Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Sweet Savannah and Those Hips!

*Several of you have asked if she is still going to need the braces...well, considering how we had just paid an arm and a leg to have them custom-made...we can't really take them back now. I will talk it over with PT next Tuesday and see what she thinks--they will definitely help her gain some confidence with walking---so, i'm guessing she won't have to be in them very long! Thanks for all of your sweet comments!* Suz

---------------------------------------------------

I was saving this post for 3 weeks from now, when Savannah gets her uber cool pretty-pink-support-ankle-braces...but couldn't wait after today! (Don't worry, I'll explain)

Poor little Wee-Wee (one of our nicknames for Savannah). The gal has been through an awful lot in her short life span. She wore a Pavlic harness for her first 6 months of life due to "loose hips" (as the doctors described it--as opposed to complete dislocation).

Sav at 2 months:




This obviously caused some developmental set backs as it took her much longer to roll over, crawl, and walk with weak hips...gotta love those frog legs! Her brothers have had a 6 month head start on her...

I am the type of mom who is not obsessed with "milestones"...ya know what I mean? They will get there, when they get there. I will do as much as I can to help them reach these goals, but ultimately, they WILL hit their milestones. However, as months went by and Sav showed NO interest at all in even attempting to walk, I became a weeeee bit apprehensive. Sure she is way ahead of her brothers with her fine motor skills (like most girls), but when does her delayed gross motor development become a concern? She's almost 18 months old and loves to walk behind push toys and can walk holding onto one finger...but can only take about 2 steps on her own before crashing.

So, PT (Physical Therapy) recently came out to re-evaluate Savannah and were happy to find that she has excellent muscle tone and flexibility (no signs for any other Neurological testing)...just weak ankles/hips. They believe flexible braces that fit right above her ankles will give her all the support and confidence she needs to begin walking! So, yesterday Savannah was fitted for her very own customized ankle braces that are being made and will be ready in 3 weeks.

Of course, the day after she is fitted for braces, something extraordinary happened! As I am changing her brother's diaper, I hear Sav's deep belly laugh from across the room. I look up to find her in the doorway standing alone without support. She looks at me and smiles like, "get ready Mom--I'm about to rock your socks off!"....and low and behold...Sav walked all the way across the room to me without any assistance! At this point, I am in TEARS, calling Joe on the phone and screaming loudly for all of his employees to hear me through the receiver...but Mama was SOOOO excited for her baby girl!

I was able to get her 2nd and 3rd attempts on video! Enjoy!!! So many blessings and prayers---God is so incredibly faithful.


(That was Ethan walking through...) Anywhoo--just HAD to share this video with the Grandparents and other cheerleaders who have been praying for Little Miss thang to "do her thang"! Thank you all SOOO VERY MUCH!

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102 comments:

Anonymous said...

So wonderful to see how Savannah is doing. I miss seeing them at church but love seeing you guys! We love you and continue to pray for your sweet family!
Carrie

Stephanie said...

I don't post much but I follow your blog and just love you kiddos.
Wow! How exciting for you and Miss Sav. Praying for you and your family.

Stephanie R. - Bryan, Tx

Jenny said...

what a big girl!!!!!!!!! sav you are the cutest!

The Johnson 5 said...

She is just like any other woman. She had to do it on her "own time" ! Thanks for sharing that video. I know that must of been a HUGE blessing for you guys!!

Stephanie said...

YEAH SAV!!!!
She looks so darn cute toddling around!!
Those baby pics of her made me smile..the quads are such little people now and I dont realize how big they are now until I see old pics!!
Will she still have to get the braces?

annalee said...

CONGRATULATIONS MISS SAVANNAH! what an asoblutely wonderful day:) and what a blessing from God!

jag said...

This is fantastic! Way to go Sav!

JAMIE'S CREW said...

Yea! for Savannah! Did Joe see her or the video yet? That just ROCKS! Hip hip hooray!!!!

Charity Donovan said...

YAAAAAY Sav!!! We are so happy for you! You ROCK baby girl!!!! And Suz....I'm sooooo with you on the milestone thing!

KellyGreen said...

so adorable! she looks so brave letting go of the wall. congrats sav!

Emily's Blog said...

