Welcome to Toddler-hood, CJ!

A lot of new changes have happened in the last month! Especially with CJ! He has started walking!!! On top of that he is a major climber... and talks back. Honestly, this is all for us at this age... as Will was a pretty easy, low-key toddler. I was spoiled... until now. CJ has been ahead of the game since he was born! He was able to roll completely over by 2wks old, had great head/neck control since birth and said "Mom" at 2mo old. Its so neat to see how each boy is growing up and developing. :)

Aside from that, he started doing "weird" things shortly after he turned one... head tics, twitches and bobbing. I kept an eye on it for about a month and when it didn't go away (it steadily got more frequent) I took him to see his doctor. (Even though someone thought I was being a worry-wort.) I described what was happening and she immediately got quiet and just listened. Then before she said much else, she excused herself to consult with the head Pediatric doctor. When she came back, she said it could be a weird quirk that he has and might grow out of it (if that was the case he'd quit shortly). But, she didn't think it was. What she talked to me next about damn near overwhelmed me... She said it might be Atonic Seizures and they want him to get an EEG done. After we talked about it she gave me some mommy homework and a hug then we went on our ways. (I just adore the boys' doctor! As she not only takes me seriously, but cares and listens.)
Since that appointment, I've made it my goal to capture his bobble head thing on camera! I've only managed to get one little snippet, but I'll keep trying to get more.

Originally, I was not going to say anything until after we knew one way or another. But, with his EEG fastly approaching I need prayers for an answer. I am okay if he is diagnosed with it and I'm okay if he's not. I just want an answer. We all just want an answer.
Atonic seizures are not life threatening and are drug resistant. So, the only treatment is a special helmet (if serious head injury started to occur). Also, unlike most other seizures that have loss of memory or consciousness, atonic seizures don't affect that part of the brain. It deals with muscle control- mainly of the head and neck, but can later affect limbs. Basically, you can continue a conversation while having a seizure, but your neck/head would look limp as you'd lose muscle control for a few seconds. Also, these types of seizures have no triggers- they just happen randomly. It doesn't affect development either.

Anyways, other than that he is doing fantastic!!

 He LOVES the vacuum.

 He is such a ham.

My Preschooler

Its official- Will is a preschooler. He absolutely loves going to school! His teachers (Miss Nickie and Miss Lisa) are so kind and caring with him. I'm not sure who likes his teachers more- me or Will. It is really weird not having Will home two days out of the week, but at the same time it is nice to get to know CJ better. On the days he has school, we walk to and from (which is 2 miles round trip). Most of the time Will does great, but two of the times it would have been easier to bathe a cat. I really enjoy the walking... I just wish the weather would cooperate!! I'm starting to think I should get one of my dad's postal shirts that says, "Rain, Sleet, Snow or Sun... we'll be there." (Well, it says something like that.)

Also, I LOVE being one the mom end of the preschooler!! When I worked with kids (home daycare and school age kids) I loved making things with the kids, but at the same time couldn't wait to be on the receiving end of the art work and crafts. Although, I may need a bigger "refrigerator" to display it all. :)

So... between preschool and speech therapy,  I am taking Will somewhere four days out of the week! Definitely keeps us busy.

 My handsome boy.

 Sponge painting with me.

 His "first" day of preschool outfit...

March brings big changes!

In the coming weeks we have a lot of changes! Will will be starting preschool and James starts a new job on the 26th (my birthday).
We will know Will's exact start date after his IEP meeting on the 15th. So far I am very impressed with the program and teachers. They have two blended classes of 16 (which means 1/2 the kids are special needs)... but, they are creating a 3rd class consisting of 8 kids for Will to be in!! I am so happy with their compassion to set Will up for success and not failure (CV district wanted him to fail and own my son). Miss Michelle from Rite Care has been a true blessing from God! She has taken time off to attend the school meetings and be an active part in getting him into preschool. I honestly, think things would have gone much differently if she wasn't here for Will. I just adore her!

Growing into a toddler

CJ had his one year baby check-up on Valentine's Day. It went really good! He's in the 50th percentile on height and weight, but closer to 90th for head size. His weight was 22.8 lbs and he was 29.5 in long... his head was 19.5 inches in circumference! So, he's doing good and learning new things every day.

CJ's first birthday!!

Here are some pictures of his birthday! Only a few people showed up, but we made the best of it.

Big man Will

At our last WIC appointment I was lectured on Will's size, BMI, and anything else related to weight. (He's in the 98th to 100th percentile for his age- he's 50lbs and 43+in tall; he wears size 6/7 clothes and 10 1/2 kid shoes. He's BIG, but he's not fat.) According the the charts/graphs that WIC and his doctor look at to chart his growth, he's overweight and his BMI is too high. I understand they have to use something to compare kids, but when did they stop considering different body types and muscle mass? Will is stronger than most 12yr old's. (No, I'm not joking.) He can rearrange any furniture in his room (except his bed as it is awkward) without thinking twice about it or breaking a sweat. He's pure muscle compared to most kids his age. In fact he's built like my brother Leevi (who played many sports, but mainly football and wrestling). My brother is a very strong, muscular guy... at Will's age would throw tables and chairs around if he didn't get his way (okay, maybe not tables... but he could if he wanted to).

Anyways, I'm so sick and tired of WIC bullying me about my kid's weight!! UGH!! Will IS a BIG kid and I won't deny that, but that does not give anyone the right to give my kid a complex about weight. He's 4 1/2 yrs old and I'd like to keep him a "kid" a bit longer. The last thing I want is either of my boys growing up with self esteem issues like I did (I still struggle with it). If he was fat I wouldn't take offense, I'd ask for advice.