Catching Up...Again

1) Kai had his first dentist appointment. It actually went really well. If you told me he wouldn't mind the visit too much 10 months ago, I would have cast you a sideways glance. A year ago Kai was positively fit to be tied at the mere insinuation of a medical exam. It is amazing how much can change in a year. Kai's dentist and hygienist were sympathetic with the oral trauma he has had to deal with these past two years, so they were careful to make this initial visit as comfortable for him as possible. They counted his teeth and examined him for any signs of decay or cavities. I'm happy to report that his teeth look great! He will go back in the fall for some minimal cleaning. I really appreciate their concern for making a trip to the dentist a positive experience!
2) We were supposed to have our first cleft team visit last week, but too many variables were working against us and we rescheduled for next month. These visits can take up to 4 hours because we need to meet with so many specialists. This new date/time will work much better around his nap and won't involve rush hour traffic or snow. :)
3) We attended our first kiddie workshop at The Home Depot this weekend. Kai is on the young side for these activities, but the projects are simple and are definitely easy enough for him to create with a little adult support. This weekend, Kai made a flower planter. He wears a little Home Depot smock and gets a certificate and piece of flare after each project.
4)I took Kai to Stride Rite to check out their summer shoes and had his size re-measured just for kicks. We bought his last pair of shoes in early February and they measured him as a 5.5 wide. My jaw dropped when I was told that he was already a 6.5 wide. Thank goodness we made a trip to the mall that day, otherwise it could have been another few weeks before it felt necessary. He's a growing boy!
5)Naptime used to be tricky for Kai. I used to have to drive him around in the car FOREVER until he passed out. Napping on his own just made him too anxious to relax. After his surgery in January, Kai seemed to be fine laying in his bed until he fell asleep as long as I sat beside his bed. To avoid eye contact, (he would stare me down and do goofy things to make me laugh) I would sit with a blanket over my head and read with the aid of a book light until he fell asleep. It was a nice chance to catch up on my reading, but boy oh boy did it get hot under there! As of this week, Kai is falling asleep without me in the room during naps. In all honesty, I could have tried this a little sooner, but it gave me a good excuse to finish my book.
6) Kai's speech continues to impress us each week. We are looking forward to the improved sound production that Kai will experience once his palate closure is completed in June.

.....Okay, so here are today's pictures. 1) Kai stole Daddy's hat and is pacing around the hall with it 2) We caught Kai on the table that holds the t.v. receiver. He snatched the "childproofing button guard" and was pushing every button he could before the gig was up 3) Kai is wearing his Home Depot apron and is banging away at the nails as he builds his planter.