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Sunday, December 23, 2007
We made it to Uncle Dan and Auntie Darlene’s house in Wisconsin for a visit. We’re all having a good time and I was so glad Elijah was such a good boy in the car ride. Elijah got to meet his mom and dad’s old church family in the Dells yesterday. He liked it. :) Hope you are all doing well.
Monday, December 17, 2007
It’s amazing…this is the 100th journal entry I’ve written about Elijah. When TV shows have a 100th episode, they do something special, so I thought I would do something special too. So, to commemorate Elijah’s 100th entry, I’ve written this one in blue – the color of his beautiful blue eyes. Enjoy J
Since I’ve already nicknamed one of Elijah’s doctors, I’ve decided to nickname Elijah’s pediatrician as well. Why not? J Elijah’s doctor has always been really nice, kind, and positive. He is responsible and tells us what he sees instead of predicting possible negative outcomes (when no one really knows what the future might bring). We’ve been told he’s a really good doctor and after all we’ve been through, he’s the only one we really trust. Early Intervention always raves about him and tells us we’re lucky to have him as Elijah’s doc. For all of those reasons, I’m going to call him Dr. Positive.
At Elijah’s appointment, we told Dr. Positive how well Elijah is doing (rolling over, giggling). He seemed to think that our little man is doing well. Elijah was squirming and jumping in my lap and was checking out the picture on the wall behind the doc. Elijah also looked at the doc with that little furrowed brow of his. Dr. Positive seemed so pleased that Elijah was looking at him and that Elijah was interested in the picture on the wall.
Elijah’s head is extremely small for his age, but this isn’t new news. We told the doc that we are focusing on Elijah’s development, which seems to be right on track. Dr. Positive seemed to agree that the important thing is his development. The good news is that Elijah’s head is definitely growing; it’s just growing at a slower rate than most kids his age. When you consider what he’s been through, it’s amazing that he’s doing all that he is doing. We remind ourselves that Elijah had a massive injury and he still needs time to recover. We believe his head size will catch up with God’s help.
Without any prompting from us, Dr. Positive mentioned that Elijah’s head does seem to have filled in some since the last time he saw Elijah. We think it is too, but we see him every day so it’s hard to tell the small differences. The doc hasn’t seen him for about seven weeks, so he would be able to determine a difference better than we could.
Curious how much Elijah weighs now? He is 16 lbs. 10 oz. That was a bit confusing to us since he weighed 17.3 lbs. when he was weighed at his neurosurgery appointment a few weeks ago. We mentioned this to Dr. Positive and he wasn’t concerned. Scales can easily be a pound or so off, so the important thing is to be consistent with scales. Elijah is obviously growing, so from now on I’ll ignore any scales other than the pediatrician’s for consistency’s sake.
Elijah is now 26 inches long. For both his length and weight, he’s in about the 80th percentile (for those of you interested in that sort of thing). In terms of his head circumference, he’s in less than the 5th percentile. The important thing to us is that his head and body are growing. We try not to get hung up on percentiles.
The only negative thing Dr. Positive said is that Elijah’s tone is “a little on the tight side.” He emphasized the word little. This confirms what Dr. Gloom said and since I trust Dr. Positive, I have to believe that it is unfortunately true. Dr. Positive didn’t make a huge deal about it; he just said it was a little tight. He didn’t seem too concerned at this point. If it’s just a bit tighter than normal, it probably isn’t that big of a deal. We just hope and pray that it won’t get any tighter.
Overall, it was a good appointment. Dr. Positive seriously said “Congratulations” to us three or four times. That obviously means he thinks that Elijah is doing really well. Personally, I think that means Elijah is doing better than he expected (perhaps a negative report from Dr. Gloom made him think Elijah wasn’t going to be doing so well). Anyway, the news is basically the same as before: We have an incredible miracle on our hands, who just so happens to have a small head and tone that’s a little tight. We remain optimistic that he’s going to make a complete recovery, despite everything that’s working against him. After all, he has God working for him.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed the special blue (especially long) 100th journal entry. We thank you all for keeping up with our difficult and joyous journey and for the hundreds of prayers you’ve sent up for him. He can still use the prayers and we thank you in advance for the hundreds more we know he’ll receive. Love, The Wagners
Since I’ve already nicknamed one of Elijah’s doctors, I’ve decided to nickname Elijah’s pediatrician as well. Why not? J Elijah’s doctor has always been really nice, kind, and positive. He is responsible and tells us what he sees instead of predicting possible negative outcomes (when no one really knows what the future might bring). We’ve been told he’s a really good doctor and after all we’ve been through, he’s the only one we really trust. Early Intervention always raves about him and tells us we’re lucky to have him as Elijah’s doc. For all of those reasons, I’m going to call him Dr. Positive.
