update

This update is long overdue. Hunter has been making huge progress in his speech. He says new words nearly everyday! It's very exciting to wonder what's going to come out of his mouth each day. Many of his words are still missing either the first or last letter but we've been told that is okay and normal. We are supposed to keep practicing his "oral awareness" skills. Making sure he knows he can use his tongue to help make the sounds of the words. When most babies are babbling away and figuring out what they mouths and tongues can do etc, he had his trach put in so he really never got the same "practice" as most babies. Having a trach really affected his vocal ability. He could still make sounds but they weren't exactly the same had he not had a trach. So now we have to work on that to continue his improvement with his speech. I couldn't be more proud of him though. He's come a long way..

He's still doing his in home therapy with Emilie, she is the best, so good with Hunter. She comes every other week and works on speech and oral awareness. Once a week we go for hippotherapy, which is still so fun to watch. He was even trotting a little with the horse last time! Can't wait for the weather to get nicer so he can ride outside and check out the farm more. Right now they stay in the barn while it's cold outside.  

Time is flying by, I can't believe he's going to be THREE years old this year. Nuts!!!!!! Time to start looking into preschools...I've been hearing good things about one in particular and I love that it's super to close home. I plan on making a visit very soon. It makes me emotional thinking of my little baby going to school. I know they have two or three day options, I think at this age 2 days is plenty for toddlers this young.

He's still loves is obsessed with trucks, cars, airplanes, anything that goes really. He gets super excited when he sees one. He even was saying "trucks" in his sleep yesterday, it was the funniest thing. He loves "Mighty Machines" on netflix...they talk about how trucks work, how planes fly etc. It's his favorite show right now. This kid is all boy, dirt, cars, trucks you name it. Love him!

We still have to plan a visit to Dr. Rutter in Cincinnati October/November time for his followup appointment. Even though it's a ways away still, I get a little anxious about it. I keep telling myself there is no reason to worry, Hunter's been doing great and it's just a followup. I can't thank that doctor enough for what he did. It boggles my mind how his work can be life changing for these kids. I am beyond thankful we were able to get him as our doctor for Hunter. 

I am also excited to take Hunter back to Seattle. We haven't been since his first birthday--way too long! It was also be nice not to have to travel with a ton of medical supplies! Now that is is a little older he will love going to the beach and walking in the sand, seeing the big buildings downtown, family, friends etc. Uncle Kyle told me about a cool kids place that just opened by my dads house, it's one of those trampoline places but has tons more stuff even. So I think we'll definitely go there = )  I have been checking out flights for a while, just waiting to find the best deals. Probably looking at March time to go.

saying "bye bye" to his therapy horse..

found this super cute play house at costco...nearly had a tantrum trying to get him out of it!

mommy's helper

he saw this school bus in the mall parking lot as were were walking in, he HAD to check it out...notice his matching school bus...lol, he was super excited..

This is very fitting for me right now.

Who knew Hunter would love some miso soup????? He ate mine and his!!! He was very well behaved at our dinner and he ate pretty darn good! Love this place, it's called Azuma...not quite as good as Benihana but it'll have to do until we get back to Seattle... ; )

Went to  cool place called Gravity Park today with Hunter...so.much.fun!!! We will definitely be going back there. Hunter had a blast and I got a pretty good workout I'd say flying in the air and chasing after Hunter...

Today Hunter had his very first dentist appointment. I was a little nervous (as usual) about how he would handle a new situation. I am pleased to say he did awesome! He was very quiet but listened so well to instructions, I was a very proud mama = ) The dentist said all his baby teeth are in and they all look really good and to just continue with what we are doing! We'll go back in six months for another cleaning.

Okay so I know maybe getting a cupcake for him right after as a treat maybe wasn't the smartest thing but I couldn't resist giving him a small treat since he did so well.

Snow day

I have a secret wish that I hope Hunter becomes an E.N.T doctor and helps other kids who have had trachs or simliar airway issues. I know this boy will do good things in life.....but even if you don't become a doctor, hunter, I will be proud of whatever you do!

A quick peak at our Christmas 2012

checking out xmas lights with grandpa and grandma lampkin

a lazy december day

time to trim up that shaggy head for santa pictures...lol

waiting nervously in line for Santa....

and HAPPY NEW YEAR.....!!! Hunter even stayed up to cheers with us!