First Big Doctors Visit

Today, we had the privilege of meeting with a wonderful team of specialists and doctors at CHOP who evaluated Jonathan's overall health and adjustment. The bottom line -- he is a happy little boy who is adjusting well! They were able to confirm for us that he is on target developmentally. The only obvious concern they could find was, of course, his speech. But the little guy has only been here about 3 weeks, so this was no shock to anyone!

Jonathan did a great job interacting with everyone and showing off. They were amazed by his mobility. They gave him a pair of lofstrand crutches (which attach to the wrists) and he took about 6-7 steps using them. This amazed the physical therapist who was surprised that he needed no prompting or help to use them. He will be getting his very own pair in the next 2-3 weeks. He will also have a few physical therapy appointments to make sure he is using them appropriately.

We will also have to follow up with an ENT Doctor took look at his tonsils (swollen tonsils are probably the cause of his snoring); consult with a urologist; and Jonathan is scheduled to be evaluated at Shriner's on January 6th for a prosthetic.

The Physical Therapist was able to tell us how to adapt a big wheel to make it easier for Jonathan to pedal. So now Jeremy has a little project.

Overall, the visit went well and that we are on the right track in dealing with Jonathan's medical issues. We came away with a laundry list of things to check and people to see, but no real unexpected twists ... and we are thankful for that!

Please continue to keep all of us in prayer. We are home, but the journey is really just beginning. Yesterday, Ben announced, "I can't take it anymore!" He said this because Jonathan had just knocked down a house he had built. Ben's world has been turned upside down and he is learning how to cope with not being the baby in the family anymore.

There have been many days when I have felt like yelling, "I can't take it anymore". There have been days I have called Jeremy at work in tears. But thank God each day is new and He gives us the strength we need for each day. We are so thankful for the family and friends who continue to support us on a daily basis. Mom-mom has gone above and beyond in caring for the kids and today she even had a wonderful dinner prepared when we got home. People think we are crazy for adding another child to our family (and yes they are probably correct) but the joy Jonathan has added to our lives has made all of the hard days worth it. His laugh is infectious, his smile warms your heart and he is teaching us what it means to love unconditionally.

The pictures are of Jonathan being cute and then earlier this week he discovered our office chair which is on wheels could be used as a walker enabling him to run through the house.