16.5.11

no more sickies (for now)...


Well it seems like the sickies have finally left our house...for now at least. Poor little man had it ROUGH the past week. Not only did he have strep throat, but after a few days he developed a hideous barking cough, had trouble breathing, was stuffy-nosed, and his reflux was off-the-charts horrible. I took him back to the doctor where he recieved another 2 shots and was diagnosed with the Croup and an Upper Respiratory Infection. I didn't think he was ever going to get better or that I was ever going to sleep again. I got over my crud pretty quickly, thank the Lord, but he took a bit longer of course. Bless his sweet heart, he was still such a trooper as always. I am so thankful to God that I have a baby who is so, so happy. I try to do everything in my power to make sure he is happy all the time, even when he feels bad, but I think God has put a joy in his little heart that I don't see in other babies. There's a light in his eyes that tells me he is meant for greatness.

After a week of missing therapy, we finally went back today. He ate a little bit of applesauce but was VERY fussy during the whole session. He still did great though, and every little step he makes is a step toward eating/drinking on his own. I just cannot wait for that day and for the feeding tube to come out. Right now, along with the feeding therapy, he is also doing speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Every day of the week. Along with the feeding difficulties, he is behind on gross motor skills the most. At 8 1/2 months, his development is that of a typical 6-month old when it comes to mobility. But, he is getting there. He WILL get there. It just may take a lot of time and some extra love. :)

Today after therapy, since he was feeling better, and DH had the day off, we decided to go watch Soul Surfer at the discount theater we have here. I LOVE going to see cheap matinee movies on hubby's days off, and usually Stephen does great if he is feeling well...he either sleeps or watches the movie or plays quietly, or a little of all 3. :) We used to not be able to take him at all when our whole lives revolved around doing nothing but trying to feed him and get enough calories in him each day. At least with the feeding tube we don't have to worry about how we are going to do something fun and get him to eat while gone.

Soul Surfer was truly one of the best movies I've ever seen. I had wanted to see the movie ever since I heard an interview from Bethany Hamilton's Mom (Beth) on Christian Military Wives talk radio show. Bethany is a beautiful Christian girl who was attacked by a shark in her native Hawaii while training to become a pro-surfer. She lost her arm completely to the shark. But her incredible faith in the Lord, her willingness to keep going, and the love/support of her family enabled her to go on and still become a pro-surfer. I bawled my eyes out probably 3/4 of the movie, haha. But the tears were good tears. If you haven't seen this movie, I recommend it 100%. I was truly, truly humbled by Bethany's story. Please watch it! Also you can follow Bethany on Twitter (just look up Bethany Hamilton)...she is such a sweetheart.

After the movie, we took Stephen to the park. His new favorite activity is swinging on the swings. I had been wanting to take him to swing for awhile before I actually did, but I was hesitant due to his reflux. He is very sensitive to different movements and positions because if it bothers him, he will gag, hold his breath, and try to vomit. Sometimes this is voluntary, sometimes involuntary. So I have to be really careful with him and take things slow. Apparently swinging is NOT something that bothers him...he just loves it. Here is a picture of him in a swing for the first time a few weeks ago:




so cute!!! :)


This weekend we are going home to visit family and also to a college reunion at the Campus Ministry where DH and I met. We are really looking forward to spending time with some of our best friends there and also for Stephen to meet everyone. Please pray that he stays healthy and does not get sick! We really want to be able to attend and have a good time.

That is about it for this post. Time for a devo and then bed. Thanks to all who read this blog and are keeping up with us. Thank you for continuing to pray for Stephen also. God bless. +


3 comments:

Carly said...

I'm glad he's feeling better. He looks so cute in his swing!

PeeJumpty said...

Yay for Stephen (and you) feeling better! :-) Hope you have a great time at the reunion & visiting. (Phoebe)

Kelly Efurd Lawson said...

He is quite adorable.