Amazingly, over the past few months we have seen impressive development. After one month home, he started to act like a one month old. He started to learn how to sleep for longer periods in the night, and the outside world started to catch his interest again, including peeks with his eyes. With uncoordinated movements he started to work to bring is fists to his mouth. He liked just to cuddle and listen to our voices and music.
At Braxton’s one year birthday, he was instead very much like a three month old. Although this would worry many parents, instead I grew amazed that he was following a developmental path that was quite typical, although very delayed. He was full of smiles, and ever more aware and responsive to the world around him. He recognized voices. Playtime was more fun, as he started moving toys around with sweeping motions of his arms and kick with his legs. He could guide and hold his facecloth to his mouth to chew when lying on his side. He was sleeping through the night and leaning to self sooth with his clothes to chew. He gained motivation to try to sit up, although he still needed head support.
I find this new trajectory very encouraging. We still have speed bumps to overcome, specifically with visual impairment and dandywalker syndrome affecting his motor skills. However things are moving forward, not regressing. Braxton is happy, playful and inquisitive. He is my daily struggle, but also my pride and joy!