I know it has been awhile. After everything calmed down with Russell, I realized my depression was still there. I had been feeling depressed since last March or April but I always blew it off for one reason or another - pregnancy, Russell's diagnosis, worried about surgery, postpartum and so on...My Doctor, Matt and I talked and tried different medications and strategies to help fight the depression. I think we finally found a good solution. It may need to be tweaked in a couple of months once we really see how the newest medication works for me but I'm back on my feet and feeling good.
So, what has happened the last three months? A lot. Russell is 8 months now and thriving. He went to the neuro clinic at Children's earlier this week. They said if he had some of the same capabilities that a 2 month old did, they would be ok with that. They placed Russell in the 4-6 month range. In addition, he had a 6 month review with the Wonderland speech and occupational therapists. They put Russell's development at a 5+ month old level. He has met most of the goals we set for him 6 months ago.Granted, he is still a bit behind but considering he had heart surgery and has Downs, he is doing really well. All the professionals are really happy with him.
Children's also said that language can be a sign of intelligence. Russell likes to talk A LOT. He can say "baba," "mama" and when he is really in distress, "dada." I'm his clear favorite which is a great feeling. I get lots of smiles, laughs and conversations that Matt says he doesn't get.
We ordered Russell bifocals last week. They should be in this coming week. The sample ones were so cute. The bifocals will help him see up-close without turning his eyes inward and decrease the rapid eye movement.
Travis is 2.5 now. He loves Russell. Even the Wonderland therapists have noticed how good Travis is with him. Travis runs down the hall and then slows down and walks carefully by Russell.
Travis is a gamer. He is better at video games than I am and tells me what to do when I play. The other night Matt was taking Travis down to bed and asked if he wanted his tablet. Travis said, "No, iPad." Matt asked again and got the same response. We're not sure where he figured out iPad, it must be from his Grandad (Matt's Dad). He is the only one that has an iPad. He knows all of the letters, just not in order. Travis also likes to talk A LOT. He is full of energy and we are having so much fun with him.
