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My child has some special needs, My child is not a burden, Put Jesus at the center, - Beth Lohse THANKFULNESS Post Lip Surgery It is now a month past Brett’s lip surgery and he is doing great. The lip has healed nicely. Praise be to God who gives man the abilities that He does. We all think that the surgery set him back some, but over the past week we’ve seen a nice change. He seems more alert during his “awake” times, by showing more responsiveness to voice and movement. While on his back and in a good awake mode, Brett kicks all around and makes noises while smiling and turning his head in all directions.. These are precious moments for us. Brett is still small, only 11 lbs and 22 in long but we are grateful still for his sweet demeanor and his “easy-going” nature. We strive rest in God’s perfect plan! |
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Therapy Resumes Our Physical Therapist called on us this past week and after examining Brett she had words of encouragement. Yes, he is behind, but he is gaining more strength in his head control and he is working hard to bring his head to center when he senses that he is not in balance. His exercises continue to focus on neck strength and head control. This is important for all functions of crawling, sitting, and standing. Again, we are thankful for people who love these little kids and have such a heart for helping them be all that they can be. Back to Riley Another trip was recently made to Riley for a “Suck-Swallow” Test. Through the use of x-ray the nurse can watch the milk come out of the nipple and she then can monitor what Brett does with it while it is in the back of his mouth. He did not aspirate during the test, but also did not suck-swallow normally. The nurse did give us the ok to practice bottle feeds. She gave us a special nipple for cleft-palate babies which enables Brett suck the milk out more easily. He typically cries when we begin the feeding by mouth, but after a while, he settles down and lets us keep the nipple in without fighting. It is hard work for him, and he typically will feed only around 1/2oz. At this point we will take what he will give us, again just thankful that he can pull some milk out and thankful we can at least work to keep his taste buds alive. We’d love to see his suckle get stronger, so please pray for this. He is eating around 2 ½ oz at the present time, so it is obvious he is far from going to normal feedings. During the same trip we met with the Pulmonary Nurse. Brett had developed a cold/cough a couple of days before we went to Riley, so I was anxious to find out what condition his lungs were in. Dr Valentine checked him and said he sounded wheezy. We talked awhile and then Brett had a coughing spell. She then checked him again and reported that his lungs sounded clear! We again were thankful that Brett has the strength to clear his lungs, thus lessening the risk for nasty things like pneumonia. Next Surgery Brett’s next surgeries are scheduled for May 3. On that day, Brett will have a gum graft repair on the cleft in his gum, as well as surgery on his undescended testis and hypospadias. Again we were thankful that the physicians were able to work together and do as much as they can while Brett is “out”. We hate to see him go “under” again, but know we must keep fixing the things that need “fixed”, trusting God in the recovery. The gum graft surgery is actually a little easier than the lip surgery, and the two GU surgeries are typically out patient. So overall, things should go fine. Thanks to all who stop by here once in a while to check up on our special little boy. We know that God will perfect that which concerns us. His Word is true and we can rest in our Lord Jesus who understands all our concerns and all of our trials. We love you all! Jan, Val & Family The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (Psalms 138:8) |
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