Rolling over and crawling!

Well, Erik has mastered rolling over and is now "crawling" on his back (like a crab). We put him on the floor the other day by grandma's chair, and when we turned around a few minutes later, he was by the t.v. We are so excited about his progress. The preschool he attends does amazing things with him. Erik also throws little fits now if he doesn't get his way. The other day I was tickling him and when I was done, I started walking away, and he began crying. I went back and as soon as he saw me coming back, he began smiling and laughing again. It was another 1st for this Aunty, it was the 1st time Erik communicated clearly what he wanted, and I understood. I just love that little guy! Of course I happily give in and give him whatever he wants right now. He's finally communicating and moving about. He's just an amazing little boy!

Preschool!

Erik, June 2011
Well, my little buddy started preschool! He is doing great! He gets picked up really early in the morning (around 6:30 a.m.) and he gets dropped off around 11:30. They work with him a lot there. Erik accomplished one of his 1st huge milestones 2 weeks ago, he rolled over! All by himself! So exciting! Erik is now 3 yrs. and 3 mos. old. He is now standing a bit when you hold him up (not standing alone of course) and he tries to jump a little. He also does "sit ups" when you lay him on the floor on his back. He's trying to move on his own more and more. Anyway, just thought I'd update this so we can keep up with his accomplishments. Erik is a happy, smiley, giggly little guy. His smile brightens my day! Love ya little buddy!

Happy 3rd Birthday Erik!

Tomorrow, around 5 p.m. will mark 3 years since I got the very scary phone call that my sweet nephew, Erik, was going to be born nearly 3 mos. early. I cried and fretted and was shocked when I learned he was born weighing only 1 lb. 3 oz. and was 12 inches long. What a tiny little guy. I saw him about an hour after he was born, but only from a distance at first. I saw his teeny, tiny hand grasping the wire near his face and I knew at that moment that he was a fighter. Another hour passed before they had him stable and ready for his family to see him. He was doing as good as can be expected for such a tiny guy and I took a ton of pictures. Now 3 years have passed, and Erik is a whopping 19 lbs. and he is 29 inches long. He has grown a lot. Erik has disabilities, but he is still our sweet, little miracle boy! I am amazed at how much he has grown. Soon Erik will start preschool and they will work with him in speech therapy and they will try to get him moving. I am excited about this new prospect for his physical and mental growth and I look forward to many more years of getting to know Erik. Aunty Karen loves you so very much baby boy! I will post pictures later.