No More G-Tube!

Great news this week- Anthony had his g-tube removed! The GI doc and his pediatrician agreed that he's eating well and growing just fine, so it was no longer necessary. The procedure to remove it was very simple- Anthony didn't even seem to know anything was going on (the GI doctor even told us we could remove it ourselves if we wanted to- yikes!). Anthony just has to wear a band aid until it heals up. It's very nice to be able to rub his whole belly!

The tube was removed a lot earlier than anyone predicted. Once again our little Superman exceeds expectations!!!

Summertime

and the livin' is easy...

Cousins!

Anthony got to meet more of his extended family last night. The Tavellis were in town for a wedding, and Brian and Tracie hosted us for a BBQ at their house last night. It was great to see everyone and as usual we were all blown away by Tracie's magnificent culinary skills! Back row: Brendan and his girlfriend Mary, Tracie and Brian, Patrick (look how tall he is now!) and Mark
Front row: Teresa holding the little guy, Susan and Paul

Teresa and Mark, Brian and Tracie, and Susan and Paul are first cousins, but we're not sure what we call the other relationships (for example, Anthony to Patrick, Susan to Brendan). Second cousins? First cousins once removed? We'll have to look it up.

Making a splash! A wonderful day!

Auntie Pat had quite a visit! She was game for anything and Anthony soon had her doing all the fun things he loves to do -- like eating!

...but Pat found time for some fun, too, like going out for dinner and bending the elbow with Paul's mom, Grandma Jeanne! Fun for the whole family!

Saturday was a day for big adventures as we all bravely took to the pool for Anthony's first swimming lesson! Yes, five months may seem a little young, but it's actually a great time for babies to start learning, as their reflexes are perfect for the water at this age. Still, being nervous NICU survivors, we checked with all of Anthony's doctors beforehand and everyone agreed that learning to swim early is a safe and very positive thing that will only serve to help Anthony's development -- plus, it's a lot of fun!

We were all a little nervous and careful not to overdo it, but when the whole family's in the water together, it's comforting and reassuring for everyone!

Plus, we had Auntie Pat on hand to take these amazing pictures of the day and to act as Anthony's very own personal lifeguard. What wonderful shots she took of our little Aqualad!

It took some bravery from all of us, but we ended up having a wonderful time! Such an adventure and Anthony always amazes us at how strong and up for anything he is! What a little champ! Learning to swim is important!

Later on, Auntie Pat looked after Anthony and let mommy and daddy have a date! We went to see the new Harry Potter movie which we just loved, loved, loved! Guess it was just supposed to be a magical day for everyone!

Pat, we miss you already! You are such an amazing Auntie! Come visit me again soon!

Auntie Pat is here!!!

It's true -- the first of our amazing New York relatives has arrived to meet Anthony! Aunt Pat is here!

We are all having a wonderful time and Anthony is getting more attention than a pie at a picnic!

Little Buddies

Here's Anthony hanging out with the fellas at Hudson's house...

Early Intervention

Occupational Therapy?! That's ridiculous!!!

You talkin ta me?

Sitting in the chair like a big boy

Daddy got his hair cut just like me!

Yesterday we met with Anthony's Early Intervention Team for his initial assessment. Early Intervention is a service through Portland Public Schools for kids with special needs: your tax dollars at work! Anthony qualifies because he has Down syndrome. Plus, when you spend your first 3 months in the hospital, sometimes you need a little catching up!

The team consisted of an education specialist, physical therapist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist (no, we're not going to make Anthony get a job yet. At his age, occupational therapy is really the same thing as physical therapy- it probably involves things like picking up cheerios, etc). Anthony had a pretty good time- he got to be held and fawned over by a bunch of ladies, which he's missed since leaving the NICU, and he played with some toys. They gave us some general tips, such as encouraging him to turn his head more and other things to work on his neck strength. They will send us a full report, and then the next step will be to set us up with therapeutic services (such as physical therapy) on an ongoing basis. They will even come to our house and daycare if we want. We've heard good things about the program, and so far we agree that everyone seems great.

We are finding that it's important to keep all this in perspective, otherwise we could wind up going to therapists and appointments all the time. We need to make sure Anthony has lots of time and opportunities to just be a baby! As it is, he has a regular pediatrician, a developmental pediatrician and nutritionist, and now the Early Intervention Team. The goal of these services is not really to have Anthony reach his milestones faster (do any of you know at what age you got good head control, or started to crawl?), but rather to make sure we do all we can to help him reach his potential, and also to avoid the development of bad habits that could lead to orthopedic or speech problems later on.

Anyway, as you know, we think Anthony is perfect how he is. Here are some new pictures to enjoy!!!

Trek in the Park

You've heard of Shakespeare in the Park? Well, yesterday we had the pleasure of attending the premiere performance of "Star Trek in the Park" in which a group of actors recreated the classic "Amok Time" episode from TOS (that's The Original Series). A good time was had by all!

Here's a video of the awesome Fight to the Death between Kirk and Spock (Note Kirk's ripped shirt):

And a link to an Oregonian story about the show:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/the_final_frontier_trek_in_the.html

A Whole New World - First trip to Day Care!

A quick post today, as Anthony is having a big nap, home happy and safe from his first day at Day Care! Mommy and Daddy sure felt guilty and full of anxiety about it, but we believe we have really made a good choice with the people they've chosen -- they are caring and responsible and it feels like a good fit for our boy! Such a big decision and it took a lot of bravery for us to leave Anthony, but he had a great day and lots of little adventures with wonderful, kind people watching over him! How wonderful it was to see him recognize us at pickup time and then bring him home! Every moment is so precious!

Anthony is getting very excited because he has heard that his New York Aunties are at last starting to make plans to come visit! Let the exodus begin!!!

Happy Fourth!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

FROM A HAPPY LITTLE FIRECRACKER!