But,
by the looks of things,
I'd say that
spring
has
sprung.
Finally!
March 25, 2010
Finally
It's been a long, long winter.
But,
by the looks of things,
I'd say that
spring
has
sprung.
Finally!
But,
by the looks of things,
I'd say that
spring
has
sprung.
Finally!
March 24, 2010
Terminology
I am inspired. I've recently read a couple posts on this blog and thought the messages they delivered were worth repeating. The first one I read was on perspective and just yesterday I came across one titled A Vocabulary Lesson. This one I had to share.
With Nathan's diagnosis, Ryan and I have had our fair share of learning new terminology. Medical terms like myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, Arnold Chiari Malformation, syrinx, neurogenic bladder, and hydronephrosis. These terms have made their way into our daily lives now but just hearing them used to send us into a state of panic. Aside from this medical lingo I have sort of struggled with the right terms to describe Nathan and his sb. I am very careful to put Nathan first, and not his diagnosis. For example, I would say my child with sb, not my sb child because it is the child who defines himself, not the diagnosis. Probably the most commonly used term to define Nate (and countless others) is disabled. I hadn't really thought about the word much-until I read the definition.
disabled
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: incapacitated
Synonyms: broken-down, confined, decrepit, disarmed, handicapped, helpless, lame, hurt, incapable, infirm, laid-up, maimed, out-of-action, out-of-commission, paralyzed, powerless, run-down, sidelined, stalled, weakened, worn-out, wounded, wrecked
Antonyms: able, healthy
All you have to do is take one look at Nate and you will know that he is NONE of these things. Just take one look at this face and tell me that he is
helpless
incapable
powerless
wrecked.
Determined, yes. Joyful, inspirational, resilient, absolutely. Brave-without a doubt. The part that really gets me are the antonyms-able and healthy. He is quite ALBE to do many things. Some may be in a different way than most people, but he is ABLE nonetheless. And healthy? Pullleeeze. The kid has never even had an ear infection! He is the healthiest kid I know.
Words can be powerful weapons. Words can break a person down or build a person up. It is my goal, and challenge I suppose, to use terminology and words that will only build my son up. And "disabled" will never be one of them. So, I am challenging all of you to be "builder-upers". To choose your words carefully, no matter what somebody's walk in life.
I praise you because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the
depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139: 14-16
With Nathan's diagnosis, Ryan and I have had our fair share of learning new terminology. Medical terms like myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, Arnold Chiari Malformation, syrinx, neurogenic bladder, and hydronephrosis. These terms have made their way into our daily lives now but just hearing them used to send us into a state of panic. Aside from this medical lingo I have sort of struggled with the right terms to describe Nathan and his sb. I am very careful to put Nathan first, and not his diagnosis. For example, I would say my child with sb, not my sb child because it is the child who defines himself, not the diagnosis. Probably the most commonly used term to define Nate (and countless others) is disabled. I hadn't really thought about the word much-until I read the definition.
disabled
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: incapacitated
Synonyms: broken-down, confined, decrepit, disarmed, handicapped, helpless, lame, hurt, incapable, infirm, laid-up, maimed, out-of-action, out-of-commission, paralyzed, powerless, run-down, sidelined, stalled, weakened, worn-out, wounded, wrecked
Antonyms: able, healthy
All you have to do is take one look at Nate and you will know that he is NONE of these things. Just take one look at this face and tell me that he is
helpless
incapable
powerless
wrecked.
Determined, yes. Joyful, inspirational, resilient, absolutely. Brave-without a doubt. The part that really gets me are the antonyms-able and healthy. He is quite ALBE to do many things. Some may be in a different way than most people, but he is ABLE nonetheless. And healthy? Pullleeeze. The kid has never even had an ear infection! He is the healthiest kid I know.
Words can be powerful weapons. Words can break a person down or build a person up. It is my goal, and challenge I suppose, to use terminology and words that will only build my son up. And "disabled" will never be one of them. So, I am challenging all of you to be "builder-upers". To choose your words carefully, no matter what somebody's walk in life.
I praise you because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the
depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139: 14-16
March 06, 2010
ABC's with Nana
It's always learning time when Nana is here.
Today it was ABCs.
And learning how to spell his name.
She's also teaching him how to hold up 2 fingers. To show how old he is going to be. In just three short months. Oh, boy. My baby is going to be two!!! Let the countdown begin!
Today it was ABCs.
And learning how to spell his name.
She's also teaching him how to hold up 2 fingers. To show how old he is going to be. In just three short months. Oh, boy. My baby is going to be two!!! Let the countdown begin!
That's right
This is a picture of my little guy eating his dinner that consisted of noodles, onions and
gasp! portobello mushrooms! And he absolutely LOVED them!