Yeah!!! She looks so proud of herself and she looks very determined. Too bad Ethan walked into her spotlight.
Pretty soon, she'll be walking AND running and you won't be able to catch her

The Clarks said...

Yay Savanah!! How exciting! Suz, my son didn't walk until he was 19 months. I know exactly what you are/were going through. I knew he would walk when he was ready, but I was SOOO ready for it to happen. Now he RUNS everywhere.

Unknown said...

way to go sav! you are amazing! That post nearly had me in tears just reading the text!

God is such an awesome God!

The Haymans said...

Yall give me such hope! My baby is starting PT tomorrow. He's 12 months, not pulling up or standing. They told us he has low muscle tone. He started crawling at 11 months and is really hauling now! Its so great to see her walking. I know God will get us where he needs to be. Even if its in his own time. Great to see. Thanks for posting!!!

lauren said...

Yea!!! What a wonderful blessing!! She's such a cutie!!

Kai & Kohl Katz said...

That brought tears of joy! I am praying for her. I started following your blog when a friend sent it to me (back when the quad.'s where wearing their Cranial Bands). The reason being is that our daughter wore a Cranial Band for 5 months. It was so nice to see others have the same worries and were going through it too. Anyhow, just wanted to say I'm so happy for little Sav!! She's a DOLL!
Erika from Florida

Nicole said...

That's awesome!! Will she still need her braces now??

Momma-of-5 said...

Hip Hip Hurray! Way to go Savannah! And way to go Mom for catching it on video! (Just so you know, I teared up watching...you can hear the joy in your voice!)

Kim said...

Our of lurkdom to celebrate :O).

Yayyyyy for the princess!!

Our 6 month old is also delayed, and I see walking as being a challenge in our future, as well.. so I can only imagine how excited you are.

Will she still be getting the pretty pink braces?

The Rudd Family said...

Way to go Savannah!
Julie

Deb said...

You can just hear the excitement in your voice! YEAH for Savannah!! :)

Charla (SHar-la) said...

Woo hoo, Savannah! I truly believe that calm mommy's make calm babies. And when they're calm, they come around in their own time! That's awesome, Suz!

Kalle said...

Congratulations Savannah! She looks so proud of herself too - awesome day!

Kristin said...

AWESOME! GOD IS GOOD!!! Way to go Savannah!

Blair said...

That is so awesome and what a blessing! My youngest, Frances, was in a Pavlic harness for about three months. She actually has her "I'm standing/walking" x-ray on Thursday to make sure all is still well with her hips.

Terri said...

Great news! I am so happy for you and little Sav!

Rebecca Harber said...

She is so cute and that is soooo exciting to see her walking. I've been following for a while and that just brought tears to my eyes like it was my own child. She is in for a fun life with 3 brothers. I grew up the oldest of 4 and had 3 younger brothers. If she needs to call me for advice later in life I will be happy to help her out.

Kelly said...

As soon as I read the braces would be there in three weeks I KNEW she was gonna take off! Yay! Look out brothers!!

Molly said...

How awesome is that! Your a great encourager to those little ones!

Anonymous said...

I've never left a comment, but I follow your blog religiously! Congrats Sav!! You can just see her determiniation in walking over to you! She just pops right up when she falls! Fantastic!!!

Uma and Wil said...

Way to go Savannah!

Anonymous said...

That is so exciting!! Prayers that she continues to make big strides!!

jennifer said...

Way to go Sav!! Sometimes it just takes getting the therapist to come out to jumpstart the kiddo. So glad to see her walking AND coming to stand independently without pulling up. That is huge. Those brothers better watch out because Savannah is going to rule!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Sav!!!!!!! I think she was just waiting until she could get the most attention. She was holding out on you. She is absolutely adorable!

Joy said...

What a blessing! Way to go Savannah!

Cindy said...

I am in tears! Go SAV!!!

ashleigha said...

I have been following your blog for sometime now and that brought tears to my eyes. God is wonderful! We have a blog but it is private due to some scary things written about my husband in his military uniform, if you would like to come by and visit email me and I will add you to the list
beauashleigh@yahoo.com

The Murray Crew said...

