Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sad farewell
This week has been tough. Aside from the usual craziness of raising Emma, we lost a dear friend to brain cancer after a 22 month battle. Words can't describe who Matt was, so I'll just say I have never met anyone who displayed the love of Christ so deeply. HE is loved and will be missed by all who knew him, literally.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Nap time
We've had an encouraging few days sleep-wise. The past couple of nights Emma has slept through until 4-5am, without desats, which means I get a solid 5 hours of sleep! She goes to bed between 7-8pm usually, and I have been encouraging her to go back to sleep until 6.30-7am, so she is getting between 11-12 hours per night.
Last night we came home late, but Emma had been sleeping since about 8pm. We put her to bed and she did not even stir. as I cleared up downstairs Scott was in charge of hooking up the night feed. I heard "Debra" in a very loud whisper from upstairs, "come here." I went up to see what was up and Emma was in bed, sucking her thumb! It was very cute. (we always call each other in when she looks especially cute!)
Emma still needs 2 good naps during the day, and this week I've had her take at least one nap of an hour or more each day. This is definite progress, and it is really dependent on how much sleep I got the night before. Only when I am not tired do I have the patience to let her cry it out and go back to the sleep mid-nap!!
Last night we came home late, but Emma had been sleeping since about 8pm. We put her to bed and she did not even stir. as I cleared up downstairs Scott was in charge of hooking up the night feed. I heard "Debra" in a very loud whisper from upstairs, "come here." I went up to see what was up and Emma was in bed, sucking her thumb! It was very cute. (we always call each other in when she looks especially cute!)
Emma still needs 2 good naps during the day, and this week I've had her take at least one nap of an hour or more each day. This is definite progress, and it is really dependent on how much sleep I got the night before. Only when I am not tired do I have the patience to let her cry it out and go back to the sleep mid-nap!!
Today we are heading to the hospital, but not for an appointment! We have a meeting for the breastfeeding committee and Emma is coming with me as many of the people at the meeting helped to care for her in the NICU. It's 1-2 pm so I'm aiming to give her a morning nap and then she'll probably fall asleep on the drive home!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Cutie
Emma was on rare form yesterday, talking for the speech therapist, playing with the occupational therapist. Here's a video...
I can't say anything for sure, but I have never seen her this talkative, for such a long time, and playing with her feet like this also. She's the same today, at 7am!! I can't tell you how cute it is!!
Can we attribute it to the brushing? Who knows, but hearing Emma say "mama" over and over is one of the best sounds ever (albeit indiscriminately!)!!
I can't say anything for sure, but I have never seen her this talkative, for such a long time, and playing with her feet like this also. She's the same today, at 7am!! I can't tell you how cute it is!!
Can we attribute it to the brushing? Who knows, but hearing Emma say "mama" over and over is one of the best sounds ever (albeit indiscriminately!)!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Milestone
Tonight we went to Olive Garden with most of Scott's family - never-ending pasta bowl is back baby!!
We took Emma, of course and decided beforehand to try her in a high-chair, rather than the stroller.
When our food came I sat her int he high-chair, put her cloth book and teething toy in front of her and proceeded to chow down on my salad and breadsticks (mmmm!!)
It was just a few minutes later when a woman came over and said [something like] "I just wanted to tell you what a good baby she is! My husband told me to turn around and I saw her, but didn't even know she was there! And she's so little!"
Emma was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt, but is still pretty small for a high chair. She sat there for the entire meal, content checking out the place. Only toward the end did she start chatting and reaching for my face - not even to come out!! That was pretty good considering the meal finished past her bedtime and at supper time!
While we ate I kept looking at her and it was quite special to see her there. I don't think we'd ever let ourselves imagine this far ahead! Not that we thought she wouldn't make it, but just grasping the present is often enough for our brains!
Our little baby is growing up!!
When we got home, Emma got a bath, supper and Scott brushed her face. Here she is as she tries not to pass out on the floor...
We took Emma, of course and decided beforehand to try her in a high-chair, rather than the stroller.
When our food came I sat her int he high-chair, put her cloth book and teething toy in front of her and proceeded to chow down on my salad and breadsticks (mmmm!!)
