8.23.11 - Summer coming to a close...

I drive by our water park most days when I venture out of the house to go, well, anywhere.  It is literally right down the street from us.  I remember how excited I always feel at the first sight of kids in line each year...Opening of a cool, carefree summer.  I also noted today how sort of sad it is to see no lines, no water streaming down rides and crammed parking lot, and no kids out and about today.  Oh summer, how you have come and gone in just a blink...seasons seeming to get shorter each year.  August...I think.  And soon August will be gone and the seasons of holidays will quickly consume every last bit of summer breeze. 

I guess this summer I am a little sadder to see it go.  Last summer, we spent many days in the hospital and then Liam was on the mend for a good bit of it as well.  So this summer was our first carefree, relaxing summer together...And being stay at home, it made it even more special to get to spend that time with him.

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Ok, enough with my sappy-ness...I need some advice and opinions....Please!

I am struggling with the decision to maybe try Liam in a mothers-day-out program this fall at the church down the street.  Just once a week would be all we could do right now, but I am wondering if this will more benefit him or just be another place (risk) for him to catch an illness.  I feel like he is at the age where he needs to start learning how to play and interact with children his own age.  I'm also going to look into joining a local playgroup as well.  So, what are all the toddler heart parents doing this fall?  Playgroups, MDO, staying in, daycare?  Love to hear any and all advice and opinions!

As for Liam and his swallowing...I heard back from the feeding program at our local hospital.  They do the Vital-Stim therapy and said it would be beneficial for Liam, but he would need it at least 3-4 times per week (or as often as we could come).  That being said, I am praying right now for our insurance to approve us for what is needed.  She also clarified that Liam's problem is due to overall pharyngeal weakness and that besides the Vital-Stim, there really isn't anything else we can do to help him right now...which I am not used to not having alternative solutions, so I am looking into some second opinions and therapy options.  On the bright side of things, Liam is drinking and eating a little better right now than he has in the past.  He is finishing at least his 16 oz of yogurt milk each day (which is a big YAY for calories!) and another 10-16 oz of juice as well.  I also found a couple high calorie foods Liam loves, that I wanted to share also: Yogurt covered pretzels @ 25 calories per pretzel and Greek yogurt @ up to 310 calories per 8 oz.  Although, it is tricky to find full-fat yogurt! 

I just can't believe summer is coming to a close...And, I can't believe my little boy is turning 2 in 5 very short weeks!!  Let the countdown begin!