There are many updates, questions, and concerns that I don’t know where to begin. Tre` has come such a long way, it makes me so proud. For a child that wasn’t given much of a chance (even at life) he’s proven so many wrong. I was told that my child would be vent dependent for life. He'd be nonactive or never have use of his legs. We were even told that he wouldn't smile. Boy oh boy! I TOLD you so! We're just scratching the surface. He has major delays but everyday he does something new.

He still uses his G-Tube overnight for calories. However that may be shortly lived because he’s an eater! Ha ha ha! Oh boy he eats pureed foods or Gerber stage 3. I said Gerber because some of Beechnut stage 3 foods are too tough. Tre` hasn’t mastered the art of chewing. No way, get it in and down. No chewing. The ST (speech therapist) from EI (early intervention) is a little slow on her game. She’s more concerned with him speaking and playing but not with chewing. Well, any mom would like to see her child play and hear him/ her speak but chewing seems very important. Umm, choke hazards? He loves to feed himself (his hair, ankle, clothes, etc) chocolate pudding and yogurt. This child also has the audacity to have a temper tantrum when all the food is gone. This is the same child that refused ANY PO (by mouth) feeds!

He has a few "bad habits" with eating. For instance, he refuses finger foods (i.e. cookies, crackers, etc.) If he or anyone touches the food he won't eat it. However, if it's on a spoon he will attempt. No forks. He wouldn't even acknowledge you if you try to feed him with a fork. Spoon only! Lastly, if he gets food on his hand or fingers, he's done. Not only does he want to be cleaned up but dinner is officially over. It's ruined. There's a "claim" that I did the same thing as a child but there's no documented evidence.

We are talking, too. Both with and without the speech valve! He says words and phrases. Unlike his parents, he’s quick to talk you to death. OMG! You have NO idea. His favorite words are shared by many other two year olds: Mom, No, and Dad. He also likes, “I did it, Elmo, YaMa (GrandMa), Cock Cock (mean PopPop, hey you can’t correct everything), Morning, Night Night, Oh No, Bub (Bubbles), YumYum, Yuckie, Amen, Stop”, and MUCH more.

He’s tipping the scales at approximately 28lbs and 33in in length. He can wear a 4t but I dress him in 5t. I remember buying his outfits and they’d only be worn twice. Won’t get ME again, LOL!!! He’s in a size 5 diaper…snugly so I just started 6’s. They seem a little large but no one has invented a 5 1/2, yet.

We don’t have home nurses so as you all know we worked out a deal with his doctors by sending him to a medical daycare. It’s basically, a daycare with nurse staff and kids not ready for regular daycare (anywhere from allergies to g-tubes.) While I don’t care for daycares all too much, Tre loves it. It’s been a great developmental piece. He’s learning, making new friends, and he was awarded Class Cutest. LOL

He has a new nickname. The staff at daycare calls him Nature Boy. Well, he has a habit of disrobing and swinging his clothes over his head. At home it’s the clothes AND diaper (with or without surprises inside.) He finds his nakedness EXTREMELY amusing!