As I am trying to research as much as I can about the doctor in PA that is performing after-birth abortions, I am finiding it more and more difficult to research. Not because I can't handle the heart wrenching, make you want to vomit details, but because of how people think it is ok to kill a baby just because it isn't perfect.
When I am reading these articles I can't help think of Sophie, Denton & Quniton, and even Shane. Here is a little recap of my twins and Shane's beginning, just for reference.
Shane was born at 26.5 weeks gestation. His mother went in to pre-eclaympsia (sp?) and had to have an emergency c-section. Shane was in the hospital for 3 months and on oxygen when he came home for another 3 months. An entire side of Shane's face was sunken in and he only weighed a little over 2lbs. He fit inside of Dan's baseball cap.
Denton and Quinton were born at 21 weeks 3 days gestation. Denton weighed a whopping 15 ounces and Quinton weighed in at 8.4 ounces. A week before I went in to labor with D & Q we were asked to have an abortion. We were told that it was what needed to be done because the boys didn't have a chance of survival once they were here. Dan and I both told the high risk doctor that it wasn't an option for us and we wanted to know what other options we had. Obviously we continued our pregnancy as long as God allowed us to and the boys were born extremely early. Denton lived for 17 minutes and never took a breath. Some doctors would say he wasn't viable. Quinton had severe physical disabilities which made him be stillborn and incompatible with life.
Thinking of every single one of my children I can help but fight back the tears because everything that I have read suggests that my babies weren't "actual people" and therefore if I want to have them killed after I deliver them, then it shouldn't be a problem. It is so hard for me to fathom that a mother can make this choice, as if it should be a choice that one is allowed to make. Given what the "experts" are saying, my children, except for Sophie, would have been great candidates for the after-birth abortion because they were born with imperfections. That absolutely breaks my heart and fills me with rage at the same time.
Then there is Sophie. At first sight she was a completely healthy baby girl weighing 7lbs 11 oz and 21" long born at 38.5 weeks gestation = full term. She doesn't fall in to the category of the imperfect babies...at first glance, but if I determined that I didn't want her because it would too much of an economical burden for me, then some people think it is ok for me to have her killed when she was born.
PEOPLE......CONDOMS AND BIRTH CONTROL ARE FREE!!!!!!!
Today, Shane is a perfectly healthy 12 year old young man. He is handsome, smart, funny, caring, and full of vigor! The doctors say that you couldn't ask for better vision in a child. Shane has absolutely NO side affects from being born so early. He is truly a miracle! Sophie has had her challenges, but today, she is a healthy, spunky, spoiled little 2 year old who tugs at my heart strings daily.
To the people who think that after-birth abortions are ok, you will never get to experience this. You will never see what your child was supposed to be. Newsflash...wait for it....if you buy a car and regret it you can't take it back. If you buy a house and decide it is too much of a financial burden for you, you can't give it back without consequences. Don't think for one second you won't have consequences for killing your baby.
And they say hindsight in 20/20.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
A Letter to Heaven
At Tiny Purpose last month we were encouraged to write a letter to our baby or babies in heaven. I was resistant at first, but when I started writing, the ink just flowed from my ball point pen. It is like my heart knew exactly what it wanted to say. As my hand moved across the page so effortlessly, my heart just poured out on paper. It's funny how I can write the words on paper with a smile on my face, but when I read the letter out loud, my voice cracked, my chest was tight, and I had to wipe back tears.
I am sharing this with you so you can see that I am in a good place. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Denton and Quinton in some way. I may tell people verbally that I have 2 children, but in my head and heart, I have 4. I just don't feel like explaining it at times and I am sure they would understand. Some days are harder, some days are easy. Some days I cry, some days I smile.
I am sharing this with you so you can see that I am in a good place. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Denton and Quinton in some way. I may tell people verbally that I have 2 children, but in my head and heart, I have 4. I just don't feel like explaining it at times and I am sure they would understand. Some days are harder, some days are easy. Some days I cry, some days I smile.
Denton & Quinton
Can you believe that it has been almost 4 years since I held
you in my arms? I think of you daily. Sometimes I am sad and I fight back the
tears, other times I smile because you are up in heaven. Speaking of heaven,
say hello to your angel friends for me. I am sure you have met them. Aunt Sara,
Auntie Sam and many of my friends all have angel babies up there. I’m sure you
play together daily, just like your Auntie’s and I do down here.
