acing milestones. I am glad Eden is so pleased with herself, too!
Billie, I am just so excited for you and mostly for Eden. This will open up a whole new world to her! Can;t wait to see what she does next! FWIW Coops W sits and has done for a year and all his xrays etc are fine! Bron
Long live W sitting. The benefits of idependence and the power of play far outweight any muscle issues i think. What a wonderful start to the new year Eden. Love and congratulations from Sydney.
Oh, Billie- That's the most beautiful news I've read in a long time! She looks fantastic!! Riley W sits, too, just because he is so much more stable and able to play with his toys that way. I know it drives our PT nuts, but I am all about independence first and then the fine tuning later. Yeah, yeah, yeah for EDEN!!!
Billie, I mostly lurk, but have followed the story of your girls for 2-3 years now, and love to hear of their triumphs. I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for you!
So proud of Eden and so happy four your entire family. Eden is such an amazing girl--that you for allowing us to follow her journey.
Tue Jan 06, 02:45:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
I DID notice and kept going back to see whether I really was seeing what I thought I was.How absolutely wonderful, Billie It opens up whole new worlds for her, especially being just one of the regular kids. Were you working specifically towards this or did she just get there, developmentally for her? I any case......woo hoo! OXOX Grammacello
Way to go Eden. She is going to amazing things in her life. She already has.
I can not believe how excited I am for her and you and your family. I have been reading since they were babies and I may no comment often but I do read as often as you post!
"Were you working specifically towards this or did she just get there, developmentally for her?"
Great question, and I'd have to say it was a little bit of both. We always strive to meet her right where she is developmentally when we are working toward new goals. It really helps that her language has taken off, so she is able to understand and follow directions so nicely now.
But she still has quite a mind of her own, and once she is ready to work on something she practices tirelessly. I would say that over the past couple of weeks she has literally practiced this skill 20-30 times a day ON HER OWN.
Her determination, when she gets her mind set on something, could put most of us to shame!
I was so excited to see Eden sitting up in the Christmas pictures!! I am so proud of her (and you and John for working with her so much). It brought tears to my eyes when I read you comment about how determined E is that she practices on HER OWN! Wish I lived closer and could come squeeze that precious girl!!
That is such wonderful news. I am so overjoyed for Eden. These presents are always the best kind of all. Congratulations to Eden and to your entire family as well.
Sun Jan 11, 03:11:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Amazing news regarding Eden being able to sit up, I hope she achieves all her goals this oncoming year.
The difficulties are often so difficult, but the successes are so, so very sweet. And so much sweeter than those for whom these things come easy and who may take them for granted. I rejoice at how joyful you sound in this post. Congratulations to Eden! And congratulations to all of you -I know you have all worked hard as a family to achieve this together. Shellie
Wed Jan 14, 03:07:00 AM EST
[Image]Those of you who had a chance to watch the xmas slide show may have noticed one major noteworthy event that bears repeating. In fact, in my mind it warrants splashing across the front page of the newspaper and shouting from the rooftops!
**EDEN IS SITTING!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Image]She has made slow and steady steps toward being able to do this, including bearing more and more weight on her arms, learning to pull her knees up under her, and prop sitting for very short periods of time. She has also been spending a lot of time, by choice, playing at her bench, which has really helped to strengthen her trunk, as well as her learning to bear weight on her arms with her knees under her for longer periods of time. (The bench is our equipment of choice right now, and highly recommended if you have a kiddo with abilities similar to Eden's.)
[Image]It's been a gradual process, but over the holidays she has finally gotten to a point where I can say it's a milestone ACHIEVED! She is pushing herself up to a sitting position, and maintaining it for a few minutes at a time. She is even starting to lift one or both hands to play her toys, as well as using her arms to scoot forward and backward while staying upright.
[Image]While I LOVE the new camera that Daddy bought me for Christmas (Thanks John!), this gift from Eden takes the cake and is better than anything I could have asked for. I am so proud of her.
Next steps are four point crawling, bench sitting, and pulling to stand, all milestones I was not sure she would EVER achieve, but now feel confident will happen over the next year.
Look out 2009, here we come!
[Image]
**I know it is a W-Sit, but we'll take function over form any day! That said, we have to be careful to keep her adductor muscles stretched out really good, and will encourage other sitting positions often (so long as they don't interfere with her ability to be independent and play).
"Milestone Achieved"
53 Comments -
Billy, I was so happy to read this. I've prayed for your girls from the very beginning and I've always believed this would happen. And more. I'm not surprised, but I am thrilled for all of you. God bless you. Connie W.
Mon Jan 05, 02:06:00 PM EST
I misspelled Billie. I apologize. Connie W.
