They say recovery from situations like Tucker's is measured not in days but in weeks, months and sometimes even years. That's why we don't update every day any more. But, if you multiply the moves he's made in the last month over a period of years, we see great things ahead for him.

Last week, Candy said she heard him laugh while watching his new favorite show Calliou on TV. I'm the "see-it-to-believe-it" guy so that sounded cool, but I wasn't so sure unless I saw it for myself. That evening Tucker and I were lying face to face on the couch. I was talking like a goofy, crazy man trying to do anything to ellicit a response, and he was smiling from ear to ear. And wouldn't you know it, just like that he chuckled, not a head-rared-back-heehaw but sufficient to get his point across. Then he did it again. So add "laughing" to his list. 

He's also been nodding when we ask him questions. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The other night during dinner, he turned his head from the left side where it rests normally back to midline to observe his sister acting silly at the table and smiled. Then yesterday while holding him straight up on my shoulder he held his head up for a few minutes all by himself. This is quite significant. He's been a limp noodle for some time. You'll remember the first time she held him, Candy called him a 30lb newborn. 

  

Yesterday afternoon, I got to see a little of what Candy's life has been like while I was at work. At one point, there were four very nice well-intentioned ladies all crowded around Tucker, taking notes, asking questions and trying to determine how best to serve him. One was his therapist, Lori, who Tucker's only seen a couple times, but his face lit up when he heard her enter the house. Still, all the attention can be a bit overwhelming.

One question and a main focus was on how well he sees. Nothing could be determined I don't think by his responses yesterday, but Candy explained how she's seen his face change or his smile just upon seeing and not hearing us. Again I hadn't seen this yet. Just like clock work as I laid him down last night, he turned his head toward me, and without me saying anything, his eyes began to squint, his round little cheeks rose and his lips peeled back to reveal those perfect white picket-fence teeth and he smiled. So add "vision" if you're keeping up.

Meanwhile, across town my grandmother is back in the hospital. The progress she had made in rehab is quickly fading away since being home due in part they believe to ongoing seizure activity. Ethan and I paid her a visit Sunday afternoon. The similarities to her and Tucker are frightening. She looked at me as if she wanted to say something but didn't know how, she slept alot and when the neurologist came to speak with us I thought I was back in DC again all over. Please continue to pray for her. They hope with some anti-seizure medication she'll be back on the mend and able to go back home or perhaps back to rehab soon.

The one positive similarity is that they both know how to express love. I once said we don't know what Tucker will be capable of someday. Whether he can see, hear, use his arms or legs, we don't know. But as long as he can know we're there and we love him and be able to express that he knows that, we'll be OK. Every time he smiles he does that. Now add "feels and expresses love" to your list.

And grandma ... after sleeping through most of the doctor's visit and the grandchildren bouncing off the walls in the tiny room, everything was finally quiet and I asked Ethan to come to her bedside where she could see him. He said "Hello, grandma." She reached out her tired hand, turned by time and arthritis but full of memories of homecooked meals, breaking more green beans than most will see in a lifetime and holding the hand of her partner for almost 70 years. With her hand she took his, looked him in the eye and told her great grandson -- 79 years between them -- "I love you."

Love really is still the greatest thing. We continue to be amazed by your love and support. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement while I was away last week. It was a difficult time. Even though Tucker is making remarkable progress, you never know when something will set you off and remind you of the magical things he is missing at this age. That's when it's good to know there's someone in your corner, and we thank you for that. Keep it up.
We love you,
Monty and Candy

The week is off to a good start.  Before I say this, I need to tell our doctors, therapists and nurses NOT to read what I'm about to write.... Tucker's sense of smell is something he has not lost.  He is well aware when we are eating pizza or cookies, or anything with an aroma. As you all know, we started applying lip balm that would be similar to whatever we were eating.  Well.....mommy still felt guilty, so I started smearing JUST A BIT of whatever we were eating on his lip. Nothing to amount to anything that would require swallowing (although I think he may be ready for a swallow test since he doesn't significantly drool).  For a couple weeks, he has been rubbing his lips together to taste, and usually expresses his delight.  Today I put a little spaghetti sauce on his lip and asked him if he liked it. He of course smiled, so I asked him if he wanted more.  When I put the spoon back up to his lip he opened his mouth!  Praise the Lord!  He didn't repeat it, but Moses didn't ask God to part the sea again, either   We'll take it!
 
