Parker's Promise

Thanks for all those that have been praying about Parker's right side waking up and engaging. Friday he had some breakthroughs with his right side.  He lifted his right hand, then carefully moved it over and deliberately pushed a button!  Later that day, he lifted his right arm above his shoulder height to grab on to a box to hold on to!!! He is grasping better with his right and beginning to bring toys to his mouth with his right, especially if he is laying on his side.  I am so grateful to see that right side wake up and begin functioning.  I keep telling him how handy that right hand is and that he really should try using it.

I am a little anxious this week.  He is having the surgery Tuesday to put in a g-tube as well as get the CT scan to start the process of his bone flap (putting the skull bone back in).  I really wish the bone flap surgery just happened to be before Dec. 31, but we can't have everything. :)  We really have been so blessed- I have nothing to complain about.  Thank you soooooooo much to the many kind and generous souls who have helped relieved so much stress and heartache with the financial side of things. You know who you are.  Thank you Thank you.  We have been so kindly blessed. With the bone flap. it takes at least 6 weeks after the CT scan to make the prosthesis.  His swelling has come down a ton, but it is not there yet.

I am also anxious because my in laws have to go home at the end of the week.  I am so eternally grateful to my in-laws and my parents for taking turns turning their lives upside down and completely on hold to come take care of my kids, me and my husband, my home and keep life as normal as possible.  My kids are handling the stress of only one parent and sometimes no parents and their little brother in the hospital so well. I know it is in huge part because of their wonderful grandparents. And I include my Dad in this, too, because even though he could not come down, he did great without my Mom for a whole month being by himself just shortly out of a knee replacement surgery.  I so appreciate the time of these wonderful grandparents that have spent so much time playing with my kids, spending time with them, making snacks when they get home from school, listening to them, helping with homework, encouraging independence, practicing the piano, cooking, cleaning, convincing my kids to clean up after themselves, making breakfast, school lunches and dinner, helping them with chores, staying with Parker so I can have a break, signing to him, holding him, feeding him, caring for him, taking care of me, listening, loving and giving much needed back rubs.  For sending me to bed and cleaning the kitchen without me.  Thanks to all who have prayed for Parker and prayed for our family.  We have felt so buoyed up and felt our burdens lightened.  I have no idea how people could possibly go through this without so much family, friend, church, neighbor and spiritual support.  We are really so blessed because of you.  Thank you.