When I think of you I picture you looking like your older
brother, Shane. The tiniest details such as a crooked pinky finger, a unibrow
that needs waxed, and the most beautiful complexion with dark skin, all of
which I was able to identify on you Denton. Quinton – How does it feel to dance
around on your brand new feet that have all your toes, hug people with your
perfect arms, see Jesus with your new eyes, and love with the heart God had
waiting for you in heaven upon your arrival? I can’t wait to see you as a whole
person.
I also want to thank you. Because of you I have been able to
meet some pretty amazing people. People who have angels up there with you. I am positive you know who they are. Just so
you know, their moms are just as amazing as their babies are. These moms are some
of the strongest women I have been blessed to know. Thank you for teaching me how to love. Truly
love, deeply, passionately, and in the moment.
I know this may sound odd, but thank you for Sophie. I am
sure you and God talk about her often. Maybe He even lets you take part in the
amazing plans He has for her. They have to be big plans because of everything
your sister has had to endure. Not that it is any surprise to you, but God was
faithful in the healing of your sister’s heart! Quinton and Sophie have that in
common! If you get the chance, tell God that all I want for Sophie’s birthday
is for her to crawl!
In closing know that you are loved. You were wanted, and
still wanted. I would give the world to hold you one more time Denton, and for
the first time Quinton. Goodbye for now, not forever!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, March 8, 2013
I Won't Let Go
As parents I believe there are so many things that we are supposed to teach our children and things our children are supposed to teach us that goes beyond the birds and the bees, beyond tying their shoes. They are the things that make us good people, things that make waking up every day worth it.
With Shane I am able to see glimpses of hope that we are doing the right thing when he opens the door for someone, or when we see him be kind to another person. I have confirmation from other parents that Shane is a fantastic boy, so respectful, and well behaved. Those are the moments I don't want to let go of. Those are the times that I have a smile on my face and on the inside I am giving high fives to my husband and myself because, yes, we are doing the right things. Yes, Shane is going to be a terror at home sometimes. He is going to get in trouble at school and at home. We struggle with him making poor decisions, but isn't that what living and learning is all about? The growing pains that lets us know we are human?
With Sophie, it is different. I can try to teach her everything I know about life, but unlike Shane, I won't have that same confirmation with Sophie that she gets it. With Sophie the teaching will be more systematic, ordered (not my favorite way to do things), well planned. We will have to do things over and over with her, just so she learns how to do it. Will Sophie ever learn to tie her shoes? I don't have the answer to that. What I can say though is that I won't stop trying. Will I get to see my daughter grow in to this beautiful person, a person that cares about the world she lives in, and the people she shares the planet with? Yes, I will be able to see her grow in to a beautiful woman, but I may not be able to see the tell tale signs like I can with Shane.
In this life there the only 2 things I want my kids to not only know, but to fully understand and never forget. First and foremost, Shane and Sophie, you will always be loved. There is nothing you can do to make your father and I not love you. You can try, and I am sure you will try, but our loves remains constant. Shane has asked me on several occasions when he has done something less than satisfactory or he knows he really messed up, if I still love him. The answer is always the same, Yes! I believe that this is the most important for my kids to understand.
The 2nd is expressed in these song lyrics. I can't listen to this song without tearing up. For Shane, there are going to be times he doesn't want me to fight his fights. With Sophie, I am always going to have to fight her fights. But I promise you, I Won't Let Go!
It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It’s breaks your will
It feels like that
You think your lost
But your not lost on your own
Your not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let you fall
Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I wont let you down
It wont get you down
Your gonna make it
Yea I know you can make it
Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I wont let go
Wont let you go
No I wont
Rascal Flatts – I Won’t Let Go Lyrics
With Shane I am able to see glimpses of hope that we are doing the right thing when he opens the door for someone, or when we see him be kind to another person. I have confirmation from other parents that Shane is a fantastic boy, so respectful, and well behaved. Those are the moments I don't want to let go of. Those are the times that I have a smile on my face and on the inside I am giving high fives to my husband and myself because, yes, we are doing the right things. Yes, Shane is going to be a terror at home sometimes. He is going to get in trouble at school and at home. We struggle with him making poor decisions, but isn't that what living and learning is all about? The growing pains that lets us know we are human?
