On the Move!

In the last few days Cooper has mastered the art of using his arms and knees to crawl. Momma's cell phone was the key inspiration for him to improve his "army crawl." I always set him on the floor with my phone, a remote w/out batteries, and a few toys. Today he actually managed to make his very first phone call. I always lock my phone before I give him my phone which requires one to press the # and call key to unlock. Somehow while I was making a bottle, he unlocked my phone and conveniently held down the 2 key to call my mother. I went to swaddle him for his feeding and was acting ridiculous as usual when it's just him and me in the house, when I realized my phone said, "mom cell connected." Too crazy! Coop loves his Grandma so there's no doubt he purposely called her. Luckily it was her and not a doctor, or old friend I haven't talked to in years! Silly boy. There's never a dull day with him :)

NAM: Before and After

Here is a side-by-side view of how much Cooper's gap has come together. His palate gap was over 12mm wide and as of almost a month ago it is actually touching! 

     Left: 1 Day Old, Middle: 3 Months using NAM before Nasal Stent, Right: 1 Week Old

My Little Blondie 

 Front of palate finally touches!

       Last Stage of Cooper's NAM. It is shaved off as much as possible and no more acrylic can be added.

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

Cooper had his first trip the the pumpkin patch yesterday. We had a bit of a late start, but we enjoyed some delicious food and took a spin on the hayride with the company of his Cousin, Aunt, and Uncle. We sure did catch the attention of many children yesterday. I do know they are only children, but the looks on some of their faces just made me so upset. There was this young girl in line in front of us who literally did not take her eyes off Cooper the ENTIRE time. This was the first  time a little child has ever made me so uncomfortable. Usually children come right up and ask, "What happened?" or "What's wrong with his lip?" which I don't mind by any means. It is when they gawk that really disturbs me. But, I know it's all in parenting, 99% of the children that notice Coop in public usually are very polite and know not to stare too long.  Thank you to those of you who instill good manners in your children. I know parents of children who look a little different really appreciate it. This is just something that is part of having a cleft child I guess, and I would not change a thing!