Lots has been going on here. Quinton had his initial evaluations completed by early intervention in order to assess his abilities and determine what kinds of therapies he will qualify for. In most areas he fell somewhere in the 8 month old range and he qualified for speech, occupational, and physical therapy. We are so excited to get these therapies started and watch him grow even more. We took Quinton to the dr. yesterday and he weighed 20 lbs. 13 ounces. That means he has gained about a pound since coming home.
He is learning how to work cause and effect toys instead of just banging them together to make noise. He is up on all 4's a lot now-just about to crawl. He is standing on his own (bearing his own weight, just needing to hold a finger for balance) and he is transitioning from a sitting position to laying on his tummy. Before he just laid flung himself backwards and smacked his head and then rolled over to his tummy. He laughs and smiles all the time and is really seeking out attention.
Work is back in full swing. It is so hard being away from him all day. I told myself that I would stay after work everyday to prepare for the next day so that I would not have to bring work home with me, but I just can't. I am just itching to get my hands on him and hug him and kiss his sweet face. We have been very fortunate as far as childcare is concerned. We were going to put Quinton in daycare, but it was going to cost at least $600/month. Brian was going to have to work so much off duty to pay for it, he was hardly ever going to get to spend any time with Quinton. So, his supervisors graciously allowed him to come off of the dual sport bikes (first shift) and go back to second shift. This was a huge sacrifice for Brian too because he loves riding motorcycles all day, but he did it for his baby :) So, now Brian keeps Quinton until 2:00 everyday and then my mom comes home from work and keeps him until I get off work and go pick him up at her house. We love having him with family all day.
Brian is embracing fatherhood. I knew he would be great, but there really are no words to explain how incredible he is with Quinton. He shared this story on his facebook the other day:
I was at home depot with Quinton and this lady stops me and tells me what a blessing it is to have a child with ds. She has a 21 yr old with ds in college. Right as she said it I felt QB's shirt getting wet. He peed in my arms. lol And you know what? It made me smile. I love being a daddy. What a great day.
How sweet is that? I love him!
So, things have been busy but fantastic. Here are some pictures from our favorite photographer Alisa from Pumpkins and Pearls Photography :) Check out her website if you live in the Charlotte area and are looking for some awesome family pictures. She also designed us some beautiful custom thank you cards that we should be getting today! I can't wait to send them out!
Quinton is loving life and we are loving him. Thank you for helping us bring him home :)