With Sophie, it is different. I can try to teach her everything I know about life, but unlike Shane, I won't have that same confirmation with Sophie that she gets it. With Sophie the teaching will be more systematic, ordered (not my favorite way to do things), well planned. We will have to do things over and over with her, just so she learns how to do it. Will Sophie ever learn to tie her shoes? I don't have the answer to that. What I can say though is that I won't stop trying. Will I get to see my daughter grow in to this beautiful person, a person that cares about the world she lives in, and the people she shares the planet with? Yes, I will be able to see her grow in to a beautiful woman, but I may not be able to see the tell tale signs like I can with Shane.
In this life there the only 2 things I want my kids to not only know, but to fully understand and never forget. First and foremost, Shane and Sophie, you will always be loved. There is nothing you can do to make your father and I not love you. You can try, and I am sure you will try, but our loves remains constant. Shane has asked me on several occasions when he has done something less than satisfactory or he knows he really messed up, if I still love him. The answer is always the same, Yes! I believe that this is the most important for my kids to understand.
The 2nd is expressed in these song lyrics. I can't listen to this song without tearing up. For Shane, there are going to be times he doesn't want me to fight his fights. With Sophie, I am always going to have to fight her fights. But I promise you, I Won't Let Go!
It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It’s breaks your will
It feels like that
You think your lost
But your not lost on your own
Your not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let you fall
Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I wont let you down
It wont get you down
Your gonna make it
Yea I know you can make it
Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I wont let go
Wont let you go
No I wont
Rascal Flatts – I Won’t Let Go Lyrics
Monday, February 11, 2013
My Reality
My reality is different from what most of your has been or will be. I am not asking for pitty, or for you to feel sorry for me, I just want to share what has been on my heart all weekend.
I was on Facebook, like usual, and I see all these posts in my newsfeed about parents getting their kids ready for the daddy/daughter dance this weekend. I looked through their pictures, forced a smile on my face, and just hurt a little more inside.
Driving home Saturday I pass Madison school and see all the girls dressed up in the most beautiful dresses, their hair done nicely, and their daddy's with big smiles on their faces. I assume those smiles were for the joy that they were bringing to their daughters that night. Smiles to see their daughters growing up in to beautiful young ladies. I was broken as I drove past. I know that my husband will be able to take Sophie to a daddy/daughter dance at some point, but it won't be the same. Instead of picking out the cutest shoes to go with the cutest dress, I will be picking out shoes that will allow her braces to fit inside and enable her to be able to dance with her daddy. Instead of doing everything I can to make sure they have the best time possible, I am going to be worrying about my daughter being made fun of because she doesn't look like everyone else, or talk, or maybe even not walk. That is my reality.
I mean, let's face it, as parents/moms we don't grow up wanting to be parents of special needs kids. We want to be parents of the kids that will grow up to be doctors, lawyers, astronauts, or even the President of the United States. We don't raise our children to be mean to other kids, but society teaches that it is ok to treat people who are different poorly. We all want what is best for our children, even if what is best for your child isn't what is best for mine. I just know that I am going to be that mom who is jealous of other moms and it breaks my heart. I know I will get to a point, eventually, where it won't bother me so much, but I am NO where close to that. I am getting better, I feel like I make more and more progress the other day. However, Thursday night and Saturday wasn't one of those days.
I am sure this hit me harder on Saturday because the entire week last week I spent the majority of my time emailing Sophie's PT and the Wheeler Chair Supplies expert at U of M as well as researching the different things Sophie is going to need as well as finding someone to cover Sophie for Life Insurance. It is an overwhelming process. I am lucky enough to have one of my best friends, Kate, by my side to help me through the process. She has a daughter, Jozlyn, that has been through the same process as Sophie and Kate can tell me exactly what I need to do. I'm not sure I would be as far as I am without her.
So, I guess you could say that today I am feeling sorry for myself, and that is why I don't need anyone else to. My reality consists of Special Bath Seats, Toddler Assist Chairs, Mobile Seats, Feeding Seats, and wheelchairs/strollers, and not of the frilly dresses and sparkly shoes. I don't feel like I can live in the moment, I have to be preparing for the needs Sophie will have as she gets older.
On a side note, here is Sophie's new pose lately! Whether she is sitting in her stroller or lying on the floor, you can bet you will see this if you are there long enough!
