while waiting for the results...

We're counting down to 1 Mar when we meet the doctor for Annette's neurolipidosis screen test results. In the meantime, we're so glad to see her walking more steadily as she holds onto support. And she's able to stand now without support for a few seconds! but unfortunately she's not too keen to practice this so it'll probably still take a while before she'll walk independently.

Her physiotherapy sessions are less frequent now because she just needs more practice at home and the therapist's new clinical hours clashed with her nap time. So we decided to have a physiotherapy session at home just before CNY though it's a lot more expensive. We also figured she would be more compliant at home and thus the money would go to better use. In all the previous sessions, she just wouldn't cooperate with the physiotherapist and so the physiotherapist would just have to instruct me on how to help her build up her muscles by either demonstrating herself or on me. In theory, I could understand but practically, when it came to Annette's body, I just had no idea what to do because I couldn't get the expected results e.g. making her use more of her stomach muscles instead of leaning onto things for support. So thankfully the session at home was the most fruitful one as the physiotherapist could finally do the exercises with her! 

It has been back-breaking for the past 4 months as we watch over her while she cruises or walks to avoid nasty falls. So it is such a relief that she's growing steadier. It was less back-breaking 7 months ago but it was still tiring to watch over her constantly as she was pulling to stand then but yet unable to balance herself well (as she only started sitting up without support 3 months ago).

We're praying that she will remember and want to use her stomach muscles more as she walks instead of just wanting to walk quickly and relying on us hand-holding her. And for continued strength and endurance as we walk with her. We thank God that Sam has been rather understanding and patient quite often especially since I can't really spend that much time with her because Annette always wants to move around and doesn't want to stay at a particular spot. Things are looking easier now that Annette is more steady so Sam can hold one hand while I hold the other. :) It's really sweet seeing them holding hands and walking together. Particularly heartwarming as Annette calls out to Jie Jie to hold her hand and Sam responds lovingly 'Come. Jie Jie will hold your hand.' :)