So far the tubes seem to be doing their job and we have not had an ear infection yet. I know it's only been 2 weeks, but by now he would've already had one. I'm hopefully that this really is a good fix and maybe no more ear infections altogether even though the chances of that for him are probably unlikely - I'm still holding out hope though.
Other than that he seems to be much more consistently happy besides the molars that are now coming in. If it isn't one thing, it's another is the only consistency I'm familiar with. So even though he's not been sick, he's been extra needy and fussy out of nowhere which equals... Molars! He had his 15 month check up last week and doc confirmed that one was in and the other was swollen so hopefully he will be back to his normal full time happy self in a few days. Although we've never actually seen that normal happy kid for more than a couple days at a time, again I'm hopefully that those times will be longer now between the unhappy/unhealthy. I never thought I would be such an optimistic person, but you can't help but wish for the best for your kid at all times. As for the molars they seem to be a worse version of teething (at least for Ben). Normally some teething tablets or Motrin would do the trick and put him back into his happy self, but not these teeth. It also led to sever diarrhea for almost a week straight (which was my first clue since he always gets like that when he's teething, but definitely not that long of a time period). Luckily he seems to be getting over this second molar a little better than he faired with the first.
Lately his favorite things have been to play sports with Dada. He can't get enough basketball, baseball or even golf. Yes, golf. We were at Target one day and bought a tee ball set and an extra long (soft) golf club that each came with oversized balls and he loves to try and hit the balls with the bat or golf club. He has also found it amusing to try and hit the dog with them and despite our attempts to stop this nasty habit of hitting the dog or throwing the balls directly at her he gets such a thrill out of it that he laughs incessantly which makes it hard for us to keep a straight face and discipline him. I know he'll grow out of this phase like all the others, but I'm finding it harder to not laugh at him when he is so happy he learned something new or got a reaction from something even if it is just the dog. Guess it's time for us to start working on that from our end before we can enforce much for him.
I can't find the sheet with all the stats from his checkup since Brian took him, but he was 25% for weight, 40% for height (yeah he's finally growing!), and 50% for head circumference.
Here's some pics of Ben playing basketball just like his dad. Ben will take the basketball (or any ball) and walk to the free throw line and throw the ball 2 feet because that's what his dad does (except Brian actually gets much closer to making a basket). He hasn't figured out that he's too small and not strong enough to the throw the ball that far. After a couple attempts though he goes towards the hoop and signals for Brian to help him dunk the ball. He can't get enough of this game and is so excited when he puts the ball through the hoop.
