Cooper's story

Little Cooper exemplifies determination and grit.

And his mom’s story shows us that, even if our kids take longer to accomplish goals, we must celebrate every achievement and champion them along the way.

Here’s what his mom has to share: “It became clear in Cooper’s first year that his muscle tone was quite low and his physical milestones would be challenging. His arm strength seemed okay, but he wouldn’t put weight on his legs at all! We worked with physical therapists both at home and at a local pediatric therapy office. We purchased a crawling track, built a pull-to-stand rack, and began water therapy. In time, he was able to put more weight on his feet and arms and started crawling at 14 months.

Once he got to where he could take more weight on his feet, we went through the process of getting orthotics for him to help support his ankles and legs. We also borrowed a pediatric walker from our good friends, whose son had required help with walking. 

Cooper continued his weekly therapy. Every night before bed, our family played the “ball game” where Cooper stood with the help of Mom or Dad and took as many steps as possible on his own across the room. At first it was only a step or two, and the steps were so unsteady it seemed we would be in that phase forever. When he’d taken all the steps he could and fell to the floor, we celebrated by rolling several balls around the room and laughing as the balls hit each other. This was highly motivating to Cooper. He worked up to ten steps before falling down. And then eventually across the whole room.

Once he could walk across the room, he really started taking to the walker. We took that little walker everywhere! To therapy, to the park, to church, to the pumpkin patch, even in the mountains! We made our home more accessible so he could use the walker throughout our house. I started leaving it outside his door in the morning, encouraging him to use it instead of crawl. I will never forget the first time I saw him come around the corner using the walker without any help. I’m not sure there are words to describe the joy and pride that filled my heart that day.

He slowly got faster and stronger as he practiced staying on his feet in the walker. Just before he turned two, we enrolled him in a three-week intensive physical therapy session for two hours a day, five days a week. He made huge strides while in this program. He was able to stand up independently but didn’t quite figure out walking without the walker. 

A month after he finished his intensive PT, his baby brother was born. And the day after we brought the baby home, Cooper stood up and took independent steps without his walker!! He’s been walking now for eight months; the same amount of time his brother has been with us. He’s almost to where he can run! 

Watching Cooper fight for this milestone has been an amazing journey. We watch him fight similarly for speech. I know it frustrates him, but he works hard and teaches us to make the best of what we’ve been given. He is a great example of facing challenges with a smile and with fun. I am blessed and honored to be his mother!

If I had advice for a parent struggling with their child’s slow progress, it would be the same advice many moms before me shared, and I’ll summarize it with two words: Chill out.

I hope that’s not too simple. I’m not trying to minimize anyone’s feelings. I, myself, need that advice as much as anyone! For a long time, I allowed myself to get wrapped up in all the ways Cooper could develop more slowly than his typical peers. I allowed it to bother me. I read and researched and tried to control everything that I could about his development. And in some ways, that’s a good thing! Seeking to be informed and knowledgeable about ways to help Cooper isn’t bad. But, obsessing over it is. Worrying excessively over it is. I didn’t even realize that I was being obsessive about it until I had another baby and had no choice but to put my focus elsewhere. 

So, yes, learn what you can. Ask questions. Be informed. Help your child as much as possible. But mostly, chill out. Your child will grow in their own time, and you’ll love each step along the way. Let them know you support them by giving high fives and hugs. Give them opportunities to practice when you can. But also, remember to enjoy the journey!