Happy Times/Ped Appt/Cyndi

So this week...just full of blessings! Brandt had his 2-mos pediatrician appt complete with immunizations--never fun, right? But he was a little trooper as always, hardly cried through the needles and didn't even spike a fever or anything. He's had quite a few reflux episodes again--I've about given up even trying to figure out why they do or don't happen and just be glad when they don't--so I wasn't surprised he'd only gained one ounce since last week's cardiology appt, bringing him to 9lb 2 oz. But, his doctor told me he has amazing strength and muscle tone, better than most HEALTHY two mos olds. He's ahead of the game developmentally as far as "talking" and smiling go as well. Goes along with what his cardiologist calls his "sassy" attitude. Just as the pediatrician finished examining him and started to tell me he would begin to smile and coo more, Brandt began one of his extended "jabbering" sessions complete with huge smiles, and the doctor said never mind, he's obviously already interacting well in advance of normal parameters as well.

As far as growth curve goes, despite the fact he's in the 5th % for weight, he's already at the 50th % for length, and his pediatrician said that really, considering everything he's up against, this is GREAT progress to gain weight at all. 1. His heart having to work so hard uses extra calories. 2. He's on several medications that can affect weight gain. 3. He has reflux. Sooo I found this appointment extremely encouraging as an overview of his progress! All of these heart babies are considered high risk for other developmental issues, just for the fact they've already been on heart and lung bypass machines if for nothing else, so we are thankful for this great news. He's scheduled for additional hearing tests and high risk clinics in August and September.

This week was also my birthday, and it pretty much snuck up on me--with everything for Brandt, and my sister's preparations to go to Africa as a missionary, I just really didn't feel the need to celebrate. Brandt and his smooth recovery and all of us being together are like the best gift ever. But my wonderful husband brainstormed a DVD made with pictures, video clips, and some of our favorite music and Scripture intertwined, to remember all of Brandt's progress. A kind friend put it together for him, and what a tear-jerker! Plus--1. my brother and his family, my sister and our family were all able to get together earlier in the week for my mom's birthday. 2. Glenn's coworkers and my aunt and uncle had a joint celebration at their office for my mom's and my birthday combined. The cake said "happy 96th" :-) Brandt got to meet some more of the many friends who have prayed for him. 3. I had a coupon to a Thai restaurant I had really been wanting to use. Now my sister and I were the only ones who were actually excited about this idea, but Glenn and my mom agreed to go because they love us and it was my birthday--ha! Glenn kept us amused as usual with his rendition of the unpronounceable Thai dish names. 4. We ended the day with an ice cream cake celebration at Glenn's family's house. As a result--I had a day FULL of celebration and just really dear time with family all week.

I mentioned my sister leaving for Africa. She has raised all of her support and her departure date on the 9th has arrived far too soon for us...we will miss her, and sending her off will be bittersweet. She saw a two-year-old little boy the other day and remarked on the fact Brandt will probably be about that age by the time she sees him again. In fact all of her nephews will be much bigger than she remembers them now. But she's excited to do God's work with medical missions in Cameroon, where she is headed, and so we rejoice with her, even though we will miss her so very much--her pending departure makes me treasure this family time together even more, knowing it will be a while before we're all back together again. Our prayer and support go with her--and wow are we glad for the internet and skype!!