The fact that Tucker occasionally opens his mouth and appears he is trying to speak, coupled with the fact he opened his mouth on command to eat REALLY gets me excited about the potential of what some oral motor and speech therapy might accomplish.  All in God's perfect timing.  We still wait upon Him... today everyone's smile is just a little bigger.    

Today was a good PT session.  We met a new therapist Lori, who was wonderful and very calming to Tucker.  I was out of the room, but she said she thought he very clearly shook his head "no" a few times.  I was at first skeptical, but when she explained the situation, I understood.  Apparently when they were playing Cars, she held up the wrong car and asked him if it was McQueen.  Well of COURSE he's going to let her know!   Shortly thereafter, she had him on his tummy (an exercise he is not fond of). She rolled him back over, then asked him if he wanted to go back to his tummy and he shook his head "no" again.

He thinks therapy time is play time now.  I'm not sure who enjoys it more, though, the therapists or Tucker.  Ms. Lil and Lori are both coming along pretty well with learning the Cars names.  He has a gallon bag FULL.  In fact, as soon as he hears the bag rattle, he gets a huge smile on his face.  He knows it's time to play.

I know I say it over and over, but it's AMAZING to see how far he has come.  Earlier I was thinking about a conversation that Monty and I had in the hospital.  At that moment, we thought we were saying goodbye, not because we lacked faith but because that was the reality and hopelessness of the situation.  It didn't even seem possible that 3 months later...or ever... I would be writing an update like this.  I believe with all my heart that it's especially in those times, when we don't even know how to pray, that the Holy Spirit, and YOU, are pleading on our behalf.

Keep praying! 
Candy and Monty

Tucker has had a good day.  He's expressed his preference to be held alot...but I don't complain about that anymore I found a treasure today, hidden in my computer files of all places.  In December 2006, Monty and I took an anniversary trip to New York. Tucker stayed with his Grandma and Grandpa Howard.  Before I left, I made this long list of words (in Tucker language anyway) that he was saying at that time, then beside I wrote out the interpretation of each. I came upon that list.  Ironic I was just whining two days ago about not being able to remember the things he used to say. I'm going to count it as a gift from God, right in His perfect timing. 

I wanted to write and ask you all to remember Monty in prayer tonight.  He flew into Orlando today, and was met by a swarm of emotions.  That is the last family trip we took together.  Although we made many beautiful memories there, obviously it is a heart piercing reminder of how much our life has changed since February. Even more difficult, he's there to teach a class to alot of people...and they are expecting a smile.  Please pray that God will give him strength and peace and bring him back home safely.

We have a long week ahead and are EXCITED to see what Tucker will do next.  He's been working hard on the blinking.  Today I starting using "yes".  He is definately in tune and seems to understand. Now it's just overcoming that whole fact that HE IS still a TWO YEAR OLD and with his Tucker personality, and he will do what he will do.  But thank God for that determination and strong will, right?

I found this picture today while looking for pics of Maci, and it made me smile.  I should probably explain that I was at a trunk show and my friend Sarah needed Tucker to try on this outfit to see if it would fit her little girl.  It could have been much worse...I mean, I could have dressed him in like a BAMA or Florida outfit, right? 

 
Some exciting news I forgot to mention....  Tucker has been nominated and accepted by the Make a Wish foundation!  Not sure of where or when yet, but they will be contacting us for more details. 

Another thing we have been looking into is the Tennant Biomodulator (www.senergymedicalgroup.com) which we learned about from www.prayforabby.com (find more info under Abby's Healing).  We were hoping to attend a seminar to learn more about it, but were not sure about the travel for Tucker (which would have been Texas at closest).  We just learned that there will be a seminar in Memphis in just a few months!  We hope to make the trip and learn more about this amazing technique.  Check out the website to learn more about it. 

Thanks for checking in!  We love ya'll
Candy

 Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Maci. She's doing great, but is still in the hospital for more observation & testing this morning. For more info (and some cute pics) visit her carepage: macigiles. 

What a wild week! Since I last updated, God has been at work. A friend told me about a daycamp for the kids that meets 2 days a week. Anna & Ethan went today & can't wait to go back.  Praise the Lord.  Thanks to YOU, the third day is covered too.  Starting maybe as early as next week, Tucker will begin intensive outpatient therapy 3 days a week.   I thought of this picture and Tucker's "bring it on" outlook on everything                                                                                                                                        
                                                                
        

Yesterday we met Robin, our interventionalist (maybe one too many syllables). LOVE her.  Very attentive, very in tune to Tucker's needs & most of all, eager to help.  She'll be coming out once a week to assess his progress & help with new goals. Our primary goal now is going to be communication. She is contacting the organization that provides electronic tools for communication, such as switches and buttons that could say, "my name is Tucker". This week, we've been working with him on blinking.  I was unsure if a 2 year could even comprehend the command to blink, but we've started slow & I'm optimistic. We've started by simply saying "blink" every time he blinks. He's caught on & thinks it's a game. The important thing is that he recognized the word "blink". In the next few days, we'll combine the words "blink yes", in hopes that he will develop the association and be able to communicate.

