Benjamin is 4

On December 4, 2009, Benjamin enjoyed his golden birthday. Our 4 year old boy is a lot of fun. He continues to be a marvelous problem solver and doesn't let much frustrate him. His eating skills are like night and day when compared to this time last year. While we were on our Christmas vacation, many of our relatives just enjoyed sitting and watching him eat. It is special and fills me with joy when I watch him. I still have a hard time resisting when he asks for something to eat, even if it is for a brownie after breakfast.

At his recent nephrologist visit, we found out he has jumped to the 50th percentile for height and continues to maintain the 50th percentile for weight. The kidney doctor was thoroughly amazed at his linear growth and said that it is very rare to see a child with kidney problems jump up on the growth chart. I have had so many people tell me that he has grown a lot lately, but I didn't think much of it. I figured it was the standard line when people haven't seen him for a little while, but I guess there was something to that since he was doing quite a bit of catch up growth. Benjamin still receives one feeding by tube each night to provide vitamins, minerals and a little calorie boost. Maybe that is what is doing the trick. We'll keep on going until we talk to the GI again in a few months.

Benjamin thoroughly enjoyed his birthday and definitely understands what it means to receive presents. It is difficult to manage a December birthday and Christmas, but we've been doing alright. He hasn't received any birthday presents wrapped with Christmas paper or vice versa.
His very favorite gift this year was a stomp rocket. It's a good thing Aunt Jennie provided extra rockets as many seem to find their way on top of the ledge, the TV cabinet, etc. We haven't even really tried it outside, so I'm sure some trees are ready to catch a few rockets as well.