My Daughter Doesn't Walk

My daughter Lucy is 17 months old. She continues to bring wonderful delight to my husband and myself. My husband who is quite the joker and impressionist is only made more entertaining when Lucy imitates his characters. Lucy and I have been volunteering at the animal rescue and all the other volunteers agree Lucy is the best patiently watching as mommy cleans poop and pee. She is also gracious to greet the calm dogs while correcting the excited ones. She often offers directions in the house pointing to objects eager to learn its name. And when an uncompleted task creates frustration, talk about a tantrum.

Lucy loves to crow with the rooster. She loves stuffed animals, especially pink ones. She loves eating cottage cheese, humus, and smoothies. She loves drapping objects around her neck such as necklaces, purse straps, and my underwear. She loves nodding her head and swaying her hips to a catchy beat. She loves when I start reading a book and she finishes with the book upside-down. She loves having a good conversation with herself and ending on a punchline and a giggle. Rummaging through drawers and cabinets offers endless entertainment as well as exploring the outdoors.

All this to say, my daughter has a personality that can meet no frown. Yet, I am consumed with her lack of walking. I probably have one of the easiest, loving kids, but it's not enough. She must walk because it is a reflection on my parenting, right? She is my first so I have to prove I can parent well.

We had a physical therapist evaluate her development. She was described and bright, but noticed a hindrance. Lucy has very flexible ankles that allow for weak instability. She needs to wear sneakers to offer an arch and stabilize the ankles. Standing tippy toe is okay and moving through obstacles like pillows can be fun exercises.

I am thinking, "Weak ankles! What have I done to inhibit muscle strength?" I rarely used a swing or pack n' play, unless she was already asleep. Never used a walker. Used a jumper, but only a few minutes (~ 20 minutes) daily. Honestly, I left her on the floor for the majority to have tummy time. Why does her other cousins (3X ~ six months apart) have high muscle tone while she is a limp noodle?

I could play the blame game and try to push my child to work harder, but it would not make me nor her happier. I would probably only alienate her. The lack of motility, though hard on my hip from side holding her, has offered more time together. I do not sense she is trying to gain independence from me for that will come soon enough. She still reaches up to me so we can meet new discoveries.

It might be a mistake, but I have decided to wait on the physical therapy. Thank goodness for parents who know what she is going through and offer reassurance that she will be walking in no time- then I will not be able to catch her. She has arch building tennis shoes. I sneak chocolate on the counter as an enticement. Place objects of interest in higher drawers to encourage tippy toes to build muscle. I allow her to climb furniture to offer accomplishment. Lucy has been pretty successful so far. The last thing I want to suggest is, "You're not doing it right. You better work harder." Besides working for chocolate on kitchen stools is more fun.

For some reason I think to myself, "If we can overcome this obstacle life will be so much better." Then I remind myself it will always be something. This is the easy part. I am simply afraid of letting her down. Lucy is an awesome child and I hope she will continue to be recognized for her delightful personality apart from my shortcomings.

Above all, I want to show responsibility for my most cherished gift and gratefulness to be apart of her life.