Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Smarties- the best bribe

We had another visit this morning to Chase's clinic to try out the next test socket. This one fit much better than the last one and didn't seem to hurt Elias at all. He wasn't too thrilled at first, and we couldn't get him to stand for very long. I found some Smarties in my bag, and wah la!, the mood suddenly turned around. He went across the little room a couple times with the walker and me helping him take steps. All for a little Smartie! It was awesome!

When we got home, the Physical Therapist came for one hour of therapy. Usually Elias uses a little stool to weight bear on while doing activities. But today he did it with the leg instead. The PT and I expected Elias to tolerate it for only about 5 minutes. BUT HE STOOD FOR 45 MINUTES! ON TWO LEGS! After the first 10 minutes or so we didn't have to hold him at all- he just kept his little hand on the table or wall while we kept him busy with fun activities. We put a full-length mirror in front of him so he could see himself. This was a great idea, because for the first time he could actually see his leg. He just stared at himself for the first few seconds, and I think he really realized what was happening. He didn't tire much at all, which means he was really using that prosthetic leg for weight bearing. It was so surreal actually, because it was if he had been standing on that leg all his life. It was so natural for him. This has been our exact prayer, and it was awesome to see God answer it like this!
Feeding Daddy a Smartie














Taking a few steps



Standing at the table

4 comments:

5KidMom said...

Look at him go!! Praise God!!!

Unknown said...

This is so awesome! New York City has been following the story and its so cool to see how God is progressing Elias. I love my little nephew!!

Anonymous said...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. He's so cute!
Aunt Tonts.

Anonymous said...

What an awesome little guy! Y'all are doing so great with him!!! YEAH!!!! He's such an inspiration. On that note, Jonathan and I are expecting! We will add to our little family at the end of September! Keep posting your updates! I love them!
Karen Teoli