New Year, New Goals

2012 was a very emotional year for me. In the spring, we received confirmation my little baby girl is disabled. That was a hard one. She was diagnosed with a Global Development Delay (A delay in more that one area) with Neurological abnormalities.

 We began physio and occupation therapy, gave her glasses, and made peace with the possibility that on top of dealing with the disability, we may never know what is wrong.

We watched as she was sedated to have a MRI, and rejoiced when the results came back normal.

We waited, patiently at first, now a little impatiently, for a development counsellor.

We rejoiced when her Neurologist found no warning signs of a Neurological condition, and yet shuddered at what that could mean. More doctors, more tests, maybe with no answers.

We are still waiting for a Geneticist to assess her to see if they can find out the cause.

Now we are beginning 2013. Looking at the next year, we need to set goals for Little C. In March she will be 2. She does not walk. She has only pulled her self up to stand once. She only says Mama. Setting realistic goals is challenging. Set them to high, and she may not meet them, causing disappointment. Set them too low,   and we won't push her to her limits.

I want desperately to make walking one of our goals for her, but am hesitant. Little C has low muscle tone. She tires easily, and has weak legs. As a mother, you always want your child to exceed, but we need to remember that each child is different. I have accepted that Little C may never walk, and that would be ok. She may always need me to care for her, and that's ok.

Goals for Little C in 2013
Increase vocabulary by 5-10 worlds
Build leg strength to support weight
Begin self feeding
Introduce 10 signs

When ever you have goals, it is wise to revisit them. I plan to do a quarterly visit to re-evaluate. Who knows? Maybe 2013 will bring enough answers that Little C will surprise us all.......