Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Explaining some things & 2 month checkup

I've been asked several of the abbreviations I've used and what those mean:

ST = Speech Therapist (feeding issues)
ECI = Early Childhood Intervention provides therapy through school districts free birth through age 3.  

How is William and what's the prognosis:  He still resists eating and has trouble enjoying it.  It's lots of work for him still.  He eats the minimum, and is gaining the minimum needed (1/2 lb a week), but we would like to see him do better here.  He also had trouble eating for different people at times.  His official diagnosis for all the therapy and to qualify him for various support programs is CP.  His muscle tone is Hyper-tonic (over tone) (too much tone in his muscles).  He holds his arms stiff and his neck stiff at times, and twists it to the right.  We've now had 3 chiro adjustments and it's helped his neck, but I do see we still have a ways to go.  He will have chiro care 3 times a week for 4 weeks then we will re-scan him and access where his is.  This is also highly recommended by his pediatrician.  She recommends that all babies get chiropractic care.  He is expected to be "all there" intellectually, but the physically is a question at this point.  We won't know the extent of his injury for possibly several years.  The best thing we can do is get him all the therapy we can.  

William and Micah 2 Month Checkup
2 Month checkup for the babies was Monday.  William was 7# 14 oz and Micah was 12# 7 oz.  Micah was 75% height and weight, and William was closer to 10th.  I'm sorry I forget all the height information from the appt, I'll have to call and update this post tomorrow.   The main topic for the appointment was William, and what we are doing for him.  She wanted me to take cards and pass them on to the chiropractor, and other therapists and have them all report to her how he's doing with each different treatment, so she can coordinate it all, and be the "ring leader".  She was excited we were getting chiropractic care for William and even said that that's the best thing we can do for him at this point, and to keep up the good work.  


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I think it is great that your pediatrician is going to be so involved in the total care of William and willing to work with all diffrent types of professionals to maximize the benefits of therapy. I think your doing a great job.

Mother of a "Special" Child

When I was young, I'd often say,
I'd like to be a mom someday
While playing with my baby doll,
I thought that job's not hard at all

I'd have a baby, maybe two,
a girl in pink...a boy in blue
Well I grew up and sure enough,
I'm now a mom and gosh it's tough

The baby that was sent to me,
was born with disabilities
At first I'm frightened through and through,
there's much to learn to care for you

This wasn't in my plans at all,
when I was young and played with dolls
Your mind and body were so weak,
you might not ever walk or speak

So much special care required,
I'm often scared and often tired
As months and years go slowly by,
I smile a lot but sometimes cry

To watch you grow and not complain,
though you endure your share of pain
Oh, how I'd hold you and I'd pray,
that you'd be healed and whole someday

But I knew that was not to be,
not physically or mentally
And so I taught you best I could,
your progress wasn't very good

But then one day I realized,
as I gazed into your loving eyes
That I had learned so much from you,
determination...courage too

A love so unconditional,
it floods my soul and always will
I'm proud to say I gave you birth,
for you're an angel here on earth.

God Choose a mother for a "Special" child

Most women becaome mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure and a couple by habit.

This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

"Forrest, Marjotie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."

"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."

Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But she has patience?" asked the angel.

"I don't want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make her live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".

And what about her Patron saint? asked the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."