It was just a few minutes later when a woman came over and said [something like] "I just wanted to tell you what a good baby she is! My husband told me to turn around and I saw her, but didn't even know she was there! And she's so little!"
Emma was wearing jeans and a pink t-shirt, but is still pretty small for a high chair. She sat there for the entire meal, content checking out the place. Only toward the end did she start chatting and reaching for my face - not even to come out!! That was pretty good considering the meal finished past her bedtime and at supper time!
While we ate I kept looking at her and it was quite special to see her there. I don't think we'd ever let ourselves imagine this far ahead! Not that we thought she wouldn't make it, but just grasping the present is often enough for our brains!
Our little baby is growing up!!
When we got home, Emma got a bath, supper and Scott brushed her face. Here she is as she tries not to pass out on the floor...
Pictures
On Friday Emma showed us what it
will look like when she gets stronger!
(This was posed and wasn't long before she flattened out!!)
will look like when she gets stronger!
(This was posed and wasn't long before she flattened out!!)
She does love to stand up though!
Sleeping like an angel!
Emma has discovered that she like to chew on Daddy's finger!
Reading her book on the plane.
She liked looking out the window, but when she started to bang on it I had to move her!
Emma stole my seat when I hit the bathroom to pump!
Emma's first time in a restaurant high chair,
if you can call an airport McDonald's a restaurant!
if you can call an airport McDonald's a restaurant!
Emma was pretty comfortable in the baby carrier for the journey.
Emma meets Snow White at the airport!
The laptop is still under suspicion but is working for now!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Healed?
So I'm writing this from my laptop! I'm not sure if it's completely healed itself or just playing with my mind!!
If it's healed, I'll be posting pictures in the morning!!
If it's healed, I'll be posting pictures in the morning!!
Day Trip
13 hours, to Florida and back again in one day! Sure, it was hard for me to go to Orlando and not shop, sunbathe or just relax, but we shared the motto of Southwest Airlines - Get there. Get it done. Get back!!
The flight was marred by tropical storm Fay, hovering over Florida, and though she did make it a bit bumpy in places the flight was early and not bad at all. (Scott might tell you different - he was not a good flier yesterday).
We arrived at the hotel with time to spare and met Jenn Clarke there. She is a nice, down-to-earth lady, trained in the body brushing therapy by her then husband and she is continuing his work. Others were trained by him before he died, but they are either no longer practising or are using other methods as well.
Jenn did a range of test on Emma (like seeing how her pupils react to light, whether her hand closed reflexively on something brushed across her palm) and identified some infant reflexes that should have passed, but are still present. The brushing should help them to pass and the adult reflexes to come in.
We shared our testimony and faith with Jenn, which she seemed to really appreciate. We did also mention the faith we were putting in the finances and, connected or not, she knocked $75 off the $500 we were supposed to pay!!
Our questions and concerns were addressed and we both felt that this was a good thing. So, we are pursuing the treatment. Our next trip to Orland is October 23.
We have some great pictures from the day that I'll post when I can get the laptop online!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Nap update
Last night Emma slept right through, on her mattress (no pillow!).
This morning I put her down for a nap at 8.45 and she slept until 10am. She did wake up and fuss a few times, but settled down again after a couple of minutes!
What did I do different? When she woke up after a half hour I changed her diaper and left her alone! She is now also able to sleep on her belly and I found her like that every time I checked on her! (They say it's okay once a baby can roll over!). I also found her with her feet sticking out the side of the crib!
Afternoon nap was not as smooth, but I think I may have put her down to early! We'll try it again tomorrow!
Phew! This parenting business is so fickle!
This morning I put her down for a nap at 8.45 and she slept until 10am. She did wake up and fuss a few times, but settled down again after a couple of minutes!
What did I do different? When she woke up after a half hour I changed her diaper and left her alone! She is now also able to sleep on her belly and I found her like that every time I checked on her! (They say it's okay once a baby can roll over!). I also found her with her feet sticking out the side of the crib!
Afternoon nap was not as smooth, but I think I may have put her down to early! We'll try it again tomorrow!
Phew! This parenting business is so fickle!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Insomnia
I can't take it anymore!
