2nd Birthday!

Monday we celebrated and gave thanks to God for Zoe's second birthday.

Zoe has continued to learn new things and exhibit a strong will that can only mean that we will need to watch out for those teen years. She has been building her skill set and slowly catching up with her peers. We try not to get caught up with the milestones, knowing that the fact we are moving forward is evidence of God's grace.

Zoe has a passion for music and books and has started to enjoy dolls and puzzles. It is amazing how the little ones learn so quickly and eagerly. Sponge is an excellent description.

We have greatly appreciated the interest that many have taken in Zoe's life the past two years, and the help so many have offered. Throughout, we've tried to hold the theme that "no news is good news". As we reflect over this year and the last, we realized that Zoe's day to day life is quite routine and for the most part "normal". God has blessed us pretty regularly of late with "no news". Thank God for his many blessings! That being said, this will be our last post for Zoe's blog. We are thankful for the prayers, words of encouragement, and support you have all given us, many of you whom we have never met. God bless you and your families as he has ours.

Philip, Kimberly & Zoe Casmer

September 2011

After a busy weekend of traveling and seeing family we are finally settled at home and getting back into our daily routine.

One item taken care of, Zoe's check up with her neurologist. He was happy to see how well Zoe is progressing and encouraged us to keep up the therapy to help her progress. So a short but wonderful visit.

Zoe continues to change and grow before our eyes. She is quite a talker and loves to figure out how things are put together and taken apart. She is getting to enjoy certain foods more and this allows meals to be more pleasurable for everyone involved. We are happy to see this improvement.

We hope you are all having a great start to the school year.

Another Blog

Please check out Zoe's pics on Emily's blog!

http://emilyebelingphotography.blogspot.com/2011/08/zoe-18-month-milwaukee-area-childrens.html

It has been a long time since we have had an actual update, I have been wanting to wait for Zoe's latest doctor appointment that way we are all on the same page.

Zoe has continued to show improvement in various areas, especially the weight gain. Currently at 23lb and 4oz she is now considered overweight for her 29in frame. Ha, who would have thought we would be at this stage especially since she still does her best geyser impression once a day. So as with any child, Zoe is changing the game and we are making the necessary adjustments to help keep down the food and stimulate the appetite for more solids.

Zoe has also been getting around a lot more often. Though we are not quite walking or standing, she loves crawling and climbing everywhere. She has also been chatting, babbling or whatever you call it non stop. Recent words now include, eggy, pepper, and oval. We have been truly blessed.

God bless you,

Casmers

Summer Fun

What fun are we going to have at the park?

Swinging Time

Just a quick note before I wake Zoe up from her nap.

Things continue to go well with Zoe. She seems to be keeping her food down more often and her inclination to eat a few bites during a meal is consistent. We continue to pray that the "light bulb" will come on and she will eat more each time.

Zoe is also growing well, though we don't have an official weight, we are definitely over 20lbs. My arms can feel it.

She loves to play and to pet the cat (which she calls "meow") and to swing. We hope the warm weather stays for a while so we can head back outside.

Blessings to you all!

Happy Easter

Blowing Kisses

We have had a full couple of weeks with Zoe's appointments but we are happy to report some great news.

First Zoe is continuing in her growth. Measuring at 18lbs. 14oz. on a 28in frame, she is considered average. Who knew average would sound great?! The recent changes made with medications and schedule have made it easier for Zoe to keep her food down and be more willing to eat a bit more of her solids. We can now focus specifically on her eating her solids and drinking from a cup.

Zoe also continues to be a "boring" case for her neurologist. Her MRI showed nothing of concern so we continue to monitor her and focus on her therapies to get her caught up and keep her on track with her peers.

Zoe also is making nice strides in her therapy though she is bound and determine to keep some of her bad habits. We will continue to do her exercises to break her from these and build skills for the next developmental milestones.

Zoe is also making herself heard more often now. Peek, play, up, baby, meow and bath are her favorite words. She can say mom and dada but prefers to point and yell "up" or give kisses when she needs our attention. Can't deny she is a girl that gets to the point.

Oh, I think the little one stirring from her nap now... Here is a kiss and have a great day!

Spring is in the Air.

Well as we are approaching the end of March, we wanted to let you know how our first three months of 2011 are going.

Zoe continues to grow and learn some new skills, we are happy to see how she is progressing. We recently had a change in Zoe's medication to help stimulate her appetite and decrease her mucus production. We are curious to see if this helps. Despite having a small appetite, Zoe has been eating well, she loves her Cheerios, carrots and the occasional banana. She is also learning how to drink from a straw.

In Zoe's other therapies, Zoe has been working on her flexibility, identifying animals, and building strength in her legs.

It has been a great joy and blessing to see Zoe come so far and to see how far she goes. We continue to pray for continued blessings on her.

Getting Ready to Cruise

Watch out world, here I come.

Spring Get Here Soon!

Today I Would Have Been 1 Year Old, If I Wasn't So Eager

We have been blessed with a full year of Zoe being home. At times it has been nerve wracking, worrisome, quiet, joyful, and always exciting.

We have been happy to see the progress Zoe has made over the past month. We are now crawling, putting toys away, and saying a few words like cat, ma, and baby. The Lord has blessed us.

We also get rid of the feeding tube and replace it with a Mic-Key button in the upcoming week. We are looking forward to getting rid of the plastic appendage.

Though we are unsure of what plans the Lord has for us in the coming days, months, and years we are confident in His word and promises and the comfort they will give us.

Working on that Crawling

New Year

I have been keeping busy the first few weeks in 2011.

First, I gained weight! I am 15lbs and 2 oz. I also got my first tooth! It is cute but some more are coming in. I also have been rolling over, but only in my bed. I also have been wanting to crawl. I hope it is soon, I really want to get moving.

I still keep up with my therapy and all my appointments. It's been cold so our outings have been limited to just that. That's okay I like to stay warm.

It has been a great start to the New Year!