Happy Appointments to Report

(blurry and from my phone- crazy kiddo!!!)

So Sam and I are back and getting settled in at home this week!  The last monthish has been a whirlwind full of family, fun, nerves, prayer and love!  A few appointments to fill you in on...

While in Denver, Sam had an appoitment with his orthopeadic doctor at PSL and I'm happy to report that he is out of the hip brace!!!!!!  Yaaaahhhhooooo!  When we started this process last October, a certain angle in his left hip socket was at 34.something degrees.  By one year of age, normal angles there measure 26 degrees.  In January when we went the brace at night was clearly doing the trick and the angle was measuring 29.something degrees!  Last week he was just over 27 degrees and this is considered normal and okay!  More so than the number shows, she was so pleased with all of the changes in his legs and movement.  When we started, the little guy spent much of this time standing or sitting with his legs straight, knees locked, and toes pointed... all to help him be sturdy.  All of that is gone!  We are not quite an independent walker yet but oh so close!  His record of 12ish steps totally unprompted or set up was earned in Denver while happily playing and distracted with three of his cousins!  Since we've been home, he's not taken as many steps without lots of encouragement but he can and will one of these days when he really feels ready.  Bryan and I couldn't be more thankful!  Hip brace... Dr. Benson... wild cousins... extra time with aunts/uncle that love him... all good medicine!!!! 

Our second appointment was Monday of this week back at the U of I.  Sam had been scheduled to go revisit the neurologist to make sure that the rigid legs of old, foot positioning and walking and speech delays were all still okay and not something more to look into.  We were cleared by one in Denver before we moved and were scheduled for a revisit these handful of months later.  Dr. Bonthius stressed again how very common language delays are with little boys and how this just seems to be the case with Sam.  No major red flags or areas of concern so he would like to give him six months to keep working and changing at his own pace and then talk again.  They drew blood to have a couple of tests done too.  Bryan and I couldn't be more thrilled with that news!  Our job is to continue to support and work for this little boy so we can keep his joyful spirit just as it is!  Things are falling into place... just at Sam's pace.  We are so proud of him and the effort that some of the small things have taken.  He is such a happy, busy, social, joyful little boy.  Singing- no singing- running- no running... whatever may be down the road... he is such a delight and we couldn't love him more!  The sky's the limit! 

We had one more appointment this week but thankfully, I was the patient instead of Sam!  Nope- that's a lie- two I guess!  : )  The other was a quick one for me too--- evidently grownups with terrible colds that fly back to Iowa after spending three weeks with germy kiddos get ear infections!  I'm on some meds and feeling much better so no big deal.  Not fun to remember what that feels like though!  Ouch!

Okay back to the other fun appointment... : )

Bryan and I are thrilled to share that we are expecting baby number two!!!!!  I am 12 weeks, due December 7th and feeling well!!!  We had an ultrasound at our first appointment and were able to see the little one (still early and with the yolk sack)- heart just beating away!  We heard the heartbeat this week which I still think is one of the most amazing sounds in this world!  We both really like our new doctor and couldn't be more excited!  Knowing of recent miscarriages of friends, seeing Ellie in the NICU... you never know what God has planned for you and your family so with this persective, we are oh so very thankful to be blessed and having another miracle. 

No more appointments for us in the near future let's hope!!!  : )  Thanks for sharing in our happy news and for your continued prayers and well wishes for Ellie.  We are so thankful for great family and friends.  God is good!!!!!