Archer: Dystrophic
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While enduring something we can't really imagine, Archer is, for all intents and purposes, a character filled and a happy 2-year-old boy! He has got some serious sass, a boatload of confidence, and a spirit that is positively contagious.
Archer loves being around people, has the best greeting with the new smiles he's learned, and loves the fall season more than any other. He enjoys sitting outside during a nice fall breeze and watching the trees bend above him, all while letting us know exactly when a car goes by. Music is his go to, as it truly can "soothe the savage beast." He dances as much as he can, and lights up when he gets to hear his songs. Some of his favorites are "Hail to the Victors" (University of Michigan fight song), "All These Things that I've Done" by The Killers, "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins, and "Radio Gaga" by Queen - you can see his dad in him. Archer loves the Disney Pixar catalog - in particular the Cars franchise, Up, Moana, Sing and Toy Story movies. He has been working hard to try and develop his words, and is particularly stingy in saying "dad". So, we are on a first name basis, as he calls me Kirk. Archer is very affected in his mouth, tongue and throat so he is a bit behind in the speech development. He has perfected the art of waving "hi" and "bye," understands how to give high fives, fist bumps, and pounds, and, oddly enough, loves to organize! He's developed a sassy "no," and is a boy who definitely knows what he wants! He has done a great job fighting through his very affected feet. He is motoring around as much as he can, even with so much bandaging affecting his sense of touch and grip. We were able to find a pair of shoes after so much trial and error. He always wants to put them on his feet now! He officially took his first two unaided steps a couple of months ago. His mom and I were so proud, but brought back to reality immediately as he fell and caught himself with his hands, which blistered and split open...life gives and it takes away, right? We will be heading back to the University of Minnesota in March for our clinic, as well as to take the next steps in the bone marrow transplant process. However, we are waiting for Archer to develop his personality, full motor skills, and more speech before going down such an intensive path. All in all, Archer is exactly who he is meant to be, good and bad, and our family couldn't be any more thankful to have him just as he is. He is a 2-year-old boy conquering the world one small and cautious step at a time, and he is the ultimate teacher in our "classroom." -Kirk, Archer's Dad
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