Update in Three Parts

I.

Kimball had another MRI two weeks ago. His tumor had grown a little; I think the doctor said half a centimeter or something. Fortunately, he also said growth in hemangiomas is normal up through one year of age and it should start slowing down soon, and there is no danger for Kimball. His airway looks clear, and the tumor is growing around important things like his facial nerves and blood vessels, rather than through them. After a year, it really should start to shrink. Unfortunately, this means more MRIs. The next one will be sometime around January. The doctor just wants to see an MRI with no growth. I understand this, but it really is quite expensive, and it is no fun for Kimball! But of course, we are glad to be in the best of hands and ecstatic that our little boy is going to be just fine. Dermatology said there isn't much they can do about the redness on Kimball's cheek, but that it should fade, possibly completely, in a few years. Oh, and Kimball is completely off his medications now...including his steroids! He is now a "normal baby", as the doctor pronounced him. It's nice not to have to medicate him twice a day as we have for nearly his whole life.

II.

Kimball is now nine months--and a few weeks. He has developed by leaps and bounds in the last little while. He can now walk nimbly while holding onto furniture and stands by himself for up to 10 seconds at a time. Last Thursday he took his first step! I'm sure he'll be walking very soon. He likes to read and turn the pages of the book for you. He has learned about doors, and delights in opening and closing all kinds of doors, cabinets, etc. He is learning to like balls and tries to "throw" them--really just shaking the ball in his hand until it flies out in an undetermined trajectory. He still likes music and bobs his little body when a good tune comes on. Just in the past week Kimball has really perfected his pincer grasp. I now need constant vigilance when it comes to specks on the floor. Kimball loves a challenge and can sometimes get bored when it's just me and him alone with the same old toys all day.

III.

Whenever Kimball does get bored, a sure cure is some good quality outdoors time! There have been some very beautiful days this month, and we spent hours outside on the lawn. Somehow, even the same old toys are better outside. He loves to watch the other children play and ride their bikes. On Saturday, he and I walked to the Farmer's Market. He crawled in the grass, saw some friends, tasted a peach, and petted a puppy. I am dreading the winter--not so much because of the cold, as because of the fact that this wonderful outlet will be put on hold! I don't know how I am going to entertain Kimball without sunny afternoon blanket time and walks in the stroller. The fall weather is just perfect for me (when it behaves nicely): not too hot, not too cold. I feel like we have really taken advantage of it so far (some years it's gone before I know it), but I wouldn't mind several more weeks of these gorgeous days.