Thankful

I am so thankful for this little boy and his daddy who loves us so!!

Happy Time and Sad Faces

We had a great weekend. Lots of family time and Kip and I actually got the chance to go out by ourselves! I think my exact words to Kip while in the car were, "So when I get to the restaurant, I don't have to get the kid, and all his bags and the stroller?!?!?!?" Now, I do love my baby, more than anything, but I soooooo enjoyed just walking in to a restaurant and having a conversation with my husband.

Kip left today for a training camp in western KY for the week. It was a sad day, full of tears for us all. Aidan cried crocodile tears when Kip picked and said "Bye, Putter. Be a good boy for Momma and I'll see you soon!" He cried for a good half an hour after Kip left too!! And yes, Momma cried too, then the new baby got all upset - no one likes it very much when Kip leaves.

Have a good week, Kip! Aidan, the baby and I can't wait to see you this weekend!!

Amazing!

Aidan had an AMAZING day today! He woke up in a great mood. I let him play a little in his bed before getting up for the day, then we relaxed and watched some Spongebob (of course!). Aidan had a therapy appointment this morning and just blew me away!! He let his OT stretch his foot, arms and hands without so much as a wimper. We worked with his speaking valve for a while. Instead of getting maybe a minute, he let it on for over 6 minutes!! Then we had some tummy time - my boy lifted his head the ENTIRE time!! I was speechless!!

Once Kip got home tonight, I wanted to show off Aidan's new talents. So we played on the floor for a while and again, Aidan was looking up at his toys the entire time!! Then we sat him in his chair and he was so happy watching TV and playing, I had to take his picture. Sorry for the bad quality, I used my phone not the camera.

Aidan Update

We met with Aidan's nutritionist today. Aidan is doing really well with his feeds, so much in fact we were actually able to stop his antacid! He has also regained all of the weight he lost while he was in the hospital. Here are his stats:

22lbs 4oz
33" long

Way to go Aidan!! Still under the growth chart, but gaining steadily on what we like to call "Aidan's curve."

Aidan also had an appointment with the spine doctor last week. Unfortunately, Aidan's curve has gotten worse, he was scanned at 61%. The good news is that it is NOT affecting any of his organs or hindering his breathing. The doctor said that while he will definitely need surgery one day (they normally like to wait until 12 or so for the last growth spurt), we have 3 options. One is to do nothing and watch him. Two is to brace him and watch him. Three is to do surgery. After major discussion, the doctor told us he WOULD do the surgery, however Aidan really doesn't have enough meat on his bones to do well with recovery. And we're just not ready for Aidan to have yet another surgery, so we decided to get a new, bigger back brace and see how it works.

Aidan has been making big progress in the head control area. He now will lift his head while we carry him and look around at his surroundings!! Yay - Aidan!! He has also started back with vital stim therapy to try and improve his swallow. We had an appointment today and he was just loving the whipped cream that we bought for him :) Boy after my own heart!! As for hippatherapy (horse riding), we have decided to wait until spring, hoping to steer clear of cold and flu bugs!

Finally, I'm SOOOOOO happy to report that Aidan has not needed his vent for the last two weeks!! WHOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!! He does use his trach collar, which provides some moist oxygen, at night. But he is 100% breathing on his own - 24 hours a day!! I am so proud of my little man - he never ceases to amaze me!!

Waiting

Aidan and I had an appointment today. We rushed to get there early, hoping we could get seen early and maybe get to run some errands. But, of course, I was wrong. Like all other doctor appts, we sat and waited. Even Aidan's favorite toy was no longer a comfort. But we survived...barely.