I haven’t posted in a bit, as life got into a good routine and the strange life of a parent of a complex child became normal. Summer went by in a blur. Braxton woke up early, liking to see his daddy before he left for work, and then we would read library books and cuddle. Usually he would go back to bed once daddy left, but some days we were up until afternoon nap. Braxton got upgraded to a “big boy bed”, which is much easier for me to lift him in and out of. During the day we went for walks around our town, visited the library, went to music therapy, and swam in his pool as often as we could.
In July went on a road trip to attend a family wedding and took a flight to visit family in Saskatchewan. Braxton handled both of these new situations surprisingly well. Unfortunately we learned that Braxton still can’t handle loud confusing environments, but we were happy Braxton got to visit many relatives.
In August, we had a great day trip to a waterfall, which Braxton really enjoyed listening to. We also had him feel the cold river and he held a warm rock, which he liked so much he held it the whole car ride home (pretty impressive for a little guy who barely has the fine motor control to hold anything). Braxton also liked the smell of waffle cones at the ice cream shop.
Braxton has made progress that has impressed the doctors. He’s eating more orally, needing less oxygen, throwing up less, and the latest good news is he has started tracking horizontally with his eyes! Braxton is far more aware of his surroundings, turning his head towards sounds, listening to conversations, playing with toys, and sitting with less head support. We have an aide for PACEkids coming every weekday and she really helps me by making sure Braxton’s stretches and exercises are done daily. Now that fall has come we are busy again with appointments and therapies, but I'm glad Braxton was able to have so many new positive experiences over the summer.
The exciting news of the summer is that Braxton is going to be a big brother! Newest baby Lockie is due April 12, 2014.
The exciting news of the summer is that Braxton is going to be a big brother! Newest baby Lockie is due April 12, 2014.