Rebekah's physical therapist came and brought a pink wheelchair for Rebekah.  I had really mixed feelings about her having a wheelchair at not-quite-3-years-old.  Rebekah's PT pointed out some of the advantages of wheelchair use for Rebekah.  For instance, at Rebekah's age, constant carrying on my (or dad's) hip is not good for the development of her spine & hips.  She is already at greater risk for scoliosis and hip dysplasia, and she needs good support.  When she is in a stroller, people are more likely to view her as, and respond to her as, a baby.   A wheelchair (at her age) puts her up at a higher level (similar to what she is when standing) and makes it easier for her to see eye-to-eye with kids her own age, fostering social developement.  Not to mention that even when she does begin walking, she will not have the stamina of a typical chid, so she may need it for distance, etc.  I still wasn't thrilled about it, but was willing to give it a try.  When it got here, it was sized for a much larger child, so someone is coming out in January to adjust it to fit her.  In the meanwhile, our plan was to just sit her in it a little each day so that she could get used to it.  Within 2 days she was moving it!!!  I never would have believed that she could wheel herself.  I am sure it helps that we let Ryan and Rachel play in it and they had great fun, so she wanted to do it too.  Granted, she can't go more than a foot or so at a time, as the size is wrong, but just the fact that she knows how and is trying opens up a whole new world.  I am much more open to her having a wheelchair that gives her freedom to move on her own, rather than a wheelchair to be pushed in.  I am thrilled that she will have the opportunity to run away from me at the park, like typical kids.  There are so many things that our typical toddlers just learn in day-to-day play that can't be learned when they can't walk and really explore.  For instance, you can't learn what your boundaries are if you never have a chance to test those boundaries.  She has never had the opportunity to learn that you don't run in the library (or in the parking lot!)  She rarely gets told "no" because there is very little for her to get into.  She has been in my or dad's arms everywhere outside of the house 95% of the time since she was born.   I am thrilled that she will have the opportunity to explore her world a bit more on her own power.  I can't wait for the day that she "runs" away from me in the store!