Jackson has had some trouble with coordination, strength, etc. This, I believe, is caused by low muscle tone and his pronated ankles. He walked at 15 months (not terribly late) but seemed to be falling way too often. In the beginning, we thought the falling was due to ear infections (inner ear infection=poor balance) but then the falling was happening more and more. Then, we had 3 elbow dislocations within one year. Talk about horrible - watching your little baby boy experience so much pain from a dislocation is Aw. Ful. Then he fell and hit his mouth and one of his front teeth became permanently bruised and gray. I was like, "that's it, I NEED answers. Something isn't right..." I can't tell you the number of nights I laid awake worrying about what was wrong with Jack. I just wanted an answer - a label ... something! But then, we started learning more, and I panicked. I didn't want people to think he had a disability. Be careful what you wish for I guess. Truth is, there's nothing really "wrong" with him, he just needed some better muscle tone and his ankles lean in a bit (probably the major cause of his clumsiness). He's my little rubber band - flexible as all get out. The orthopedic specialist told us "this is just the way he's made. A hundred years from now we might be able to give you some genetic answers for this, but for right now, it's just how he's built." Phew! Now we know that he just needed a little strength training, ankle support, physical therapy, and TLC. Today he wears orthotics in his shoes every day. He completed his physical therapy in June and now we're on to gymanstics class once a week for improved strength, balance, and coordination. Here are a few pictures of his class at Miss Barb's (Fun N Fitness) where he loves to go on the "jumpoline" every Tuesday. I can see a big improvement! He can now run across the yard or room without falling. Woo hoo! His pediatrician asked me at his 2 year check up how he was coming along. I said great, and I feel better now that we've tried everything we could to help him. I don't want him to suffer from arthritis or some other problems when he's older and I would love to see him play sports if that is what he wants. We'll keep going with his orthotics and gymnastics, etc. I'm just glad my baby is okay.
