[blparent] Update

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Hello,

Just want to give an update on Declan.

He's officially had the G-button in for six months, though he hasn't had
to use it since late January.

He's eating solids and drinking just fine. He's on the bottom end of
normal for weight, but he's developing normally and even showed some
advanced skills at his stage in development.

He's crawling and recently discovered he can literally crawl anywhere,
grin. I mentioned this already, but we don't even have to guide the
spoon to his mouth because he's already grabbing the handle and placing
spoon into his own mouth, which makes feeding a bit simpler.

Next week he'll be 8 months-old, and I can't believe it.

And I tell you all this because we have been told the G-button can be
removed, yeah! No more button on his tummy. We thought this day would
never come, but we are thrilled to share the news.

We are taking our first extended trip next week so Ross's family will
meet him for the first time. Grandma and Grandpa have met him, but no
one else on Ross's side. It's his dad's 60th b-day, and literally
everyone will be there, extended family and all.

I'm nervous about the long trip, though thankfully my in-laws are
traveling down from eastern Iowa to drive so we don't have to take the
train. He does very well in the car and enjoys it, but we will see how a
long trip goes. I know we will have to stop frequently.

I'm also nervous about a lot of commotion for an entire weekend. When we
do family get-togethers for a single day, it tends to throw his schedule
off, so I'm sure an entire weekend will put us off balance for a couple
of days.

Anyway, wanted to share the good news and give a general update on the
baby.

Bridgit