Mon Jan 05, 02:10:00 PM EST
This is absolutely incredible news. I am so happy for all of you but most of all for Eden!!! She is such an amazing child who I am sure only has more to prove to the world than this!!!! YAY Eden!
Mon Jan 05, 02:20:00 PM EST
WooHOO Way to go EDEN. Billie you are an inspiration.
Joey
Mon Jan 05, 02:21:00 PM EST
Hooray!! She is amazing! The best gift ever!!
Mon Jan 05, 02:23:00 PM EST
OH MY GOD!!!!! GREAT NEWS!!! Congratz, Eden!!!!!!!! That is huge!
Mon Jan 05, 02:28:00 PM EST
Just MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!!!
GO Eden!!!!!
Mon Jan 05, 02:30:00 PM EST
Way to go, Eden. Beyond awesome!
Mon Jan 05, 02:34:00 PM EST
What a great Christmas present, indeed!!
Mon Jan 05, 02:40:00 PM EST
YAY Eden!!!!!!
Mon Jan 05, 02:41:00 PM EST
Hot Diggity! I'm a bit speechless. There's a point when you're proud of someone for doing something, or acheiving a certain goal, like getting an A on a test. Some acheivements just bring tears to my eyes. I'm very proud of your little girl for both the actual milestone, and the work that went into it. Also very proud of everyone who helped make it happen and kept hope alive.
Mon Jan 05, 02:52:00 PM EST
I just started reading your blog. (one of our 15 mo old twin boys has recently been diagnosed with dyskinetic CP). I remember the joy we felt when he started sitting by himself.
Anyway, YAY Eden. What a milestone - it can bring such hope to you and such confidence to her that she can do ANYTHING she puts her mind to!
Mon Jan 05, 02:59:00 PM EST
Oh, she looks so thrilled with herself! That is a seriously awesome Christmas gift - go Eden!
Mon Jan 05, 03:01:00 PM EST
I am incredibly excited to read this! What an amazing gift!
Way to go Eden!!!
Mon Jan 05, 04:18:00 PM EST
Yay Eden!! What a great gift to receive. I just wrote a blog about how we, as parents appreciate every milestone so much more when you struggle to reach it. Now that I have a full-term baby, I truly appreciate every single thing he does! Most parents don't realize how important all of these milestones are to their little ones because they have never had to live with a child that couldn't do it. So, good for Eden on making such a great milestone that will lead her into so many other wonderful things to come :)
Mon Jan 05, 04:33:00 PM EST
I'm so happy for you and Eden!
Mon Jan 05, 05:05:00 PM EST
So awesome!!! congrats. that is the best gift.
Mon Jan 05, 05:08:00 PM EST
I'm certainly not surprised. She is one of the toughest cookies I know (and wish I knew better:). Much love to you, Jess
Mon Jan 05, 06:05:00 PM EST
What a great gift your daughter gave you!! I keep following their progress...you are all amazing!
Mon Jan 05, 08:05:00 PM EST
That is awesome news!!!!! Go Eden.
Love Maggie and Michael
Mon Jan 05, 08:36:00 PM EST
Yeah Eden! That is a GREAT Christmas gift! That is such encouraging news as we have been having a hard time dealing with all the craziness of our house lately and being very worried that we haven't been able to do Annabel's therapies and that she isn't sitting yet.
Mon Jan 05, 08:44:00 PM EST
I noticed right away when watching the video! Hurrah, Eden! I am so proud of her...and of you guys...you are doing an awesome parenting job. :)
Kendra
Mon Jan 05, 10:08:00 PM EST
Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Mon Jan 05, 10:23:00 PM EST
Those photos brought tears to my eyes, too. You are all amazing... :)
Mon Jan 05, 11:51:00 PM EST
Oh, that is just so amazing!!!! I know how you are feeling, I remember exactly when Max sat up for the first time. Every milestone Max passed was the best gift I could have ever gotten. Again, I feel your happiness!!! It gives me such a lift to hear about other kids acing milestones. I am glad Eden is so pleased with herself, too!
Mon Jan 05, 11:52:00 PM EST
Yay, Eden! Fantastic news! She is such a cutie!
Tue Jan 06, 01:19:00 AM EST
Billie, I am just so excited for you and mostly for Eden. This will open up a whole new world to her! Can;t wait to see what she does next!
FWIW Coops W sits and has done for a year and all his xrays etc are fine!
Bron
Tue Jan 06, 02:46:00 AM EST
Long live W sitting. The benefits of idependence and the power of play far outweight any muscle issues i think. What a wonderful start to the new year Eden. Love and congratulations from Sydney.