His vision continues to improve. He'll meet with a vision specialist next Monday.  For now, Robin explained that he may be seeing out of a portion of his eye.  That makes sense, because as you see in the videos I've posted, when turned to his side, he seemed to suddenly respond.  It seems that if lying or sitting sideways by his favorite cartoon, he focuses very intently and smiles.  I believe he can see more than we realize, at a good angle. 

Seems each day is filled with phone calls, emails and appointments.  Adjusting this and that to make sure all needs are met. So many life altering decisions to be made for Tucker, sometimes at the end of the day my mind cannot afford the effort to decide on the most routine, simplistic and often insignificant, matters. Monty tries to balance between what is required of him and work and home.  But all of these things that are happening are GOOD and PRODUCTIVE for our whole family.  Things are getting better and better every day. 

It's those moments when things slow down that can get us.  Yesterday morning, I dropped the kids off early.  Monty and Tucker were at home, like many times before.  I'm not sure I had done this since maybe February.  So for some reason, I think I was expecting to walk in and see Tucker in his high chair eating breakfast. Not there. I remembered the sound of his barefeet running through the foyer and into the kitchen, slapping hard against the hard floor. "Mommy!" he would say and hug my leg, then reach for me to pick him up and point to the cabinet. "Moatmeal" he would say. "Bout some moatmeal..." or "Gimme dat moatmeal peease". And he always had this laugh of excitement over the littlest things. Lost in thought, strangely I kicked my shoes off in the middle of the floor.  For a second, I thought I should pick them up "so Tucker won't trip over them".  Even after 3 months! These thoughts still sneak up on me. I was missing him so badly yesterday.  I lay beside him and held him all day long.  I sang and talked to him about his favorite things, and he smiled, and I cried.  He focused on me as if he could see my smile. THen as I cried, his expression almost seem to be of concern. Perhaps he could see me crying? I turned my head away from him to dry my tears. When I turned back around, I whispered "hey", and his smile returned. Peekaboo was on. I really think he SAW me turn back to him.

Tucker and I had many conversations prior to March 14th. I strained my mind, trying to remember some of those conversations. I know he was talking in sentences, but did we talk about?  What were those cute things he used to say?  I closed my eyes tightly, just trying to hear the sound of his voice again.  I couldn't, and I sobbed.  

I spent most of the day allowing myself to revisit those memories of BEFORE.  I allowed myself to grieve over the 2 year old adventures lost over the past 3 months.  Then I looked into Tucker's face, his eyes looking back at mine, his smile, and I remind myself that Tucker is still there.  He just can't get out right now.  Then I remember that God is still there.  That He is still at work, and that He has brought Tucker so far.  And the scripture "He Who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it".  God didn't let Tucker die.  5 times we sat by his bedside and what looked like the end of the road turned around again and again, and here we are.  God has a purpose for Tucker.  We STILL trust, We STILL KNOW and we are STILL waiting.  And each day it seems we get a gift of reassurance.  I think sometimes it's good to slow down and allow our mind and our heart to reconnect.  

Monty went to visit Shady Grove, the church he grew up in.  We had heard of a stomach bug on the attack, and decided it would be best not to risk getting Tucker out.  So he was able to go.  They dedicated the mission from VBS to Tucker this year, which was a HUGE blessing.  They made posters for him, and most touching, they did a slideshow presentation of Tucker and someone wrote a restation of his story.  So touching.  We plan to take Tucker back up there in a few weeks and share some more of our story, and I hope to see it then.  

Today I feel renewed and refocused.  In the days to come, we look up, expecting nothing more and nothing less than God's perfect plan, as it continues to unfold before us. 

    

 

The past few days have brought many smiles.  We have felt such love and a renewed strength.  Tucker had his stroke 3 months ago, this past Saturday.   My, how far he's come.  To look back at where we were 3 months ago, and where we are now, is amazing.  Maybe it's not as great as where we were 4 months ago, when Tucker was running, dancing, singing, playing and talking nonstop... but the outlook continues to grow a little brighter each day and we continue to wait, still, knowing, and trusting. 