As you may recall, a few months ago we were having some issues with naps and they seemed to get resolved, with Emma sleeping for a good solid 1-3 hours during the day. Somehow, some way this got messed up! Sure I miss being able to take a nice nap myself, but more than that, she is 2-3 hours short of the optimum sleep she should be getting, so important for a baby. What's more, she wakes up screaming for a few minutes and I am not good at handling that.
Emma will no longer sleep for more than 30 minutes during the day, unless she is being held! I would love to hold her for a couple of hours, but I have too much to do while she sleeps to sit there for that long.
Her therapist has suggested putting her in her crib between feeds (minimize reflux) for naps and not relying on the little doze she has during feeds. In fact I'll be keeping her awake during feeds! Then we'll try putting her in her crib at the same time each day so she gets the idea.
We have been putting her to sleep on a Boppy pillow, for incline, but will need to take that away so she can move herself into a comfortable position. We can incline the mattress instead.
How long will all this take to reset her clock? Not sure! I'll start when we get back from Florida! Don't expect to see me at 2pm for a while! And when you do, I'll likely be a zombie!!
As you may recall, a few months ago we were having some issues with naps and they seemed to get resolved, with Emma sleeping for a good solid 1-3 hours during the day. Somehow, some way this got messed up! Sure I miss being able to take a nice nap myself, but more than that, she is 2-3 hours short of the optimum sleep she should be getting, so important for a baby. What's more, she wakes up screaming for a few minutes and I am not good at handling that.
Emma will no longer sleep for more than 30 minutes during the day, unless she is being held! I would love to hold her for a couple of hours, but I have too much to do while she sleeps to sit there for that long.
Her therapist has suggested putting her in her crib between feeds (minimize reflux) for naps and not relying on the little doze she has during feeds. In fact I'll be keeping her awake during feeds! Then we'll try putting her in her crib at the same time each day so she gets the idea.
We have been putting her to sleep on a Boppy pillow, for incline, but will need to take that away so she can move herself into a comfortable position. We can incline the mattress instead.
How long will all this take to reset her clock? Not sure! I'll start when we get back from Florida! Don't expect to see me at 2pm for a while! And when you do, I'll likely be a zombie!!
Good news or bad, first?
Emma had her second esophogram today, but before I get into that let me tell you why hospitals and airports are so similar!
They make you get there way too early (7.30am today!!)
They make you wait way too long (45 minutes with a 9 month old - HELLO!!)
Every second feels like an hour
Every time someones name is called you think it's going to be yours
There are no conveniently located bathrooms!
They look clean, but really there are germs everywhere!!!
That said, now for the results!
I opted for the bad news first, which is that the wrap (aka nissen) has loosened, which means that reflux is meeting little resistance in travelling up. Additionally a small part of her stomach has herniated above the diagphram. This is not serious, as long as we don't see any additional problems. At this point they will not have to do surgery on her stomach again.
The good news is very good though! Firstly, she is not vomiting as much, a few times a week, versus daily a few weeks ago. Emma is gaining weight well (16lbs 5oz) but there's more fat than lengthening!! This does mean we can lower the volume of her feeds, which is great because she gets very uncomfortable at the end of a feed. This should also reduce the reflux.
We have dropped one of the medications which seemed to only increase her drooling! This also means I don't have to remember to give her meds a half hour before each feed (woohoo!!).
All of this news, some of which we'd guessed, does help us understand her more and also try and work around it for naps etc.
They make you get there way too early (7.30am today!!)
They make you wait way too long (45 minutes with a 9 month old - HELLO!!)
Every second feels like an hour
Every time someones name is called you think it's going to be yours
There are no conveniently located bathrooms!
They look clean, but really there are germs everywhere!!!
That said, now for the results!
I opted for the bad news first, which is that the wrap (aka nissen) has loosened, which means that reflux is meeting little resistance in travelling up. Additionally a small part of her stomach has herniated above the diagphram. This is not serious, as long as we don't see any additional problems. At this point they will not have to do surgery on her stomach again.
