Nalah's Favorite Toy - the "Bug"

Once Nalah was able to sit more independently in her custom high chair (from the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton), she was able to fully enjoy her toys on the tray in front of her. Before getting this GRIP chair, Nalah depended on us to 'present' her with toys, hold them for her, or keep them  in reach. Having this supportive seating with the tray attached was a wonderful change for her. We could all hang out in the same room and she could learn new skills playing with stuff within her reach. Nalah had a special spot in the kitchen, and would play while I puttered, cooked, or cleaned up. With the proper supports, Nalah was able to learn to play more independently. Not that we ever left her alone, playing together was so much fun. But we tried to give her space to learn new things with or without our help. This Lamaze Bug was one of her favourites. One of mine too. You attached it to the tray with a suction cup, it had colours, sounds, shapes, lots of things to hang on to. Nalah learned to grab it, give it a good shake, and make it rattle. Again, a wonderful milestone for a trisomy child. I love this photograph as it shows Nalah exercising her new skill of reaching, grabbing, and you can tell on her face that she is having fun. 

Talking to the Sky

 Nalah often had these little conversations with the ceiling, or when outside, with the Sky. I was always amused by these conversations, and more often intrigued. I got the impression Nalah could see and sense more than we, as adults, were aware of around us. I do believe children may be more receptive to the spirit world that way. This is one of my many favourite memories. Sitting on our second floor deck with Nalah in the summertime. At home.  The play therapy toys spread out around us. Having time to talk, explore, play and simply be together. 

Motor skills. Another challenge, another opportunity to learn something new. Nalah was very fond of her dollies. Actually it took her a few hours to get used to new toys. She noted they were unfamiliar and would have a transition time where she decided whether she liked them or not. The only toy she rejected was a beautiful peacock puppet which was my personal favourite. Nalah never warmed to the peacock. However, this handmade rag dollies from the OSFA (Old Strathcona Farmer's Market) in Edmonton were a definate favourite. Nalah had two rag dollies, and Karis had two larger ones. In this photo Nalah has grabbed the dolly and placed it in her mouth for a kiss. We used the dollies for play therapy often, as Nalah was motivated to hold them, grab them, place them close to her. I was so proud of Nalah in this moment. It is a big deal for a trisomy child to take an object and place it in their mouth. Nalah was always learning. Yes, she was 'delayed', but she learned in her own time. That is all we ever expected of her, and we rejoiced together whenever Nalah became capable of something new. I also remember the look of determination on her face when she was attempting such feats. She was a stubborn little girl, just like her Momma. I am glad we had time to get to know her, her personality, all the ways she was like her family, and the ways she was unique. A precious, precious child. I miss you Nalah.