I was on Facebook, like usual, and I see all these posts in my newsfeed about parents getting their kids ready for the daddy/daughter dance this weekend. I looked through their pictures, forced a smile on my face, and just hurt a little more inside.
Driving home Saturday I pass Madison school and see all the girls dressed up in the most beautiful dresses, their hair done nicely, and their daddy's with big smiles on their faces. I assume those smiles were for the joy that they were bringing to their daughters that night. Smiles to see their daughters growing up in to beautiful young ladies. I was broken as I drove past. I know that my husband will be able to take Sophie to a daddy/daughter dance at some point, but it won't be the same. Instead of picking out the cutest shoes to go with the cutest dress, I will be picking out shoes that will allow her braces to fit inside and enable her to be able to dance with her daddy. Instead of doing everything I can to make sure they have the best time possible, I am going to be worrying about my daughter being made fun of because she doesn't look like everyone else, or talk, or maybe even not walk. That is my reality.
I mean, let's face it, as parents/moms we don't grow up wanting to be parents of special needs kids. We want to be parents of the kids that will grow up to be doctors, lawyers, astronauts, or even the President of the United States. We don't raise our children to be mean to other kids, but society teaches that it is ok to treat people who are different poorly. We all want what is best for our children, even if what is best for your child isn't what is best for mine. I just know that I am going to be that mom who is jealous of other moms and it breaks my heart. I know I will get to a point, eventually, where it won't bother me so much, but I am NO where close to that. I am getting better, I feel like I make more and more progress the other day. However, Thursday night and Saturday wasn't one of those days.
I am sure this hit me harder on Saturday because the entire week last week I spent the majority of my time emailing Sophie's PT and the Wheeler Chair Supplies expert at U of M as well as researching the different things Sophie is going to need as well as finding someone to cover Sophie for Life Insurance. It is an overwhelming process. I am lucky enough to have one of my best friends, Kate, by my side to help me through the process. She has a daughter, Jozlyn, that has been through the same process as Sophie and Kate can tell me exactly what I need to do. I'm not sure I would be as far as I am without her.
So, I guess you could say that today I am feeling sorry for myself, and that is why I don't need anyone else to. My reality consists of Special Bath Seats, Toddler Assist Chairs, Mobile Seats, Feeding Seats, and wheelchairs/strollers, and not of the frilly dresses and sparkly shoes. I don't feel like I can live in the moment, I have to be preparing for the needs Sophie will have as she gets older.
On a side note, here is Sophie's new pose lately! Whether she is sitting in her stroller or lying on the floor, you can bet you will see this if you are there long enough!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mikella Gives Hope
Mikella is a little girl with MWS that lives in New Zeland! I just came across her page today when on FB looking in my Mowat-Wilson group. I can't tell you what this did to my heart. You are going to have to experience it for yourself.
Go to: https://sites.google.com/site/mikellamws/Home
On the left you will see
A. Mikella in Action.
Watch the videos and experience the Hope that Mikella gave me today!
Love you!
Go to: https://sites.google.com/site/mikellamws/Home
On the left you will see
A. Mikella in Action.
Watch the videos and experience the Hope that Mikella gave me today!
Love you!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Happy New Year
Good Morning Everyone! I know it has been a while since my last post but we have been soaking up the time we have had with the kids! I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and a great start to the new year!
Currently, things are going well. Sophie is doing amazingly well. She is wanting to stand all of the time, do flips in the air with her dad, and attempt to get in to 4 point on her own. When I say attempt, it means she likes to get on her knees and rock. She doesn't want to use her hands or arms or else she would be crawling by now.
Sophie also goes to school now. She attends Toddler Group every Tuesday and Thursday. There she is learning to use some sign language, drink from a cup, and to hold on to food herself and eat it. Sophie is also getting therapy still when she is there. Luckily, it is only 1 hour because that is all Sophie is really willing to give. (The picture below wouldn't rotate for me but it is her locker!)
We also moved Shane to Madison schools after Thanksgiving break. Shane was having difficulties behaving at Adrian as well as difficulties with his grades. We kept giving him chances to make the changes needed and he just didn't. From the kitchen window and back deck of our house, we can see Madison school. Shane is able just to walk to school daily. We are still having some issues, but then again, Shane is 12! I expect that it will get worse before it gets better. I do have to say, that I couldn't have hand picked a better big brother for Sophie, he honestly is the BEST!
