He needs support to stand, and is getting really strong in his torso area.
He's getting strong enough, that we can support him around his waist, now.
Before, we had to hold his back, and support his head.
He is able to sit for longer, and sit stronger.
But sometimes, he doesn't want to, and will fling himself backwards, or sideways.
We always have to be ready for that, because when he throws himself backwards,
it can mean a busted lip for us!
We also have to make sure he doesn't hurt himself.
Sometimes, Dexter will support his weight, standing between our legs,
with us supporting his upper body.
Sometimes, his legs will bend and he will need total support.
He can't get himself into a standing position.
So, this whole walking business is pretty tricky!
Dexter needs to be supporting his head.... and his torso...
And, he needs to take steps. His cerebral palsy makes this very difficult for him!
Sometimes, taking steps is easy enough for him... and sometimes, many times, lifting one foot off the ground and placing it a little way in front of him... is tricky.
His cerebral palsy means messages get stuck... and his body doesn't usually do what he wants it to do! Imagine how frustrating that is!
Sometimes, Dexter manages to take steps... but, there is no strength in the steps, and he forgets to push forward with his toes and knees.
Add in his turning in hip, and stepping is actually very difficult, for Dexter.
(We hate cerebral palsy! It's not fair!)
Steptember is run by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
During 'Steptember', people are encouraged to take 10,000 steps each day.
By doing this, they can improve their fitness and health.
It can also help raise awareness about just how difficult it can be, for people with cerebral palsy, people like Dexter, to walk.
People who sign up to take part in Steptember ask for sponsorship, as a way to raise money for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
The money raised is used to help pay for equipment, therapy, and research into groundbreaking treatments for cerebral palsy.
Lenice was asked whether we were taking part in Steptember, this year.
We do know about Steptember, but this year, we are not involved.
We had planned on doing some other fundraising, but that's not happening, for now. Also, Lenice is very, very pregnant and, we're pretty sure, Dexter's baby sister will be born in September. And then, Dexter is due to have surgery on his hip in early October. And, we are in the middle of arranging house renovations, so it's a bit of a busy time for us.
Maybe next year!
Find out more about Steptember here.
Dexter's Hip Adduction Surgery
Dexter's Beach Dash - His best walking effort, to date! (We haven't seen this for a while)
Dexter's House Plans
Dexter's House Renovations Idea
Find Doing it for Dexter on facebook
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