"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
--Jeremiah 29:11

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Conway Can. . .

I got to thinking tonight about how easy it is to focus on all that is wrong with Connie, what Connie can't do, doesn't do yet but should, won't do or shouldn't do. So that got me thinking about what all he can do. Here are just a few things that come to mind:

Smile, laugh, melt your heart by cocking his head to the side and rolling his eyes up at you, splash his sister in the bathtub, drop his cookie on purpose to watch mom and dad repeatedly pick it back up for him, find the trunk (by himself) on his "blue bunny elephant" lovey and chew on it until he falls to sleep on his own, find a way to roll completely off the blanket he was laying on before throwing up, show his affection for toys, pets and people by banging on them, chew on his toes, chew on his upper lip making this cute, underbite look on his face, become completely enamored by music on the Today Show's Concert Series, grab your nose/face/beard/glasses with gusto, mimic a fake laugh, wait patiently for feeding/changing/cleaning while Mommy takes MK to the bathroom all day long for potty training, make getting up in the middle of the night to clean up puke a rewarding experience, reach for us when he wants to be held, rub the top of his head, cover his face with cloth diapers and blankets when sleeping (just like Daddy), get excited when he sees Sissy or when visitors/therapists come over, reach out to try to pet the dog, knock ornaments off the tree with his feet, talk/sing himself to sleep, mimic facial movements while watching us eat (just as a cruel joke--he's leading us on!), recognize extended family members, poke you in the eye with his thumb and show no remorse, calm down (some call it "recover quickly") after getting upset or sick, watch you when you aren't looking, intensely study the tag on a blanket, doesn't get scared when you place a dancing, singing FrankenPig on his chest, help put his arms through the sleeve of a shirt now, bite your finger hard enough until you scream in pain, bang on the back of his other hand when he gets bored and can't reach a toy, kick the wipes container off the changing table, give cues as to when he's going to be sick so that we can prepare, thus having an easier clean-up. . .

Well, that's a start at least. Greg and I hope that this list helps you to see a little glimpse into his personality and how much joy he has brought to our home and family.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Erin,
Thanks for the list of all that Connie can do, it's certainly uplifting. Even without a sick child it's so easy to get caught up in life that we miss out on the "little things". Heck, I do it everyday. I've been pushing for Claire to do this or say that and in the mist of it, I've dismissed the fact that she's figured out how to match the colors of her puzzle or how the phone is suppose to be held to her ear. So I think it's great that you're able to take a step back, look past all the vomitting and things he struggles with, to see the miracle God has placed in your hands. It's awesome!

I miss being closer to you, to share in the experience of Connie being your miracle. We'll be staying here for Christmas and mom's coming up! So, my plan is to make a trip your way sometime early this spring b/c I'd love to spend some time with you and the kids and get to meet Connie in person. I'll keep you posted on the plans.

Thanks again for helping me to see past the struggles to the blessings we do have, not only in your life, but what I focus on in my life too. You're soo good at helping me to see the "bigger picture"! I hope you have a fantastic day, I can't believe it's the 13th already, Christmas will be here before we know it.

Love, Caryn

Anonymous said...

These are cute little things he does. How far he has come since the beginning of this ordeal. It is easy to loose yourself in the struggle to move to the next level. And to regain lost ground. A couple of years from now, you likely won't remember just how hard it has been until you take time to go back and read these journals. It's hard to remember "God's time, not our time". God bless you all. You are still in my prayers. Love, the SC Beckemeiers.

Anonymous said...

Dear Erin, this is wonderful. I love to picture Connie doing all this. He is full of life and joy. What a blessing! You are just wonderful in the way you care for him and for MK. I know that God is holding you all in his hands. I love the new pictures, too. May all good graces be yours in this Christmas tide. Love, Sister Josephine

Anonymous said...

You never fail to touch my heart or bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for reminding me of all the blessings that come amist the darkness of this journey you have enbarked on. Your spirit & gracefulness amaze me. I am honored to know you & be able to strenghten my relationship God through praying for you & your family. The power of prayer is a wonderful thing and as always I say YEAH Connie!!!!!!!!

Shari said...

Erin:

I know what you mean when you say you get caught up in what a sick child 'can't' do. Oh, I hear you, sweetie. This post was absolutely beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. I have been in your shoes and boy I wish I would have looked at it like you are now. You are precious!

Keep taking of those sweet kids! They sure are blessings, aren't they?

Loving you loads,

Shari