First Haircut

You got your first haircut today...your first REAL haircut. All the rest had taken place at the hospital with a razor. Not the look we were going for. And after being shaved on the right side and pulling on the left, you had yourself a sweet little mullet. Still not the look we were going for. I have been thinking about cutting your hair to even it out for awhile now and today I finally got the courage to go for it. Although when the time came, I needed Daddy to give me a push to cut the first chunk. Now you have a cute little bob! Much better.

Best Buds

We have known since the first day we brought Liam home that you love him. Lately he has been showing us that he loves you too. When he sees you after a short separation, he gives you a big dimply grin. You two play on the floor together so nicely--taking turns to talk, petting each other and holding hands. Yesterday you were pulling the hair on the right side of your head and he was pulling on the left. It was a team effort, and you looked grateful for his help. You get along so well and I love to watch you interact. Most of the time at least. Today you both were in your vision box playing while I was in the back of the house blowdrying my hair. I came running back when I heard you cry out, followed immediately by Liam. I am not sure what happened, but it was clear both of your feelings were hurt. My best guess is that he somehow startled you which made you cry, and then that caused him to cry. Its happened once before while we all sat on the couch. Liam was drifting off to sleep when you sneezed--he woke up screaming, and you cried as if heartbroken. I think you knew why he was crying and felt bad. Which made me feel bad for you. What a compassionate family we are!

Miscellaneous

Oh goodness. We have been so busy the last week or so, and I have a lot to update you on.

Last Thursday we had a man come from "The Wheelchair Shop" to fit you for some equipment. We are hoping to be approved for a chair (that doubles as a wheelchair), a bathtub, standers, and a Squiggles mat. All these things are designed to give you great support and put your body into alignment. I am especially excited about the chair, since it will get you up off the floor closer to our level.

Friday we went to the doctor and had a very rough day. It started off with two shots, a new g-button, and fluoride on your teeth. Then we went down a few floors to get two sets of x-rays. One for your hips and the other to check for scoliosis. The hips were easy--you just had to lay there while I held your arms. But the scoliosis x-rays were terrible. The technician held your arms above the elbows up by your head, while I held your legs beneath your knees straight under you. We stretched you out and held you up against a wall for the images. Your muscles are so tight, that being held like that was painful, and probably scary for you. It hurt both our feelings. Then we went down a few more floors to the lab for bloodwork. It took about 45 minutes for them to stick you twice. Both times they fished around for a long time, trying to stab the vein that kept rolling. After the second try I decided that was enough for one day, and we would try to get the blood next time we go to the hospital. Even after such a long day with no naps, you were such a trooper. I am always so proud of you.

Saturday evening we were able to spend time with Uncle Shane, Aunt Lori and Grace and Frank! It was their first time to meet Liam--hopefully soon he will be able to meet your other cousins Audra and Fallon too!

And then Sunday morning was a big day for Daddy. He was ordained as a Deacon in our church, along with 16 other men. A special ceremony took place at 8am for the new Deacons and their families. It was a sweet time while each current Deacon laid hands on and prayed for each new Deacon. In both services, pictures of the new Deacons flashed on the screen while the congregation prayed for them in turn. And then they played the video that we secretly taped as a surprise. It was fun for us to have a chance to focus on Daddy for a day and tell him how proud we are of him. You have such a good Daddy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lx_57LiBFQ

Today we got the news back on your x-rays. Hips look good, but you have some mild scoliosis. I really was expecting this to be the result, so I am not surprised. Nothing much needs to be done at this point other than keep a close eye on it. I have put a call into physical medicine--we will get an appointment to see if they have any suggestions. We may look into using some muscle relaxers to help loosen you up. But the biggest help will be that equipment! I am praying it will be approved and ordered quickly.

I love you to pieces! Sleep sweet baby, see you in the morning!

Resolute

It's 2010...do you have any New Year's resolutions? If not, I have some for you. By the end of this year you are going to sit. All by yourself. So first you will have to master head control and rolling. You also are going to eat. Maybe we won't be completely off the pump, but at least three times a day you will sit with the family and eat a "meal" orally. If you could eat enough during the day to only be on the pump at night, it would give you so much more freedom! I would also love for you to use your eyes a little better, with tracking, eye contact, focusing. But I just don't know if that is physically possible for you...so we will just have to work on it and see what happens. How does all that sound? It will mean a busy year, but I think we can do it!

Tonight is the national championship game for NCAA football...so we are on our way to a party! Hook 'em!!