Drum Roll please......

Get ready to applaud widely.

Or even shed a few tears.

Kean's therapist, Andrea and I sure did.

He put in a few laps with his walker today

and we felt he was ready to take it to the next level--

using Grandpa Bodily on his lawn mower as the carrot, the stick,

the reward, the goal-- you name it.

Here is attempt number one and it's a stunner!!!

But wait, that's not all folks!

He did it again for round two

and yes, even round three--

and wait til the end to see his face.

Proud, proud, proud!

Ladies and gentlemen... we are on our way!

(Finally).

The Heartless Butt Head! (How's that for a headline?)

I don't know whether to laugh hysterically or cry hysterically.

Remember how we finally got an appointment to see a Neurologist on March 10th?

Well, we couldn't get in to see the one the E.R. had referred us to for 4 to 6 weeks,

so I went ahead and booked with his partner.

Last night, I sent a message out on a closed group on Facebook--

a group for Idaho's Medically Complicated Children

(and let me tell you-- I'm thankful to have Kean's challenges and not what

some of these other mother's have to deal with).

Anyway, I asked if anyone had any experience with this particular doctor

we now have an appointment to see.

I got back a few lukewarm responses-- and then I got one that said 

quote:  "He's a heartless butt head"!

Okay, not quite sure how to take that.

Usually, I can handle most personalities... but I've never gone into an appointment

with such a biased opinion.

My new plan is to talk this over with Kean's Primary Oncologist during Tuesday's Chemo-- who heads

up the Children's Oncology Department here.

He'll have some advice (or will, perhaps, think I'm crazy)!

On a sweeter note, tonight just before dinner, Kean crawled over

to me and said "Mom, sicle"!

Two great milestones here:  

1.  He used two words

2.  He told me exactly what he wanted.

 And yes, of course I made him wait until after he ate dinner to have his treat.

Never mind that he didn't want to eat much dinner.

Oh, and his other big word today?

He is now calling Holland "Hottie".

Yes, we agree, she is a little hottie.

p.s.  cross your fingers that tomorrow is a quiet Sunday.

Two episodes (perhaps seizures) the past two Sundays

is enough.

If only it were as simple as Greer put it--

Perhaps Kean is just allergic to Sundays.

Chit Chat



Milestone alert!

Maureen, Kean's Occupational Therapist was here this afternoon.

We were outside swinging Keanut and he was doing great telling us to "go"

and saying "ice" and "cold" as Greer made and fed him a snow cone.

And then he did it.

He strung two words together... and guess who just happened to capture it on video!!!

Yes, we get overly excited around these parts.

This evening, Greer decided to play a little dress up and since Kean was an easy mark--

well you can see that she had her way with him.

The problem is either she doesn't have the best aim or Keanut doesn't like to hold still.

Eureka!

Woot, Woot!

I got just what I was trying to get last night but failed.

So let me set this up.

We've been working with Kean on getting him to identify his body parts...

and he's got several of them d.o.w.n.

Several-- but not all.

He points to his cheeks when we ask him where his eyes are

and for his belly button?  Well, just you wait.

(I promise, it is worth the wait)

We've all been laughing so hard over this that we haven't had the heart to correct him.

But now that it is captured forever on video... I guess it is time to get to work.

Otherwise, I'll die of embarrassment if he's sixteen and still pointing to his

netherlands.

Growing Up and Letting Go

Oh, for heaven's sake, I am such a blubbering fool.

We are in the looooonnnnnggggg process (7 meetings) to transition Kean from

the Infant - Toddlers program where he gets all of his therapy at home to the school district

where he will get most of his therapy in school.

Yes, I said school.  He turns three in August and will go into a special pre-school.

I've already met his teacher-to-be and she is wonderful.

Last week, I had to take him to school so he could be observed in the classroom for three hours.

I want you to know, I held it together in the parking lot...

 And in the classroom.

Even though right before we got there, a boy had thrown up in the bathroom (they were keeping him in there

with an aid until his mom could come get him), another mother grabbed her son and said she was out of there because

she didn't need to deal with any more germs or illness in her home... and another kid was sobbing and clinging to his mother.

It wasn't quite the calm classroom I had envisioned.

