Justin Update

Here's some of Justin's latest accomplishments:

1. We are SO close to crawling! He is getting up by himself and rocking on his hands and knees! And if we have something very enticing out in front of him (like something he is not supposed to have for example...) he will crawl with even Randy or me holding up his chest with one hand. And he will do it anywhere now, not just at therapy.
2. I told you last month that he sat up by himself in bed once, and then he didn't do it again for a while. Last week he started doing it in bed again, and now he can sit up from being on his belly whenever he wants. That is so amazing since he started being more curious and he falls on his stomach from sitting when he is reaching for something, and then he gets stuck. Now he can get himself up without needing our help. Which is good, because sometimes Travis is the first person to get to him, and that isn't always the help he needs!
3. We have been working toward picking things up with a pincher grasp (thumb and index finger). Most often he uses the palmer grasp, using the palm of his hand, and all fingers together. I thought the next step would be the pincher, but apparently there are 2 intermediate steps I didn't know about: the ulnar grasp and the radial grasp. Ulnar is the outside of your palm and the pinkie and ring finger, and then the radial is the inside of the palm and other 2 fingers (index and middle) and then the radial grasp evolves to a pincher grasp. Again, learning so much, I am! So, during therapy Miss Caroline has seen him use the radial grasp (the direct precursor to the pincher) several times! And today during lunch I broke up his veggie sticks into smaller pieces to get him to pinch, and he did it! Once... And then it was back to one of the other ways, but at least I know he can do it. I know it takes a while for new things to stick, and if nothing else through this process, we are developing patience.
4. I never would have guessed it last year when Justin's arms flailed around constantly, but he has turned into the very best hugger! When I pick him up, he grabs on for all he is worth. And when he sits facing me, he grabs around me with both arms and squeezes tightly. I actually just started paying attention and it just melts my heart. The combination of his doting expressions, belly laughs, and loving cuddles are making this a great phase of Justin's life.
5. Justin is growing! His 18 month appointment showed that he tips the scales at 17 lbs. 7 oz. That still puts him below the 5% mark, even on the DS chart. But he has put on more than 3 lbs since his 12 month check-up. The doctor wants him to have the synegis injections again this winter, and the dosage is determined by weight, and our co-pay is determined by dosage, so really, a smaller boy is to our advantage for a while. That plus the no-walking thing makes me more than okay with a smaller Justin.

That's about it for now. These have been some good days. Thanks for all your prayers. They are making a huge difference in our little boy's life.