Thursday, January 22, 2009

Neurologist Appt

We had our Neurologist check up on this past Wednesday. William showed off all the new stuff he was doing. He on command looked at me with his eyes. He sat for a few seconds. He weighed in at 15lbs 4oz and was a Wopping 29" tall. He grew 3 inches in about month. We talked about his eyes, and he said that's normal for William's condition, and just a matter of lack of muscle control while trying to focus. We talked about his vision, and how if he continues to pull to the right after he's a year then we will need to talk to an eye doctor to see if there's something they can do to help him. Also, we talked about his tight hamstrings, and if the therapists can't stretch them then we may do botox, but that the therapists will know when. He was trilled with his progress. We also talked about his language skills and how he'll communicate in the future. That expressing and talking himself will be hard. He'll understand more than he'll be able to tell us, and that as his mother I will know his gestures better than others. He also asked what Micah was doing in his communication skills, so he could compare them. He was trilled William will say hi, and that he's sitting, and trying to roll, and holding his head up.

5 comments:

Liz said...

He is such a smart boy. I just wonder though what will botox do to fix it, since its only temporary, and if he continues to need it he could very well become immune to its effects?

~Lydia~ said...

That's why they don't do botox till he needs it, possibly after a bad growth spirt and the tendons are really tight to relax them till he can catch up.

Liz said...

oh, Ok. That makes sence now. Thanks for clarifying that for me.

Ladyornot.com said...

I am glad he is doing well. Keep up the hard work William.

Recovering Noah said...

Hi Lydia! This is Leslie - Robbie's friend from HS. I've been reading through your blog. Your boys are so cute!

Which neurologist do you see? Nandi went to Scottish Rite today and they're going to do Botox in 3 weeks. She had a a major growth spurt in the last year and is now walking completely on the tips of her toes. She's like a ballerina!

It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job - and that Will is really doing a lot of great things. He's sitting??!! Attempting to say hi??!! That is awesome! Very good signs.

Anyway, just thought I'd pop in and say hi. :-)

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."