The Strike Comes To An End!

There may be a few people out there ready to call 911 to report that I've gone more than a week since posting an update. The last time I went this long between posts, we were waiting for files to arrive at our agency for review... almost a year and a half ago.

I've been on a bit of a strike because my work schedule has been thrown off with exhausting meetings and a bit more "overtime" at home with Shawn also in work overload.

Ian has been in a bit of limbo in terms of exciting adventures since coming home from Idaho. After thinking about it, I've decided that's a good thing. The fact that he has fallen into a bit of a lull might just mean he's closing the gap on everything he (and we) missed out on in his first 19 months.

Speaking of closing the gap, he had a long delayed speech therapy appointment. We had to cancel twice due to hectic schedules and the amount of change he has made since she saw him last is remarkable. We're to the point that he understands more than he doesn't and is talking up a storm. He is due for another hearing test and I'm curious to see how his results compare to December's. He shows almost no negative impact from his Microtia/Atresia and we just don't even think about it much. Before we travelled to China, I never would have believed it if someone told us our experience would be so problem free. We feel like the luckiest parents to have such a great kid.

He still loves his books (and loves to REEEE-T!) and couldn't care less about TV. He likes fruit and anything with protein, but not a big fan of bread (half of what they feed at school). He loves milk and water (but has a sweet tooth for smoothies and ice cream) and loves to brush his teeth.

Grandma Trish started her Friday duty last week and it went great! They played, read books, strolled the neighborhood, and even stopped for ice cream. He's looking forward to another great day this Friday (and many Fridays to come) with her. Thanks so much Grandma Trish! We can't tell you what it means for you to have this time with Ian.

Below are a handful of pictures from the week. The last few show how Ian prefers to eat breakfast... Bowl, truck, dust pan, train... anything goes. All I know is, kids forced to eat at the table lead boring lives!

Hanging out in the jungle (aka the backyard)

His legs look so long here! Hard to believe he could fit in the sink less than 9 months ago!

Giving dad a ride on his red convertible (mom, the roof never did fit, but he loves to push it around the yard as is)

Trying on Shawn's hockey helmet. Just think...only another couple of years until he can start getting on the ice!

His breakfast was transferred from plate to bowl, and now to truck... and sorting fruit from eggs back into the bowl.

Now that the fruit is sorted out, he can enjoy his egg-in-a-truck (and yes, that's dirt in the truck. A mom can only do so much... dirt+food=antibodies...or so I keep telling myself).

The fruit moved from the bowl to the dustpan (part of a toy and not really used for sweeping).

...And then from the dustpan to his train, which he rode around the room and ate until his fruit was gone. Whatever gets the job done!