I love to swing!

Stephanie is working with Iliana on the platform swing. The exercises on the swing are to help Iliana with her balance and hopefully her vision as well. Iliana enjoyed swinging and did pretty good. She could not have held herself up like this a year ago.

I'm not sure if I've said this already, but Iliana pretty much lost a year of development while on the phenobarb medicine. Although she did improve physically, her cognitive development seemed to stall. So it's as though she did not make any progress in her mental development for a year, in addition to the fact that she was already behind due to her "illness". She is taking notice of things and people more often. Since Dwight adapted the walker to suit her height, she sees something she wants and she goes for it. I FINALLY have to tell the older children to pick up their small toys so that Iliana does not put them in her mouth. She takes things from table tops and the couch. What a joy to have to constantly keep my eye on her because she is going everywhere. She even followed me around in the kitchen the other night while I was getting dinner ready.

Also, I mentioned previously how I look forward to the day Iliana is able to say "I love you mom". Although she didn't say it, her actions last night told me so. I was at a bible study and sat her in front of me on the table when it was over. She looked at me and smiled and put her arms around my neck. I've never had her hug me like that. It's as though she was showing me her love. My friend Doris even commented on how she gave me that hug. Needless to say, it brought tears to my eyes.