At Elijah’s appointment, we told Dr. Positive how well Elijah is doing (rolling over, giggling). He seemed to think that our little man is doing well. Elijah was squirming and jumping in my lap and was checking out the picture on the wall behind the doc. Elijah also looked at the doc with that little furrowed brow of his. Dr. Positive seemed so pleased that Elijah was looking at him and that Elijah was interested in the picture on the wall.
Elijah’s head is extremely small for his age, but this isn’t new news. We told the doc that we are focusing on Elijah’s development, which seems to be right on track. Dr. Positive seemed to agree that the important thing is his development. The good news is that Elijah’s head is definitely growing; it’s just growing at a slower rate than most kids his age. When you consider what he’s been through, it’s amazing that he’s doing all that he is doing. We remind ourselves that Elijah had a massive injury and he still needs time to recover. We believe his head size will catch up with God’s help.
Without any prompting from us, Dr. Positive mentioned that Elijah’s head does seem to have filled in some since the last time he saw Elijah. We think it is too, but we see him every day so it’s hard to tell the small differences. The doc hasn’t seen him for about seven weeks, so he would be able to determine a difference better than we could.
Curious how much Elijah weighs now? He is 16 lbs. 10 oz. That was a bit confusing to us since he weighed 17.3 lbs. when he was weighed at his neurosurgery appointment a few weeks ago. We mentioned this to Dr. Positive and he wasn’t concerned. Scales can easily be a pound or so off, so the important thing is to be consistent with scales. Elijah is obviously growing, so from now on I’ll ignore any scales other than the pediatrician’s for consistency’s sake.
Elijah is now 26 inches long. For both his length and weight, he’s in about the 80th percentile (for those of you interested in that sort of thing). In terms of his head circumference, he’s in less than the 5th percentile. The important thing to us is that his head and body are growing. We try not to get hung up on percentiles.
The only negative thing Dr. Positive said is that Elijah’s tone is “a little on the tight side.” He emphasized the word little. This confirms what Dr. Gloom said and since I trust Dr. Positive, I have to believe that it is unfortunately true. Dr. Positive didn’t make a huge deal about it; he just said it was a little tight. He didn’t seem too concerned at this point. If it’s just a bit tighter than normal, it probably isn’t that big of a deal. We just hope and pray that it won’t get any tighter.
Overall, it was a good appointment. Dr. Positive seriously said “Congratulations” to us three or four times. That obviously means he thinks that Elijah is doing really well. Personally, I think that means Elijah is doing better than he expected (perhaps a negative report from Dr. Gloom made him think Elijah wasn’t going to be doing so well). Anyway, the news is basically the same as before: We have an incredible miracle on our hands, who just so happens to have a small head and tone that’s a little tight. We remain optimistic that he’s going to make a complete recovery, despite everything that’s working against him. After all, he has God working for him.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed the special blue (especially long) 100th journal entry. We thank you all for keeping up with our difficult and joyous journey and for the hundreds of prayers you’ve sent up for him. He can still use the prayers and we thank you in advance for the hundreds more we know he’ll receive. Love, The Wagners
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Tomorrow morning Elijah has his four month check-up with his pediatrician. I’m excited to see how much Elijah weighs now. I know he’s growing because soon his 6-9 month clothes will no longer fit him. It’s amazing how fast he is growing!
Doctor appointments always give me a bit of apprehension, though. I’m always afraid we’re going to get bad news or negativity. Thankfully, Elijah’s doctor has always been kind and not unduly negative. I’ll let you all know how it goes. (And, as always, we could use the continued prayers.)
Doctor appointments always give me a bit of apprehension, though. I’m always afraid we’re going to get bad news or negativity. Thankfully, Elijah’s doctor has always been kind and not unduly negative. I’ll let you all know how it goes. (And, as always, we could use the continued prayers.)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
We got up bright and early to go to Elijah’s eye doctor this morning. And, whoops, we were late. I hate being late. Oh well, life is sometimes unpredictable with a baby. Things went well and they didn’t see any foreseeable problems. (heehee) He does converge when he looks at his hands, but that isn’t technically being cross-eyed. So why was I worried? Hmm, I guess because I’m a mom. :)
Elijah is far-sighted and has astigmatism. Even though I watched everything they did, I’m not really sure how they determine that. Anyway, that is fairly normal since babies have limited sight (their sight matures a bit once they’re one year old). The pediatric eye doc was really nice. She wants to see Elijah again in 8 weeks to check on him since he does have risk factors for sight problems. So, there’s another appointment to add to his myriad of doctor visits. I’m starting to think doctors just want to see him because he’s so cute. Ha!
