Mind & Body

I stopped adding words to the list of "Stuff Ayden Says" because I can't keep up with his growing vocabulary! Not only does he know enough words to communicate with us, but he also readily repeats new words when we offer them. Bryan and I now intentionally work on combinations of words, such as "help please" or "open please" or "bye, Jude." We also get him to tell us sequence of events: for instance, if Bryan is going to read him a book before bed, Ayden will say, "Boop. Night, night." (I am learning that the "k" and "c" sounds can be difficult for toddlers and often sounds like "p" or "t" instead.) My favorite thing Ayden says is "Oh, man!" He uses it in the correct context, such as when he receives consequences for bad behavior, when he can't make one of his toys do what he wants it to, or even when he strains during a bowel movement.

 

We love how well Ayden is picking up new words. Verbal communication certainly takes away some of the frustration of telling us what he wants and needs. We are amazed at how much he learns and how willing he is to try. His new LeapFrog computer (thanks Uncle Ryan and Aunt Cat!) has taught him to say all kinds of random animals, like newt or ox, and he can now tell us the first three letters in his name. He gets stuck after "d" and usually goes back to using another "y," so his name is more like "A-Y-D-Y-D." In addition, Ayden has learned almost all of his body parts, and he makes attempts to complete "Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes," which is one of his favorite songs.

 

Ayden's little brain is clearly kicking into high gear with all the things he is learning to say and do. When he got his new orthotics (now the shoe inserts, instead of those foot and ankle supports), he wanted so badly to put his new orange (of, course) and gray shoes on his feet. He desires more and more to be an active participant in his daily care.

 

 

 

 

 

In physical therapy, Ms. Kristin works with Ayden on climbing stairs, jumping, walking on a line or balance beam, kicking and catching balls, balancing, running, etc. He really works hard for her, and she rewards his efforts by allowing him to slide or swing.

(Ayden's neck is bruised from his heart cath.)

Eating is constantly on our minds, though less so these days. When Ayden got sick for two weeks in early March, he really struggled to eat and drink all that was necessary for him to stay hydrated, and Bryan and I had to put the feeding tube back in. After a couple of weeks, we were able to pull the tube again, and it's stayed out since then (almost three months!). During this eating recovery, Ayden has increased his fluid intake to 34 ounces, a combination of V8 Fusion juice, whole milk, Boost Kids Essentials 1.0 chocolate toddler formula, and water. He also eats three meals of pureed foods. We are now officially making progress toward biting and chewing; his favorite foods to munch on are pizza, bread, cheese puffs, blue Air Heads, Oreos, cinnamon graham crackers, bananas, Ritz crackers, and french fries (especially Five Guys'). We now give Ayden some of the foods we are eating at dinner, so he can sample them. So far he really likes to eat tomato sauce with a spoon! He still isn't chewing and swallowing what he chews (he spits it out instead), but he is at least making a sincere effort to chew in the sides of his mouth. Ayden also has begun to feed himself more often, which shows great initiative from him and makes our job considerably easier. His feeding therapist, like his physical therapist, is thrilled with his continued progress and overall enthusiasm. If we had just a few more months before surgery, I think we could have him on a fairly normal toddler diet. Now we can all just be prayerful that he'll go right back to eating and drinking after surgery!

 

Ayden is such a cool kid. I admire and adore him, and I am such a better person for having been part of his struggles and successes. Bryan and I eagerly await the days that we can introduce him to so many of you who have supported and loved on him since his birth two years ago!

BONUS: Ayden wants to be like Daddy, even if it means looking like he just had wisdom teeth surgery.