Thursday, April 9, 2009

Milestone: Belly Spin to Sit n' Pump

I had never seen Addie even attempt to sit upright on a regular belt swing before. Until Tuesday. There aren't any swings at school (other than the giant platform one in the therapy room), so it's not something she's been focused on during recess.

On Tuesday after school during our usual backyard routine before lunch, she had me sit on the swing and then signed for me to get moving already. I thought she'd climb up on my lap or head over to her slide. But instead, she watched me from the front, from the sides and from the back for a good 10 minutes or so while I narrated my amusement ("straight, bend, straight bend, I'm pumping my legs, straight, bend, it makes me go, straight, bend..."). At the point of her choosing, she booted me off and requested that I help her sit upright on the swing. Normally she's belly down, winding the ropes so she can spin out. No spinning on Tuesday.

The second we were both satisfied with her position and grip on the ropes, she started straightening her legs and bending them alternately. Not at the cadence that would actually get her a good even swing - skipped a few switches, but she gets that her legs control her movement. And she's pretty pleased with her clever self.

Here, have a look.

7 comments:

Terri H-E said...

Oh, my husband will be mortified that I have published the torn and tattered state of the weed guard, revealed by too scant and amount of wood chips... but it's only April!

Anxious AF said...

Oh Addie I love that you watched your you mom, from the front, and the sides, let it sink in for a while and then felt the confidance to do it yourself! I just love that about you.

Cindy said...

Wow, you're smart Addie! And you took the time to watch and learn...not a lot of kids your age have that kind of patience. Good job!

angie said...

Way to go Addie! What a big girl....tell your mom not to worry too much about the weeds:). We can't even SEE the weeds through all of the snow:(.

I love to see that you are pumping your legs too....keep on pumping:).

Jacqui said...

Like others I think it is v interesting and encouraging how deliberate Addie is about learning! She looks thrilled as she is enjoying the upright swing position!

J said...

I'm not one to comment, but she is simply beautiful.

Kelly said...

She is a smart cookie! I wish my 5 year old would take the time to watch and learn. Kelly F