Thank you to all who have already responded; for your kind words, the offerring of prayers, fasting and temple trips, and the love and support we feel from you. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives.
Hello to all our family and friends,
We hope that each of you is healthy, happy, and having fun together. We're sending this message out hoping that you will all help our family by offerring some extra prayers in behalf of our little Mini Man. Not to worry, he is just fine, but we received some concerning information at our last doctor's appointment.
Mini Man went in a week and a half ago for his 12 month well check. Not much fun at all ... four shots. As is typical, his pediatrician asked, "Is he doing anything new? Is he walking yet?" When I replied that he was not even crawling, let alone walking, she started in with a bunch of different questions about what he IS doing, and at what age he started doing them. Long story short, we ended up with a referral to a clinic called Early Intervention, where they will observe him and decide if he needs occupational or physical therapy. We also were given a referral to a local neurologist, where Jack will have a CAT scan done to determine if he has Cerebral Palsy.
Just as a brief background, CP is in the brain, and can be caused by a myriad of things. In Mini Man's case, the most likely would be certain circumstances surrounding his birth. (If you read that first link, the end of the story can be found here.) He was not a premie, but only weighed 4 and a half pounds. He had to be recussitated immediately after delivery, and only scored a 1 on his APGAR. His breathing was complicated at first, but after only a couple days in the NICU, he was fine and sent home. He has always done fine since we brought him home, aside from some issues with going to the bathroom. We do not know if possible intestinal issues are related or not. He learned to sit on his own at 8 months old, and did not roll over until almost 10 months. One of the biggest symptoms/signs is the fact that he is ALWAYS on his tippy-toes. He will not (or cannot - we don't know which yet) stand flat footed on his own. We can force his feet down flat, but as soon as we take our hands off, he's back up on his toes. Even when holding him in our arms, his legs are straight and toes pointed. He does not wrap his legs around us to hold on. Now, these are things that COULD be considered normal, but were cause enough for his doctor to want him checked out.
Yes, we were confused. Yes, we were worried. And yes, I was sad. My first thought (as lame as it may have been) was that I wanted my son to have a great life. I want him to be "normal." I want girls to like him. I want him to go to his senior prom. If he were in a wheelchair, would it ruin his life? I've since come to my senses, reality and logic have set in, and I am at peace. I am at peace because it does not matter. If he has CP it does not matter. If he doesn't have CP, it does not matter. He is still the same baby, and he will still have a "normal" life. What kid EVER thinks their life is "normal" anyway?
So he will go into the Early Intervention Clinic on June 3rd for observation. We are still waiting on our appointment date with the neurologist. And that's the one that is the most important right now. That's the appointment that will tell us for sure. After letting this all sink in, we originally decided to keep this to ourselves until after his appointment with the neurologist and we knew for sure. We thought there was no reason making everyone worry about it when there was every concievable chance that he was just fine. And then the thought came to my mind, "What would it hurt to have everyone - not just us, but EVERYONE praying for him?" Now, I don't think that prayers will take this away from him, if it is part of Heavenly Father's plan for him. But I KNOW that there is power in prayer. And I know that it can only help Mini Man. It can only help our family.
So we just wanted to let you know that we would really appreciate it if you would keep Mini Man in your prayers at this time. And we want to tell you all how much you mean to us. And that we have faith that our Heavenly Father will be there for us, no matter the outcome of these tests. We know that Mini Man is important; that he is a child of God, and that he has a special purpose here on earth. We thank you all for your love and support, and we'll keep everyone updated as we learn more.
Love to all,
The Man, The Woman, and family.
16 comments:
Okay 'Woman", this is one of those entries I need to give you call after reading. Just want to let you know how much we love you all and give you my promise Mini Man and you are in our prayers.
All our love.
We will for sure keep him in our prayers. I know that this is a very scary time. Let us know if there is anything that you need.
We will also keep him in our prayers. Please keep us updated on the whole situation. Love Ya!!
as I told you before, it isn't a handicap, it just makes you aware how lucky you are to have him. It makes all your pettiness go right out the window. One of the reasons I get so mad when people act or say they wish they were having a specific gender-I wanted to shove them and tell them they are lucky to even be pregnant, let alone have a healthy one! Sooo irritating, selfish, ignorant and embarrassing. Can you tell how fired up I get?? I wish I could have more kids, like I care boy or girl!!! Whether the tests come back with or without a CP diagnosis, Jackson will be fine and so will you...he'll be the one helping and making you better! Keep me posted!
Thanks for posting. I was just wondering this week if you had any answers yet. Please keep us posted and we'll keep praying for you. He is such a beautiful baby!
such a cutie - we'll be praying everything goes well...
Wow, and here I was wondering why you'd cut off from our little blogging world here. Nothing like a little perspective to straighten out the priorities. We too have gone the "early intervention" route. Addison was evaluated around 7 months and it was decided that she is significantly delayed; I caught it early because nothing points out learning differences like a twin sibling. She is progressing but it has been slow, her diagnosis could also be CP but in its opposite form, low muscle tone, poor strength, basically like a floppy little doll. With intervention she is improving steadily. It is amazing what early intervention therapy can do for a situation like this. Good luck and prayers your way.
Kim & Ty-
It is so hard to have worries about our little ones. We had some concerns with Alexis who did not crawl or walk until 14 months. It is like your whole world stops and it is all you think about. I wish life wasn't so hard sometimes! Especially for those that we love. You will certainly be in our prayers.
Love, Julie & Mike
Really he does look like "mini man." He is a complete copy of his daddy!
Thanks for the email. I want to call you but I'll wait till the phone isn't so hot from all the other calls.
We are definately thinking of you all!
Love you!
I know this is rough on your family and the waiting doesn't help either, but your little man is adorable and whether or not he has some complications, he will always be just that. I hope you are able to relax and not worry so much but we will definitely keep your family in our prayers.
Woman. . . I am soo sorry. We will definitely be praying for him! He's is so incredibly handsome. . . I could eat him because of his sweetness! He's getting so big. I can hardly believe we've been gone for a year. Sure miss ya.
Your family is in my prayers. You have such a wonderful outlook- even without knowing the final outcome. Your faith is obviously strong and that will see you through ANY trial. Keep us all posted! Your mini-man is no less perfect then the day he was born :) no matter what the results are!
I have been thinking about you all week since we talked. Your attitude is admirable and will definitely help you with whatever happens. Mini Man lights up a room with his sweet personality and smile. Know that we have been and are thinking of you guys and praying for you, and of course are here for you for anything you need.
Kim,
You and your family are in my prayers! I admire you, very much. You're a great momma.
We will send all sorts of prayers to heaven, don't worry everything is gonna be fine! We love ya.
of course you will be at the top of the list. You know, you just blow me away. I am reminded of something I heard at a ward conference- "we are able to bare all things through the companionship of the Holy Ghost" I am just so impressed with you Kim. It takes an eternal perspective to see the real deal! I am inspired by you. let me know if there is anything I can do, of course besdies prayers and such!
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