Suz, Clark was watching this (after a breathing treatment) and said "nigh-nigh Nanah". Translation: Night, Night, Savannah. awwwwwwww!
It was soooo awesome to see her in action, Suz. And getting herself balanced from the floor is another higher level milestone that she's got down pat! =) Praise God. He's amazing.

Marty Rhea Hill said...

Suzanne, That is awesome. God is truly AMAZING.....and so is that sweet Savannah. I am so happy for you and the boys and Joe. Keep up the good work at being the best mom.
Love, Marty

Anonymous said...

How cool is that!!!! SHe just wanted to do it in her own time..
How was teh fitting for the braces, reid has to have one on her right leg. THey are testing her for CP first (super scary but they are 99% sure its not that) but she drags and turns in her right side so she has to wear what looks like an aircast on her right leg... Is that the same thing?

Laura said...

I read all the time but rarely find a minute to comment. This post,however, deserves a big CHEER. How wonderful. I know how hard it is to worry over you baby, no matter how much you try not to. My twins were late walkers too and while I tried to not worry I still did. What a wonderful moment to take her first steps.

Unknown said...

That is incredible!! Way to go Savannah!! How proud she must've been of herself, giggling at the door for you to look!

My son didn't walk until almost 18 months too - 5 months behind his sister. He 'walked' on his knees all the time and could run laps with a walker/push cart..but just could not take steps on his own. Even when he did start walking, he didn't stand up on his own for another 2 months without having to pull up first. We had him looked over and all was good - the guy just needed time, too and you'd NEVER know now at 26 months that he'd had issues just a few months ago!

Congrats again!

Jennifer said...

That is so exciting!!!!

Mandi said...

I'm so glad your little girl is walking. My little girl is almost 19 months old and still not walking. We recently found out she was having major ear problems that resulted in tubes and is doing better. I'm longing for the day when she will up and walk all the time.

Sarah said...

Wow, that makes your heart smile! Congrats to your little one...by the way I love to keep up with y'alls blog...you guys are so inspirational!

Robyn said...

that is so precious! what a special moment that you captured. i am so happy for yall!

Sunny said...

I know that you are SO proud of your little Savannah! My 4 year old daughter has to wear night braces (she has high muscle tone). She was born 7 weeks early, but didn't walk until she was 22 months old. One day she decided that she was ready to walk and she did. If you ever need to get another pair of braces, you should check out the Shriner's Hospital. We were shocked by the price left over for us to pay after our insurance covered their part. The Shriner's Hospital has been wonderful to us and we are SO thankful for the care and services that they provide (for free).

Not meaning to go on here too long, just wanted to tell you that your news is AWESOME!!! I know that you are one proud momma!

Elyse said...

YAHOO SAVANNAH LEIGH :) YOU GO GIRLIE!!! What a girl...walking on her own time...way to go!
~Elyse~

Catherine said...

Praise God! What a wonderful answer to prayers. Your sweetie is so cute walking along!

RG Mama said...

What a wonderful surprise! Our girls were late walkers, too. 19 and 21 months. It was the BEST when they finally took off. Like a heavy weight falls off your heart and shoulders. Congrats!

Jody said...

There is simply NOTHING better than seeing your baby light up as they take those first steps... especially when it has been such a struggle! What a precious little angel! I have to admit... I had some tears rolling down my cheeks. I cannot blame you for screaming through the phone!!! God is so awesome, isn't He?

Your tone with her was precious.

Hugs,
Janell

Michelle said...

YAY Savannah! All in due time! Good for you, not sweatin' the milestones. Suz,She looked so prissy balancing, getting her arms out, ready to prance off!

Oh, and there was a comment from a Stephanie in Bryan, TX...I wish she had a blog...I grew up there.

Anonymous said...

Woohoo! Way to go, Savannah!

Misty said...

Suz,
I know those tears well! Congratulations to you & Savannah. She truly would not have been there if not for you.
Misty

abc said...

I don't think I've ever commented on here, but I've been following your sweet 4 for quite awhile now. That video is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. I think Sav's putting her hands out imagining pushing one of her toys, kinda like, "I know how to do this, just pretend I'm pushing that car!" Ha! So sweet and smart! She figured it out!

