Reanimation, progress, progress, progress...

It's been quite a while since I posted. I suppose that's a good thing! We have all been very busy. Ryan started BOLC, Ethan started going to school, and Brynn and I are getting a little more quality time together.

Ethan was getting home-schooled, as you know, but he recently started going to his first grade class just a few weeks ago. He is really enjoying it and after only a week he decided he wanted to go from 2 1/2 hours a day to 4 a day. His class mates have received him well and he's having a lot of fun. This past Friday he had his first field trip to the Magik Theatre downtown. He got to ride the bus there too, which he couldn't wait to do! The only thing he is sad about is his upcoming homeschool teacher's departure. She has been meeting him at school to help with the transition. I think he only has her for a week more. He has really bonded with her and we're very grateful.

Bethesda, the hospital in DC which was interested in Ethan's possible facial reanimation, has been in contact with us and scheduled an appointment with us on February 15th. We still have no flight plans, but they have reassured me it will happen. I'm crossing my fingers as I think it is important for Ethan to get this consult. We are moving to Seattle in late March and, although there are doctors there that can review his case, it's more likely we'll have a second opinion if we get out to DC before we move. Plus, time is of the essence as they will be testing his nerves and muscles, reading reports and scans, and checking to see if there is any potential to reanimate his face. Nerves and receptors die out after a lengthy lack of use. It's a little nerve racking going through this process but we feel it's really important to investigate anything that could make Ethan's life a bit easier. A smile goes a long way...

We continue to go in monthly to get his blood drawn and it always looks good. He also had a recent MRI and his scans continue to be clear!!! They have talked about removing his port recently as well. I am hesitant, but they reminded me that if he gets sick with a fever he automatically has a hospital stay due to the port. That is motivation enough to get it removed! We'll see if anything develops further with the facial reanimation and then schedule the port removal based on any need for it or lack thereof. Ethan also continues to make progress. We've discovered he can stand unassisted for long periods of time - up to a minute or more. That is, not holding on to anything at all! He's not walking on his own yet but I am more hopeful than ever that he will some day. When he goes to school he uses his walker. His wheelchair is still needed for long walks and all day physical events, but he mostly relies on his walker. Also, he is becoming more independent when using the restroom, which is amazing!!! I think when we move into our new house in WA, which will be ADA, he will really flourish and become fully independent when it comes to things like the restroom.

Almost forgot to mention our Make A Wish trip. It was awesome. A perfect vacation for the kids. A non-stop theme park extravaganza. From Give Kids the World resort to Disney, Universal Studios, and Gatorland, it was a fastpaced, never get bored kind of trip! I'm not sure we will ever be able to top that vacation - at least from a kid's perspective. And, boy, did Ethan and Brynn deserve it!

We are very thankful things continue to look up for Ethan.

We wish you a lovely February! Thank you for keeping our family in your hearts.

<3 <3 <3