Thursday, August 04, 2011

Stepping It Up!!

Just 3 weeks into her summer camp program at CLC, Eden walked out of her classroom at the end of the day pushing a Kaye walker with NO support. I was stunned, amazed, and oh so proud. I still am. It takes my breath away.

Her progress these past 4 weeks has truly exceeded all of our expectations. Walking with this Kaye walker was a long term goal in the back of my mind...something I had hoped we would work toward into her teen years. To see her doing it now, at the age of 7, is more than I had dared to hope.

I am so thankful to the staff at CLC for their dedication to helping kids like Eden achieve their fullest potential. It truly is an amazing place.

They have asked us not to take pictures or videos at the school, so we made this at the hotel tonight after dinner. Eden was excited to share, and said, "Are you going to post it to YouTube?" Then she said, "I am going to be very brave and smile for the video."

So here is Eden walking...very bravely, and with a smile.

37 comments:

Vicky said...

And WHAT a smile! Well done - you are AMAZING. That's all your hard work showing there, nobody elses!!!

BusyLizzyMom said...

Wow, she is doing amazing I am sure you will be planning another venture there in the future. The results of intensive blocks are amazing and almost addictive as you can see the potential and progress so closely.
Happy Birthday Girls. 7 seems so old now where did the time go?

Anonymous said...

As I sit here with tears of JOY running down my face! I am in awe of this wonderful little girl! Who knew? I spend a lot of time with her and we are always trying to see what she can do. But she sure surprised me!!! Amazing Eden!!! We love you Nana & Papa! Can't wait to see you guys at home!!! See you tomorrow!

Aunt Kimi said...

Oh Eden you are so very brave and I am so very proud!!

Michelle said...

Wow! Way to go, Eden! You ARE so brave and I'm really impressed. LOVE that smile, too. :)

Jacqui said...

Eden is a superstar - what a great smile. I'm happy you achieved this goal.

Kate said...

Eden, you are AWESOME!!! Over here in Oregon, we are SO proud of you & your fantastic walking!

She's beautiful, Billie. Just breathtaking to watch her walk. Thank you for sharing such a momentous event with us all!

Justine, Romy's Mama said...

Oh my gosh! Look at her go! Way to go Eden, you're so awesome and inspiring!

Taylors said...

Amazing!!!! So happy for you and Eden! What an achievement!

Anne said...

Eden's determination and spirit is a lesson to us all! Good for you Eden!

Sarah Pope said...

YAY Eden!!! This is so amazing! I can't imagine the joy you must feel watching her walk!

Hopeful Mother said...

Unbelievable! She is a ROCK STAR!!! YAY!!!

Elizabeth said...

That brought tears to my eyes. Way to go Eden!!

Kristina said...

Oh, wow! Totally made my day! Way to go, Eden! Your hard work is paying off!

Sarah said...

The very first time I read your blog was back when Emery was in the hospital and Eden you posted a video of Eden running in her pony walker. I cried then watching and now I'm crying again watching this. I just can't believe how far all of you have come!

And on a side note, the girls look so much more like each other as they get older.

Lily's Dad said...

I've got tears in my eyes, too.

CP and Me said...

Eden, you rock! She looks determined, proud and like the 7 year old girl on the move that she is. Nice work Eden and happy birthday ladies!!!

Anonymous said...

Yay!

AZ Chapman said...

congrats Eden

Anonymous said...

her spirit always amazes me!! how truely wonderful it is to see her walking like that!

Allison L said...

Oh wow! Go Eden go!

mikraas said...

Congratulations, Eden! You are totally rocking that walker!

Kat said...

Go, Eden! Go, big girl! You are amazing!!!

SusanR said...

That is so awesome! Way to go Eden!!

Sarahd said...

That was beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Eden, you rock!!! That's awesome!
Happy Birthday to you both!

Anonymous said...

All I can say is Goosebumps and tears! She's come a long way baby!

Katy said...

My heart swells to see this and thank you so much for sharing your girls with us--it gives many of us much to hope for and look forward to.

The Buckley Family said...

Amazing! So happy for all of you!!!

Kate said...

I just about cried I am so proud of her! I work with special ED kids at the high school level and oh my gosh your girls are just making so so so much progress! It is hard to see the progress sometimes when you work with them every day but let me assure you, both of your little ones are making huge strides! It may never be on a chart but they will do things at their own pace and when they do it, they are fantastic! Seems like yesterday she was just sitting up and crawling up that 1 step.

K said...

Congratulations, Eden!!!

Billie, every time I visit your blog it just gets better and better. I am so happy for your family and all that you have achieved together, against all odds and then some.

Your daughters are precious and I look forward to continuing to witness the miracle of their lives.

P.S. Better get that doll a walker, she won't need a wheelchair any more than Eden will in the future...

Sara said...

Go Edie go!!! That is the most amazing and beautiful sight!

Colleen said...

That's amazing!!! I'm so happy for Eden!

Anonymous said...

I can remember when that precious girl could only scoot by dragging herself with her arms. What a triumph!!! I've got tears!

Mrs. Haske said...

GREAT WALKING EDEN :) I wish our class could see you go!!! Have fun in first grade - I'll miss you and Holland this year.

Sherry C said...

Lovely ... and smiling too! Beautiful video I love reading your posts your blog inspired me to start my blog a number of years ago. My daughter just learned to use the same walker in January she's 6.

Anonymous said...

AWESOME, Eden! You go, girl. Walking 'n rolling.

I used a similar Kaye walker as a kid (20+ yrs ago, yikes), but the open end was used as the "front."

@Billie: Your girls are growing up to be such beautiful, strong, & confident individuals. :)