I played with Kean for about 45 minutes and then left him with an aid.

There are about 7 kids in the class, two aids, a teacher, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and a speech therapist work with the children.

Talk about a village.

That's his teacher, Ashley in the black playing with him.

He looks so tiny and IS TINY.  One of the other kids kept coming up to him and calling him "baby".

And he does look like a baby in there-- he doesn't walk, only says a couple of words and signs a few signs.

In many areas, he tested on the level of a 13 month old.  Can you imagine sending a 13 month old to school?

Ug.

When I came back to get him, Ashley said he had played for a while, then burst into tears when he realized

I was gone. Settled down, played some more, then cried some more.

He finally exhausted himself and slept through a chunk of the class.

Go figure.

I'm embarrassed to admit, I lost it in the parking lot after I left him.

That kid was right... he is a baby -- my baby.

We will get through this.

Hoping The Third Time Will Be A Charm

Early, early in the morning, Kean and I will be heading in for his 3rd ear surgery.

Tubes again.

We can only hope this time they last longer than a few months.

Super Boy is making progress by leaps and bounds-- literally.

 He has been working hard on getting those little legs moving

and boy, oh boy is he starting to take off.

 By the way, we don't typically "dress" him up for his work-outs.

These pics were taken Easter morn before church.

And if that wasn't enough dazzling from the boy...

check out what he pulled off during today's therapy session.

He gets so proud of himself when he accomplishes something new.

He's not alone.

The Big Weigh In

Keanut had a check up yesterday and several evaluations

this week.  So here's the scoop:

He has finally gained another pound.

At age 2 years and 7 months, he weighs in at 22 pounds and 6 ounces and

he is 32 inches tall.

So we are getting there.

Slowly.

Also, according to a couple of his therapists who

are doing evaluations to get this, prepare him to transition

into school next fall (yikes)--

he is testing at the level of a 1 year and 3 month old.

I look at it this way, he's my sweet baby

and I'll just get to enjoy him in that baby stage a lot longer than my others!

Snotsapallooza

Peanut woke up with a a good ol' cold this morning.

And while that's not so terrible (as long as he doesn't get worse as in hospital worse)

what is driving me CRAY-ZEY

is that he's finally figured out how to blow his nose.

 How wonderful you are probably thinking...

yes, it is a good developmental milestone,

until I tell you that he is constantly showing off this new trick

without a tissue.

He blows... and there it goes....

It's pretty gross.

You can thank me later for posting these pictures instead of

the ones I chose not to take.
P.S.  The "handsome"shirt is one he got for Christmas from G and G Klingler.  We LOVE it since that is our favorite name for him.

More Milestones

I had to hurry and finish that last post because Kean's Occupational Therapist, Maureen arrived.

And just to emphasize that he is making strides-- Keanut dazzled us during his hour session.

 After months of practicing and showing him-- he stacked blocks for the first time.

And he did it several times!

 But that wasn't all he had in his bag of tricks for the day;

for the first time he purposefully (is that a word?) put toys away-  -

blocks back in the bag in this picture.

He is finally starting to "get" processes.

And I'll tell you, my heart is smiling.

Big time.

The Peanut's Progress

Could I be any further behind on my posts?

Hold on everyone...   we have a lot to catch up on.

I probably ought to start with Kean.

 He must be what we like to call in a learning window-- 'cause the kid is blossoming.
He has mastered the art of pulling himself up to a standing position-- in his crib, to the couch, to a chair etc.
He, as of the week of Christmas, can walk along the couch-- which by the way, was our goal with therapy.
As evidenced by the picture below, his new- found reach is allowing him to get into all kinds of things.
In one fell swoop, he nearly destroyed the horsey mobile hanging over his crib. 
There used to be three other ponies sewn on those leather straps.
Sigh....

 He's also turned a corner in the communications department.
He now regularly signs more, all done, bath, night-night, eat, lion, monkey, bird.
And he has expanded his verbal repertoire to making several animal sounds, saying hi, bye-bye, up, dad-duh and momma.
And once in a while he will surprise us by mimic-ing a new word-- such as big.
He works so very, very hard.

 Thankfully, he gets an overabundance of help from his sisters.
In more ways than you can imagine.
Holland decided to do makeovers on her sisters....

