reuben's adventure

I'm sure Dr. Klein was exaggerating, but I'm just quoting him.  He was really impressed with all that Reuben is doing and how his development seems to be exactly on track.  The only slight delay seems to be that he's not quite standing on his own yet, but that will come very soon, I'm sure.

Reuben's weight gain has picked up and he's back on the "curve" at about the 25th percentile, which is where they expect him to stay.  

They also weaned his oxygen from 1 liter per minute to 3/4 liter per minute.  Before the next appointment in August, they'll have us turn him down to 1/2 liter the morning of the appointment to see how he does on that.  They're thinking he might come off oxygen at the appointment after that, in September, but we'll have to see how things go.  In any case, they'll leave a tank of oxygen here at the house through the winter in case he gets a cold and needs the support.

So overall, it was a very good appointment, and they were quite pleased with his progress.  Dr. Accaragui, who was one of the doctors while Reuben was on ECMO and also discharged him, stopped by.  Reuben climbed right up in his lap and played with his beard.

We feel so lucky, considering that at this time last year, Reuben was still on ECMO and we didn't know how he would do when he woke up.  We're so blessed to have him, and that he's doing so well.

Love,

Jonna, Eric, and Reuben

I think Reuben likes to show off his teeth sometimes, as these photos show.

To start with the most important thing:  the long-awaited HOG ROAST will be Saturday, August 4 from 5-10 PM at Daniels Park here in Cedar Rapids.  Hopefully most of you have gotten birthday postcards now with save-the-date information, though I still have one batch to address . . . having an infant in the house gives me an excuse for having everything in a not-quite-finished state:).  But if for some reason you didn't get a card, just come anyway (and let me know so I can add your address to the list.  We lost our address book on the computer and I recreated it as best I could but have great fear that I forgot someone).

Reuben has already started to live on the wild side now that cold and flu season is over.  This weekend we went to the Farmer's Market -- we just pushed him in the stroller so no one could get too close to him.  He LOVED seeing all the people and colorful things on display.  Then we went to Cousin Maggie's birthday party and they got to meet and play together for the first time.  Neither of them was too interested, though.  Maggie was busy with all the rest of her guests, and Reuben was much more interested in vertical railings of their new deck, which allowed him to have something to hold onto so he could stand up.

We also had a fun visit from friends Joyce and Jacob, and went to the playground.  Reuben has also gone with me to Meeting twice -- we figured that when they warn us against taking him to church, they're expecting the membership to be something you would have to count on the fingers of two hands:).  Since there are usually only half a dozen of us, and everyone knows about Reuben's special needs, we thought it was safe to take him.  He is SUCH a great little kid -- the first time he just snuggled on my lap talking to himself.  The second week he wanted to get down and play, so we went out on the porch and watched the folks getting out of the church across the street.  I fear, though, that Quaker worship doesn't really speak to his condition -- I think Reuben would probably prefer all the singing and bright colors at the African American services Eric and I went to for a class he took in college.

And then last night -- DANCING.  I've wanted to take a social dance class forever, and we figured we could do it easily if I carried Reuben on my back and Eric carried the oxygen on his.  All three of us had a blast, and Eric and I managed to successfully learn to swing dance -- or at least to do the basic step and two twirls.  Reuben just loves music and dancing, and got a real kick out of watching everyone.  Of course, everyone thought he was incredibly cute.  We just asked that no one touch him and that was fine.  I can't wait for next week's class.

Hope you're all able to enjoy the beautiful weather after all the rain!

Love,

Jonna, Eric, and Reuben