Exciting Changes ...

We are making excellent progress in the granulation and healing of tissue.  We discovered this morning when we cleaned his wound and changed Rees' dressing.  

Auntie JenJen was the official hand-holder as I replaced the dressing.  

We were so excited about what we saw, we rejoiced by taking this photo!

 

Look at this thing!  

It is so GREATLY improved and the actual open part is quite small now.

This mama is just SO GIDDY!!

Rees is scheduled for his next surgery on July 7 ... but we're going to do our best to enjoy the next few months enjoying healing and learning and growing!!

In other breaking developments, we are super excited to share with you that we are starting to really see a difference in Jonah's face since we've been turning the distractors for the last two weeks.  

Here's a photo of Jonah from just days before his first surgery in China exactly a year ago this week.

(such a sweet face)

Then here's is what Jonah looked like a couple months after that surgery 

and what he looks like today!!!

(the difference may seem slight, but it is definitely there)

                                               

Here's a side view from before his April 2015 surgery ...  And then a photo of him from today.

                                                                                     (next time I do this, I'll be sure to have him sit up straight)

In these photos, we can tell the most in the area under his chin.  It is most evident that his jaw is beginning to have more definition and angle.

                                           

The biggest news ... at least for ourselves and especially for Jonah ... is that HE CAN PUCKER!!!  Truly ... he can bring both upper and lower lips to touch one another for a few seconds!

This might seem strange but it is HUGE for Jonah and HE KNOWS IT!

He is quite proud and because of this change, he now REALIZES that there really is a purpose to these awkward chunks of metal sticking out of his face.

  

Continuing on with our happy news and changes, Rees is quite excited about the progress of his seedlings!  They have sprouted quite nicely! 

Jonah, too, is very proud his Easter grass, a lovely gift from Rose.  It's getting to be about time he mows it, don't you think?

And Rees has been working hard this week trying to learn in leaps and bounds.  

He was working on writing his name this afternoon, which made me so proud!!  

He did such a nice job!!

His smile is SO CONTAGIOUS!

So thankful for this great weekend with the boys' positive progress!!