March 03, 2010
Bring it on!
This little boy of mine is going to move mountains, I just know it! It's absolutely amazing what new things he learns from week to week. Because there is SO much, I am going to make a top 10 list.
10. He is now pointing. At everything. And it is too cute!
9. Nate is beginning to test his limits with us. And I couldn't be happier. Why, you ask? Because it's normal almost-two-year-old behavior! NORMAL!!!
8. He is still getting himself up onto all fours all the time-and recently started reaching for objects with one hand! HUGE progress!
7. He is a GOOD eater (and I am probably jinxing myself as I write this). Black olives, artichoke, cous cous, green beans, he eats it all!
6. His current favorite word is "car" pronounced "argh" kind of like a pirate. Every time we go "bye-bye" he points at every car he sees and says "argh!".
5. He can now get into a sitting position from the floor (laying) all by himself! He has been working so hard at this!
4. I'm amazed, but he can actually point to different objects as I count them. I'll say, "lets count the strawberries" and he'll point to each individual one while I count.
3. He is really coming along with his speech. His therapist couldn't be more impressed. Some new things he is saying (besides "argh") are nigh-nigh, eye, hi, neigh (horse), (oooo) cow, ba (sheep) and he can make "s" and "t" sounds.
2. While Ryan and I were away on a much needed mini-get away, his Nana taught him how to do the Itsy Bitsy Spider with his hands. It's so adorable to watch him try!
1. Today in PT he sat upright, unsupported on a stool for a long period of time. This takes a tremendous amount of balance and trunk control-and is a testament to how hard he has worked and how far he has come! We are so proud of our little guy! Here are some pictures from today:
kneeling and playing
pointing at something
sitting so big and tall!
10. He is now pointing. At everything. And it is too cute!
9. Nate is beginning to test his limits with us. And I couldn't be happier. Why, you ask? Because it's normal almost-two-year-old behavior! NORMAL!!!
8. He is still getting himself up onto all fours all the time-and recently started reaching for objects with one hand! HUGE progress!
7. He is a GOOD eater (and I am probably jinxing myself as I write this). Black olives, artichoke, cous cous, green beans, he eats it all!
6. His current favorite word is "car" pronounced "argh" kind of like a pirate. Every time we go "bye-bye" he points at every car he sees and says "argh!".
5. He can now get into a sitting position from the floor (laying) all by himself! He has been working so hard at this!
4. I'm amazed, but he can actually point to different objects as I count them. I'll say, "lets count the strawberries" and he'll point to each individual one while I count.
3. He is really coming along with his speech. His therapist couldn't be more impressed. Some new things he is saying (besides "argh") are nigh-nigh, eye, hi, neigh (horse), (oooo) cow, ba (sheep) and he can make "s" and "t" sounds.
2. While Ryan and I were away on a much needed mini-get away, his Nana taught him how to do the Itsy Bitsy Spider with his hands. It's so adorable to watch him try!
1. Today in PT he sat upright, unsupported on a stool for a long period of time. This takes a tremendous amount of balance and trunk control-and is a testament to how hard he has worked and how far he has come! We are so proud of our little guy! Here are some pictures from today:
kneeling and playing
pointing at something
sitting so big and tall!
Neuro update
We actually received some good news from Nate's neurologist at his appointment last week. After looking over the results of the sleep study, his Dr. concluded that his apnea is not central after all (brain related) but obstructive. He referred us to have an ear-nose-throat consult and said that Nate would most likely have to have his tonsils taken out. Ryan and I were actually very happy with this news. Not that we want our baby to have another surgery, but if removing his tonsils is what it takes to get him off oxygen for good then it's not a bad deal. Plus, that means that this whole apnea thing is NOT brain related (whew!) AND we probably won't have to see that doctor anymore. Great news all around!
On a side note, from this experience I have learned to ALWAYS trust my mommy instincts. From the minute Nate was released from the NICU and we brought him home with oxygen tanks, cords, canulas, and apnea and pulse monitors I was going on and on to Ryan about how we should take him to see ENT. I was sure it had something to do with that and could be fixed and was not going to accept the fact that he would be on it indefinitely. Problem was, with all the other specialists we were already seeing we never made it a priority to check this theory. Bad momma! Lesson learned!
On a side note, from this experience I have learned to ALWAYS trust my mommy instincts. From the minute Nate was released from the NICU and we brought him home with oxygen tanks, cords, canulas, and apnea and pulse monitors I was going on and on to Ryan about how we should take him to see ENT. I was sure it had something to do with that and could be fixed and was not going to accept the fact that he would be on it indefinitely. Problem was, with all the other specialists we were already seeing we never made it a priority to check this theory. Bad momma! Lesson learned!
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