The good news is very good though! Firstly, she is not vomiting as much, a few times a week, versus daily a few weeks ago. Emma is gaining weight well (16lbs 5oz) but there's more fat than lengthening!! This does mean we can lower the volume of her feeds, which is great because she gets very uncomfortable at the end of a feed. This should also reduce the reflux.
We have dropped one of the medications which seemed to only increase her drooling! This also means I don't have to remember to give her meds a half hour before each feed (woohoo!!).
All of this news, some of which we'd guessed, does help us understand her more and also try and work around it for naps etc.
P.S.
I forgot to mention, when they gave her some of the contrast dye for the esophogram by bottle, she swallowed it and it went to her stomach not her lungs!! Yay!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Internal diatribe
So Saturday is the big day, you know, the most expensive daytrip ever! We are going to Orlando and back in one day, to meet with Jenn Clarke from the UK. Her bodybrushing technique has apparently helped many people with Moebius Syndrome.
Just going puts us in quite a dilemma. We are investing big bucks in this initial assessment and possible first treatment session, and we do not even know if/how the brushing can help Emma. I have been struggling with the potential guilt I will feel if she tells us she can help Emma and we begin, only to run out of money down the road (or round the corner!).
It did just occur to me this evening as I shared my fears with Scott that even if Emma gets the brushing, it will not cure the Moebius! (Only a miracle can do that.) That does not diminish the potential improvements to the quality of her life, however it's not like we are looking at a life/death situation. In fact, us going broke to get the treatment may be more detrimental than not having it at all!!
From her therapists I have heard open minds, but also encouragement that she is doing superb and her muscle tone is improving greatly and while brushing can help, they don't forsee any concerns with her progress.
So there you have it, the inner working of my mind, for now!!
Just going puts us in quite a dilemma. We are investing big bucks in this initial assessment and possible first treatment session, and we do not even know if/how the brushing can help Emma. I have been struggling with the potential guilt I will feel if she tells us she can help Emma and we begin, only to run out of money down the road (or round the corner!).
It did just occur to me this evening as I shared my fears with Scott that even if Emma gets the brushing, it will not cure the Moebius! (Only a miracle can do that.) That does not diminish the potential improvements to the quality of her life, however it's not like we are looking at a life/death situation. In fact, us going broke to get the treatment may be more detrimental than not having it at all!!
From her therapists I have heard open minds, but also encouragement that she is doing superb and her muscle tone is improving greatly and while brushing can help, they don't forsee any concerns with her progress.
So there you have it, the inner working of my mind, for now!!
Soapbox
I have come to the conclusion that the world is going mad.
Why should you care? Because you have children, grandchildren and friends who need to know that they can destroy their lives trying to fill the void in their hearts with booze.
What they, and everyone else needs to hear is that it's a void God left in each of our hearts that only He can fill, as a homing beacon that would lead us to Him. I can't say it any better than that, it's the story of my life.
On the news this morning they said that college profs are advocating for lowering the drinking age limit to 18 so kids won't binge drink at college. I guess the logic is that legality breeds maturity.
HELLO!!!
Having grown up in one of the countries where 18 is the age limit I can firmly say that is not the case! My peers were drinking by age 16, and I even joined in occasionally (I was not a fan of the cheap cider and beer that was available!!). By 18 we were hanging out in pubs and "binge drinking" on the weekends.
From Scott's perspective, he was in rehab at 19, 2 years before it was legal for him to drink! Would a lower age limit have prevented this? As he was drinking before 18 I don't see how.
Is no-one thinking about the social and personal consequences that there might be? Drunkeness often leads to violence, and other bad decisions (yes, I'm talking about sex), not to mention the increased likelihood of alcoholism at a young age. Alcohol is also a depressant, which is not good in an age where youth are under so many pressures that lead to depression by themselves!
Whatever your stand on alcohol in general, I feel this is a seperate issue. Our youth are being forced to grow-up much faster than they are able in reality. Why are we even contemplating putting this responsibility on them?
We need to tackle the reasons behind the drunkenness of our youth, not legalize it. What message doess it send - if you ignore the rules long enough they will be changed in your favor?
It makes my heart ache that adults are actually allowing the demand of kids to be allowed to drink to influence their opinion. We don't let 5 year olds tell you what they should be eating!!
