Tuesday, September 21, 2010

STANDER

Alex's stander arrived yesterday.  I think it was love at first sight for both of us.





I really thought I'd feel sad, facing the reality of his first big piece of equipment. I thought it would be a physical right in my face reminder that he has a disability. Maybe that will come later but right now all I feel is excitement, sheer happiness for him. Alex did that for me. Alex like so many times before is the one who is teaching me. He wasn't nervous, anxious or sad. He got right in and clapped, slapped the wheels and it was like he was at "home" with his wheels. We can't predict the future but at least for right now, this is how he can be mobile. And he liked it!!! so his momma really liked it. I can't wait to watch him learn, explore, get around. Its not at all what I thought it would be like watching him in it, its liberating!!!

We have it on loan for a few days so we can prove to the insurance company that he can figure out how to use it and benefits from it. The traditional standers actually can't accommodate him because he's such a little guy but this stander can fit him so that should help justify with insurance. I'm confident that we'll manage to get him one, just not sure how long that takes so the hard part is giving this one back in the meantime! We are going to beg, beg, beg to borrow it until someone else needs to trial it. Here's hoping!

Oh and just as sweet: Nicholas is everywhere these days too. He pushes everything in sight so he can walk. You can imagine his excitement when he found something new with wheels on it. I think he loves it as much as his brother. See for yourself!!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

We got Mary's stander from the Loan Closet. We have had it for months. We have her walker from CPRoch. Call around these places and see if you can find a long term loaner - totally worth it!!!

Stefanie said...

it's amazing how they can change our perspective, for what we thought would be sad, is only joy for them.
love the clip of the two of them, benefits both of them :)

Holli said...

Thanks Chaney, I can check with the loan closets but from what I'm told typical standers aren't able to adjust to his height (he's only 25 inches tall).

Joanna said...

Oh my goodness - what beautiful videos! Is that precious laughter not the most beautiful sound in the world! Oh my, Holli, that was the sweetest thing I've seen/heard all day -and I've got a sweet little boy here with me too so that's sayin' something. :) Congratulations to you and Alex! I am so impressed with how he's taking to it already. He's truly amazing. What a joy! :)

Adrienne, Hanna, Hayden & Garrett said...

Awesome video! Love that stander! Wish that we had done that kind. Here we are onto trying for a gait trainer next.

Colleen said...

Haha, it's a 2 for one walking toy! Awesome.

Stephanie said...

Yay, yay, yay for videos! You just totally made my night-that video of the boys laughing just made my heart so happy! Alex looks so excited to be in his stander...ah, all these kiddos getting their wheels and gaining independence is just amazing. Makes me so, so, SO excited for Nate to get his wheel chair (so I get what you mean about it not bothering you-it means so much that you can't help but be excited for them!). I so wish we would have looked into getting Nate a mobile stander months and months ago. But no time like the present-and presently your boys are adorable and Alex looks so happy! Thanks for sharing the videos! Hugs!

Annie said...

LOVE the giggling. Music to my ears.

Amanda_in78 said...

Way to go Alex!
Looks like hes having fun!

Cary said...

I've never seen a Stander like that! It's awesome!

And I get what you're saying...you would think it would be sad, having to get adaptive equipment...but it's not...it's awesome. I feel the same way!

Jill said...

Oh my gosh!!! Those videos are the sweetest things ever! I love their giggles, melt my heart!

I'm so happy to hear that his first equipment was a good experience for you. I'm so apprehensive about King's first (whenever that happens), but the more I read about how much kids love it, the better I am feeling.

Dave Rissberger said...

Love the giggles!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting that! We just ordered that EXACT stander for Gwen! (she's a shorty too) :-) We should get it in a month or so. I absolutely cried when I watched Alex in his. I hope Gwen enjoys hers that much. It's been sad to me kinda to see Braelyn getting so mobile but not Gwen. I'm with you on the mixed emotions. I really thought it would depress me a bit to start getting the "equipment". But I can not wait until it gets here and Gwen can start moving around a bit herself. SO happy for you guys. :-) Sure wish we lived close, I think we could set up a future marriage between our twins. :-) hee....hee....hee...
-Heather C.