Posts

Featured Story

All the Latest Happenings!!

Image
So, it has been a bit of time since my last entry. The last time I checked in was Avery’s birthday. After that, things got pretty crazy around here.  Avery is now four months into wearing his brace...well sort of four months. I would say more like three months, actually. He started in March, but it has not been easy. I don’t want to scare other parents on this journey, but for the love.... this thing is like a torture device. I sure as heck would not want to wear it, so I can only imagine how a three year old must feel. Once he is in it, he’s good to go. But actually getting it on him is more than a struggle. Then there is the hot summer heat to add to the misery. Avery is a heat box no matter what time of year it is, even during the freezing winter months here in New England. He sweats just sitting and watching tv. Add in a thick plastic brace that is not breathable at all, and the undershirt, and you get one sweaty mess of a toddler. So we have to do super short increments of br
Post a Comment
Read more

On Your Special Day...

Image
“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive, who is youer than you.” — Dr. Seuss Since the very second that the nurse held you next to me, and you nuzzled your soft little nose against my cheek, I knew for sure that my life would never be the same. Oh boy, was that feeling ever so true... We just celebrated your third birthday, and I must say, these three years have been quite the journey. An unexpected journey, into a world that I knew nothing about, and still feel that I know nothing about. Luckily, we make a great team, guiding each other along the way.  You have shown me a kind of love and happiness that I never knew existed. The true meaning of unconditional love. If anyone knows about unconditional love, it is families like ours.  You have shown me fears and strength that I never knew I had. People sometimes say to me, “I don’t know how you do it.” Well the answer is simple, it is because of you. You are my baby. You give me my strength. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Walk a Mile In These Shoes...

Image
Today was not one of our best. Avery really struggled during his therapy sessions, and at the end, after everyone had left, he just shut down and tuned out the world. He wasn't tired, he wasn't hungry, he wasn't just being a toddler. He needed to be alone and quiet the chaos in his mind and throughout his body. This has only happened a few other times, at least that I can remember noticing, but he never really isolated himself in this way those times. It was heartbreaking to see him like this. I wanted nothing more than to comfort him, but he wouldn’t even let me talk to him, never mind hug him. He eventually just curled up on the chair, asked for his tablet, and zoned out while watching cartoons.  I felt helpless and didn’t know what to do. I didn’t like seeing him this way. I gave him some space and some time, though, to do his thing. After a few hours or so, he started coming around. He asked me for a snack and wanted me to sit next to him while he watched his ca
Post a Comment
Read more

And the X-ray Says....

Image
On the first of this month, Avery had his 7th cast removed, and new x-rays were taken of his spine. It was a very exciting day, but my nerves were also going crazy waiting to find out the results.  It was a super fast process, and before I knew it, I was viewing Avery’s new spine images and comparing them to his first one when we started the journey.  What a beautiful sight to see! There is still a slight curve, but Dr. Glotzbecker said that it is at a good place, and...ready for it...he would like to do a two month trial with Avery wearing a brace (yay!!). If the brace can hold his spine where it’s at, then we can be done with the casts. If there is a regression, Avery will have to go back into a cast and then see what happens from there. I was so happy and excited to hear that Avery would not need another cast right now, that I just wanted to hug everyone that was there in the room with us.  After receiving the good news, we were sent to the bracing room, and had Aver
Post a Comment
Read more

Feeling the Excitement and the Anxiety

Image
This is Avery’s last day in cast 7, and I could not be more excited and anxious to get it off of him. Today we are heading to Boston for the cast removal, and at this appointment Avery will be getting new x-rays done to see where his curve is at, or if there is still any curve at all. Depending on how everything looks, he will either have to continue casting or transition to a brace.  Whatever the outcome may be, he will still need at least one more cast. The brace has to be specially made, so to reduce the risk of any regression, he needs to stay in a cast until it is time to change over to the brace. Cast 8 will be done on Monday, so I am also so very excited that we get a cast free weekend to enjoy lots of squishy snuggles, tickles, and bath time.  More updates soon to come once we get the results of the x-ray done today. Please send prayers and lots of positive vibes for some good news! 
Post a Comment
Read more

Let Them Be Little

Image
In a couple of months, Avery will be aging out of early intervention, which means he will need to start preschool. I can’t believe how fast these few years have gone by. It seems like it was just yesterday that I was anxiously awaiting for my delivery date.  I’m excited for him to start preschool, make new friends, and to come home so proud of himself showing off all the fun stuff he did in class. I have a feeling he is going to be one of those kids who has to tell me all about every second of his day, with so much excitement in his voice.  Of course, I am also sad to have him start school. I’m sad because I’m going to miss our days together when it is just the two of us. I’m so very thankful I have had the opportunity to stay home with him, as we have developed this amazing bond that I pray will last a lifetime. He’s my best friend. My little sidekick. We always have so much fun together.  I am also worried. Worried about how other kids may treat him for being “different”
Post a Comment
Read more

Happy New Year!

Image
The holidays are done, which means we are all settling back into our routines. I hope you all enjoyed your time, making lasting memories with friends and family. We had a nice quiet Christmas at home, and it was perfect.  It has been awhile since my last post, so let me share with you all the latest news and happenings.  Avery got cast 7 on during the first week of December. He adjusted well in no time, and luckily we have not had any issues with it. It fits perfectly, and there have been no leaking diaper accidents stinking it up. So thankful for that! We don't have anything scheduled yet, but Dr. Glotzbecker said that after this cast is removed, which should be sometime probably late February to early March, we will do new x-rays and see where the curve is at or if there is still even any signs of a curve. Of course we are hoping for no curve, but we will see when the time comes. We have learned throughout this journey that it is best to just not think about it, and let God and
Post a Comment
Read more