The Legend of the Short Gut Wonder!: Spinach milkshakes, a waterfall, and some pumpkins.

Yum. I know you are thinking it. So, let me explain.

A recipe for the perfect Spinach/potato milkshake:

2 Tbs. Organic Spinach/potato baby food puree

4 oz. Elecare formula (Hypoallergenic, Amino based, elemental goodness)

A plastic bottle

A huge syringe and tubing

Measure 4 oz. formula into the plastic bottle, add 2 Tbs. food puree, secure lid, and shake until blended. Mixture will be a light, delicious green color. Use large plastic syringe to suck up mixture, add tubing, plug into Summer's tummy, and enjoy!

Again, I will say it for you, YUM!

Summer's feeding therapist suggested we try "real" food through her G-tube. She feels that the food will help with Summer's vomiting episodes, and help her digestion and overall well being. We have been giving her one feeding of this delicious concoction every day for the last few weeks and it seems to be doing the trick! Summer hasn't had any major vomiting issues for the last month and a half :) She has also been gaining weight like a champ....1 lb. 11 oz. in the last 20 days! :) :) :) She now weighs in at 23 lbs. 6 oz.! This is great for her, not so great for our backs....groan. Oh well, the price we pay for success :P We'll take it....Summer has struggled with her weight for the last 10 months.... A couple of days ago, I spoon fed her some baby sweet potatoes. In the past, she would gag and throw up if someone else was controlling the spoon, and she wouldn't put it in herself. She only gagged a little bit, then actually swallowed about 2 Tbs. of it! Wow, we were excited! I am hoping this is going to be the continuing trend from now on...

Summer has been making lots of little progressive steps too. She is our little parrot...we have to really watch what we say, haha! Here's some more of what she's been up to...

Summer loves to read...it relaxes her :)

Morgan loves Summer....she always wants her to cuddle in her bed and read.

Daddy put her in this box and she thought it was hilarious....she blows kisses now too.

Summer does well when we put her on her knees. She loves to go through the books in the cabinet.

Her first bath in the sink. She is still very unsteady so she was very slippery....had to snap this one quick ;)

About a month ago, Summer started lifting up on her knees while holding onto something. She says she is "jumpin". Her legs are getting stronger all the time...she can stand for a bit while holding onto the couch! She has a long way to go, but she is very enthusiastic and excited that she has realized she can do more :)

Summer enjoyed a cupcake during Morgan's preschool...don't think she actually ingested any, but she sure enjoyed crumbling it!

Summer hitching a ride with Grandma at NW Trek Wildlife park. She loves to be outside and loves the animals.

Morgan and Summer

Summer at the park

Summer's cousins, Katie and Kim visited in Oct.

Look at Summer! It was just a couple of months ago that she wouldn't even put weight on her legs.

We visited the park with her cousins...Obviously, Summer cannot read....she tossed this fry at a duck and said "Hab it!" That was one happy duck ;)

Snoqualmie Falls with Grandma and Grandpa

Grandpa Norris adores her :)

We visited the Pumpkin patch with Morgan's preschool...check out mommy's little pumpkins ;)

Mom, Summer, and Morgan

Cousin Kim and Summer at the Pumpkin patch

Summer!

Summer and my friend's baby, Emery. He is rolling all over the place and loves to go right for Summer's backpack. She is getting a little protective of her backpack, but thought he was funny. We have been putting these braces on her legs every day for at least an hour, it's helped the muscles in her legs stretch a great deal...this has made a huge difference for her :)

Summer came with us to little Tom's swim party. She shrieks and giggles every time she catches sight of a pool. She must have kicked her legs for about 1 1/2 hours straight in the water :) The therapy center that she goes to, has recommended her for water therapy. She will hopefully be starting in the next couple of months. She's going to love it, I can't wait!

Summer and Andrew

Summer used to have a hard time sitting in these wooden restaurant high chairs, but does much better now. She has also started refining her fine motor skills. She loves to try to color and draw...look how well she holds this crayon!

Halloween Trunk or Treat at our church. Summer got a sucker and held onto it the whole time. Morgan would say "Trick or treat" get her candy, and Summer would say "Thank you" each time. Her diction is really clear.