This morning was looking like it was going to be another “battle for mommy time” so I decided to take Trevor out of the house to wear him out. Brendan could then work with his nurse practicing his PT skills and not worry so much about where I am and what Trevor is doing!
I was not up for the zoo, so I drove Trevor to Bass Pro Shop just to walk around and see the big fish tank. He had a fun outing.

We also stopped at the store and he HAD to buy a balloon “for Gramma”.

He will keep it safe and take care of it here, of course.

And try to bonk his brother on the head with it too!

Brendan will help with the balloon-sitting.

Today Brendan was so hungry, he could eat his own foot!! Maybe that is why he ate 13 bites of green beans!!

Each day, we identify what is Trevor’s “prime object” for the day. This is the one thing that must be possessed at all times, and it must go with him wear he goes. It has been the oxygen cart but today it was the fly swatter. He even took it to the bath with him!
He pushed it around the floor like a mop.

He carried it around looking casual.

He used it to yell at the dogs (he is even signing “dog” here).

The only thing better is messing with something that is on the “do not touch” list.

Brendan wore his PMV for 10 hours! We only take it off now for nap time and then bed time. Our household is totally different now with the sounds of two babies in it. Brendan uses his voice a lot and will suddenly blurt out the absolute cutest noises that make me stop and smile. He is hilarious! Combined with Trevor’s continuous talking, I can’t help but laugh!

Brendan had a great day again today, he wore his PMV for 9 hours and there were no accidental trach-pulls. He did have a mighty crabby morning and wanted nothing but mommy time. He already is fully aware that his voice can be used to manipulate people and he did a LOT of crying, especially during PT. He cried when I would leave the room with Trevor. He cried when I would put him down or hand him to his nurse. And he cries LOUD! It is great to hear him experimenting with his voice too.

He did a little better for his occupational therapist this afternoon, but still did a lot of crying. She brought a saucer to play with. Trevor checked it out but didn’t like it as much as I thought he would.

Brendan did a great job with the balance testing

He got very vocal when he was “done”

“I am outta here”

After therapies, Trevor and I headed to my old office for a party. My friend Linda is celebrating her retirement. Congrats Linda!
Trevor was apprehensive at first but then settled in to a normal level of spazz. He was so excited to check out every corner of the room and he tried to touch and grab everything.

He liked the corner where there was a little photo backdrop setup with lots of props.

He ran all around shaking the magic wand at things. My cell phone camera just couldn’t keep up with the little blur.

He thought this red carpet was rolled out for him

I didn’t really get a chance to visit with anyone because I was keeping Trevor out of trouble. Several people were taking pictures with nice cameras, I hope to get copies.

I got home just in time to get Trevor fed and through his night routine, including his bath and his “swimming lessons”.

Gramma’s surgery went smoothly and she is resting at home. She will have a tough recovery and therapy ahead but we hope it makes a big difference in the long run. We posted this little video to help her smile earlier today!
This is what happens when you ask Trevor to show you what a frog does!

No progress was made on construction today because of super high winds. It was actually an otherwise beautiful day but gusts of 50-60mph don’t help hang tar paper.

We spent as much time as we could outside before the winds picked up.

Brendan discovered that he has control over his voice, he doesn’t just make sounds accidentally like giggles when tickled. Once he knew how to do it, he wouldn’t stop! He has a nice little song to share.

He knows that the PMV is for his voice, and sometimes he pushes it to “make it work”

Trevor is still DETERMINED to get that PMV and today was the day that we have been waiting for. Trevor pulled Brendan’s trach tube out.
Funny thing is, at first I didn’t notice. Brendan was sitting by the back door just doing his little singing noise. Trevor was walking around the room. Then I noticed that Trevor had the PMV in his hand and immediately knew what happened. Brendan couldn’t be singing without the valve otherwise! Brendan didn’t even cry and I was able to pop the tube right back in to place. I am sure this won’t be the last time that one of them pulls it out, but it is good to know how well he handles it!

Trevor is up to the usual antics. He will use anything to elevate himself.

His favorite thing today was the oxygen tank cart he found in the office. He pushed and pulled it all over the house. I would just crack up watching him go past the gate over and over.

Then he was giving rides to his buddy the Lorax

Brendan needs a new exit strategy. Whether he is on your lap or the couch or his chair, his plan is just dive head first!

Trevor spotted a lizard on the kitchen window today. He has good eyes!

Before bed tonight, Brendan wanted to read a book for Kieran.

Brendan wore his PMV for 8hrs today with a 2hr nap/break in the middle. I think all the talking all day long might have made his throat a little sore. He was very tired and kind of cranky during bath time. He has a big day tomorrow with therapy so we will ease up on him!

Tomorrow, Gramma is having knee surgery. We will be thinking about her all day and waiting to hear that everything went smoothly.