Life Continues

So the seizures are still happening 2-3 times a week, but Ben is handling them really well. He's a tough little guy. Really tough. And so, life seems to be OK despite those seizures.

Ben is eating well - when he so chooses! He is very clear about what he likes and dislikes, but communicates it in a much different way than Chloe did. He just opens his mouth for food he likes, and keeps it closed for food he doesn't like - all the while looking straight at us with a smile on his cute little face. No fuss. Chloe was much more involved in her communications!

Today, for the first time ever, I saw Ben go up on his hands, and then pull his legs underneath him. He got into an all-fours position all by himself. He's been working on that move for months but when I saw it today, I yelled to Sami and Chloe, "Did you see that?! Did you see what he just did? Oh my god, he just got up on all fours! Did you see it?" They were both a little startled by the intensity of my reaction.

I ask Ben's neurologist every time I see him, "Will Ben walk? Will Ben talk?" The answers to those two questions has always been, "I don't know. Only time will tell". Last week, Dr. Sullivan changed his response. He answered, "Yes." Tears came to my eyes (as they are now just thinking about it). I feel like if Ben walks and talks, then he will have an acceptable quality of life. He will be able to handle anything else. I hope that's true.

Ben laughs out loud all the time now. The other day I picked him up like a sack of potatoes, and he just giggled and giggled. I could hear his giggles over my shoulder as I walked up the stairs.

Chloe continues to adore her little brother. When she fantasizes about family outings, she always puts a pretend seatbelt on Ben so that he's safe. We were reading a book that had a kayaker in it. Chloe said, "Mommy, can we all go in a kayak tomorrow? You, me and Ben and daddy? You and me can sit in front and Ben and daddy can sit in the back. And Ben can have a seatbelt on so he doesn't fall out."