Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Yearly Checkups

Here's the stats for all you stat addicts:

Tommy (3 years)
Height: 38.5in 32%
Weight: 38lbs 4oz 85%
Head Circumference: 21in: 92%
Concerns: I had a concern about him acting crazy when it's been a while since he's eaten possibly concern for his blood sugar, and so she checked that and it was normal. She discussed what he was doing and everything was exactly as it should, she suggested teaching him his address and phone number, and stranger danger safety.

William (1 year)
Height: 29in 25.7% (Yeh! he's on the charts!)
Weight: 16lbs 0.05% (following the same curve of the chart, but off the bottom)
Head Circumference: 17in 0.55% (following the same curve of the chart, but off the bottom)
No suggestions with him, other than we were meeting with the nutritionist that afternoon, and we discussed the help and therapy he was getting and they were happy with that.

Micah (1 year) (he was plotted on the girl charts oops need to correct that with the doctor, so this means that the precentiles are a little high for him)
Height: 31in 95.86% (probably more like 85% on boy charts)
Weight: 20.94lbs 49.25% (probably more like 25% on boy charts)
Head Circumference: 18.5in 93.2% (probably more like 45% on boy charts)
Concerns/Directions: We had a concern about diaper rash and pee burn, and she suggested malox, so we're trying that, and she suggested getting rid of bottle and putting him fully on sippys, which we already did, and a few other developmental things, that I'm not sure I remember. It was a quick appointment, with no major issues or concerns, she was very happy wtih language and other development for him too.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

William and Micah are ONE!



William Josiah, You are quite the child, I'm so glad you are here. You've taught me so much already. We've been through so many struggles already, and more to come. You have the determination to make it, and you will succeed. Here's a little of what you are doing now and what you are like: You are holding sit for several seconds to several minutes, you can follow simple directions and answer simple questions, You love to stand, and laugh and giggle, you listen so intently to all that's around you, you say hi to almost everyone, and chat with those around you. You light up when anyone pays any attention to you and you draw the light from the whole room when you do. You capture the heart of every therapist and all those that try to help you. You are so happy and content despite your struggles, You are ever watching all that's around you, and learning so much. Your name truly fits, you are Strong, and healed by God.

Micah Joe, You are a blessing from God as your name indicates. You have also taught me alot. You are patient, and inquisitive, and independent, yet vocal when you have a need or opinion. You are playful and happy. Here's a little of what you are doing: You are playing with your older brother, and following him where ever he goes. You are riding the scooter all by yourself, and trying to ride Tommy's tricycle. You are taking steps when you don't pay attention to how you are going to get there. You can crawl faster than lightening, and you try to say anything that those around you say. You are talking complete sentences, and letting us know your needs. You say, "Mama, I want ba-ba!" very clearly, along with "All done.", and "Hot.", "Hi.", "Hi there!", "Hi William", and other things that I can't think of right now. You love to be outside, and climb the play ground equipment by yourself (scaring mama).

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Happy Birthday Tommy


My Oldest baby is 3 today! I can't believe it. Wow how the last year has just flown by. Tommy's personality is really coming out in the last year. He's got such a tender heart. He love his brothers and those around him and love to play. He's an active guy and love to run and jump and slide. He's really enjoying having Micah chase him around, and playing with him, and he also enjoys giving William hugs and cuddles and seeing him smile.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Williams Eyes

William can answer basic questions with his eyes. I ask him where is piglet and where is a car having one on each side and he looks at the one I ask him about, and grins with a "uuuuhhhh!!!" Excited noise. I'm going to be asking ECI this week how can we expand on this and teach him things, alphabet, body parts, etc!

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."