Day 8/365 runner up + Bonk

Day 8/365 runner up + Bonk, originally uploaded by urbanbrat89.

I like to think GiGi can do anything. In fact, I know she can. There are times, however, when you watch your blind child navigate herself around some place and wonder how on earth she is so fearless and magical.

We went to the park this morning and after I picked her up, placed her on the giant slide and let her go down after she counted 1,2,3 or ready-steady-freddy, I decided it was time for me to show her how to get UP the slide. I picked her up the first 10 times so she was addicted to sliding. True to GiGi's personality, she slid down, and landed on her butt every single time. I'm so glad its that black bark looking cushion -y stuff. She even bonked her head on the edge of the slide everytime she landed. I panicked the first time or too, she said "sliiiiiiiide!" and picked herself up.

When she was good and excited about sliding down, I took her hand and led her to the steps. She was not super jazzed about actually having to do the work herself to get to the slide. i'm sure part of it was a new awareness to the height of the slide, and her exact placement in space.

its. high. for. a. kid.

I walked up the steps with her, each time telling her 'there you go" and "you did it"...or even a little "good job, baby!" I helped her find the bars and poles to hold onto (they reallllllllly need to make MORE bars in these things. too much open space for someone with any kind of disability. just sayin'). She got the hang of the whole walking up and sliding down thing very quickly. I followed her up 10 times, each time doing a little less for her, but always letting her know I was right there.

When I finally let go, she did it all on her own. She wasn't nervous, or scared, or whiny at all. She was proud, and impressed with her own bravery and accomplishment. I could see it on her face.

She sat down and yelled "let's go!!!!!!" and as she slid down, I cried, with all my maternal pride.


*late in posting*
taken: 1.8.10
posted: 1.9.10