And Kean couldn't be left out--I just wish I'd gotten close ups of his dainty painted toes and fingernails.

 Finally, at nearly 2 1/2 years of age, he has officially mastered crawling.
For months, he has done his army crawl-- well, the week of Christmas, he surprised us
with traditional crawling!!!!

I was excited when my girls reached each of these milestones.
But, everything with him is so different.
Each tiny goal we meet is hugely celebrated. 
I really couldn't have had a better Christmas!

Kean's WIndow

They say infants and toddlers have "windows" that open up where they

have accelerated learning.

I'm pretty sure Kean is in one of those right now.

He has all of a sudden started using his signs (sign language) that we've

drilled into him since pretty much day one.

He is routinely saying buh-buh while waving bye bye etc.

And then today (drum roll please)... we were sitting in church

and the little terrorist who has decided that he wants nothing

to do with sitting in church-- in the middle of his fit reached for

me and cried "Ma Ma".

That may not sound like a big deal to you...

but to hear him connect those words to me... was a much awaited for first!

I also thought I'd show you one of his new favorite work-outs in therapy with Maureen.

 She has this long tunnel made out of soft fabric that he loves to crawl through--

and he's not even scared.

Clearly, the other children like crawling through it too-- those are Holland's feet sticking out.

 That blob in the middle is actually Kean.

This little guy could give G.I. Joe a serious run for his money.

He has mastered the fine art of the army crawl-- and boy, oh boy can he move fast!

The Cat Walk

Oooh, I am so far behind on my posts.

I guess that just tells you we've been busy 'round here wrapping up summer.

Tonight Greer and Reese did makeovers on each other and then put on a fashion show for the family.

Thought you'd enjoy a little Fall Preview of what's hot and highly in style!

 Never a dull moment with those crazy girls around.

I also thought you'd like a little Kean update.

He's a movin' machine... if you're around him, you can testify to how amazingly flexible he is...

he can sleep folded over in half and easily do the splits.

 He's also mastered the army crawl--- crawling over sisters and everything else in his way!

He can easily get to a sitting position on his own

and today at church, he pulled himself up several times to peer at the folks sitting in the bench behind us!

I think he is trying to figure out this new ward (church congregation) as much as we are.

And finally, he can wave bye-bye and say buh-buh at the same time!

He just started that a few days ago and I tell ya, we are pretty thrilled.

Milestones

I have to tell you what Kean did this morning... it was sooo cute.

I got him up out of bed, changed his diaper and asked him if he'd like to go downstairs

and eat some breakfast or drink some milk.

He immediately took his index finger and started pointing to his open mouth...

as if saying "eat, eat"!

His intentions couldn't have been clearer unless he'd said it out loud.

It may be a small step for mankind...

but it was a huge step for the Kean-miester!

Look Ma!

It is official!

It is not a fluke!

Kean is crawling!

And while he won't win any awards for style or form... his army crawl is the real McCoy!

 It's as if all that work and practice has finally clicked. 
He's been doing it on and off, a bit here and there, every day this week.

He's worked so doggone hard!

You'll notice Reese right in there.

He has a built in cheering section at his side at all times.

P.S.  I heard from the doc today about his CAT Scan.

He wants us to come in tomorrow to talk and check some things.

It appears Kean's left inner ear has filled up with fluid again.

Likely, he'll have to go under again to get that tube in his ear replaced.

Stay tuned....

Keanut Update

Kean is so darn close to crawling.

When we practice with me working his legs... he's now doing most of the work.

And then today, I put a toy about six inches out of his reach... and he army crawled

(after a considerable amount of squirming and grunting)

to get it!

YIIIPPPPPEEEEE!

As for his medical update. 

We went in yesterday for a hearing test but postponed it

because he has wax in one of his ear tubes.

Today (we already had an appointment) we saw his E.N.T.

(Ear Nose and Throat doc)

The doctor tried cleaning the wax out...but couldn't get it.

So we now have to hope it somehow works its way out on its own

or he mentioned a surgery to put a new one in...

I won't let my head go there yet...

He also ordered a Cat Scan to see what's going on with the boy.

No worries, I'll keep ya posted.

These boots, oops, I mean legs are made for walkin'!