Joy and blessings abound!

much love- ashley brady chandler

(Did we actually know each other? I was in Ju Go Ju, graduated Dec'08, but was out of town the last semester)

Unknown said...

Awesome - way to go - love those quite wobbly first steps. Before you know it, she will be running!

JO

Casey's trio said...

Hooray for Savannah! Such a cutie pie:)

GlitteryKitchenTable said...

OMG!!!! I about started crying!! I love how she is holding her little arms out! So sweet!! Way to go Sav!! :)

Liz said...

Loveeeeeeeee that! What a sweet video!!!!

Heather said...

WOOOHOOOOO! Alright Sav. See, she just didn't realize there was any worry over her walking. When she was fitted for those braces, she must've decided she was going to have to give up on the not doing it thing. ;) I'm so glad she's walking!

Emily and Andrew said...

Yay Savannah!!!!!!! The video is too cute!

Crazee Juls said...

That's really awesome! I know you're really proud of her!

cat said...

Great going Sav! I am also still waiting for my little man L at 16 months.

Anonymous said...

How lovely! Well done Savannah an best wishes to you all

TheBMillers said...

That is just great!! I couldn't stop smiling while watching that video.. such a proud moment

Barbi

Kelly said...

yay Sav!!!

Nancy said...

I'm a relatively new reader -- love keeping up with your adorable foursome!!

My girls (twins, just a few weeks older than your kiddos) just started walking at about 17 months. BabyA has super flexible hips but didn't need any intervention (just for torticollis) - but one day, the lightbulb went on and she just started walkin'!

Sounds like little Miss Sav was waiting for the right moment -- and then she was ready to rock!

Your kiddos are just darling - good luck to all of you! Just when I think I have my hands full, I come to read your blog to remind me that people can be graceful and fun with 2x the little ones! :-)

Rachel said...

Way to go Sav! What a cutie pie- she certainly is persevering!

Mommakitten said...

How awesome! Our Aiden was our late walker. He is about a month and a half behind Nate. Since Aiden has had 2 surgeries, we knew he was going to be later in doing the gross motor things, but he passes Nate on all of his fine motor skills. God works in ways we will never understand. But he has truly blessed you with 4 gorgeous little ones!

Amazing Greis said...

Yaye, Sav! What a precious little walker!

April said...

how beautiful! And such a life lesson, when she keeps falling she immediately gets RIGHT back up!

So will she still need the braces?

dee said...

What a blessing!

My daughter was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 14 months. She wasn't delayed at all in sitting or crawling but when she walked she limped. She just was removed from her hip spica cast last week after 3 months and is now in a rhino cruiser brace. Watching her take steps now is amazing. Like you, I cried big tears of joy.

It's amazing what God can do. So great to see your beautiful daughter walking on her own.

Jac Tubre said...

Woohoo!!!! Geaux Sav!

Now you can give those dang boys a run for their money :)

Jac

Suzanne said...

That is so awesome and sooo sweet!! Congrats.

Brittany Wardlow said...

awwww... that seriously made me teary-eyed! that look of determination in her precious little face was just so sweet. yay sweet savannah- WAY TO GO!!!

westerman said...

Yea for Savannah, I know the feeling with milestones. I've never posted before, but follow your blog whole-heartedly! My little one (15 mth) had a helmet for plagiocephaly as well, a friend gave me your blog site and Davis's was scrapbooked the same, except... Go HOgs! We are contemplating foot orthotics for him as well, and my husband and are both therapists! Take care.

Catherine said...

I've never commented, but regularly read. I've got triplet boys about 4 months older than your quads. My fraternal is low-tone, had pronation problems and tended to lock his knees. He also didn't walk until he was 17 months. He had similar braces made by a different company. They make a world of difference. She will be so much more confident! yay for walking!

Valerie said...

Precious, I was in tears watching her take her steps!
Yes, our God is incredibly faithful!
What a precious, precious family you have & what an incredible Mommy you are to them!!!
I heart your blog! Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us!

MEGAN said...

She probably just wanted to wait `til ALL EYES were on her! YAY for Savannah!

