Our Many Updates...

Wow, I haven't updated in a while!! Oh where to begin... Landon had his nephrology and opthamology appointments several weeks ago. Both appointments went so well! Landon's electrolytes all were in a normal range and we cut back a bit on his sodium. The really awesome thing is, and I often forget this, that Landon is getting taller and gaining weight (he is a little over 30lbs now) and we have not had to increase his medication based on his weight. I take that back- we have increased his thyroid medicine because that was just a bit out of range and his Cystagon but both of those are to be expected. It's really great that we haven't had to increase his supplements because he is getting bigger. We actually keep looking for opportunities to cut some of his medicines back and have been able to do that on several occasions. His eye appointment went just as well. I really do adore his doctors. I don't know how we were so blessed with all of these extraordinary doctors and therapists who treat Landon as if he were their own and who are super smart and good at their jobs. Anyway, his opthamologist was so pleased with what he saw as far as the crystals in Landon's eyes. He had another physician come to check out the crystals and she was very intrigued. I almost asked if I could check them out but I didn't want Landon to have to cooperate a moment more than he already was because he did so well during the appointment. He listened and followed instruction SO well. I am so proud of him. Our other good news was that Landon's eye sight is great. At our last visit, there was some concern that his eye sight may not be good. Glasses wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, by far, and he would be stinkin' cute in glasses but I have to admit that it's something I'm glad we don't have to worry about right now. The chances of him needing glasses, well both of our boys needing them, is pretty good since Jimmy and I both have not so great eye sight. Oh yeah- so we learned that the crystals around about the same, in amount, as the last visit. This bummed me out a bit because I was hoping to hear that they decreased, but the doctor said that if the crystals remain as they are now that he will be thrilled. He was very happy to hear that Landon is not experiencing any discomfort or light sensitivity yet. What else? Well, Landon had his first pre t-ball practice this weekend. Yes, my baby is playing sports. It was kind of emotional, actually very emotional, for me. Lots of thoughts and emotions came over me as I watched him carry his ball to the car with Jimmy. Jimmy said that he is the smallest kind on the team, although there is one little girl who is close to his size. Our hope for this is simply that he will begin to learn how to be part of a team and follow instruction. The bonus was that he hit the ball of of the tee. I'm so excited to see him play! I remember learning about Cystinosis and being so scared of what our life would look like. At the time, the doctor assured me that Landon would be able to play sports and go to school... And here we are... In other news, my baby will be 4 in a little over a week. Yes, 4. I can't believe it. The "baby" in him is barely visible anymore. I can't necessarily say that I feel sad because he has been through so much and I'm so excited for where he is now as far as his health. And it's so cool to be the mom of a preschooler, although sometimes I feel totally unprepared for the task. This evening Landon, Jimmy and I watched a movie and then Landon and I played Memory (he beat me, legitimately) and then we played a board game. How cool is that?! Guess who else is growing up? Jordan. Oh Jordan.. Our 14 month old is starting to take some steps. I love seeing how proud he is as he stands independently. He has a bunch of other tricks too... He has hand motions for the songs "Wheels on the Bus" and "Pat a Cake." He loves when we sing and dance. He gets the biggest smile on his face and he absolutely melts my heart. He raises his hands to the air when we say, "how big is Jordan?" He is becoming more affectionate now. Before he wouldn't sit still long enough to give hugs but now he loves being close to us and gives big hugs and sometimes says, "awwww..." as he does it. He has also started giving kisses with his mouth wide open. Landon never did the open mouth kisses and I have to say, it cracks me up. It is so easy to make him laugh and he often laughs so loud and so hard that it makes us laugh. He and Landon were playing a game of "toss the teddy bear" in the back seat today and he was hysterical. I forgot how much fun this age is.. It seems like he is learning and growing so quickly. Oh I just adore these two little boys...