9 Months {Davis}

Every month, my goal is to catch up on my blogging, but as you can see, it never happens. Being a full time mommy takes up every minute, and any free time is devoted to laundry and housework. It never ends, and at times, it's extremely overwhelming, but it's the absolute best, most fulfilling work I'll ever do. I'm a month behind on Davis' monthly blogs. Sweet boy just turned 10 months, and I'm just now writing about 9 months. And to be honest, I completely forgot to take his 9 month picture! Gasp! Major mom fail!

Our makeshift 9 month picture!

This was a huge month for Davis! He is now sitting independently and rolling over consistently. He can roll from back to stomach and from stomach to back. He also has two bottom teeth and one top tooth trying it's best to break the skin. He had his first physical therapy session, and his therapist said he looked great and to keep doing what we have been doing. He's reached most of his goals except going from a laying position to a sitting position on his own.

Davis is doing well at his weekly speech appointments. He will consistently take one ounce of baby food twice a day. I usually try to give him a fruit in the morning and a veggie in the afternoon. Most of the time, we have to trick him into taking it, making funny faces/noises until he opens his mouth, and then we shove the food in his mouth. Not the best method, but it's effective. He has opened his mouth a few times during feedings. His favorites right now are bananas and avocados.

Unfortunately, Davis failed a swallow study this month. As disappointed as we were, we did learn what he's doing and how we can move forward. Instead of a typical suck, swallow, breathe pattern that "normal" babies do, Davis is taking little paci sucks until his mouth fills up, then he swallows. His speech therapist at Children's said this is how you or I would drink from a cup. There isn't any way to teach him how to drink from a bottle correctly. Babies lose the sucking reflex at about 4 months of age. After that it becomes a learned activity, but if you haven't practiced it, you lose it. Davis wasn't able to drink from a bottle for so long due to surgeries and not having enough blood flow to the gut to tolerate feeds. Then at his first swallow study he failed, and we learned he's a silent aspirator. At that point, it wasn't safe to give him a bottle. The next step will be to transition him to a straw cup.

Davis is all caught up on his vaccines, except for the live virus vaccines and polio. Dr. Johnson at the Pediatric Clinic has been amazing through all of this! He has followed Davis and stayed involved in his care this entire time. He works closely with our transplant team to ensure that Davis receives the best care possible. At our last appointment with him, Davis weighed 18 pounds 2 ounces and was 28.2 inches long. He's growing and gaining weight, but he still has a long way to go. He's only in the 18th percentile, and we would like to see him bulk up a little bit.

The most exciting thing to happen this month was that we had the wonderful opportunity to meet the family that donated their son's heart to Davis. It was an incredible experience! Our stories could only have been written by God himself, and HE planned our divine appointment. I plan on devoting a separate post for that special meeting.

Davis also went to the zoo for the first time. I know he won't remember it, but it was a special day for Hudson and me. Aunt Kate met us there. She's great at helping wrangle kiddos, and it was nice to spend some time with her too. We spent a couple hours there, then Davis got to meet his great grandfather, Bob, for the first time. It was a wonderful day spent making the very best of memories.

 Waiting to ride the train at the Montgomery Zoo.

Davis with his great grandfather, Bob.

I adore these boys. 

Davis loves to play with his toys, watch Mickey Mouse, and have books read to him. He thinks his big brother, Hudson, is the best there is! Davis loves to watch his every move, and everything Hudson does cracks him up! I love to hear that sweet giggle of his, and I love seeing the special bond between brothers. Those two boys stole their mama's heart a long time ago. 

Forever grateful,

Amanda