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Once again, several months have passed since we last updated Brett’s website and there are so many exciting things to share. As we mentioned in the last update, Brett has started attending preschool two days per week. (Here’s a link to a special “Latest News” section all about preschool – Preschool Days)
Overall, Brett continues to remain healthy – with the exception of a couple of colds (to be expected given that he’s in school now). We have noticed recently that he is moving his arms with more purpose and control. For example, when lying on his side, he can move his right arm up to his mouth. This is very exciting to see! The only down side is that he often times will bite his arm when he gets it up to his mouth! We’ve tried to combat this behavior by putting sweatbands on his wrist, which is where he has frequently bitten. He is also able to activate a musical toy that lights up by moving his arm. We just need to place his hand on the toy and he’ll press it when he wants more.
Brett also continues to vocalize and communicate with us. While we have not heard a “first word” yet, he’s certainly trying his very best to get one out. He is now wearing a special valve called a Passy Muir Valve, which helps to force air up over his vocal cords and allows him to make sounds easier. When he first started wearing this device back in the summer, he could only tolerate it for 5 – 10 minutes. Now he’s able to wear it for more than an hour at a time. The hope is that he’ll be able to wear it all day and thus be able to vocalize whenever he’d like.
We’ve also been busy finalizing a Special Needs Trust Fund for Brett (with the help of attorney Jean Ball). While the majority of Brett’s medical needs are covered by our current insurance plan, there still continue to be needs that are not. We also recognize that there will be many other expenses in the future that we want to prepare for now. (Here’s a link to more information about his trust fund if you feel led to contribute – Trust Fund)
Brett just celebrated his 3rd birthday on the 19th of January - - topped off with an Elmo birthday cake! It was a great opportunity to reflect back on the incredible accomplishments Brett has made over the years and to truly be thankful for our little blessing. We continue to be supported by a loving family and wonderful friends. It really does take a village to raise a child! Most recently we have received an unbelievably generous gift from The Church of the Nativity. Lead by our friends, Tom and Diane D’Elia, we were presented with a check to build a ramp to our front door! (It will be Brett’s first deposit into his trust fund) This will allow us to easily wheel Brett in and out of the house – which currently is not an easy task given how big he has gotten and the steps that he needs to be lifted up. It’s this type of kindness, compassion and generosity that touches our hearts so deeply.
Click on the link to view previous "Latest News" updates.
Spring 2002 News
Fall 2002 News