Avery's Curvy Road

This has been one busy month for us with birthdays, the 4th of July, getting Sadie ready for her first year of preschool, George's crazy work schedule, and having appointment after appointment...after appointment. I don't normally like constant craziness, however this time I have actually welcomed it as it keeps my mind off of what is quickly approaching.  In only two weeks Avery will be in his first cast to begin his scoliosis treatments. It was originally supposed to be on July 24th, but because of scheduling issues at the hospital, it got pushed out to August 14th. My emotions have been all over the place. There are going to be a lot of adjustments and changes made to our daily routines, as well as many new challenges to face. Am I ready for this? Far from it. I don't think there really is any way to be ready or prepared for what is ahead of us.  As if the scoliosis treatments and feeding therapy wasn't enough, at Avery's 15 month wellness check this pas...

Friday was Avery's follow-up appointment at Boston Children's. We got to meet with the orthopedic surgeon who will be treating him from here on out, Dr. G. He answered all of our questions, and explained everything about Avery's condition and treatment options to help us better understand what is going on. He also sent Avery in for a second X-ray since his original was done back in May. This X-ray, unlike the first one, was done with Avery laying down. It showed a much better image of the curve, whereas the original was not as clear because it was hard to hold him still while he was standing.  At the time of the original X-ray, Avery's curve measured at 30 degrees. This time it was slightly higher, measuring at 34 degrees.  Left: Recent X-ray. Right: Original X-ray So, according to Dr. G, we should expect Avery to be in a cast for at least a year. After that, as long as the curve has decreased and taken well to the cast, he will then be switched over to wearing...

This past week was our first family vacation. We spent the week sightseeing around Plymouth, and brought the kids to the beach down at the Cape. It was Avery's first time ever at the beach, and it didn't go exactly how I had imagined it. I imagined he would have been throwing the sand around, helping his sister build sandcastles and splashing in the water. Complete opposite. He screamed and cried when we put him anywhere near the water, and he screamed and cried when we put him in the sand. Eventually I was able to get him to sit on my lap, while I sat in the sand, and he threw the sand on my legs...the joys of being a mom. I was happy, though, that he at least was able to get his first beach experience before starting his casting treatments. Despite that part of the trip, we all had a really nice time, and made some great memories.                                          ...

The end of this exhausting and stressful week is finally here. A broken car, baby with a high fever, and an MRI. I am pretty much running on no sleep and tons of caffeine, at this point. On a good note, though, there is much to be thankful for.  Avery had his MRI appointment on Tuesday. It was possibly one of my hardest mommy days so far since Avery was born. The appointment was scheduled for 9:30, but because they were so backed up, they were not able to get Avery in the room to administer the anesthesia until around 12:30. I felt so bad for him, because he was not able to eat past midnight prior to the appointment. I get it, though, things happen that you can't always control. They tried to do the IV before giving him the anesthesia, but he just wasn't having it and would not let them near him. It was very difficult to watch and not be able to do anything. So they decided to try again after he was sedated, which went much smoother. Watching him being sedated was also not ...

This is my first time ever creating a blog. I have kept numerous journals since I was a little girl, but never anything like this that would be read by others. So please bare with me as I try to figure out the world of blogging. There are a few reasons why I decided to make this journal here... I am writing this mostly for my son, Avery. As he grows older, I want him to see this and all he's been through to be reminded of how strong and how much of a little warrior he really is. On days when he has doubts about himself and his abilities, I want him to be reminded that he can overcome any obstacle or struggle that God has thrown his way. To keep family and friends updated on Avery's conditions*, treatments, and progress. I figure this will be much easier to keep everyone posted on what is going on.  And last, to have a place to just let it all out, especially on the really hard days. All of our hopes, joys, fears, frustrations, and struggles. We don't know how long of a...