"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

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Things are Getting Better

Some of you may know that since the first hospitalization of the year in May, Connie has, in a lot of respects, gone from an independent toddler to a whiny, needy, clingy baby. Of course, the trauma of heart failure and being in and out of the hospital played a large part in that, I'm sure. But now that we have been told that his heart is looking better than ever we'd like him to get back to himself so he can grow and develop. This week he has made huge strides in the eating department. He hardly ever asks for "help" anymore when eating and is feeding himself like a champ. He has kind of figured out that if he wants it in his mouth, he's got to be the one to put it there! He's also eating more at one meal instead of snacking on little portions all day long. Again, a lot of that was probably due to his heart and the lack of blood flow to his digestive tract, but it was getting crazy there right before surgery. Then, yesterday we had probably the best new development. He fell asleep on his own for both his nap and for bedtime! I was so excited for me and so proud of him at the same time! At naptime, he was overly silly and wouldn't settle down so I told him I was not going to lay with him if he was just going to play. I got up and left and surprisingly, he did not cry! He didn't go right to sleep, but after he did fall asleep, I noticed he had found some books to look at from the night stand so I guess that's what kept him busy for a bit. Then at bedtime, I told him how proud I was of him for taking his nap like a big boy and after reading stories and praying, I told him I'd leave the bathroom light on for him and I was going to be right out in the family room doing laundry, etc. He said, "Tay" (okay) and let me kiss him and tuck him in. It didn't take him long at all to fall asleep! I hope this continues because it's so nice to have some time in the evenings again! I got so much done and didn't have to wake up to a mess and a handful of unfinished chores. Please pray that this trend toward some healthy independece continues and our "big boy" keeps on feeling better and better.