Grandma Kathy is visiting us for the rest of the week. The three of us went shopping for a little while after the appointment. We had lunch together and I really enjoyed spending quality time with my mom and my little man. After shopping, we headed home for Early Intervention’s visit.
The visit with Early Intervention went really well too. They had nothing but positive things to say. Elijah really seems to like these ladies and really responds to them. He had OT and PT work with him and they gave me good tips on how to guide his development. I feel so blessed to have this training, because essentially that is what it is…training for me to teach Elijah. They saw how he was able to sit supporting himself with his arms and I was so pleased. I asked if that is good developmentally and our OT said, “For a four month old, yes!” My little man is not only doing well, he is doing fantastic! It warms my heart when they say things like, “Look at his head control.” “He’s doing great on tummy time.” "He really knows his mom." It’s hard to worry when you have so much positive feedback. He continues to not show any developmental delays and I’m so grateful.
The longer I live, the more I realize I need to give my worries over to God. To me, it has been so obvious He has answered an incredible amount of prayers for my little man. I’m sure those of you who continue to read this journal see it as well. What an amazing, amazing thing to witness! It was a good day, can you tell? :)
Thanks once again for the prayers. God continues to answer and we are so blessed. Please keep the prayers coming, specifically that Elijah’s head grows.
Elijah is far-sighted and has astigmatism. Even though I watched everything they did, I’m not really sure how they determine that. Anyway, that is fairly normal since babies have limited sight (their sight matures a bit once they’re one year old). The pediatric eye doc was really nice. She wants to see Elijah again in 8 weeks to check on him since he does have risk factors for sight problems. So, there’s another appointment to add to his myriad of doctor visits. I’m starting to think doctors just want to see him because he’s so cute. Ha!
Grandma Kathy is visiting us for the rest of the week. The three of us went shopping for a little while after the appointment. We had lunch together and I really enjoyed spending quality time with my mom and my little man. After shopping, we headed home for Early Intervention’s visit.
The visit with Early Intervention went really well too. They had nothing but positive things to say. Elijah really seems to like these ladies and really responds to them. He had OT and PT work with him and they gave me good tips on how to guide his development. I feel so blessed to have this training, because essentially that is what it is…training for me to teach Elijah. They saw how he was able to sit supporting himself with his arms and I was so pleased. I asked if that is good developmentally and our OT said, “For a four month old, yes!” My little man is not only doing well, he is doing fantastic! It warms my heart when they say things like, “Look at his head control.” “He’s doing great on tummy time.” "He really knows his mom." It’s hard to worry when you have so much positive feedback. He continues to not show any developmental delays and I’m so grateful.
The longer I live, the more I realize I need to give my worries over to God. To me, it has been so obvious He has answered an incredible amount of prayers for my little man. I’m sure those of you who continue to read this journal see it as well. What an amazing, amazing thing to witness! It was a good day, can you tell? :)
Thanks once again for the prayers. God continues to answer and we are so blessed. Please keep the prayers coming, specifically that Elijah’s head grows.
Tomorrow morning – aka this morning! - Elijah has an eye appointment. Pray that it goes well. He also has Early Intervention coming to see him in the afternoon. Pray that goes well as well. Anyway, I must go to sleep now!! I won’t be getting much sleep. Just thought I would let you all know about his upcoming day.
Monday, December 10, 2007
What am I doing? I actually got Elijah to bed earlier this evening, so I should really be sleeping too. That's exactly what I'm going to do now, so this update is simply to let you all know that we are doing well. Nothing exciting is happening; we’re just living and laughing. Hope you’re all well too. :)
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Life is good for this little Wagner family…
Grandpa Dennis is visiting Elijah. I suppose he likes to visit us too, but we know who he’s really visiting. :) Uncle Andy came over for dinner last night, so Elijah has had a lot of extra love this weekend.
Elijah has been much more active in his bath lately. It’s so cute to watch him kick in his tub. It makes more of a mess, but it’s definitely more fun.
The other thing is that Elijah was able to sit up – sort of – on his own. He held himself up with his arms for a few seconds this morning and we were so excited. It’s so great to watch him develop. He keeps meeting his developmental milestones on time and some even early. Recently I read that by the time a baby is four months old, they might be able to hold themselves up in a sitting position propped up by their arms. I’m pretty sure that is what you’d call what Elijah did this morning.
