Getting there with standing

Big new thing today. Lilian stood totally unaided for at least 10 seconds. She was totally aware and I could see her correcting her balance with small adjustments instead of flailing her arms about and getting upset. She is getting so much stronger at the moment. Her walker training and nursery physio are really making a difference. Bear in mind this is the first time I've ever seen Lilian standing alone. Pretty cool.

Horsey horsey...

Big new thing for Lilian today...horse riding lessons!

Something we've been meaning to do for a while now. We hear nothing but good things for strength building and OT therapy. We were worried she'd hate it and cry for daddy all the time. She did the opposite. She loved every minute and smiled all the time. I think she forgot I was even there! She sat with the physio on the horse for the first 20 minutes then progressed to being on her own. They did some laps of the barn first then went off for a walk in the woods. They change her position in the saddle to stretch her legs out and give her things to hold other than the handle on the saddle so she has to use her muscles to steady herself. It's booked for an hour once a week. We're so happy about it. I used to ride horses when I was younger so it's great to see Lilian enjoying it. Mette isn't much of a fan of horses though. She's scared they're going to bite her. My Mum loves horses and also used to ride so she's going to love seeing Lilian riding.

Oh la la! Morning my little French lady.

More and more mobile

Lilian still isn't able to walk on her own. But that doesn't stop her enjoying the outside world and playgrounds. She's getting stronger all the time. Walking with just one hand being held is relatively new and getting better all the time.

Good old home cooking

Lilian is impressing me with her cooking skills. Jut look at the humus she made.

This eating thing is getting out of control

I know Lilian is now an expert at eating but this is getting out of hand!

Colouring in is fun

Lego land is open again

Still a bit chilly though.

BRIO rulez okay!

It just does.

Hello Mr Tumble!!!

Lilian loves Mr Tumble. Seriously. She loves him so much it hurts. If you don't know Mr Tumble then open up YouTube and prepare to enjoy yourself. Fans of English kids TV will know what I mean.  He's a clown. He teaches kids makaton. He's fun. What's more to love?

My father organized a trip to see Mr Tumble in a pantomime of Cinderalla at Christmas time. When he came on stage Lilian froze and couldn't believe her ears or eyes. Was he really there in the flesh! Mette and I were almost in tears to see Lilian so happy. It was ace.

Mr T. is in big demand and we were unable to get back stage passes but he did send Lilian one of his DVDs and a signed postcard. What a dude.

Spring has sprung

About time too. No more dark evenings and cold winter weather.

FEEDING TUBE IS NOW GONE!!!!!!!

Big day today. Even though Lilian has been feeding without the tube since July/August last year we were hesitant about removing the tube. However today we did just that. We're so happy! It's been a big struggle getting here. A lot of hard work, tears and strength but it's paid off big time.

A regular visit to her pediatrician and we asked when we should book the appointment. He said why not now? We shrugged our shoulders and thought why not. We assumed we'd need to have it stitched afterwards but in his many years of experience he's never had to. They cleaned the site, sucked out the water from the balloon and POP out if came. No mess. A little leakage, maybe less than half a teaspoon. A simple gauze covering to keep her clothes clean if it leaks some more. We need to watch it for a few days. No baths or swimming. It should heal itself. Cool.

Fun the snow

Some fun in the snow. Both Lilian and Oskar are relatively new to snow so it took some time for them to be happy rolling about. We got there though.

Happy 4th birthday Lilian!!!

Somebody knows my little Lilian very well indeed I think...