For Vinnie's birthday this year we decided to keep the celebration down to the good stuff. You know cake, pizza, presents. Does it get any better than that? In normal fashion he was spoiled rotten with gifts from his grandma's, aunts, and uncles. I think we are going to have to build on to our house to make another room just for all of his stuff :). No matter what toys, books, etc we get Vinnie his favorite things to play with is still the simple stuff. His favorites are remote controls, kitchen items (spoons, measuring cups) and homemade bottle shakers.
A month prior to his 2nd birthday Vinnie finally had his VP shunt surgery. If you recall about a year ago he went to his first neurologist appointment since his head was growing faster than normal. They discovered he had hydrocephalus.
For the past year we have been monitoring the fluid on his brain with frequent appointments. At his last appointment his neurologist said he did not see any improvement and suggested going ahead with the shunt placement. Of course I was reluctant at first as it is a life long man made machine that will require maintenance and can lead to further problems such as brain infections. At his appointment his doctor took me to the area they view CAT scans. After researching hydrocephalus on my own and viewing his first scans compared to the ones he was showing me their was no decision to be made. Vinnie needed it. In the scans you could tell most of his head was fluid and could see where the fluid was putting pressure on his brain tissue. His scan revealed he had about 55% fluid and 45% brain tissue.
It has now been just over 2 months since his surgery and he is doing very well. In very exciting news the week prior to his surgery Vinnie started taking his first independent steps and never missed a beat after the surgery. He is now a full on walker and even runs too! He also seems to be into discovering more at home and loves the outdoors. His daycare teachers report that he is more interested in different toys and activities. His physical therapist let us know that she will only be visiting once a month now since Vinnie is doing so well. He will still receive speech and occupational therapy. No words yet, but I think we are on the brink!
In other news Vinnie moved up to the next level room at daycare this week. He has more room to run and will work on eating at a table, with silverware, and soon we'll we on to what I am sure is the grand world of potty training.
Enjoy the pictures! He is growing so fast!!!
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