Milestones

Tummy Time Milestone...Ellie working so hard to hold her head up, have strong shoulder girdle strength, and core strength.

Milestone of sitting up all by herself

Children with PWS typically achieve motor milestones, but they are usually delayed.  Ellie works hard all day...every day.  As first time parents, yet again David and I have learned so much about development and milestones in children.  When should a baby roll over?  When should a baby hold their head up?  When should a baby walk?  How many words should my child say at 18 months?

I can honestly say that it is so hard hearing that your child is developmentally delayed.  We knew from research and talking with medical professionals to expect her to be delayed in gross motor, fine motor and speech.  But, seeing your child struggle to roll over, not be able to hold their head up, topple over when sitting, take longer than some children to walk, and be so, so quiet is just down right heartbreaking.  With that being said though, when Ellie achieved these milestones they were and are SO MUCH SWEETER.  I think it is easy to take for granted all the things babies and children "just do" without thinking twice about it.  

Ellie has taught David and I so much regarding perseverance, determination, and patience.  I can remember stressing and worrying myself sick over the fact that Ellie wasn't sitting up on her own, or walking yet, or talking much.  It was as if Ellie knew I was a nervous wreck, and as soon as I started stressing over something, she would immediately reach whatever milestone I was worrying about. That little stinker ;-)  Through all this, I have learned several things:

• Celebrate every major milestone in a big way...the first time Ellie walked independently, you would've thought we won the lottery!
• As much as we like to think we are in control as parents, we are not.
• Tell your children you are proud of them as much as possible.
• Every child is different, and will reach milestones at their own pace and at their own time.  If they are delayed, seek help and work as hard as you possibly can with them.

David and I are competitive individuals, so when doctors and other medical professionals gave us "delayed estimations" of when they expected Ellie to reach milestones...we set out to prove them wrong.  And Ellie did...every.single.time.  Looks like she has that competitive streak in her too...we couldn't be more proud!

To learn more about developmental milestones visit this webpage:
http://mtskids.com/milestones/