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Friday, January 20, 2012

Putting the "heal" in health

My baby,

What a trying (almost!) 18 months it's been for your little baby body/mind. You have some challenges, but God is good and He hasn't given us anything that we can't handle. Your health could be much, much, much worse - and I am grateful that all of your diagnosis are things that we can overcome together. Let's start with the good news: You are (overall) healthy and happy. You are growing strong - today at the doctor you were 35.5 inches (one more half inch and you will be 3 feet!!) - you are also 34.5 lbs. You are 100% for both height and weight! My big boy! You are also getting all of the services you need - Mommy and Daddy have been going to appointments like crazy, calling insurance, scheduling future appointments - you are loved, little boy, and we will go to the ends of the earth for you.

The bad-ish news. I say bad-ish because all of this stuff is just a minor set-back - it could be a lot worse. We are grateful. You have asthma (not new). You have a motor delay and a speech delay (both new).

Asthma: You went to a pulmonolgist today to check on your on-going asthma. You take singular daily and albuterol inhaler PRN. You just had bronchitis a few weeks ago - and since we are concerned about your lungs and have been since you were born - the pulmonologist is starting you on a low-dose steroid called QVAR. I don't think I like the idea of you being on a steroid everyday since it does stunt growth - so - we are just going to use it for a short-time. We are seeing the doctor again in May to re-check you and see if you still need it or not.


You went to your physical therapist for the first time this week. You have been dx as having in-toeing (pigeon toes) and ankle joint inflexibility. Daddy has to help you do your stretches everyday, 2x a day. YOU HATE IT. You act like someone is trying to kill you. Poor thing. But your muscles are tight and we need to help you with your flexibility and balance. You fall down. A lot. Like a drunk. So, please know that no one is killing you with the exercises - we love you and want your body strong! You will be going to PT bimonthly and you will have to wear an ankle orthodic called Sure Step. You get fit for this next week and hopefully will have your own pair within the next 2 weeks or so. They will probably look something like this:



I hope you do not mind your brace and I hope you will enjoy finally feeling balanced! Oh imagine the things you can get into when you don't fall down all the time :-)!!!

And, the worst - your speech delay. You have a receptive speech delay. This means that you have a hard time understanding. You have a hard time grasping what things are by words alone. If we show you a jacket - you immediately hold out your arms to put your jacket on. But, if we just say the word jacket - you have no idea what I'm talking about. We are working with a speech therapist to help improve your language issues. We need to improve the amount you make eye-contact and we are helping with your language skills by doing baby sign language. You are getting pretty good! You don't know a ton of signs - but it is helpful to be able to communicate a little bit with you.



I am the most anxious about your speech - I do worry because communicate is a big concern right now. I'm hoping with the speech therapy that we can get you all caught up. I dream of the day that you and I will be able to talk together - I can't wait to hear about all of the thoughts that go through that sweet, smart mind of yours.

I'm so grateful to be your mom. Speech delay, motor delay, asthma - you will get better. I will do everything under the sun to help you, you are not alone. I love you "rocket" :)




Monday, January 2, 2012

Abiel's world at 17 months old

As of today 1/2/12  - you are 17 months old. As of your last doctor's office visit a few weeks ago you were 34 inches tall (100% for height) and 33 pounds (110% for weight). You were size 7 diapers. SIZE SEVEN!!

Some things you are really good at: Babbling, climbing (you love to climb in and out of the tub, climb on your changing table, climb on the dining room table, there isn't a spot that you haven't tried to climb on). You love clapping your hand and dancing - although right now your one and only signature dance move is squatting up and down and doing some type of gansta hand throw. You love to smile and your baby smile just lights up your whole face :-) It also melts mommy's heart. You are a good eater - you love mandarin oranges, mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. You are really good at not wanting to get your diaper changed. Why you would love to sit in your own crap is beyond me, but, you roll and wiggle and scream when we try to change you. You are not being murdered, I promise! You are FINALLY getting great at sleeping. You love to sleep in - the later we put you to bed, the later you sleep. I know you and sleep did not get along when you were younger, but, I am very glad you guys have made up and are on your way to a great relationship together.


Some things you love: Your favorite TV shows are, by far, Yo Gabba Gabba and the Fresh Beats Band. Whoever created Yo Gabba Gabba was high on acid, but both shows have really good morals. You love Brobie, "the short and green one" character - in fact, you even have a Brobie doll that we HAD to get you (eventhough it cost a half tank of gas) - because you hugged it and hugged it and hugged it in the store :-).
You love music. You don't care if it's Little Wayne or My Little Pony - you love anything music and love to dance. We hope you love being our son - because we love you to pieces!



Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 - Abiel's Year in Review in Pictures

Jan 2011





Feb 2011





March 2011





April 2011

May 2011






June 2011: You love your water-table toy that Grandma Linda got for you.




July 2011 -You are 1 year old!! :) You also had your first dentist appointment as well as your first birthday party in July 2011!
























Your 1 year old photoshoot!!! Daddy and I are so thankful for the past year with you!
























August 2011: You were not drinking - but mommy and Aunt Maureen sure were! This alcohol was so good we even snuck it out of the restraurant in your baby bottle - not my finest mommy moment.




Sept 2011: You went to a 9-11 memorial activity with Aunt Maureen.



Oct 2011: We went pumpkin picking with Caressa, Steve and their children - Marilyn and Sam. You went to the "Boo Bash" at church and got to dress up like a Chicken! You even won a "caption contest" on a news station picture contest because you fell asleep in Aunt Lindsey's arms dressed up like a chicken :-)







Nov 2011We had a wonderful thankgiving - 3 years in a row - at Caressa and Steves house!




Dec 2011 - We made it through your first FULL YEAR alive Abiel! And I kept you alive the entire year! Not an easy feat, considering you are like an octopus on meth most of the time :-) You had a great time at Breakfast with Santa at Church. You also are really enjoying splashing - and got me and Aunt Erin so wet when you splashed in the sink! What an incredible 2011 you have given me - I look forward to our 2012 together. And I promise (my New Years resolution) to update this blog about you more. I love you.