Communication Skills
This is so great! I just bought a new computer today since my computer crashed on me a little over a month ago. I got a laptop this time and the versatility and mobility is so great. I am visiting friends in Jacksonville right now. I am sitting at my mom's house and still able to be online communicating with my world of family, friends and strangers.
So, anyway- I just wanted to share that good news. I am thankful for technology and all it helps us to do.
Eli Eli Eli- He is so wonderful. There is a lot of news to share about him. So let's just consider this blog an Eli update.
Last Wednesday night Eli and I were sitting at our gate in the airport ready to fly home to Orlando. Eli was in his stroller looking at me and he very intently said "dada" much to my astonishment. He has never used a constantly. I often talk with him and say "momma" and "dada"but he never responds to it. This time he initiated the conversation. So after he said it to me, I said it back to him and then he said it to me again. This pattern went on for a while. I could tell he was very proud of his new communication skills. He would smile big and I'd encourage him to talk more and he would all the while his voice growing more happy and excited.
Eli is a master crawler now. He knows no bounds- but soon he will have to learn some. Boundaries are a very good thing and provide safety and security. Eli can crawl on all terrains and in all types of clothing or lack of clothing. He is much less frustrated now that he can be a little more in control of how he explores his world.
On a more unfortunate note, Eli has just gotten over being sick for the very first time. Thursday he threw up for the very first time. That was so hard to see. He did it in his car seat in the car which by the way those things are very hard to clean- I think you have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to get the covers off. But I managed after over an hours struggle to get it all apart and the appropriate pieces in the washing machine. Eli ran a fever for a few days. But this afternoon it finally broke and he seems to be feeling much better now.
The poor guy was so pathetic. I could tell he wanted to play and be happy but just couldn't. I'd put him on the floor to try to crawl and he'd make one scoot and then lay his head down on his arms and rest there. He didn't cry much- he more just groaned and acted very lethargic. He was very snuggly and really wanted to be held close a lot. I welcomed this since I was feeling helpless and longed to comfort him. I love to hold him and find it sweet when he is content there. Those times are more rare and precious as he is getting more active and busy.
It was so hard to see him uncomfortable and to not be able to explain it or take it away from him. I do not like seeing him in pain. It was taxing on me to see him like that and to want to help him as much as possible. I am thankful that God gave me the grace that I needed. I am even more thankful that God gave Eli the grace he needed. And beyond that I am thankful that Eli is feeling better now and has seemingly gotten over whatever it was that he had disturbing him.
Kicking this blog up a few notches to the miracle caliber...
Eli had another EEG last Thursday morning. That is where they study the electrical impulses on the brain. The last few times this was done on Eli he showed a lot of abnormalities and a lot of risks for having seizures. Well, on his most recent test the EEG tech named Luis commented to me that, "this babies pattern looks completely normal!" I was so excited to hear those words. I had to wait till later that afternoon to get more official results which only confirmed further what the tech Luis found. This means that we will have to do another EEG in about 2 months and if it is normal again that we can start to process of weaning Eli of his medicine. That would be so wonderful for him to not have to take medication any more! This is what I am continuing to pray.
Clearly we are all witnessing a mighty miracle in this tiny body. Eli continues to surprise his doctors with his progress. Oh me of little faith! God is certainly able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine and dare to dream or hope for. I am glad God is so much greater and more creative and thoughtful than me- I need a greater God! I need God- PERIOD!
posted by Kellie # 10:42 PM