Tue Jan 06, 05:57:00 AM EST
Oh, Billie-
That's the most beautiful news I've read in a long time! She looks fantastic!! Riley W sits, too, just because he is so much more stable and able to play with his toys that way. I know it drives our PT nuts, but I am all about independence first and then the fine tuning later. Yeah, yeah, yeah for EDEN!!!
Tue Jan 06, 06:03:00 AM EST
What an achievement that you have all worked so hard for! Congrats!
Tue Jan 06, 08:29:00 AM EST
Yeah! Way to go, Eden!
That is great news. Sitting up is huge.
Tue Jan 06, 10:12:00 AM EST
WTG, Eden!!! YAY!!!!
Billie, I mostly lurk, but have followed the story of your girls for 2-3 years now, and love to hear of their triumphs. I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for you!
Tue Jan 06, 01:08:00 PM EST
So proud of Eden and so happy four your entire family. Eden is such an amazing girl--that you for allowing us to follow her journey.
Tue Jan 06, 02:45:00 PM EST
I DID notice and kept going back to see whether I really was seeing what I thought I was.How absolutely wonderful, Billie
It opens up whole new worlds for her, especially being just one of the regular kids. Were you working specifically towards this or did she just get there, developmentally for her?
I any case......woo hoo!
OXOX Grammacello
Tue Jan 06, 03:13:00 PM EST
WOW!!! Thanks so much for sharing. How thrilling!
Tue Jan 06, 06:25:00 PM EST
That is awesome news!
Way to go Eden. She is going to amazing things in her life. She already has.
I can not believe how excited I am for her and you and your family. I have been reading since they were babies and I may no comment often but I do read as often as you post!
Congrats again!
Tue Jan 06, 06:31:00 PM EST
Fantastic!
Tue Jan 06, 09:24:00 PM EST
"Were you working specifically towards this or did she just get there, developmentally for her?"
Great question, and I'd have to say it was a little bit of both. We always strive to meet her right where she is developmentally when we are working toward new goals. It really helps that her language has taken off, so she is able to understand and follow directions so nicely now.
But she still has quite a mind of her own, and once she is ready to work on something she practices tirelessly. I would say that over the past couple of weeks she has literally practiced this skill 20-30 times a day ON HER OWN.
Her determination, when she gets her mind set on something, could put most of us to shame!
Tue Jan 06, 10:22:00 PM EST
I was so excited to see Eden sitting up in the Christmas pictures!! I am so proud of her (and you and John for working with her so much). It brought tears to my eyes when I read you comment about how determined E is that she practices on HER OWN! Wish I lived closer and could come squeeze that precious girl!!
Tue Jan 06, 11:04:00 PM EST
I DID notice that in the slideshow and it's wonderful to see all the pics here! WTG Eden! It sure IS an awesome Christmas present!
Wed Jan 07, 12:55:00 AM EST
That is AWESOME! Wow - a tear to my eye!
Looks like santa brought some of the same things to our house - Leapster and a Wii!
Wed Jan 07, 12:17:00 PM EST
That is so awesome. She looks great also and it sounds like she is making progress every day. What an awesome Christmas gift.
Wed Jan 07, 03:22:00 PM EST
How frickin' cool is that???? I bet you're still on cloud nine!! Good job Eden!
Wed Jan 07, 05:44:00 PM EST
how amazing! Yeah Eden!!
Fri Jan 09, 10:18:00 AM EST
Eden you are one superduper amazing chic!!!!
Fri Jan 09, 10:59:00 PM EST
So happy for you Billie! You guys are awesome!
Sat Jan 10, 03:14:00 AM EST
Excellent news! I am so happy for you guys.
Sat Jan 10, 11:19:00 PM EST
That is such wonderful news. I am so overjoyed for Eden. These presents are always the best kind of all. Congratulations to Eden and to your entire family as well.
Sun Jan 11, 03:11:00 PM EST
Amazing news regarding Eden being able to sit up, I hope she achieves all her goals this oncoming year.
Sun Jan 11, 03:47:00 PM EST
wahoo Billie!! what fabulous news!!!!
Mon Jan 12, 12:48:00 AM EST
Wow!!!! I'm so happy for Eden. This is such a big achievement. Truly amazing.
Tue Jan 13, 01:02:00 AM EST
This is so wonderful! Eden, I am so proud of you!
Wed Jan 14, 01:40:00 AM EST
The difficulties are often so difficult, but the successes are so, so very sweet. And so much sweeter than those for whom these things come easy and who may take them for granted. I rejoice at how joyful you sound in this post. Congratulations to Eden! And congratulations to all of you -I know you have all worked hard as a family to achieve this together.
Shellie
Wed Jan 14, 03:07:00 AM EST