God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't take a special family, it makes a special family.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

I feel the need for an update on our lives....things have been a little boring around here....which for us is a good thing!!! Brenden recovered very well from surgery, though I'm not really sure he realized he had anything done. I can now nap with him without wearing ear plugs....the snoring has been cured! Madelynn is certainly growing up way too fast!!! She is pulling up on everything, she has already climbed out of her crib (I found her hanging on to the rail, not quite sure how to get down!), starting to eat table food, and she is talking a lot. It has been so much fun watching the relationship develop between her and Brenden....he loves her so much!
Brenden has a few doctors appointments in the next few weeks, one being an MRI to get a look at his spine to determine the success of his surgery back in May. It is our prayer that everything was a success and that the cyst has not come back. He has an appt with his neuro-opthamologist as well as orthopedics, however those are usually pretty routine....no surprises expected! He continues to do well with his walker when he's not being stubborn and just this week he has been in big boy undies....accident free! I'm really determined to have him out of diapers before school in March (only 6 months away, holy cow!!!!!!) so we are working hard to get this all figured out. Horses With Hearts takes a break in August, since usually it's our hottest month, so we have had many requests to go see Blackie....we actually went twice this week. Brenden says hi, waves, and Friday he was very excited to show Blackie his new fire truck.
He seems so smart these days, often times I just look at him and say, "How do you know that?" So many times lately I have wondered where my little baby boy has gone, but I look forward to the journey that lies ahead. I find myself dwelling on Spina Bifida a lot more lately, because there is the constant reminder that he's not walking yet. But for now, he's happy and his story is touching so many lives. An adult lady, who was born with SB, attended spirit night. She saw the article in the paper and wanted to come support us. We look forward to talking with her and I think it will be helpful to have someone who has truly been there, done that when we need advice. I also had the chance to finally sit and talk with another SB mommy, who's son is around Madelynn's age. Again, our paths have crossed for a reason.
Brenden's 6 month review with WV Birth to Three is coming up in a few short weeks. To see where we were just six months ago, I am so amazed at just how far he has come. When we set goals at the last meeting, I remember thinking we wouldn't meet them.....I'm ashamed to admit that, but it's so true. Needless to say, Brenden has actually exceeded most of those goals. Probably just to prove me wrong. But I am so proud of him and feel so blessed to call him my son. You see, this little boy has changed me. He has made me a better person. He has opened my eyes to what really matters in life. I will forever be his mom. And he makes me proud.




2 comments:

Leigh and Andy said...

What a great post! I think that it is so easy for us, as parents, to get caught up in SB. But then we look at our amazing kids and see so much happiness that we are reminded what is truly important in life! Way to go on the big boy undies!!! What a HUGE accomplishment!!

Uncle Larry/Aunt Barb said...

Our life is a constant changing journey. I am proud of you & Jonathan as parents.You make a beautiful family !!! Our love to all of you. Always in our thoughts and prayers.