Sophie has a heart doctor appointment next month and from there, we will go every 6 months or so! I will take it! Sophie doesn't have to see her Hirschsprung's doctor at all unless there is a problem! PTL!! As far as her eyes, well, that is a work in progress. I know that her sight is improving every day, and that is all we can ask for at this point in time. We notice things like Sophie opening her mouth when you put an empty spoon up to her mouth like you are going to feed her. I love that she knows what it is and that she has to open her mouth. I know it is a mean trick, but it warms my heart to see her do it. She is also tracking more. Shane will work with her a lot on this and he becomes so excited to see her follow an object he is holding. Her seizures are under control right now. She still take Topamax twice a day for it. We see the neurologist this month sometime (maybe I should check that out) and he didn't need an EEG with it! That makes me happy!
As a family we are looking forward to 2013. 2012 had some ups and a lot of downs for us. Starting the new year we feel like we will have more ups this year and we can't wait. We are in need of them!
Currently, things are going well. Sophie is doing amazingly well. She is wanting to stand all of the time, do flips in the air with her dad, and attempt to get in to 4 point on her own. When I say attempt, it means she likes to get on her knees and rock. She doesn't want to use her hands or arms or else she would be crawling by now.
Sophie also goes to school now. She attends Toddler Group every Tuesday and Thursday. There she is learning to use some sign language, drink from a cup, and to hold on to food herself and eat it. Sophie is also getting therapy still when she is there. Luckily, it is only 1 hour because that is all Sophie is really willing to give. (The picture below wouldn't rotate for me but it is her locker!)
We also moved Shane to Madison schools after Thanksgiving break. Shane was having difficulties behaving at Adrian as well as difficulties with his grades. We kept giving him chances to make the changes needed and he just didn't. From the kitchen window and back deck of our house, we can see Madison school. Shane is able just to walk to school daily. We are still having some issues, but then again, Shane is 12! I expect that it will get worse before it gets better. I do have to say, that I couldn't have hand picked a better big brother for Sophie, he honestly is the BEST!
.JPG) |
| Shane brushing Sophie's teeth! All 6 of them! |
Sophie has a heart doctor appointment next month and from there, we will go every 6 months or so! I will take it! Sophie doesn't have to see her Hirschsprung's doctor at all unless there is a problem! PTL!! As far as her eyes, well, that is a work in progress. I know that her sight is improving every day, and that is all we can ask for at this point in time. We notice things like Sophie opening her mouth when you put an empty spoon up to her mouth like you are going to feed her. I love that she knows what it is and that she has to open her mouth. I know it is a mean trick, but it warms my heart to see her do it. She is also tracking more. Shane will work with her a lot on this and he becomes so excited to see her follow an object he is holding. Her seizures are under control right now. She still take Topamax twice a day for it. We see the neurologist this month sometime (maybe I should check that out) and he didn't need an EEG with it! That makes me happy!
As a family we are looking forward to 2013. 2012 had some ups and a lot of downs for us. Starting the new year we feel like we will have more ups this year and we can't wait. We are in need of them!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Life is Good
Good Morning Friends! It has been a little bit since I have had the time to post anything.
In the last month, we have brought Sophie home from the hospital, moved in to our new home, several doctor appointments, football games for Shane, and just enjoying our life.
Let's begin with Sophie! I am continually amazed at how well my daughter is doing, at how resilient she is. What she has gone through so far, I bet none of us would come out with the happiness and joy that Sophie has! Is it because she is "simple minded"? Possibly, but I choose embrace it!
Every single day, Sophie is doing better and better. She is wanting to stand ALL OF THE TIME, with assistance of course. That is the one thing that makes her the happiest. Sophie is now sitting up by herself. She is still a little wobbly, but she is getting the hang of it. The only thing she hasn't learned is to use her arms to brace herself or to push herself up yet, so it is funny when she gets off balance and falls over with her hands behind her head! Yes, I do let her fall, she needs to learn somehow! Our little miracle has also learned how to pick up her paci and put it in her mouth...this is HUGE! Sophie has visual impairments that are limiting to her. How limiting, we aren't sure but we do know that she doesn't see very well. I am sure you can just imagine the excitement I felt when we were all sitting at dinner and Sophie was in her high chair. She was playing with her toys and all of a sudden she reaches down, picks up her paci, and sticks it in her mouth!! My jaw dropped and I teared up! What an accomplishment.
