Christmas Time

We had such a blessed season. Atreyu’s new favorite word is “present”. He gets so excited when he see’s something wrapped. And of course his favorite presents were all of Ezra’s.

We first had Christmas with the grandparents.

The boys ready for our family Christmas in their jammies. We had our family Christmas a little early.

On Christmas Eve we headed to Phoenix to visit family. It was a crazy flight with the boys, but we made it. We had a beautiful Christmas in 65 degree weather hanging out then going to check out Sedona.

Later we spent time with my cousins. Such a blessing to see everyone.  Here are a few more pictures from our trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is how I roll

Ezra did it. He rolled over. And he has done it five times. I know it is the start of some awesome things. He completely surprised me, as I am learning both kids often. I am looking forward to all the other exciting new things Ezra will continue to show us.

He is getting so strong now since he has the extra weight on him. I feel like I have a whole new kid. Every once and a while I see a little twitch in his hip. Most the time I just stare and watch him, thinking in my head whether or not I am seeing his leg move a little, or maybe it is the way he is breathing. I still have no idea, but I do know as he gets stronger he is able to do so much more.

 

We had 2 doctor appointments in Grand Rapids on Atreyu’s birthday. I was looking forward to seeing the Spinal Surgeon because he has the best idea of what to do with Ezra’s back. Ezra has a Kyphosis on his lower back. Basically his spine curves out like a bump where his opening was. The doctor told us it will be a wait and see thing (like almost everything with Spina Bifida). He said once it starts giving him problems then we will see what we need to do to fix it. Which is great, I thought we would have to have surgery in the next year or two. Glad we get to hold off on it.

Here is Ezra’s back from about 3 months old. You can see the kyphosis.

We met with his developmental pediatrician. We continued to talk about his weight and his development. She was happy with the weight he has gained but would like him to weigh about 16 or 17 lbs. We have a chart for his height to weight ratio, which currently his is about the 15% for that. Our goal is the 50%. Which still doesn’t put him on the charts for his age, but that’s alright. He is becoming so healthy. Once he gains a few more pounds (probably in another month) we will be able to get him off that crap pediasure. 

Sometimes I get nervous when we see new doctors, or follow up with one when things were bad. But these appointments turned out great, even better than expected.
Since all I see is Ezra, somethings seem way worse than they really are. Like his back, imagine having some bone sticking out of your lower back. It sounds painful, but his doctor was so impressed with Ezra’s back. He was surprised at how good it looked (thank you plastic surgery). There are many other things that Ezra has going for him. We thank God for that everyday.

In summery: Ezra is awesome!

Nine Months Old

Ezra is 9 Months old! He weighs 11 pounds 12 ounces, and is 25 inches tall. Still a little guy, so hopefully we can keep heading in the right direction. Granted with all his puking last week his ped was thinking he is doing alright. We still have lots of weight to put on him though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ezra was enjoying his MumMum crackers. Even though he is still tiny he is so stinkin’ cute.

 

I also wanted to share this, thought it was so true. Credit goes to another amazing Spina Bifida mom, Joanna and her son Jet

October is SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS month: You should be aware that having a child with SB may cause increased motivation to help others, a new found perspective in times of trial, a desire to enjoy the little things and commitment to change the way the world defines “disability”. Studies show that raising a child with SB will induce strong feelings of gratitude for even the simplest of milestones and produce a willingness to do anything, talk to anyone, try any method necessary to make life better for your child. Side effects include feelings of worry, fear, uncertainty, and anger but are tempered with love, faith, determination and hope. Having a child with SB is not easy…but loving one is.