As for the Bible, it's very clear in it's instruction for all...
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Luke 21:34
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.
Romans 13:13
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
HELLO!!!
Having grown up in one of the countries where 18 is the age limit I can firmly say that is not the case! My peers were drinking by age 16, and I even joined in occasionally (I was not a fan of the cheap cider and beer that was available!!). By 18 we were hanging out in pubs and "binge drinking" on the weekends.
From Scott's perspective, he was in rehab at 19, 2 years before it was legal for him to drink! Would a lower age limit have prevented this? As he was drinking before 18 I don't see how.
Is no-one thinking about the social and personal consequences that there might be? Drunkeness often leads to violence, and other bad decisions (yes, I'm talking about sex), not to mention the increased likelihood of alcoholism at a young age. Alcohol is also a depressant, which is not good in an age where youth are under so many pressures that lead to depression by themselves!
Whatever your stand on alcohol in general, I feel this is a seperate issue. Our youth are being forced to grow-up much faster than they are able in reality. Why are we even contemplating putting this responsibility on them?
We need to tackle the reasons behind the drunkenness of our youth, not legalize it. What message doess it send - if you ignore the rules long enough they will be changed in your favor?
It makes my heart ache that adults are actually allowing the demand of kids to be allowed to drink to influence their opinion. We don't let 5 year olds tell you what they should be eating!!
As for the Bible, it's very clear in it's instruction for all...
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Luke 21:34
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.
Romans 13:13
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Why should you care? Because you have children, grandchildren and friends who need to know that they can destroy their lives trying to fill the void in their hearts with booze.
What they, and everyone else needs to hear is that it's a void God left in each of our hearts that only He can fill, as a homing beacon that would lead us to Him. I can't say it any better than that, it's the story of my life.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Nightmare
As I carry Emma upstairs for her bath I somehow mis-step and fall. My arm was behind her, so I don't think she got hurt, but from the way she screamed you know she was scared. Possibly I was more scared.
She recovered pretty quick and we made it to the bath tub in one piece. I have a routine for giving Emma her bath, and the last part is washing her hair. (Because of the Moebius we are careful not to get water on her face and eyes.) As I pour the water over her head she decided to look at it and I promptly pour water in her eye!
Thankfully I'd already made brownies, so I had some to unwind later!!
She recovered pretty quick and we made it to the bath tub in one piece. I have a routine for giving Emma her bath, and the last part is washing her hair. (Because of the Moebius we are careful not to get water on her face and eyes.) As I pour the water over her head she decided to look at it and I promptly pour water in her eye!
Thankfully I'd already made brownies, so I had some to unwind later!!
Last night Scott and I stopped by McDonalds for a caramel sundae! As we sat in the car eating it Scott said it reminded him of when Emma was in the hospital, when we would get McDonalds at the hospital or stop by on our way home. That got me thinking, particularly of the first night we spent alone with Emma, in a family room in the NICU.
Back on February 23, as we prepared to bring Emma home we spent the night at the hospital with her in our room. It was possibly the worst night of her stay at the hospital. I was terrified that there would be an emergency or something. I don't think either of us got much sleep and we watched the monitor constantly. Despite there being a nurse watching the monitor from nearby.
Of course we got through it, and every night since! We don't often have the time or presence of mind to think back on the hospital experience, in detail! We know that we had incredible peace and faith during the experience, so it's interesting that when I think back to some of the things that happened I feel all the emotions that we would have felt then if it were not for God's grace!
It's even harder to believe when you see the precious gem that we live with now...
Back on February 23, as we prepared to bring Emma home we spent the night at the hospital with her in our room. It was possibly the worst night of her stay at the hospital. I was terrified that there would be an emergency or something. I don't think either of us got much sleep and we watched the monitor constantly. Despite there being a nurse watching the monitor from nearby.
Of course we got through it, and every night since! We don't often have the time or presence of mind to think back on the hospital experience, in detail! We know that we had incredible peace and faith during the experience, so it's interesting that when I think back to some of the things that happened I feel all the emotions that we would have felt then if it were not for God's grace!
It's even harder to believe when you see the precious gem that we live with now...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
On Saturday I had some 'me-time' and went shopping with that Target gift card! I bought some winter outfits for Emma, just leggings and tops mainly, comfy things for day to day wear! I also bought a work-out mat so I can do Pilates (yes, I'm still trying to get it going) without hurting my back.
It was nice to get out without the worry of Emma needing me in the back seat. You'd be surprised at how the stress of that discourages me from driving places. That said, I missed her and couldn't wait to have a cuddle when I got home.
Scott and I stayed in for the evening and watched the Olympics.
Sunday we headed to church as usual, but I was unaware of what a great service we would have. Let me just share the basic message with you - it's simple, but important...
Jesus Christ said he is the Son of God and savior of the world. He said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Do you believe him?
It was nice to get out without the worry of Emma needing me in the back seat. You'd be surprised at how the stress of that discourages me from driving places. That said, I missed her and couldn't wait to have a cuddle when I got home.
Scott and I stayed in for the evening and watched the Olympics.
____________________________
Sunday we headed to church as usual, but I was unaware of what a great service we would have. Let me just share the basic message with you - it's simple, but important...
Jesus Christ said he is the Son of God and savior of the world. He said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Do you believe him?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Weakness
I feel so lonely right now. I wouldn't even write this, except that I feel this is the only place available for me to talk. I know of plenty of people I could call, I can even imagine their questions, so...
I know I'm not alone and no, I don't feel like this all the time.
Yes, I'm very tired, but no, the baby won't take a nap!
I can always go out, except today, because I'm waiting for a repairman who's due between 8-5.
I have friends I can call, but I know they are busy.
I saw a picture of a city street this morning and a memory hit me of leaving my apartment on a fall day (no specific day) and walking around the city. Was it nostalgic? No, I am under no illusion that I was not happy living alone in the city, or anywhere for that matter!
Nor am I resentful of being home with my baby. I don't feel like I need a break from her (though cooperatign for a nap would be nice!!) In fact, when I cried and she started crying I picked her up and she tilted her head as she does and said "aaa?" It's hard not to smile at that!
I turned the TV off because it was actually making it worse!
So as I write I start to pray for comfort and peace. Sure it's comforting to know that our lives have a greater purpose than we know, but somehow that makes the down-time much harder to understand or deal with.
I have heard people talk often about coming to the end of yourself, when you do not see what else you can do, as the start of seeing God work in you. It's not a one-time deal, it's daily asking for purpose, strength and above all a real sense of the unconditional love that surrounds each of us, whether we feel it or not.
And that's when it hits me! I'm not alone, never am. Jesus is never too busy to listen, will not condemn me and already has made me feel better!
I guess I'll post this now, just in case you ever need someone to talk to, too!
I know I'm not alone and no, I don't feel like this all the time.
Yes, I'm very tired, but no, the baby won't take a nap!
I can always go out, except today, because I'm waiting for a repairman who's due between 8-5.
I have friends I can call, but I know they are busy.
I saw a picture of a city street this morning and a memory hit me of leaving my apartment on a fall day (no specific day) and walking around the city. Was it nostalgic? No, I am under no illusion that I was not happy living alone in the city, or anywhere for that matter!
Nor am I resentful of being home with my baby. I don't feel like I need a break from her (though cooperatign for a nap would be nice!!) In fact, when I cried and she started crying I picked her up and she tilted her head as she does and said "aaa?" It's hard not to smile at that!
I turned the TV off because it was actually making it worse!
So as I write I start to pray for comfort and peace. Sure it's comforting to know that our lives have a greater purpose than we know, but somehow that makes the down-time much harder to understand or deal with.
I have heard people talk often about coming to the end of yourself, when you do not see what else you can do, as the start of seeing God work in you. It's not a one-time deal, it's daily asking for purpose, strength and above all a real sense of the unconditional love that surrounds each of us, whether we feel it or not.
And that's when it hits me! I'm not alone, never am. Jesus is never too busy to listen, will not condemn me and already has made me feel better!
I guess I'll post this now, just in case you ever need someone to talk to, too!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Go EAGLES
Our filming session yesterday went well and Emma was so well-behaved. She sat on my lap with her pacifier for the whole interview, well, she fell asleep toward the end! Apparently it went well, but I think I probably bumbled my way through it! We'll see when they finish it. We have been invited to the Fred's Footsteps fundraiser where they will play it! Free dinner - we'll be there!! Did I mention they brought a great toy for Emma and a Target giftcard as a thank you for us? Uh, you gave us plenty, the interview was the least we could do!!
This morning I was able to extend Emma's sleep to 7am by bringing her in with me at 6am! We then took a nap about 10am til noon! Don't judge me - she got me up quite a few times during the night and didn't take a nap at all yesterday!!
The physical therapist came today for her monthly session and was really pleased with Emma's progress. Merle is focusing on Emma's overall strength and coordination. I asked if she thought we should ask for weekly sessions and she said she's really not concerned about Emma. She is doing everything that is "normal" for a 9 month old. The only area she is weak (not necessarily behind) is crawling and we can work with her to increase her arm and abdominal strength to help with that. As for walking, she wouldn't necessarily be considered behind until she is 2 years old ("normal" is 12-14 months) because all babies vary.
I've talked to both therapists about the bodybrushing (we fly to Florida for the day next weekend). They are skeptical, who isn't given that only one person in the world can do this special technique, sounds dodgy. However, they can't tell us it's rubbish. In fact it's tough to get any authoritative opinion, after all even some doctors don't believe in miracles, so no-one knows all but God.
Tonight was the second pre-season Eagles game, the first that we have been home to watch. The game kicked off at 8pm, which is Emma's bedtime!! No problem, right? You clearly haven't been at our house during a football game! It's loud from the very beginning. Scott likes to interact with the TV for each play, and often encourage the team!
As you can imagine that is not the best idea when you are putting a tired, but awake baby to bed! However I was pleasantly surprised. Every night we've put her down early she fusses for a couple of minutes but goes to sleep pretty quickly, and the same tonight. In fact, she has stayed sleeping the whole evening and we haven't been keeping the noise down at all.
So, I can conclude that the 8pm bedtime is a winner, for Emma! As for us, I guess we'll be home early each night for a while!
This morning I was able to extend Emma's sleep to 7am by bringing her in with me at 6am! We then took a nap about 10am til noon! Don't judge me - she got me up quite a few times during the night and didn't take a nap at all yesterday!!
The physical therapist came today for her monthly session and was really pleased with Emma's progress. Merle is focusing on Emma's overall strength and coordination. I asked if she thought we should ask for weekly sessions and she said she's really not concerned about Emma. She is doing everything that is "normal" for a 9 month old. The only area she is weak (not necessarily behind) is crawling and we can work with her to increase her arm and abdominal strength to help with that. As for walking, she wouldn't necessarily be considered behind until she is 2 years old ("normal" is 12-14 months) because all babies vary.
I've talked to both therapists about the bodybrushing (we fly to Florida for the day next weekend). They are skeptical, who isn't given that only one person in the world can do this special technique, sounds dodgy. However, they can't tell us it's rubbish. In fact it's tough to get any authoritative opinion, after all even some doctors don't believe in miracles, so no-one knows all but God.
Tonight was the second pre-season Eagles game, the first that we have been home to watch. The game kicked off at 8pm, which is Emma's bedtime!! No problem, right? You clearly haven't been at our house during a football game! It's loud from the very beginning. Scott likes to interact with the TV for each play, and often encourage the team!
As you can imagine that is not the best idea when you are putting a tired, but awake baby to bed! However I was pleasantly surprised. Every night we've put her down early she fusses for a couple of minutes but goes to sleep pretty quickly, and the same tonight. In fact, she has stayed sleeping the whole evening and we haven't been keeping the noise down at all.
So, I can conclude that the 8pm bedtime is a winner, for Emma! As for us, I guess we'll be home early each night for a while!
Prayer Requests:
- The doctors may postpone the tongue-lip detachment. Please pray that they make the right decision, whatever that is.
- We are going to Florida on August 23 to meet with the bodybrushing therapist from England. Jenn Clarke will evaluate Emma to see if she can help her. We need wisdom in deciding if we pursue the treatment, should Emma qualify, whatever that means.
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