Whitney had a great Christmas. We had Gigi at our house for most of the holiday and spent time with the King side of the family. Whitney enjoyed watching me open her presents on Christmas morning. We tried to get her to do it, but she wasn't so sure. She got some really fun new toys and a dollhouse. Whitney has begun dancing to music. She loves her little piano/keyboard and, as you can see in the videos, she really gets down to the music!
We also traveled to San Antonio with Gigi for a few days just for fun. Whitney enjoyed strolling along the river. We are excited because Whit will be getting her first wheels! She doesn't do well in a regular stroller because her trunk control is not very good. So, in order for us to tote her around in a posture that is both comfortable and good for her we will be ordering a pediatric wheelchair. It is called a wheelchair, but it actually looks very much like a typical stroller frame with a special seat that supports her torso, neck, back and head. I think she will be much better off. I tend to stick her in the stroller quite a bit when I'm running errands or taking the kids to soccer, etc. So, this way I won't feel bad about leaving her in it to watch games or shop. It will probably take a few months to get the new wheels due to insurance and doctor orders, etc. It is very expensive, but so worth it in the long run.
We are still working on crawling. As you can see in one of the videos, she will put herself in the crawling position, but can't figure out how to keep her mid-section stable enough to make a move. She rocks back and forth in the position. She is still not talking, but she is beginning to follow simple commands like "push the button" or "raise your hand." I will try to get a video of that soon. We are so proud of her. She seems to understand a lot more than we give her credit for! I have begun showing her videos of sign language in hopes that she will absorb the signs and use them. She doesn't pay attention to me when I try to teach them (much like her brothers), so maybe this will be more on her level. We'll see.
Something interesting happened to me recently. For the first time I was asked by someone what was wrong with Whitney who had not previously known about her. I asked how they'd heard about her and they replied they hadn't, but that they could tell by looking at her that something was wrong. That was hard. By no means was I angered by the question, but it's just hard to finally realize that others see her differently. I sincerely appreciated his questioning it though because I want people to ask and not be afraid. I want people to understand that she is exactly like every other child in so many ways. I never want anyone to assume that she's untouchable or be afraid to talk to her. She is so "normal" to us that I often forget that she's anything else. It is hard sometimes too to see kids her age acting age-appropriately...running around, talking, sassing their moms! However, I've had that experience THREE times before, so in actuality it's almost a blessing! Whitney acts more like a 6-7 month old baby, and in my heart she will forever be my baby.
Things have changed in my way of thinking since Whitney came along. I used to dream about "one day" when I would be able to leave the house without kids or a stroller, buckling car seats, walking so slowly to hold a hand, etc. I always looked forward to that day when I could go workout or stop at the grocery store whenever I needed to without all the excess baggage. Lately, I've gotten past that. It saddens me to not know whether Whitney will be able to walk on her own without assistance or stay at home alone someday, but I do not feel sorry for myself at all....I feel blessed. As much as I hate all that she has to endure and all that she will have to put up with in her life, I feel so content knowing that she will most likely always live with us at home and that I will have her company every day of my life.
With the new year beginning I think of how grateful I am. Not only for three healthy, precious boys that I love more than life itself, but for this extra-special little angel who smiles at me when I don't deserve it. I am thankful for all that I have.
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