On Saturday we were blessed to meet many new friends.  Well, their faces are new to us, their prayers for months have sustained us.  A church family we had never actually met, went to great lengths to put together a singing and supper for Tucker.  We were fortunate to be able to attend.  WKXV sent DJS to officiate.  There were singers that came all the way from GA.  We were blessed by the message in song, but even more so by the show of love.   Absolutely a beautiful reminder of how wonderful it is to be part of the Family of God.  My heart was flooded beyond measure as Brittany Kirby suprised us, sharing a song she had written about Tucker's story.  We were so humbled, so touched, words simply cannot express.   Last but not least, we were given a wonderful financial blessing.  God just continues to provide...and we are guilty of being continuously amazed. 

Tucker continues to progress.  Can we all just stop and say how AMAZING it is that since we have been home from the hospital, all signs of PLE...the uncurable disease...seem to have vanished.  Can we remind ourselves that the child who is operating on one lung has not needed oxygen in 2 months, has absolutely NO trouble breathing and has is no longer blue but perfectly pink?  All those things have fallen to the end of the list, and the body is healthy. Now we pray for simply for restoration of the mind. 

Tucker continues to acknowledge communication and to show feelings by facial expression.  Just a couple weeks ago, we had to physically roll him toward us and speak directly to his face in order to stimulate a response.  Now we can speak to him from across the room or nearby and he will react.  On 3 separate occassions, Ms. Lil and I have witnessed what looks to be a nod. If not a direct nod, a distinct demonstration of excitement.  He is staying alert and perhaps focusing more.  I believe his vision is improving.  When held upright, he can hold his head midline for a few seconds.  If given sufficient time, he can slowly move his head toward midline.  This is great improvement!  His head no longer automatically flops forward or back. 

That said, we think Tucker has surpassed home therapy treatment.  He appears to be ready for more agressive treatment, which will require an outpatient facility.  The benefits are longer sessions, and more equipment available.  We have been given the choice of continuing home therapy 2x a week until the end of summer, or utilizing Childrens Corner which is a program where he and I would spend all day as much as 5 days a week if desired. 

My heart is torn between what is best for Tucker right now and what is right for Anna and Ethan.  They deserve their summer.  Our first option would be to continue home therapy until the kids go back to school, which will not be too much longer (7 weeks!!!).   I can't help but wonder what agressive therapy could mean for Tucker in those 7 weeks.  Look how far he's come already! 

The other option is to proceed with Childrens Corner 3 days a week, and to find a day camp or activites that would enrich Anna and Ethan's summer. Something they would enjoy and look forward to. 

 God has opened a new door and Tucker seems ready to enter.  Please pray for wisdom for us, for the doctors, in the days to come, that we would make the decision that is best for our children.  

Thank you for checking in!
Candy and Monty  

Be sure to check out our new friends that have been added to the page.  You'll be blessed by their stories. 

For months, we've waited impatiently for warmer days.  Now, 2 weeks into June, our mission is to find creative ways to escape the sticky heat.  My daily mission involves finding something that is entertaining for Anna and Ethan, yet stimulating and not too stressful for Tucker.  Each new day brings mixed blessings and new challenges.  As Tucker becomes more aware of his surroundings, he's seemingly becoming more aware of his limitations.   

Most mornings, we rush down to the pool early enough to secure an umbrella for shade.  The kids yell and play, and Tucker takes it all in.  He hears the sound of the water, and knows where he is.  As the daily routine becomes more familiar to him, I notice he is easily agitated and not content to be a spectator.  I ask him if he wants to get in, and instantly his brows raise and his eyes light up.  As we make our way into the pool, his expression changes to a smile and sometimes he even lets out a gasp as we emerge into the water.  No question, he knows where we are and he's happy.  Kids splash about us, unaware that he is caught in the crossfire.  But Tucker's smile just gets bigger, as if it were meant just for him.

Sometimes even the pool can't cool this crew.  Yesterday we decided to venture to the air conditioned library.  Anna and Ethan devoured book after book for well over an hour. Then much to our suprise, the Knoxville Zoo showed up for a special presentation.  The calming quiet (might I add a drastic change from our usual environment) lulled Tucker into a long afternoon nap.  

