Double Digits

Yes, that's right, Owen has officially entered the "double digits" age group! More on that later, I must update you on some "firsts" Owen has been able to experience in the last few days. :)

First on the list.....A Mini Vacay! Daddy finally had the weekend off so we decided to make the trek up to Cincy for some baseball, rest and, of course....shopping!

We stayed in Newport, on the river, in a hotel that we thought would be a fast walk to the stadium. We didn't think they would allow strollers into the ballpark, so we decided to use our carrier for our short walk.

Daddy took the trip over, and I carried him (almost) the whole way back. I should say, that I could feel every bit of the extra 21 pounds I was packing!

We had a great time at the game, and made it back to the room before Owen had a complete meltdown. :) (The kid HATES being hot...we need to move to Alaska for the summer!) He passed out and we had to wake him up the next morning in order to make check out on time! We then headed up to Monroe, to the outlets....yay! Owen did great. He strolled, laughed, slept, ate...you know, the good things in life. :) We found lots of good deals. (This was for Daddy's Father's Day and birthday) And of course adding to the ever growing wardrobe for Owen!

Our trip was short and sweet, but we soaked in every second of family time we had. I've realized that it's the small things in life that make us the happiest. When you have a baby that you were never guaranteed to see make it to 10 months old, it's those tiny milestones that you celebrate....everyday.

Hammin it up in the toy store!

All that shopping really wears a boy out!

Owen also made his first trip to the park this week! He loved watching the ducks, swinging and sliding, but his favorite was watching his silly Daddy! He had the belly laughs going watching him swing super fast!

He preferred to swing a bit faster than what Mommy was comfortable with!

At least Dad was having fun on the slide!

Getting in a quick snuggle with Mommy :)

Now on to our 10 month post....

At 10 months Owen:

* weighs 21 lbs

*is about 29 or so inches (Will know more accurately after our doctor visit Friday)

*Can *almost* sit up for a long period of time on his own

*Is an amazing miracle!

He is still getting therapy 4 times a week and doing wonderfully. To think, 6 months go he could not even lift his arm up while laying down, to what he is doing now is amazing! We are still working to improve his low muscle tone, which is what is causing the majority of his delays. He is, however moving at a rapid pace intelligently. :) (And know, I'm not just saying that because I'm his Mom- our therapists are constantly challenging his mind because he is catching on so quickly!)

Speech Therapy has really taken off recently. I blogged a few days ago about Owen's Food Play Time.  This is when I sit him in his seat, dump some baby food out and he.....plays! This is reinforcing positive association with things going in his mouth. And I'm happy to report that Owen took  3 bites of carrots off the spoon yesterday! This is HUGE for him! He also enjoyed 2 bites of Mommy's Orange Leaf Ice Cream. (We frequent Orange Leaf so often he recognizes the spoon, so we always get him his own!)

Speaking of food play, what does a boy get to eat on his 10 month birthday????

Cool Whip!!

Owen had a blast playing with cool whip today! He was a sticky mess, but he so didn't care! He took a few bites off my finger, and then licked his spoon and z vibe teether. :) I'm so proud of the progress he is making!

Thank you, thank you for all your prayers for Owen. We are headed up to Cincy this week for our monthly check up. We will also be saying good bye to one of Owen's favorite doctors. He has landed a job in Philadelphia and this will be our last appointment with him. Spending so much time in the hospital, and going to the doctor so often, we have become very close to our "hospital family" Although we wish him the best, we will miss him terribly!

Continue to lift Owen up in prayer. We still boldly pray for a miraculous healing. But we also know that God has a mighty plan for Owen, that can only be revealed in His timing. So we pray for guidance as we continue on our journey to transplant. Many of you know that the surgeons decided it be best to search for other kidneys, rather than use Michael's. My mom has been tested, and so far she is matching! There is a bit of a concern with her age though so Michael's sister has graciously offered to be tested after her sweet baby arrives in July! Pray that the Lord's hand is guiding every step and decision made during this process and we will walk in the will of the Lord as we wait for Owen's healing.

Happy 10 Months, Owen! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine life would be so wonderful with you in it! :)