Keep praying for his adorable head. Hope you’re all having a great weekend.
Grandpa Dennis is visiting Elijah. I suppose he likes to visit us too, but we know who he’s really visiting. :) Uncle Andy came over for dinner last night, so Elijah has had a lot of extra love this weekend.
Elijah has been much more active in his bath lately. It’s so cute to watch him kick in his tub. It makes more of a mess, but it’s definitely more fun.
The other thing is that Elijah was able to sit up – sort of – on his own. He held himself up with his arms for a few seconds this morning and we were so excited. It’s so great to watch him develop. He keeps meeting his developmental milestones on time and some even early. Recently I read that by the time a baby is four months old, they might be able to hold themselves up in a sitting position propped up by their arms. I’m pretty sure that is what you’d call what Elijah did this morning.
Keep praying for his adorable head. Hope you’re all having a great weekend.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I’ll admit it; I’m a bit of a homebody. Lately I’ve been hesitant to take Elijah outside. First because it’s cold and second, because he does seem to be different now that he’s off of Phenobarbital, namely he cries more. I guess I’m a bit scared that he’ll freak out in public. I’ve felt like I had to get to know him all over again these past few weeks. Granted, I know babies are changing creatures and once you think you’ve gotten them figured out, they change all over again.
The good news is that he seems used to being drug-free now and I feel like we’re fallen into some sort of a routine. He doesn’t sleep as much as he used to, which I’m sure is a result of both getting older and no longer being drugged (he still sleeps through the night, though, which is such a relief). I also feel like I’ve gotten a lot better at interpreting his cries and anticipating what he wants and needs. He didn’t communicate at all at first (I’m sure you all remember his infamous first cry) and so I didn’t get the opportunity to figure him out as most moms would. Now I feel like I know him better, and as his mom, that means the world to me.
Elijah and I did venture out into the cold today. He accompanied me running errands and he was a real champ. He got a bit fussy waiting in line at the post office, but I also hate waiting in line - so I don’t blame him! Otherwise, he was really good for me and made me think I really need to make an effort to get out more. Not just for my own sanity, but to let Elijah experience more of the world around him (and, yes, to experience cold - we do live in MN after all:)).
The good news is that he seems used to being drug-free now and I feel like we’re fallen into some sort of a routine. He doesn’t sleep as much as he used to, which I’m sure is a result of both getting older and no longer being drugged (he still sleeps through the night, though, which is such a relief). I also feel like I’ve gotten a lot better at interpreting his cries and anticipating what he wants and needs. He didn’t communicate at all at first (I’m sure you all remember his infamous first cry) and so I didn’t get the opportunity to figure him out as most moms would. Now I feel like I know him better, and as his mom, that means the world to me.
Elijah and I did venture out into the cold today. He accompanied me running errands and he was a real champ. He got a bit fussy waiting in line at the post office, but I also hate waiting in line - so I don’t blame him! Otherwise, he was really good for me and made me think I really need to make an effort to get out more. Not just for my own sanity, but to let Elijah experience more of the world around him (and, yes, to experience cold - we do live in MN after all:)).
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
It snowed again today and it’s so beautiful. Sometimes I abhor the winter, but on days like today when I can stay inside and cuddle with Elijah, I just love it. It’s like being inside of a snow globe! (It’s a bummer, though, that Andy has to drive in it since it took him longer to get home).
No one likes a complainer. Well, except for when Elijah does it. It’s so cute! When Elijah gets tired these days, he complains. He doesn’t really cry; he just talks about it, like he’s telling me how mad he is about still being awake. It’s the cutest thing ever!
And tonight, Elijah giggled. He has giggled before, but tonight he did a little string of them together and it was more than he’s ever done before. Andy and I just looked at each other and got these big smiles on our faces. “He’s such a good boy!” Andy said and I agreed. Elijah has always laughed more for Andy than for me. Apparently Andy’s funnier, even though I dance around and make funny faces constantly. Perhaps that’s why Elijah doesn’t laugh at me…he knows I’m a weirdo all the time. :)
Elijah also rolled over again tonight, so I was really excited. He’ll kind of fall over from a propped up position, so that his lower body is still face down, but his upper body is on its side. From there, he’ll kick his leg over to get on his back. I was really encouraging him to do it and actually got down on the floor to show him how. I have no idea if he was even watching me, but he kicked his leg over all by himself and did seem pleased with himself. I know I must seem like an obsessive parent, (aren’t all parents a little obsessive! J) but it’s such a relief when he does things that he’s supposed to be doing in the age range he’s supposed to do them. Then I can check it off of the list and let out a sigh of relief. Anyway, time to stop obsessing and time for bed!
