Smarty Pants

Layne may not be a 3 year old mentally, but he is one smart kid. He knows alot of words we are saying to him. Some examples are when we ask him "do you want some water", he does his sound for yes I want that. He knows "do you want to take a bath", "do you want to go night-night", and when we say " do you want to brush your teeth" he opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue and gets ready. A few more he knows are "do you want to go home", "are you ready to go to school", and "do you need a new diaper".

I am so happy he is able to communicate with us in this way. It is helpful, but there are still times when we don't know whats wrong, like maybe he has a headache, but we will never know.

Glasses, School, and Horseback Riding

I'm behind on posts! Layne started school the day after his 3rd birthday. I figured he would hate it and scream the entire time! He only goes for an hour right now and he is doing really well! He cries when we drop him off but they play with him and get him happy again!!!

A couple of weeks ago Layne got glasses! Turns out he is a little far-sighted in addition to the visual impairment. So they said we could try out glasses and see if it helped. They do seem to be helping a little bit!!

Last Wednesday Layne started riding horses as therapy! He seemed to like it! His aunt Bonny rode with him, so that made it better!!! We will go every Wednesday if we can!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Layne!!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Layne!! I can't believe he is already 3! Time flies even when it's not always fun! Layne has grown so much since he was born, the top picture shows that!!! We aren't having his party until he's off the ketogenic diet so he can have birthday cake! Can't wait for that!!!

I know that during the past 3 years Layne has inspired many people and I hope he continues to do that forever!! We love you Layne!!!

Dentist

Layne had his very first dental check up yesterday. We learned that his teeth are pretty good. He has some discoloration and the dentist said that is from something in his diet, i.e. to much iron or something like that. She said when he is older he can have his teeth polished. It made me feel better because now I know it's not because I'm bad at brushing his teeth or something like that! He will need to see the dentist every 6 months.

Hospital Stay

Last week Layne had to stay in the hospital for a 24 hour urine collection. He has been having a lot of crystal like white powder in his diaper. It takes about 2 weeks to get the results, so we are waiting on those.

Other than that he is doing ok. We are getting close to the end of his Ketogenic diet wean, so I am excited about that! He is also starting school very soon! He has to turn 3 first which is only 2 weeks away!! I am really nervous about school but I know he will be in good hands!!

The Special Child

You weren’t like other children,
And God was well aware,
You’d need a caring family,
With love enough to share.
And so He sent you to us,
And much to our surprise,
You haven’t been a challenge,
But a blessing in disguise.
Your winning smiles and laughter,
The pleasures you impart,
Far outweigh your special needs,
And melt the coldest heart.
We’re proud that we’ve been chosen,
To help you learn and grow,
The job that you have brought us,
Is more than you can know.
A precious gift from Heaven,
A treasure from above,
A child who’s taught us many things,
But most of all- “Real Love”Author Unknown

The Empty Spot

Before I decided to try for a second baby, I did alot of thinking. Sometimes I wondered if a new baby would fill that empty spot in my heart. The empty spot that was there from all I have missed out on with Layne.

It didn't.

I love having Lexi here now and I'm enjoying her everyday, but it doesn't fill that spot. It makes that spot even bigger. Because now I really know what I missed with Layne, and in a lot of ways I long for that. I want to see him do the things Lexi does. I want to see him stare into my eyes and smile the way she does.

It's hard to realize, he may never do the things she can do. But life goes on. Deep inside I will always wish Layne could be "normal" but I will still love him with all my heart every single day.