If you have no idea what my title is referring to... clearly you are either really young, not a connoisseur of hip music or have never heard of Nancy Sinatra!

Our little Kean has finally figured out that those legs and toes have a purpose.

Up until now, he's just used them to stick in his mouth or play with.

                                  He's putting weight on those little stumps... and you can tell he is so proud.

(We are too)!

I had to throw this picture in. 

The girls stayed up late Saturday night watching a movie.

Here's where we found H and G-- out cold.

I vaguely remember being able to actually sleep through the night

all skeewaumpous like this.



Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

Kean's making progress.  He looks better and sure acts better.

He LOVED having his sisters visit.

I think, perhaps, he missed the noise.

 Our biggest issue is that every time he goes to sleep, his oxygen levels plummet.

His doctor mentioned she might send me home with him on Oxygen.

I'll gladly take that.

But they are also watching his right lung.

He sounds much, much better.

But on an earlier X-ray, it looked as if he has some of his lung collapse or like he had some inflammation debris concentrated in that area.

 I took this picture a few minutes ago-- right before his nap.

Naughty boy.

He put the "E.T." red light foot sensor (that keeps track of his breathing, pulse, heart rate etc.) in his

mouth while I was changing his diaper.

He shorted it out.

So this is while we waited for a new one.

No big deal.

They're only a hundred clam shells each.  Yikes.

I should hear from his Doc this evening about the possibility of going home tonight or tomorrow.

Trying not to get my hopes up...

P.S.  He went from a prone position to a sitting position three times on his own today.

We've been waiting for this for months!

A round of applause for Kean-- Yeahhhhh!

Drum Roll Please...

Guess who has dazzled us with his latest feat?

 After much, much practice, our little McMuffin can finally sip out of a straw.

And now for his next trick...

Stay tuned.

Bat Girl and Her Super Sidekick, Kean

This week in preschool Reese is learning about the letter "N".

So why the bat mask, you may ask?

Because N is for Nocturnal... and she can even give you the dictionary definition.

Pretty impressive.

 At school, they read the book Stellaluna about the baby bat who is separated from her momma.

After many adventures, they find each other and they know each other because of their unique smell.

So Miss Amber gave each of the preschoolers a baby food jar with  a pretty hefty smell

 (Reese got vinegar).

The kids had to smell their jars, then leave their jars and go fly all around the house.

Finally, they had to go find their "babies"... by using their sense of smell.

Three of the kids (all girls by the way) found their "babies".

Reese was one of 'em.

No surprise there.  That girl is all about smells.

Every time we go into any bathroom, she has to smell the soap and have me smell the soap.

Trust me, it got rather tedious, but clearly she was training herself for the big bat test.

Now for a little update on Keanut.

Since our stairs are made of Copper and wood, we are improvising and going for a safer

practice area... hence the couch cushions.  Notice Reese in her normal position as Kean's cheerleader!

 We were back at the doctor's yesterday for a checkup on his "walking" pneumonia, which by the way,

we refer to as his "rolling" pneumonia since he's not walking or crawling yet.

He still has a lot of gunk in his lungs and a red throat... so we are still at the breathing treatments.

But he's happier and eating better.  He did lose almost a half pound though (yikes)!

I have to tell you, he is a changed baby since his ear surgery. 

I'm certain he can hear much better.

I walked into his room yesterday to get him up for a nap and without even saying a word,

he turned and looked at me.

That's the first time that's happened and my heart just soared!

He's also babbling and jabbering non-stop.

He goes for his big two hour sedated hearing testing next week.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up... but I think he's going to dazzle us all.

Flu Central continues.

Up four more times in the night with Reese.

She's fine except for the aches and a fever near 102.

But give her some medicine and she's back talking non-stop.

And  I mean non-stop!!!

The worst part of being sick for her is having to stay away from Kean.

From the couch she constantly calls out to him to tell him how much she loves him

or misses him.

It's really quite sweet.

Kean by the way, is now 17 months old.

Wow.

His front two teeth are coming in and he looks like a little boy now instead of a baby.

And as of yesterday, he has starting reaching out to me with his arms when he wants me to

pick him up.

It's a milestone I've been waiting for him to meet.

Can't begin to tell you how cute it is.