     

I try to plan activities around home during the week, but sometimes it just doesn't happen that way.  There are prescriptions to be filled (we are the ones who need the special compounds that don't come with the luxury of a drive through window), groceries to be bought, and a myriad of other tedious errands.  If I plan well, everything is crammed into a marathon day at some point in our week.  Anna and Ethan patiently trudge along, perhaps with the motivation of a milkshake bribe, and Tucker endures.  (Speaking of which...I'm almost certain his arm began twitching yesterday as I passed shakes to the backseat. Eyes and ears were onto us and needless to say I did not get a smile!)

Chores have long since taken a backseat.  Though I admit I've never been Martha or Betty, we have always maintained a certain standard of order in our household   These days, the dishes may not make it to the cabinet right away and the towels may stay in the dryer for a whole week.  But in 10 years, the dishes won't remember that special time I spent holding them and my relationship with the towels will long since have dwindled away.  

This morning, the kids were playing so well.  Then I sat down to cuddle with Tucker for a minute, and those big brown eyes and shiny white teeth pursuaded me convinced me to hold him just a little while longer.  Barney came on and his brows raised and he smiled so BIG!  I couldn't resist.  Then 2 HOURS later, I put him down and resigned to staying in today.  

That said, news just in... it looks like we will be adding something new and WONDERFUL to our schedule.   Anna just brought me the mail which included APPROVAL FOR MEDICAID!!!!  We have insurance, but we only had a few more approved visits for physcial therapy for the year, so Tucker was only getting it once a week until August.  I've already put in a call and hopefully they will increase it to 2-3 times a week, indefinately.  Praise the Lord!!! 

We're headed out this evening to say goodbye to one of Tucker's great prayer warriors, Mr. Larsen.  He went home to be with Jesus on Monday.  Please remember his family this weekend.  Not only is it Father's Day, but also the 45th wedding anniversary of he and Mrs. Larsen.  

This weekend, love the ones you love a little more  





 

  

   
  



 

Living in East TN, we are blessed to have one of God's greatest wonders right in our backyard.  The Great Smoky Mountains is our haven.  Whether right in the middle of the town activities, or hiding out in the mountains, each moment is an adventure with this party of five.   



                                                                                                                                                Though I admit I've never been much of an outdoorswoman, there's something about being in the mountains that stirs my soul.   The history is so rich. Every peak, every hillside has a story.  I love to close my eyes and get lost in what life might have been like...when these mountains were not a tourist attraction, but a way of life.   Then to think back even further to a time when there were no mountains, but only space and darkness.  Then God said let it be....and gave us this majesty of beauty.  What a wonderful Maker! 

Monty and I drift into the land of nostalgia as we recount stories of our childhood.  Memories of the very places we now take our children.  Amazingly, I think we learn something new about each other every time.  

Perhaps our hearts feel so at home in the hills because it is where our journey together officially began, when Monty asked me to marry him in May 1997.  Since then, we've gone back again and again, making our own family memories.  Walking the trails, wading in the ice cold streams, climbing over rocks, and searching for the big black bear. 

We smiled to recount one of our favorite memories.  Fathers Day 2006, after Tucker's surgery, we went up on a night hike to see the synchronous fireflies.  This was where we encountered Tucker and the butterfly. 

          

This weekend was wonderful.  Friday night, we enjoyed family night on the go...with a movie to go and a stop at Pizza Hut.  Saturday morning we enjoyed some pool time, followed by the BEST PANCAKES EVER.  We took a time out for a time share presentation, since they were courteous enough to provide our room and board for the weekend....lol.  Monty was on mission for Ober Gatlinburg (and he wasn't driving).  So party of 5 loaded onto the sky tram and proceeded up the mountain, as Anna so wisely pointed out, in a huge box hanging from a telephone wire. 



Tucker graced us with a hint of his 2 year old temper here.  I was talking and heard this loud, pitiful cry that actually caused me to stop talking and turn my head.  When I looked at Tucker, his face was in the biggest pucker scrunch I'd seen since March and he was CRYING out loud.  Of course I grabbed him up and he stopped, but I was beside myself with excitement.  He was not happy about something and found a way to let me know. 

Once in my arms, he was once again content. These days, he is so attentive to what is going on around him.  He and I talked about our big day. 
             

                   . 

                                 

We naturally had to venture back to Gatlinburg for a downtown stroll.  Anna loved the live bluegrass music.  Pigeon Forge of course had lots of activities to offer.  The weather in town was HOT, but Tucker was set with a portable fan and spray bottle.  

The highlight of our stay was the trip up the mountain.  The temperature was perfect.  The views were breathtaking. 

