Wyatt Update

We haven't had one of these in a long while, which is a good thing. That means we haven't been to see any specialists. Overall, he's doing exceptionally well. Through the state's early intervention program we are working with a speech therapist, a physical therapist, and a developmental specialist. Thankfully, they all come to our home for his therapy sessions so we really haven't had to travel for medical care in months. He is not walking just yet, but is beginning to take a few independent steps. Now that we have one walker we are anxious to get the other one walking.

Wyatt and I traveled five hours round trip today to the big city to see the Pediatric Opthalmologist. You may (or may not) remember that Wyatt was diagnosed with Duane Syndrome, a congenital eye movement disorder, when he was 7 months old. Wyatt's left eye does not move laterally, or to the outside at all. This causes his right eye to cross when he looks to the left too quickly. He then compensates by turning his entire head so he can see clearly. There are varying degrees of severity and since it is a 'syndrome' there are other symptoms that can occur with it, some of which are very disturbing.

We received a very good report today. Wyatt has 20/20 vision, which I have no idea how they know that on a 15-month old, but I couldn't be happier. He will have enough visual challenges with Duane's. I would hate for him to have to contend with poor vision as well. His eye structure is perfect and the physician felt that his symptoms would not progress or worsen over time. Additionally, he is not a good surgical candidate which is a good thing because there is no real good surgery for Duane's. Basically, he got the best report he could have gotten for the condition he has. We are very excited!

Our First Real Pool Party

As usual, we are a bit behind here at Two By Two By Two. A few weekends ago we met up with JMom for some fellowship and swimming with her parents, her sister's family and K, P, and R. It was the first time our boys had been swimming in a real pool.

Parks was in rare form and only wanted to float in a small inflatable boat. He was completely laid back and showed absolutely no interest in socializing whatsoever. As long and J's niece was pushing him around the pool he was content.















Wyatt, on the other hand, would have nothing to do with the boat and only wanted to splash. So far, he has no fear of the water.

The Backyard Pool Party

We blew up the pool, set out the tent, filled the pool with hose water and released the hounds. The boys splashed about in their slightly chilled outdoor bath. Parks did not want to get out, but Wyatt did not last long in the pool. He was happy to go from lap to lap, play "patty-cake," and show a little game face.

A Few Things

Wyatt was sleeping so peacefully during his nap, we just had to take this picture.

I feel I need to catch everybody up on the latest and greatest with the boys. Wyatt is starting to take some steps, although he is still very hesitant and easily frustrated. I'm sure like everything else he does, he will not be doing it one day and then have it mastered the next. He has caught up with Parks verbally. Although he still does not know as many signs as Parks, he has a handful of verbal words at his command. They have started at a preschool in the mornings to get them around a few more kids their age. Parks is walking, and almost running, 80% of the time. He has a little mouthful of teeth now, and it seems more come in each week. He knows close to 10 sings that he can replicate on command.

Here is a picture of Parks and Wyatt with a friend of ours' two children, Ansley and Harper. Parks and Wyatt are the ones in the middle of the picture. This picture was taken last July when the boys were only a few months old.

The next picture is of Parks, Wyatt and Harper, with our boys flanking the outsides. Sorry, Ansley. This was taken in July of this year. It was scary to look at the three of them in a row. Visions of life with triplets about knocked us over. As you can see, the boys have made huge strides over the last year. Harper has more of the build of Wyatt but length of Parks.

Post Script: I don't want to even get started about what the boys are wearing.