• Bode has completed the first half of Early Childhood and will be returning this fall. For those unfamiliar with Early Childhood, the School District offers a program where he attends school four days a week for half a day. He receives speech, occupational, and physical therapies at school. He loves going to the "teacher's house," as he calls it. He doesn't even have time to say goodbye when I drop him off! I'm thrilled that he's enjoying himself so much.
• Nowadays, he talks non-stop. All the time! Even his speech therapist at school confirms that he never stops talking. Clearly, he didn't inherit that trait from me. 😅 It's entertaining to hear his little voice every day, and my favorite moments are when he sings to me.
• Another cause for celebration is that Bode has started walking unassisted! We've been eagerly waiting for this, and now he's doing it. Chaz and I recently reminisced about how we used to say, "He'll be walking soon," or "He'll be walking in no time," Now it's finally happening. Our hands are full now! We have a three-year-old who is mentally three but not yet physically there. It's a different experience than we imagined, but we're immensely grateful.
• Regarding medical updates, Bode had his yearly head scan in April. The fluid in his lateral ventricles is entirely normal, exactly where it should be. However, he does have increased fluid in his fourth ventricle. It might be his new normal, or it could require another shunt for treatment. Only time will tell. We have another MRI scheduled for October to check if the fluid has changed. Bode has graduated from GI care, and his weight is no longer being monitored. He's doing great, weighing in the 33rd percentile, while his height is in the 2nd percentile. We consulted an endocrinologist regarding his height, and for now, the doctor will monitor his case until he's a bit older. Around the age of five, we can determine if he needs growth hormones. His thyroid levels are also low, possibly due to his previous brain surgeries. The doctor will also monitor this and retest in about six months to assess the situation. We've been seeing an immunologist in Omaha who has conducted multiple tests to identify the cause of the fungal infection Bode experienced. We are still working closely with her and continue getting tests done to ensure we are not missing anything.

Overall, Bode is showing fantastic progress.  He is our incredible blessing and we are beyond grateful to have him here with us.  Our journey has been incredibly challenging.  However, we rely on each other and take it one step at a time.