Many people ask, "when will Gabe walk?" Gabe's physical motor skills are very delayed...even a little more so than typical Down Syndrome. There are a couple reasons why this is:
1. Gabe had very little tummy time as an infant due to illness. Gabe went through stomach surgery and heart surgery and we couldn't lay him on his belly. Therefor, he didn't develop the muscels as well in his abdomen and shoulder, making it difficult to stand and balance. He also refused to crawl which is a precurser to walking.
2. Kids with Down Syndrome typically have poor tone. Gabe has to work his muscles twice as hard as the typical child to keep them flexed and active to walk.
3. He's stubborn and it is easier for him to butt scoot around, so that is what he chooses to do.
I know he will walk one day, it's just been a really long and trying process requiring lots of patience and work. Last weekend Justin and I were eating dinner with the kids on the deck. We were talking about activities for the summer and Justin made the comment, "I really thought that Gabe would be running around this summer. I remember thinking last year, that next summer would be so great because he'll be walking...and he's not. I know he will one day, I just really want him to walk". I said, "I know, I do too". There was about a 5 second pause and a little voice at the table says "sorry" and looks up at us and signs sorry as well. Gabe just broke my heart. I held back tears and told him we knew he was trying hard and would get there eventually. Later that night, he took some steps. Check out the video. I think he knew we needed it. He hasn't repeated it this well since, but it lifted our spirits, that's for sure. I love my little boy!