No one likes a complainer. Well, except for when Elijah does it. It’s so cute! When Elijah gets tired these days, he complains. He doesn’t really cry; he just talks about it, like he’s telling me how mad he is about still being awake. It’s the cutest thing ever!
And tonight, Elijah giggled. He has giggled before, but tonight he did a little string of them together and it was more than he’s ever done before. Andy and I just looked at each other and got these big smiles on our faces. “He’s such a good boy!” Andy said and I agreed. Elijah has always laughed more for Andy than for me. Apparently Andy’s funnier, even though I dance around and make funny faces constantly. Perhaps that’s why Elijah doesn’t laugh at me…he knows I’m a weirdo all the time. :)
Elijah also rolled over again tonight, so I was really excited. He’ll kind of fall over from a propped up position, so that his lower body is still face down, but his upper body is on its side. From there, he’ll kick his leg over to get on his back. I was really encouraging him to do it and actually got down on the floor to show him how. I have no idea if he was even watching me, but he kicked his leg over all by himself and did seem pleased with himself. I know I must seem like an obsessive parent, (aren’t all parents a little obsessive! J) but it’s such a relief when he does things that he’s supposed to be doing in the age range he’s supposed to do them. Then I can check it off of the list and let out a sigh of relief. Anyway, time to stop obsessing and time for bed!
Monday, December 3, 2007
I’m sure you’ve all heard stories, like I have, of incredible stories about recoveries from brain injury. A generic story goes something like this…a 17-year-old girl gets into a horrible accident after riding home from the prom with her drunken friend. She spends a few months in a coma and miraculously wakes up to find that she has to relearn everything again.
The truth is, what happened to Elijah isn’t really all that different. When I look at things in those terms, I am even more amazed at what Elijah is doing. He has one thing, however, that the older victim doesn’t have. Elijah doesn’t have to relearn anything since he hadn’t learned anything yet. The hope is that the healthy parts of his brain will take over for the damaged parts. I have always believed that this will be the case; I simply have to be patient. Sometimes those recovery stories take several years and I have to remember that Elijah isn’t even four months old.
Sometimes, while watching Elijah, I am utterly amazed that any of us develop into adults. When you really stop to think about it, there is an amazing amount of development that needs to take place in order for us to function in this world. Consider this – we all had to learn how to lift up our head! The fact that most of us do develop is nothing short of amazing and once again I realize the grandness of God.
Anyway, those were my thoughts for today. As for Elijah, he’s doing well. He rolled over today, but I was trying to fold laundry next to him and missed it. I kind of saw him out of the corner of my eye, but I couldn’t get him to do it again. I know he rolled over at five weeks (twice!) but he hasn’t really done it since (maybe a few times). I’ve been really hoping he’ll figure it out and start to do it more often. Hopefully he’s starting. Hope you are all doing well.
The truth is, what happened to Elijah isn’t really all that different. When I look at things in those terms, I am even more amazed at what Elijah is doing. He has one thing, however, that the older victim doesn’t have. Elijah doesn’t have to relearn anything since he hadn’t learned anything yet. The hope is that the healthy parts of his brain will take over for the damaged parts. I have always believed that this will be the case; I simply have to be patient. Sometimes those recovery stories take several years and I have to remember that Elijah isn’t even four months old.
Sometimes, while watching Elijah, I am utterly amazed that any of us develop into adults. When you really stop to think about it, there is an amazing amount of development that needs to take place in order for us to function in this world. Consider this – we all had to learn how to lift up our head! The fact that most of us do develop is nothing short of amazing and once again I realize the grandness of God.
Anyway, those were my thoughts for today. As for Elijah, he’s doing well. He rolled over today, but I was trying to fold laundry next to him and missed it. I kind of saw him out of the corner of my eye, but I couldn’t get him to do it again. I know he rolled over at five weeks (twice!) but he hasn’t really done it since (maybe a few times). I’ve been really hoping he’ll figure it out and start to do it more often. Hopefully he’s starting. Hope you are all doing well.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
I’m so happy it’s the weekend! I love it when our little family can be together all day long. I hope you all have a restful weekend. It sounds like we might be getting lots of snow. Stay warm. Andy and Elijah send their love.
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