This is a picture of Ellie in a corner-sitter at school. No straps.
No hands holding her round the middle.
Just her.
Sitting.
Only supported by the chair itself.
Looking very grown up.
In the past 5 months she has gained 6 pounds, 2.5 centimeters in head circumference, 2 inches in length, and vocalizations that are starting to consistently sound like words. She is recognizing that signs take place not only at the chin but on the head, face, chest and arms. She is doing her best to sign back - all the time. She started school as if she had never left it - never missing a beat. Thrilled to be there every minute. She is working with an eight year old student to help her learn to use a qwerty letter board which is pre-voice output training and she is pacing with this kid wonderfully.
Awhile back when Ellie was really sick and not making any of those pesky milestones I was completely freaked out thinking that she might be in the baby phase - forever. It was a really scary time. Then she started to smile and express herself ever so slightly. Then she gave me her first nuzzle which is an Ellie hug. Then she started to make sounds and let us know what she needed. Today she is so purposeful and funny and smart. She makes me laugh all the time.
Yesterday morning upon waking she wanted me to do the 5 Little Ducklings Song - which I did. As soon as it was done she turned her head and pointed - yes pointed with her index finger extended (ok - only a parent of a cp kid will get how wonderful that is - but trust me - use of the index finger is critical) toward the door and said Ou! Indicating to us -that is was time - TIME PEOPLE! to start the day. Now.
My little girl has moxy. My little tiny preemie baby is no longer. She's a little girl. Who sits and points and has a mind of her own. It's funny. I never thought I would, but a part of me misses little baby Ellie. I guess that is the thing about being a mother. You take joy in your child at every age at the very same time as you know that with all their glorious changes they are moving away forever into their own independent world.
Edit: I just found out from Ellie's teacher that there is actually one strap around Ellie's waste because the seat is so shallow. But that is still so great if you consider that normally she wears full on shoulder straps as well. Her trunk support has just gotten so much better.