      

   

Monty chose a trail that was accessible for Tucker's stroller...Clingman's Dome.  We were a little concerned about the air conditions for Tucker, but decided to try.  He did great, seemingly unaffected.  Myself however, found it a little difficult to breathe while walking straight up to the highest peak of the mountain!  I really shouldn't complain, though, since Monty was the one pushing the stroller   

    

                            The view at the top was well worth the climb

     

                            

Inevitably there were many comments from the friendly and well meaning.  "My 9 month old holds his hands just like that when he's sleeping" "He's really had a day"  "Oh, hasn't even started up the hill and already passed out" "Look, it's just worn out".... these you come to expect.  In fact, we ask for them.  People see an adorable near 3 year old in a stroller who isn't screaming and seems to so peaceful...they are going to comment.  But I have to say, I'm continuously amazed, often amused, and occasionally shocked by the nature of comments made.  I like to share the ones that are really out there.  As Monty carried Tucker down one path, a lady greets us with a chuckle and says, "Oh man, did someone kill your kid???  He's really out of it!"  Who knows, maybe she's special to her family too!  



To top off our trip, we ended our evening with our first ever TN Smokies Game.  We had hot dogs and sang and whew hewed....

       

                                 

                                       And a good time was had by all.

One thing is for sure, Tucker may not be physically able to do the things he once did, but he goes where we go, and he is a part of everything we do.  Our family is not bound or handicapped by this tragedy, but we are stronger.  And we are more determined than ever to provide a life that is full, meaningful and purposeful for Tucker, Anna and Ethan.  To teach them of the God given treasures in this world, most of all those unseen.   We are blessed beyond measure and are humbled to be chosen to fulfill this calling.   

                                          

 I remember taking this picture. While I'm certain that my response that day wasn't one of "Great job, Tucker!!!!  You figured out how to pick the games up and get them out all by yourself!!!!", today I smile and am thankful that I took this picture.  Not only because I have a picture memory of Tucker in every day action, but because it represents that in that moment, in THAT moment, I took time to relish in the moment and enjoy Tucker being Tucker.  No regrets. 

Monty and I have discussed many times how that in the months leading up to Tucker's event, God opened our heart and my eyes, and allowed us to savor many moments.  A precious gift.  

In the past few days I've seen more of Tucker's determination pushing through.  Most of the time now, at home, he keeps his eyes open.  If he's in an unfamiliar environment, he'll shy away by keeping his head turned or eyes narrowed.  At home, he has an obvious preference to be held.  He doesn't vocalize as much as he has in the past, but he has a way of letting us know.  (At least in mommy-knows-her-baby world).  On a couple occasions, perhaps when he felt unattended, he has produced kind of a huffing pre-cry sound.  When I talk to him, he is immediately responsive by moving his arms or lifting his brow, and quieting.  As our PT says, he makes the biggest scrunchy face when he is unhappy.  A familiar voice or touch soothes that as well.  He loves for his hand to be held.  I can ask him if he wants to go somewhere, or if he wants me to pick him up, and he will do his best to move his arms, most often elbows flailing.   Most anytime we talk to him, those big brown eyes widen...I believe searching.  And in typical Tucker style...of course there is no more napping...that is unless mommy or daddy is HOLDING and swaying him!!! 

My favorite is when we pick him up and turn him to us.  IMMEDIATELY those big brown eyes widen, lighting up his face.  Lately more often than not, this is followed by a toothy grin.   

                                        

The past couple days, Tucker and I have held each other.  I mean, look at that face!  So let's see... Laundry/Tucker/Dishes/Tucker/telephone/Tucker....hmmmm...it's real tough, but Tucker wins out.  Anna and Ethan have picked up on his cues and just cuddle right in.  I am a first time mom all over again.  

As much as Tucker and I both need this time together, I realize that he needs more.  Tomorrow we will get back to work. Physical therapy is scheduled, and possibly we will meet with the vision and hearing therapists.  We would like to have some intensive neuro stimulation therapy in place within the next few weeks.  Regardless, I believe the most important therapy for Tucker is to feel loved.  Right now, the love language he understands most is touch.  There is ALWAYS time for cuddling.  

Anna and Ethan continue to do great.  They are enjoying summer time things, and seem to actually be enjoying each other, thus far   Somehow we've managed to keep boredom at bay.  I suppose they are just happy to have some kind of regular routine these days.   It's good to be together.  

Bedtime calls.  Thank you God for another day.