Saturday, October 25, 2008

Back to School

Where to begin! Let's start with Abigail's doctor visit on Monday. First, we discovered that she had only gained one pound in 4 weeks, which is a huge decrease in the rate of weight gain. We decided not to change the volume of her Promote at this time, but to do another weight check in 4 weeks to see how things are going. Dr. Levin noticed a lot of the changes that Abigail has made and was very impressed (we don't always get to see Dr. Levin when we have an appointment, so he hears about her progress, but does not see it firsthand). As a result, we are weaning her Valium. This should be gone in just 5 weeks if all goes off without a hitch, so please keep that in your prayers. We have already cut her daily amount from 32mg to 24mg a day. So far, so good! Lastly, Dr. Levin and I were talking about some upcoming routine visits to check on her trach, and he commented that maybe the trach would not be necessary in a year or so. For Dr. Levin to say something like this is a very big deal...and a wonderful confirmation for me, since I have always had a strong conviction that the trach would not be there forever! Praise the Lord!

Regarding needs for Abigail, I wanted to offer some clarification. We have been so blessed by your unceasing willingness to help in whatever way is necessary. Thank you for showing us God's love daily.
  • Clothing: As Jose wrote, we need size 7/8 winter only, and larger sizes anything you can find. I love a great deal, so if you hear of any awesome sales, please point me in their direction!
  • Toys: Abigail uses special needs toys, again as mentioned by Jose. Here is a website and a couple of suggestions if you are interested in helping in this way. www.enablingdevices.com who has things like the Textured Carousel Busy Box, the Bubble Mania, and the Deluxe Fantastik Fan.

The boys are awake and it is pumpkin carving time. But speaking of them, Josiah is starting to potty train and is doing a swell job of it. They got rocking chairs off of free cycle the other day and are loving them.

Yes, and the title of the blog. Back to school. I am going to be starting Certified Nurse Aide classes on the 4th of November and lasting for 2 weeks from 8 to 4. I hear this should not be too challenging, but it will allow me to become a CNA down at Childrens Hospital to make some extra money. It is also the first step towards getting my LPN when both Richard and I are ready. Talk to you soon. God bless!

2 comments:

ATGRAF said...

That is cool that ur going to be a nurse happy to here that Abby is making progress but was there ever a qestion in your mind that she would get better. Prayer works its proven. I have made my desicion about coming out there as long as I am not working yes. But I did apply for a promising position as a store clerk. It is nice to know as well that J is doing good with the potty training. Happy holloween to you the boys and R hope yur going trick or treating because sugar is good for the body not. It is suppost to be cold out here tommorow and snow the last time that happend was in 1992 burrrr. So who are you guys voting for this year and why for me its Obama because I think that he will make the econimy better abd I like his plan to get everyone in the USA health insurance and because he is for the people more than Big Industrys. Anyway like usuall I will leave ya with a bible verse. Proverbs Chapter 21 verses 11 thru 21. "When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge. The Righteous one takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin. If a man shuts his ears to cry of the poor, he to will cry out and not be answered. A gift in secret sooths anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead. He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. Better to live in a dessert than with a quarrerlsome and ill-temperd wife. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor". Hope who ever reads it enjoys and understands it I love you A R A J L From your Uncle and Brother ATG ps Iam always praying for your whole family love ya see ya sone

Happy said...

Praise God that Abigail is completely healed by Jesus' stripes.

Praise God that her weight is becoming normal.

Praise God that Abigail is being weaned off valium. This will be a huge improvement in her responses.

Praise God that Abigail will no longer need the trach much sooner than a year from now.

Praise God for all that He has done for Abigail and her family and for all that he is continuing to do.

Praise God for Mom's training to be a nurse. That is awesome.

Praise God for strengthening Mom and Dad's marriage and for their loving communication.

Praise God for Josiah's success with potty training. That is huge!!!

Praise God for the rocking chairs for the boys.

Shalom -- nothing missing, nothing broken