Victor is now 21 months. I have to admit that 19 months was my favorite age, not because of anything Victor was or was not doing but because it gave me extreme satisfaction to tell people that I had a 19 year old and a 19 month old. But alas, all good things must come to an end. 21 months, here we are. It blows my mind to think that in 3 short months he will be 2. I do believe he already thinks he's 2.
He hasn't been to the pediatrician since his 18 month check up so no official stats. He did see the endocrinologist last week (you might remember that about 20% of the children with his visual condition, also have endocrine issues) and weighed 24 pounds there, for people who keep track of these kinds of things. Thankfully, once again the doctor pronounced him clear of any endocrine issues and this time we don't have to go back for 2 whole years. Interestingly, she did shine a light in both eyes (not her job, but maybe she was just interested), and noticed that he squinted and squirmed a lot when she shone it into his right eye, but made no response to the light in his left. Funny how she could learn more in one non-torture exam than the eye doctor in multiple tortuous sessions. Maybe we'll just start seeing the endocrinologist for ophthalmic diagnoses. Anyway, someday I'll tell you how I really feel about the pediatric ophthalmologist but for now we'll leave it at that.
Another vision related development is we are certain he can see something more than light (take that, Mr. Ophthalmologist!). His favorite game these days is to take his bin of bean bags and randomly throw them all over the floor. When he can't find anymore in the box, he'll crawl to the ones he's already thrown, reaching right for them, not patting the ground to find them. You can take his cup and move it away from him, thinking you are hiding it, and he will grab right for it. He can't do it all the time, almost as if he needs to concentrate and work at it. Anyone remember when Heidi Baker prayed over him and said that his healing would be gradual? Yeah, me, too.
We still have therapists; speech, OT, and vision. Once the physical therapist saw him jumping on two feet and heard that he's climbing onto tables and up changing tables, she figured her time here was done. It's bittersweet to lose a new friend but to do so because of progress is a desirable thing indeed. And the speech therapist now only comes every three months, by mutual agreement. We were in agreement that Victor's speech, while delayed due to his lack of vision, was coming along and following the correct trajectory. Sure enough, just one month after she was last here, he has already made headway in all of her goals; to speak in 2 word phrases (his favorite being "more sing"), and to babble in play using both incoherent sounds and actual speech. She did not have singing on her list but singing, he is.
His current favorite songs are Old McDonald (he joins in on the E-I-E-I-Os), Apples and Bananas (he tries out all the words), and Peace, Peace - a Christmas song HopeAnne sings to him (he just repeats the title word over and over).
And most of all, he's become a little parrot. As I teach school, I often hear my words being repeated in the background. Ask him about it sometime, I'm sure he could give you an earful on Australia, desert animals, or long division.
This morning he fell and just barely missed hitting his head on a corner. I grabbed him and spontaneously said, 'Thank you, Jesus," and my little parrot, with a big smile on his face repeated, "Jesus!" I laughed and said, "Oh, Victor," and in his favorite growly voice (thank you, Isaac, for teaching him that one) copied, "Oh, Victor."
Oh, and the older kids taught him to beatbox. He's been beatboxing a good portion of the morning already. And his pants are falling down. We're in trouble.
So, those are all of our praises for our little Victorious Long Life of Faith in the One True King, otherwise known as Victor Noah King. How can you continue to pray for him?
Drool - not more, but less! Swallow, baby, swallow.
Temper tantrums - again, less, much less - He gets much more frustrated than any other child in this house ever did and it can't be managed in the usual ways. He will throw himself onto the floor and bang his head down hard or if standing, will throw his head back against the wall or the person holding him. We're trying to find ways to redirect but he's proving to be a toughie.
Health - He's had the usual toddler snotty nose. You know, take him to the church nursery on Sunday, get a cold on Tuesday, let it run its course and clear up by Saturday, and repeat. It's called building up an immune system. I'm an old mom, that's how we do things. There was one day when he sounded kind of wheezy to me so I called the pediatrician but they couldn't fit him in so they sent us to the ER where they sent us home with "just a virus." He also had the stomach bug a little over a week ago. He and Isaac had it the same day, no surprise there since they are inseparable. Thankfully, Victor's was a very mild case. So we ask for prayers for overall good health and that his immune system would fight off any attacks.
Eating - Victor eats large amounts (obviously) but has started to slow down, I assume because he's getting to an age where he isn't growing as fast and doesn't need all the calories. He isn't, however, a lover of a variety of foods. Can you say oatmeal, sandwiches, pizza, and yogurt? These are our stand-bys when he won't eat what has been offered. Fruits and vegetables are on his list of absolutely-not-going-to-touch-that foods. He's also not a fan of silverware and since using a spoon is his OT goal, well, let's just say I'm a little tired of the attempts and having Mr. Victor scream because I've tried to get him to hold that blasted spoon one more time. So, in a nutshell, we ask for less pickiness and more self-feeding.
Continued progress in speech, following verbal directions, and sight!
Thank you, all. What a blessing to know that Victor is covered by the prayers of so many friends and family members. He continues to amaze and glorify His Creator because he is victorious!
No comments:
Post a Comment