Our Journey said...

a big congrats to the new walker!!

they will probably want her to stay with the orthotics just to get her more strength in her ankles. it will protect her from falls and from learning to walk the wrong way.

my son got fitted for his last week, sports theme for us :)

Darron and Ashlie said...

awww SUZ (tears) I am so proud of her!!!!

Unknown said...

Way to go Sav!

Bethany said...

Oh my gosh, look at her go! Congratulations, Sav!!!!! :)

*Lissa* said...

Oh wow! That is just awesome! :o)

Corrie said...

SO proud of that sweet, precious girl!

Anonymous said...

After reading Sav's story this is exactly what is happening with our baby girl.

She was born with hip dysplasia and wore the pavlik for 5.5 months as well. We are now dealing with unstable ankles as she rolls them inwards and outward instead of standing stable. They are talking about akle supports as well for us.

It sucks that our girls have to go through this but reassuring to know that this can be solved and helped. Thanks for sharing. We read your blog all the time and giggle at your stories. We are grateful for our two singletons ... but enjoy quadruplets through you! =)

Anonymous said...

You go girl!!!
Love ya.

Jess said...

Yay Savannah!!!!

You can see how determined she is, right on her face! If only that darned gravity would stop making her fall down, lol!

Congratulations!!

Oh, and those pics of her "frog legs" when she was a baby made me think to myself, "Man, I bet she'll have an awesome turnout, if she were to ever take Ballet."

The Golf Widow said...

Wowo that's awesome. She is so adorable. Those sweet little hands reaching out to you as she takes the high knee steps... priceless!

The McNulty Family said...

This is my favorite post ever.

You go little prin!!

Love you all more than words!
XOX
Gen

Anonymous said...

Congrats Sav!
I just have to say I love pics or video of multiples because there always seems to be another baby in the frame. I can't tell you how many adorable pics we have of Kiernan or McKenzie with an arm, leg, head or whatever of the other in the background (or foreground!). Too cute!
Trina
www.totsites.com/tot/andersontwins

Jill said...

Suz,
I really enjoy reading your blog; your family is amazing. I have a favor to ask on behalf of another blog family. I'm not sure if you have been following the story of Tuesday but she is a sweet little girl who was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. Well, today her family received some very bad news - that her cancer is no longer "chemo sensitive". I am hoping that you could put out a prayer/good thought/best wishes request. This is obviously the most terrible thing imaginable for this family. In case you don't have it, their address is:
http://half12.blogspot.com

Thank you :)
Jill

mandy_moo said...

That is so exciting!!! You go, little Savannah!!!

The irony though, huh? She just up and walks the day after she is fitted for expensive custom braces. Kind of like how I just paid the library for a book I lost today, then found it a couple hours later.

Penny said...

What an exciting video!!! I can only inmagine your tears of joy. I can hardly see the screen through mine.

We also have a little Miss that does things in her own time. She had NO trouble making us wait on the walking. She was well into 17 months when I made an appointment to check things out and the next day she took off and for the most part she didn't crawl much again.

Thanks for sharing....

TAFTY5 said...

You go Savannah!!;0)
You can tell from the excitement in your voice that this was weighing heavy on your heart. Sometimes being a Mamma is tuff! I love how positive you are. Your a great Mom and it shows through those four sweet kids of yours!

Quad Squad! said...

Congrats on the walking! I'm so excited for you! And Sav, too, of course!

Goerlich Quadruplets said...

chris and i were cracking up with that video. we see daddy's dance moves coming out already! :) go savannah, go!

Emily said...

I went to Bible study Wednesday night and asked how do you really let go, and let God? This video proved you just have faith. truly amazing and a miracle!

Unknown said...

Hi Suz. Can you email me, please? I looked for your email address but couldn't find it. I'd love to include the quads names on my t-shirt when I do the March for Babies in April here in Portland. I'm working on raising $300 (hopefully more but $300 will be difficult enough to raise, lol!). Please let me know if including their names on my t-shirt (along with my twins names!) would be okay? My email is alison23 AT comcast DOT net

Thank you!

-Ali (fellow mama and surrogate mama)

Unknown said...

That is so exciting! I got all teared up watching her try so hard.

$5 Dinner Mom said...

How exciting! Love how she puts her sweet little hands out :)

J said...

she so cute - how she holds her hands in front of herself!

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