Monday, January 19, 2009

I got shoes, you got shoes...

The Boy needed blood and platelets today. Not unexpected. And, in an intelligent move, they split the blood unit so that in case he needed more of it, he could get it on Thursday.

I was going to bring him in Thursday afternoon, but it would actually be smarter to come first thing in the morning and just get more blood, if he needs it, and if not, someone else can have it.

The oncologist recommended that, in order to help with the walking issue, that we keep The Boy in sneakers (or his sweet Buster Brown work boots) frequently. I had always heard the opposite, that children learning to walk should be barefoot. For The Boy, however, he is bigger than most kids learning to walk and, more importantly, he needs the posture correction that shoes provide. Furthermore, the heavy shoes on his feet will help to make him stronger.

Thus, shoes it is.

Long and boring day at the treatment center. So glad that Musical Daddy did not have work and we were able to go through it together.

4 comments:

Patty said...

I have a late walker too, and that is what we were told by our Physical therapist. If you are looking for some good shoes to help encourage David, since it seems he likes music and sounds, I suggest squeaker shoes. I'm sure he will take off soon!

areyoukiddingme said...

Seems counterintuitive to put heavy shoes on feet that are just trying to feel their way...but I guess it probably helps keep their feet and ankles in the right position.

I have a good story about squeaker shoes and why they should not be worn to the zoo. I didn't think you could buy them here...my sister brought some from China.

Patty said...

My little guy has had 2 pairs from PipSqueakers.com. And I agree with the zoo thing - the gorillas had a very unatural interest in him when he wore them...

Molly said...

At his age and size, the posture correction and strengthening are more important than him feeling his way with his feet. Bare feet are great for the 10 and 11 month olds who are learning to walk but The Boy has been "almost" walking since 9 months old, before his diagnosis even.