After riding on Saturday ( second from front ), we lay low this weekend and basically made Lego, watched Wizard of Oz AGAIN and painted out the story of Moana. There was some voluntary cruising in the house which is always encouraged so let’s hope this final week of Footsteps helps Thomas believe he is a walker now!

We have had a great second week at Footsteps and the sunshine yesterday felt so good too!

Thomas has been working hard on walking and finding his balance in his shorter splints in order to help develop his calf muscles as the longer splints, by providing more support, prevent this. It’s a constant balance and wrecks my head to be honest but anyway, he has been doing so well and seems to be finding a deeper level of determination and focus. This could be to do with the promised Lego set at the end of the three week session mind!

I’m looking forward to next week already as he really couldn’t be working harder but now it’s the weekend and time to have some fun!

and a short piece in the Oxford Times today. X

Free to pop by and say hi? It would be lovely to see you and have a natter. Stella’s amazing cakes will be on sale along with fresh coffee and endless pots of tea. You might even grab a bargain as we have so many really lovely items on sale ranging from adorable new born clothing ( no NCT sale this time around so spread the world to come here instead ) all the way through to previously loved items for you or your partner.

A short first week as the centre is closed tomorrow but it has started well and so hopefully after a nice long weekend Thomas can make this the best session yet. We have a morning slot this time 9-11 so the rest of the day can be spent doing fun things. Work hard. Play hard.

Have a lovely Easter break everyone!

…wear some green…spread some love!

Thomas has been working really hard in physio this week on finding his balance, controlling his movement, stepping up, on and over a step AND learning to take steps backwards!
Some people never get to meet their hero. I gave birth to mine. #cerebralpalsyawarenessmonth

We’ve just come back from Bristol, where we had Thomas’ formal 6-month post-op review. They are really happy with his progress, so it’s wonderful to get their confirmation of what we have achieved so far.

Without the spasticity, physio is less about working against that increased tone, and can now be so much more targeted. He is now walking small amounts without any support in physio, but not yet in everyday life. He’s getting there though. 6 months ago, we couldn’t allow ourselves to hope for that outcome, but now we can.

What other beneficial effects have we seen from the operation? Without the spasticity keeping his body (and mind) in an almost permanent state of tension, he is freer in so many ways. Less fearful of new experiences and places. He also has so much more confidence moving around, up & down off chairs, sofa, beds… He’s braver, more determined – he even says “let me do it” or “I won’t give up” when trying to do something difficult.

But where now? In this first 6 months, he’s been doing 5 hours of physio, plus horse riding and swimming every week, and stretches every morning.

From 6 to 12 months, he will spend more time at school, “only” 3 or 4 hours of physio (plus the horse riding and swimming too, occasional yoga with the rest of us, and hopefully time out on his trike now spring is here).

6 months ago, our goal was just to get through the operation safely. Our goal now – get him up on his feet regularly, more independent, and continuing to enjoy life and being 5, despite all the physio.

We must also say how amazing Dylan has been through all this. With all the attention Thomas has been getting, Dylan has put up with everything – having to stay longer in school when mummy comes to pick Thomas up for physio, at other times having to come along to physio and hospital appointments, and just hearing people always asking about Thomas and not him.

As for Thomas, he’s been utterly amazing. Despite the massive amount of effort he’s put in over these 6 months, we still have a very happy boy.

Thank you to everyone for helping us give Thomas the opportunities he now has. We couldn’t have done it without you.