Time for some firsts

We've made the trip up to the lake several times this summer...but always minus Austin. The summer heat has just been too much for him to handle with his previous dosages of zonisamide (one of the many side effects is decrease in sweat production and high risk of heat stroke). Until just recently, he could stay outside in our intense SE Texas sun for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time -maybe, providing he has a cool wash cloth, fans, and plenty of ice water. Our temps here are a bit much for the average person, much less a toddler who's on a med that can cause heat complications. Very little warnings to even know when he's getting overheated. No sweat and he's non-verbal. His skin would get warm to the touch and his little face would get flush. Other than that...no clue as to how he's tolerating the heat. Which is obviously dangerous.

But, fortunately, the baby sweat is picking up these days thanks to our steady decreasing of the med.

So...

To the lake we will go...with Austin in tow this time!

All the firsts this weekend has in store! His first trip to the lake, his first boat ride, the first full-size pool experience, first real getaway with the family (that doesn't include running from a hurricane or hospitals).

And talk about impeccable timing. The recent decrease in his meds mean an increase in his alertness. And curiosity. And interaction. And happy giggles not just seizure giggles (yes, he sometimes smiles and laughs between seizures -it's beyond me why he does this).

It happens to be coincidental that all this is occurring at the same time. We made reservations months ago...well before we knew of this med schedule.

So, I may not be blogging much, if any, until next week. The rest of this week is packed full with therapies, labs, chores, and of course the preparations for the big weekend. My only regret is that it's not all week! To get away from typical day to day life for a week would do us all justice!

Is it just me, or do you almost feel relaxed just by looking at these pictures?!

Oh, another first...the slide!