18 month check-up

Dylan had his 18 month check-up with the Pediatrician today and here is how he measured up:

Weight: 15lbs 9oz - 70% on WHS growth chart, this is a growth of 9oz in 2 months, not too bad for Dylan.

Height: 29" - 70% on WHS growth chart, this is a growth of 1" in 2 months.

Head Circumference: 16.25" - 50% on WHS growth chart, this is only 0.25" gain since 2 months ago, Dylan's head has always been the slowest to grow.

I am very happy with this news.  Dylan is still eating like a champ and we load all his food with Duocal and/or coconut oil to add more fat and calories and he also gets 6 oz of Pediasure a day to balance out his diet (which I wish he would drink more of, but that's one thing, you can't force him to eat or drink if he doesn't want to).  I did think that he had gained more weight because he just looks so big to me but I am always happy with any increase in weight or length.

He loves to play with the paper on the exam table.

Big boy in the hamper!

Standing so big and strong.

Moving

Sorry for the lack of posts but life has been a bit hectic around here.  We closed escrow on our new house last Friday and have been working on it, packing, moving, etc...  We are very excited to be moving back to the suburbs of Los Angeles to be closer to family and friends.  My mom's house is literally 2.2 miles away (which is a lot better than 100 miles) and that definitely brings a big smile to my face. 

Dylan has been doing great.  He has figured out how to bounce his bouncy seat and will bounce until he is sweating.  He is still working on sitting and can balance for a while if we put him in the right position but we are still having trouble with him wanting to throw his body backwards.  So, I am working a lot with him on the yoga ball to strengthen is trunk muscles.  He can stand by himself with his leg braces on and has been "talkin" up a storm - no words yet but he likes to make a lot of noise. 

I take Dylan for his 18 month check-up tomorrow morning and I will post with all the updates.

Here are a few pictures of our new house that we hope to move into labor day weekend:

Dylan in his new room - he likes it!

Me and Hailey watching the boys all hard at work.

Dylan bouncing and talking during the construction.

Therapy with Dana

If I have said it before I will say it again - Dylan has the best therapist.  Dana has been with us since Dylan was just about two months old.  She is amazing!  She brings over the greatest toys and therapy aids and the best part she leaves them with us to use between sessions.  She is always coming up with new and creative ways to get him to work his muscles and she has taught me so much.  Thank you so much Dana.  We are going to miss you terribly when we move in a few weeks. 

Here are some pictures and videos from today:

Dylan is getting stronger and stronger every day.  Today he stood in the hamper and "rode" around for over 25 minutes without help.  I was shocked, I can't believe the change.  Just yesterday I still had to give him hip support when standing.


This is not the best scooting video because it was at the end of the session and he was tired, but he still made his way around the entire kitchen.

We all should enjoy the small things...

This past week has been emotional for me.  The things that have transpired have left me feeling very sad, upset and confused.  The person that has caused this is someone very close to me and my immediate family and has chosen to exclude us from his life.  Typical Kristy would stay up late worrying about the situation and try to think how I can make it all better but, after Friday and Saturday - FORGET IT, I have already tried too hard.  I have done nothing wrong and I refuse to enable this to go on the way it has.  In the long run this person has made a decision for his life and there is nothing any of us can do about it so I am going to stop losing sleep over it (because I have already lost too much). 

I am moving on and looking forward.  Life is to short to let these things get in the way.  I have so much to be happy and thankful for.  I have a wonderful family, amazing husband and kids, fantastic friends - truly a great life.  I have a mother who is (well it's hard to find the right word) the most loving, compassionate, giving person I have every known.  With out her I don't know what I would do. 

A squeeze from Grandma always brings a smile...

...and even her french toast at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning can make every thing seem better.  Even the stool she bought especially for Hailey in the kitchen can be the most exciting thing in the world to a four year old and bring hours of smiles.   Thanks Mom/Grandma.

More to enjoy are the summer afternoons at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a swim and time with extended family...

The feel of the water at the perfect temperature on a hot day can make anyone relax...or jump right in...

These are the times to be happy in life. 

Then after a long, fun day some people just can't help themselves but fall right asleep in the pool cradled in the big, strong arms of Uncle Paul and...

...how nice to then get snuggled by mommy and wrapped in a warm blanket for a little afternoon nap on the grass.

A great end to a wonderful day.

My message to everyone today is to stop and enjoy the small things.  If you miss out on these few happy moments in life you will never appreciate what is truly special.  Love to you all.