Monday, June 28, 2010

Today we celebrate.

Today we celebrate extra hard.

We celebrate because on this day, two years ago, we officially met eyes with you, Dylan. In that instant I hugged you close, completely unaware of the incredible journey that awaited. Of the true, honest, love that, in time, would grow into something so big.

We celebrate because you are here. You are here with us.

Thank you, Dylan, for showing us the way. For teaching us. For being patient when we stumble. For loving us, unconditionally.

We are honored to call you our son. Cassidy's brother.

Our heart.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Dylan. I do not think you can ever know how much better you have made our lives.



We love you so much and are very proud of you.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Progress, Baby.








Now that's what I'm talkin' about!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

A Good Daddy...

and his best guy



spending time together



at the beach



on Father's Day.



Happy Father's Day to all of the good Daddies out there.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Feeding Evaluation and a Coupla' Surgeries

We met with the Feeding Team yesterday for about 2 hours. It seemed interesting and after suffering from a serious food-funk lately with Dylan, I am now feeling re-motivated to get going again. I am going to start slowly, though, and make small changes. They told me that this will most likely take a while and to think in terms of "baby steps". I mentioned that I was nervous about making too many changes as that totally backfired on me the last time.

Anyway, they left me a list of suggestions and will check back in with us again in about 6 weeks to see how everything is going.

Some things that were suggested to me (in case anyone out there is in a similar boat) were:

~add broken up Baby Mum-Mums to a favorite puree (or YoBaby) as they will dissolve and will not pose a threat if he does not chew them all the way; this will slowly introduce increased textures while maintaining safety and will also help with tongue movement
~use whole milk mixed with Pediasure to increase caloric intake and fat
~continue with different straw cups (thinner or loopier/longer straws = increased difficulty)
~dipping Nuk Brush into a juice or powdered lemonade and rubbing mouth; feed puree off the Nuk Brush
~look at Greek Yogurts; Nectar Juices; natural ways to thicken juices
~for variety and increased protein, mix stage one meats with stage 2 or 3 veggies
~add a different texture to every meal - he does not have to eat it; try food play; vary the way the food is prepared and let him watch me prepare it (we do not want him thinking that all food has to come from a jar!)
~slowly give him some single grain rice baby cereal

So, that's where we are at right now. We'll get it. It just may take some time.

As we were driving home from an appointment today, I finally found this store that I have been meaning to visit. It's called My Low Carb Life and the couple who owns the store have an 18 year old son with Down syndrome and Celiac Disease! I am really looking forward to getting to know them more as we continue on this journey...

*****************************

We have decided to move forward with getting Ear Tubes placed for Dylan. We feel it is the best decision for him at this time and will be scheduling it within the month. Unfortunately, today we found out that we will need to schedule another surgical procedure due to scar tissue forming and improper healing after his first circumcision that was done shortly after his birth. Bah! What are the chances of that happening, right?! Well I can tell you, actually. There is a 1% chance of that happening and naturally, that would be Mr. Dylan...



Good thing I am madly in love with this kid...: )

Monday, June 7, 2010

I stand corrected.

A week or so ago I wrote a post about Dylan's feeding struggles. I think I may have mentioned that he doesn't want anything to do with any kind of food that is not jarred baby food.



I stand corrected.





Apparently he is quite a fan of sand.



Now...if only I could find some gluten free solid food that looks, tastes and feels just like sand box sand, we'd be on to something...

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Got Tubes?

So, earlier today we had an appointment with our ENT. Because it had been 7 months since Dylan's last hearing test, he had us meet with our audiologist as well.

The bottom line is that they are recommending that Dylan get ear tubes.

Oh, I don't know...Dylan's hearing has always been kind of a mystery to me.

Since his very first hearing test - the newborn screening - the results have been unclear. Some tests he's passed while others he's failed. The last two have revealed mild hearing loss most likely resulting from fluid.

I don't believe he's ever had an ear infection, but his tympanograms have never shown a clear peak as they should. It was quite obvious today that he is not hearing certain frequencies, but for some reason I'm just not sure I'm completely sold on ear tubes.

If it's necessary of course we'll do it, but I guess I'm just wondering if there are other options. Like...non-surgical ones perhaps?

Hmmm...

Any thoughts/opinions on ear tubes would be greatly appreciated. I'm just trying to gather information before moving forward with this.

Thanks so much! : )

Cassidy's Hat

The downside: Having a sister means pink.



Lots and lots of pink.



The upside?



I just so happen to look good in pink.



Really,



really good.