Braden on fast forward

I had to post again because Braden is trying so hard this week.  He has been eating really well.  I made pancakes the other morning and he loves them.  I am so impressed because I gave him larger pcs. than I would normally.  Then today he didn't do as well.  But he is still having trouble with food touching the outside of his mouth.  Today I got him to eat puffs again.  He actually is picking them up and trying to put them in his mouth.   When I say he is trying it's not that he isn't capable.  He is more than able to do it.  It's his tactile issues and freaking out that prevent him from doing it.  It is very tough for me to see him struggle with this issue.  But I know he is really wanting to be a big boy and he is making HUGE efforts to overcome his eating issues.  Braden also drank 4 ozs of juice and is now willingly drinking at his meals.  Today he drank about 6 ozs from his sippy cup.  That's total for the day.  Which is wonderful because up until the other day he wasn't drinking at all.  So now I am taking away the Nutrin and only giving it to him before his nap and after dinner.  That way it won't interfere with his desire to eat.  Today he ate 4 times.  We are so proud of him.  Oh and his raiding of the pantry is getting worse. lol   We bought him some cheaper butter cookies hoping to use those instead of wasting the Gerber Arrow Cookies since they usually aren't eatten.  Ha!  That child examines the butter cookie and see that it is slightly different.  The cookie ends up in the floor and he digs in the pantry for the Arrow Cookies. lol  He is so smart. 

I am looking into potty training methods for Braden.  We are going to try the pull ups first.  They have the cool ones that will let him know when he has gone so that should work nicely for him.  I believe Braden is ready for this even though he is working on so many other things.  He has never liked being wet.  He also knows how to undress himself pretty well know.  So it's worth trying it out.  Once we get started there is no turning back.  I won't give up on him till he can master the task.  I would love for him to be prepared in many ways before starting school.  If I can get him to willingly eat and drink and be potty trained that would be awesome.  Yes I am shooting for big goals but Braden really wants to be a big boy.  He has gone from fighting me to brush his teeth to tolerating it with excitement.  He has been so excited to pick out his jammies at nite and help undress himself.  He is even going to bed at nite instead of falling asleep on the couch.  Now that we don't have his Tobi treatments so late in the evening we take him to bed around 9.  I have to lay next to the bed but most nites he falls asleep fairly quickly.  No longer than 30 mins.  Which I can see from watching Super Nanny that's pretty darn good. :-)

Grayson slept in till 8 am this morning and took some long naps today.  I think he may be going thru another growth spurt.  Wed. he has a ped appt. to get his second flu shot.  Bummer... hopefully he won't feel too badly after this one.  Grayson is eating also.  I am so thankful.  I am only feeding him a 1/2 jar once a day.  Next week I will go to twice daily and then each week add more.  He changes so fast Stephen and I both feel like he will be a big boy tomorrow.  But I do think part of Braden's need to progress is driven by watching his little brother.  I really don't think Braden will allow Grayson to do anything before him.  :-)  Which is great because that is one thing we had really hoped Grayson could do for his Big Brother.  Motivation is so important.  Grayson has also gotten his tummy off the floor a few times today and started rocking.  Which is very exciting and I can hardly wait till he can independantly crawl and get whatever he wants.  I know some may think I'm asking for it because he will be into everything.  But again these are all things that will motivate Braden as well as just make life fun for both our boys.  Grayson is always watching his big brother and wants to play with him so badly.  He always grabs at Braden when he is close by and wants to pull on him and just smiles like crazy.  It's really adorable. 

Ok well it is late and all have gone to bed except myself.  

Good nite all and thanks for keeping up with our precious little guys.