February: Month of Firsts

Whitney has had a big month. She has begun to roll over, smile, and sleep through the night as of Sunday the 24th. I think that being the star of the show Sunday tired her out enough to begin a great new tradition: sleeping. The baptism went wonderfully. Fiona was a little restless sitting up in the front row but with a little sweat we made it through. While we were up front Fiona wanted to be baptised as well but thankfully we started singing a song and she forgot about it. The reception was a lovely time of fellowship together, celebrating Whitney, and a chance to thank many people who have been a great support to us these past several months.

Celebration

We could not wait 5 more weeks to have a party for Whitney. So, we are bending the rules and bringing her to church on Sunday night to be baptised and have a reception after. We wanted to celebrate her birth and the gift that she is to our family. Hopefully, she does not catch any viruses flying around the sanctuary.

All is well at our home. We are settling into a nice routine. Matt will be out of town for the majority of the week next week for work so my wonderful mother-in-law is coming to save the day once again. This coming Thursday we have an appointment with Whitney's plastic surgeon. He will check her back incision and hopefully tell us that we can start laying her on her back. (Whitney tells me that she is tired of being in her bouncy seat crooked.)

Good Report

The weeks are flying by and I can't believe Whitney is going to be 6 weeks old on Monday. We were blessed this week again by the presence of Matt's mom. She was only going to come for a few days and ended up staying the week due to weather. I love the snow!

We had an appoinment at the neurosurgeon this week. He was very encouraging and reminded me that every week and every month without an infection is a milestone. Her incisions look so good that I didn't think infection was a great risk any longer. He said that infection can fester for months and not show itself right away if bacteria got in her body during any of her surgeries. Needless to say please still pray that she is continues to be infection free. I asked many questions, as I am sure every mother does, and I was reassured on all of them. I still worry but I am not crazy about it...at least I don't think I am. We scheduled a head ultrasound for early March to check on how things are working with the shunt.

The physical therapist came for her weekly visit. As you many remember Whitney's lesion on her back was located at L-3 to L-4. This tells us aproximatly which nerves were damaged so we know what the outcome looks like is regaards to the future. She noticed that she has more movement on her left side and stated that she thought that her left side function was the equivalant of an L-5! This means that she has more nerve sensation on this side. I did not know that there was a possibility for the sides to be different but the nerve damage can be more severe to some nerves than others. We were greatly encouraged by this and look forward to seeing how else God surprises us.

We are now halfway through our incubation period at home. 6 more weeks! Please feel free to visit if you are healthy. I thrive on the adult interaction. (:

Whitney Update

Whitney visited the pediatrician earlier this week. Great report. She now weighs 9 pounds, 4 ounces--she was 8 pounds, 1 ounce at birth. We are pretty excited.

Wheelchair Backflips

A friend of mine just told me that ESPN was running a story today about a teenager with spina bifida who does backflips in his wheelchair. The story is encouraging--click on the headline above to see it.

Happy Birthday Matt

Matt's birthday was Saturday. We had a small celebration for him while his mom was still here. We have been home now for two weeks. It has been wonderful to have us all under one roof and not driving back and forth every day. Whitney has adjusted well and is a very good natured little girl. She wakes up twice a night and usually lets me go right back to sleep.

Fiona is also doing well. Her daddy was home with her for the first week home and grandma came this past week to spend time with her so daddy could go back to work. I am not sure I would have made it thruogh these last two weeks without them. I have been able to rest, nap and just take care of Whitney. It has been a wonderful gift. Fiona is missing her grandma's attention this week and it appears that she is more fun than I am.

As I mentioned Matt is back to work as of Monday the 28th. He was more than ready to return and told me a few times that he did not want my job. I found this quite amusing and thankful that I do not have competition for my position at home.

Since returning home we have had seven doctor appointments. This has been much more than I anticipated. It looks like we will have an average of one per week from here plus physical therapy. The good thing about having so many is that I get out of the house. The doctors have strongly advised us not to take Whitney in public for three months. The reports we have received from these appointments have been positive and a few of them even encouraging. She is healing very well. We have had her evaluated and she does not need any braces or casts right now. This is great news and makes us very grateful. We have a physical therapist coming to our home once a week. I am so thankful that this is one appointment that comes to us. Her tone and flexon in her legs is already improving as I do the therapy daily. This is also quite an encouragment.

We continue to take things day by day as things are still quite overwheming. Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement.