Milo's new standing trick!

So Milo has a new trick that he'd like to share with you all as he's rather pleased with himself and rightly so!  Getting to this stage of Milo's physical development hasn't been easy for him.  The low muscle tone which comes hand  in hand with the diagnosis makes it much more difficult for Milo to learn simple techniques such as sitting or standing as it demands far more energy of him to be able to tense his muscles.  With frequent practice Milo's muscle tone will improve as his skills also develop.  When I think back to how floppy he was for the first 6 months it's incredible just how far he's come already.  

I also find it lovely and inspiring to see that although Milo has the genetic trait of Down Syndrome he is not governed by it.  In fact he has the same streak of fearless determination in him that both myself and my daughter have.  

Exciting times ahead with the prospect of a toddling little boy!  Just need to work on that balance though first!

Makaton signing

We've been practicing signing for quite some time now with Milo and its been a fantastic tool to help us to communicate with each other.  We started by learning the songs with nursery rhymes but we are now able to use them in every day conversations.  Milo amazes me every day with how much he understands!  We also use the 'Singing Hands' DVD's to help us both to learn and we had the pleasure of meeting the 2 lovely ladies who form Singing Hands at the recent 'Disability Rocks' festival in Ilkley. 

                        Christmas 2013

Birthday video

Milo's 1st birthday video, reflecting back on an incredible journey

Newspaper article celebrating Milo's journey against the odds

Birthday party!

Milo's 1st birthday celebrations!

September 2013

We used it as an opportunity not only to celebrate this momentous occasion but also to reflect back on the challenges we'd faced and over come together.  Whilst doing this we also raised £2000 for the hospitals that helped to care for Milo.