Back from the doctors

We're back from the visit to the neurosurgeon with good news. After a thorough review of his previous MRIs, medical history and an evaluation of his current progress, the neurosurgeon delivered a diagnosis that he is very comfortable with: Dylan is a normal, perfect preemie.

The absence of any significant developmental delays, the normal head growth, and just general good progress that Dylan has been making all lead to what Barbara and I were expecting- Dylan is just fine. It was good to hear it from a professional, though. Of course, there's never a definate way to say that Dylan may one day end up with some sort of delay, but there is no reason to think that this would be the case. So... hopefully the myriad trips to Gainesville for various doctor's appointments are behind us and we can go to just the normal amount of worrying that any parent has to deal with.

In other news, by the time you read this, Dylan will have eclipsed the 5 month mark. Yep, he's 5 months old now. He is also 25 inches long and weighs 18 lbs. It's hard to believe that the baby that now takes two hand to hold and even then only for a short period of time before I begin to get tired is the same little guy that I once held entirely in one hand. He's growing so well...

The neurosurgeon today mentioned that he is almost completely "caught-up" to other babies his age. He is definately ahead of where he would be expected to be if he had gone to full term. Developementally, he is somewhere between a 4 month and a 5 month old baby. That's pretty impressive considering that he should only be about 3 months old right now. Of course, when it comes to Dylan, I am a bit easily impressed.

Dylan is progressing well though, even if I am easily impressed. He's more and more talkative every day, babbling to both his Mom and I, his toys, the cats- whoever or whatever happens to ne nearby. And when he babbles, it really seems like there is a purpose to it. Sometimes, it's almost as if he is picking his words before he lets out a "Gooooooeeeeey" or "Ahhhhhhgooo". Occassionally, when he feels that what he has to say is very important, he winds himself up by pumping his arms and then belts out with a loud exclamation of "AAhhhhhhhhhhoooooo" ot something like that. It's quite entertaining, actually. I hope to get some of this on video and get it posted to the blog soon. I'm actually typing this from Barb's computer this week, as mine is torn down for some major rebuilding. Hpefully, I'll have that finished soon, and when I do, I'll make it a priority to get some fresh video posted of the little guy.

Anyway, that's it for now. Remember, if you haven't already voted, let your choice be known for the Halloween costume. Also, I would encourage anyone interested to subscribe at the bottom of the page for instant email alerts when the blog is updated.