Sleep Study Results

After waiting for 2 weeks, we finally received the results for Brett's Sleep Study Test from the Riley Pulmonary Dept. We are thankful that we can discontinue "day" oxygen but we have been instructed to keep him on a 1/4 liter for a 12 hour period starting in the evening. So, for now our 50 ft tubing only lives in the back of the house!! Today we took off the canella to give his little cheeks some breathing room. The children love not having the tube to worry about when they hold him and move about the house.

Smiles

Although not coming in abundance, we are starting to see some smiles coming from Brett. When he is good and awake we even think he is making some form of a cooing sound as we interact with him. We look forward to more feedback, but we also know that we must be patient. God has a plan for this little soul, and we must not rush ahead and we must not compare him to others. I will praise thee. for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are they works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Ps. 139:14

Our first Therapy Session

Tuesday, Jan 30 was our first official therapy session. Brett was not very cooperative! He slept through most of it! Amanda will come once a month for an hourly session and do developmental therapy with Brett. She brings a bag of brightly colored toys and she also does exercises with his legs and arms to work with his low muscle tone. As he grows, she'll be working specifically on the areas where he is behind, trying to stimulate him and push him in our goals. We are so thankful for this program, First Steps. We look forward to these visits and trust we can find a time that Brett will be good and alert, so he can benefit from the therapies. Our Physical Therapist will be coming this week, making her assessment and relaying her plan to the Physical Therapy Assistant that works with her. The PTA will be doing the majority of the weekly therapy.

In Closing

Jan is still in Haiti at this writing, but will be coming home on Feb 3. He will be writing an update about his experiences over the past 2 1/2 weeks. He's had a great trip

We continue to be deeply touched by the many expressions of love, concern, and prayers for our little Brett. One evening at a potluck, a dear Sister got down on the floor with me while I changed Brett's diaper. She questioned me about him, and his care, and showed many expressions of love towards him. It really touched me and I later cried as I thought about her love for our special child. This is Christ's love in action. Last month we received a kind and encouraging letter from someone we have never met. How thoughtful she was to take the time to encourage us! We truly need each other in this life. Each one of us has a test and a trial we must face each day. I have been challenged to strive harder to be more caring. God needs us to care for each other. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 5:2

Praises:

Brett's continual weight gain at 1 or so ounces per day. He is now 8 1/2lbs. Pretty good for starting out at 4 1/2lbs.

Brett has remained healthy, only acquiring a little cough in December

Brett continues to be very easy to care for....he has laid on the counter by me while I've typed this for over an hour, just looking around and flopping his arms and legs

So many things....God is so good!

Prayer

Feb 28 is our scheduled surgery date for Brett's cleft lip. Please pray for Dr Epply the plastic surgeon and for Brett's strength to endure

Pray for Jan and the Pashak team as they fly home on Friday, Feb 3 from Haiti