Time sure does fly!

I can't believe that my Tanner is already almost 9 months old! It has gone by so quick!

Tanner now weighs over 20 pounds and wears size 12 months or bigger clothes! He has mastered sitting for the most part, but still gets tired quickly. Needless to say, I am so proud of him! He has started to try to get up on his hands and knees, he is so close! He will stay for a couple of minutes if placed in that position and will rock back and forth, so cute! He also scoots backwards! For some reason he prefers to go backwards instead of forward. He is also getting good at pivoting while on his belly. He is becoming such a big boy!

We have pretty much reached the belief that he doesn't have feeling in his ankles or feet, as he never moves them and doesn't respond to touch or poking for that matter, but he will bear weight on his legs for 10-30 seconds at a time now, and is getting better. The docs say he will walk, but he does things in his own time, so I just need to be patient and enjoy him while he is still little.

So far still no cathing, but he has another urodynamics test and renal ultrasound scehduled at the beginning of October. I'm hoping and praying that things are good!
He still eats stage 2 baby food, but is learning to pick up cereal and freeze-dried yogurt snacks. We are gradually introducing some stage 3 foods as he has been gagging more frequently. This worries me, but I'm trying not to let it freak me out.

Tanner had an evaluation for Occupational Therapy, but it was determined that he is above or where he should be for his age group, so no OT for now. But we will be doing another evaluation in about 6 months. He has Physical Therapy once a week, and since we got a new Physical Therapist... the difference is amazing! I am so happy with the new PT! It's amazing how big of a differnce having a PT that is familiar with Spina Bifida makes! I am so glad I stood up for what I knew my son deserves! We also have a Develomental Specialist come twice a month. Appointments have slimmed down considerably, its nice to just enjoy my boy!

Tanner loves to play peek a boo, is learning to wave bye-bye, and love to shake his head back and forth, and nod his head up and down. He is learning to imitate things we do, and it is so cute! He is also really into exploring everything around him. He loves books, he can sit and look at the same book for minutes upon minutes. His other favorite toy is this old tv remote that his dad gave him. It's amazing how much he loves that thing! He laughs at almost everything and is such a funny kid!

Tanner has taught me to enjoy the little things and not dwell on things that I cannot change. He has taught me to love with no boundaries and that life is a gift no matter what!

Anyway, I think I've written a novel. I'm so proud of my son & things are better than I could have ever imagined that they would be!

I still have my days where I am mad and sad about how things are, but with each day it gets better.