We did have a little battle with an infection, but with some Keflex it is doing much better. Her incisions looks fantastic, her breast bone is healing, and she is overall....a new Sophie! I still have my sweet sweet baby girl, but she is doing more and more, and always happy. She has so much more energy, a better appetite (although she is still only 20lbs), and overall, her quality of life seems to be better. All from just closing the ASD hole in her heart!
Shane is adjusting to living in a new house. We love our new place, so much more room and it is a home that I am proud of. Shane didn't want to move because his best friend lived literally down the street from us and they just started walking back and forth to play with one another. Although we are in a different school district, we are keeping Shane in Adrian, as of now! He is struggling with some behavior issues as well as grades. We just had his homeroom switched around because of the quality of kids in his class. The boys mainly. Hopefully we will see things start to improve for Shane both socially and academically. He has a long road to go, but we know he can succeed, if he chooses to. If he chooses not to, we will move him to Madison schools, which is right next door to us!
Shane's football team went undefeated this year. It was a great accomplishment for those boys because they didn't have too many returners for this season. Playing with a new group of kids can sometimes prove to be difficult. Not for these boys. They were unstoppable. It is a little bittersweet knowing that there are a few boys that Shane will never play football with again because of their age difference in school. That for me, is a little sad because I love their mamas!
Dan and I were standing in the kitchen the other day after our new fridge was delivered. We were talking about our new home, the things we have, how well Sophie is doing, and how we have a healthy son, and he looks at me and says, "Life is Good"!
In the last month, we have brought Sophie home from the hospital, moved in to our new home, several doctor appointments, football games for Shane, and just enjoying our life.
Let's begin with Sophie! I am continually amazed at how well my daughter is doing, at how resilient she is. What she has gone through so far, I bet none of us would come out with the happiness and joy that Sophie has! Is it because she is "simple minded"? Possibly, but I choose embrace it!
Every single day, Sophie is doing better and better. She is wanting to stand ALL OF THE TIME, with assistance of course. That is the one thing that makes her the happiest. Sophie is now sitting up by herself. She is still a little wobbly, but she is getting the hang of it. The only thing she hasn't learned is to use her arms to brace herself or to push herself up yet, so it is funny when she gets off balance and falls over with her hands behind her head! Yes, I do let her fall, she needs to learn somehow! Our little miracle has also learned how to pick up her paci and put it in her mouth...this is HUGE! Sophie has visual impairments that are limiting to her. How limiting, we aren't sure but we do know that she doesn't see very well. I am sure you can just imagine the excitement I felt when we were all sitting at dinner and Sophie was in her high chair. She was playing with her toys and all of a sudden she reaches down, picks up her paci, and sticks it in her mouth!! My jaw dropped and I teared up! What an accomplishment.
We did have a little battle with an infection, but with some Keflex it is doing much better. Her incisions looks fantastic, her breast bone is healing, and she is overall....a new Sophie! I still have my sweet sweet baby girl, but she is doing more and more, and always happy. She has so much more energy, a better appetite (although she is still only 20lbs), and overall, her quality of life seems to be better. All from just closing the ASD hole in her heart!
Shane is adjusting to living in a new house. We love our new place, so much more room and it is a home that I am proud of. Shane didn't want to move because his best friend lived literally down the street from us and they just started walking back and forth to play with one another. Although we are in a different school district, we are keeping Shane in Adrian, as of now! He is struggling with some behavior issues as well as grades. We just had his homeroom switched around because of the quality of kids in his class. The boys mainly. Hopefully we will see things start to improve for Shane both socially and academically. He has a long road to go, but we know he can succeed, if he chooses to. If he chooses not to, we will move him to Madison schools, which is right next door to us!
Shane's football team went undefeated this year. It was a great accomplishment for those boys because they didn't have too many returners for this season. Playing with a new group of kids can sometimes prove to be difficult. Not for these boys. They were unstoppable. It is a little bittersweet knowing that there are a few boys that Shane will never play football with again because of their age difference in school. That for me, is a little sad because I love their mamas!
Dan and I were standing in the kitchen the other day after our new fridge was delivered. We were talking about our new home, the things we have, how well Sophie is doing, and how we have a healthy son, and he looks at me and says, "Life is Good"!
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