It has seemed like a long week here. Toby developed a major cough. (We are so thankful for God's mercy and perfect timing which let the doctor catch the infection Thursday when he was there for his regular check up and before it had progressed any further. We are also thankful for the good and thorough care his medical team provides. They continue to be magnificent.) Toby was understandably unhappy for a few days and ended up with steroids stacked on top of the antibiotics, but he is feeling MUCH better now.

Despite skipping his therapy appointments this week and not exercising much because of his illness, Toby has made some exciting progress. Yesterday and today, he began rolling onto his stomach voluntarily and without complaining. He has HATED to be on his stomach and was not strong enough to do much when forced to try. Now he is pushing up well and quite pleased with his new ability. Already, it is making his tube feedings more difficult plus he coiled his O2 tubing twice around his middle tonight. But we are happy to deal with it.

And while still not drinking much, Toby has been showing a lot of interest in solids since he started feeling better. Yesterday, he had his first animal cracker and gnawed on it pretty well. Today: graham cracker. Part of it seems to be the new teeth and a desire to bite and chew more than hunger. But as he has more positive experiences with food, it should help him learn that eating is a good thing.

A long week? Yes. But if all's well that ends well, a good one, too.