Back to Work

Paul had surgery 5 weeks ago, and this is his first week back at work. The kids and I miss having him here, but I admit it's nice to be back to our normal routine and have the house back in order.

He had been having pain in his hip and lower back for almost a year before they found out what was wrong. Basically, the cartilage cushioning the hip socket was displaced and the bones were rubbing on each other. The "ball" on his leg bone had a flat part where it had been rubbing on the hip socket. They were able to fix it, but the recovery has been brutal. I joked that his schedule of meds and physical therapy was more demanding than a newborn (but really it was). He had to spend 6 hours a day in a machine that moved his leg up and down to prevent scar tissue from forming, and I had to rotate his leg 20 times both ways, 5 times a day.

He was on crutches up until this week, but still can only put partial weight on his leg. I definately took for granted how "much" he helps me. I put much in quotes because I still wouldn't say he helps a ton, but some is more than the not-at-all I've had for the last 5 weeks. Usually we tag team bedtime and each put one down. I'm very ready for that again. I've been short changing both boys with a very abreviated bedtime routine.

Where I've Been

I have been avoiding my blog. There has been so much going on I didn't know what to say. Of course my life isn't all rainbows and butterflies, but I didn't want to spread my negativity. The last month has been hard, but thankfully it's all coming around.

Chance had his one year appointment a little late and it brought some news I wasn't prepared for. At every appointment they use a machine to take a picture of the kids eyes. At his 9 mo. checkup it showed a slight abnormality that the doctor decided to keep watching. At this appointment it was much much worse, and he also failed another measurement they check. We were referred to an opthamologist. His pediatrician was also concerned that Chance has yet to say a single word, no mama, dada, nothing. He also doesn't make very many different sounds. We were referred to an audiologist and speech pathologist.

After that appointment we had many more appointments with various specialists and the early intervention people. His hearing appears to be ok, but he had fluid so they have to recheck in 3 months. His eyes were not okay. He has severe astigmatism (same as Paul had). The doctor told us it was up to us if we wanted glasses. When I told him we might wait, he changed his mind and said he really recommends it. He showed me how Chance sees and we decided to get him glasses. Glasses are really no big deal, but it has really bothered me. I knew at some point all of our kids would probably need glasses. Paul got them at age 5. I wear glasses, but did not need them until age 20. Truthfully, Paul probably needed them at Chance's age, but no one knew. I didn't want something on my baby's face hiding his bright blue eyes and taking away from his cuteness. I know that sounds silly, but it's how I feel. It is a constant challenge to try to figure out how to get him to wear them. He's averaged about 30 minutes a day before he throws a huge fit when we get them out. He looks really adorable though.

I did not spring for the extra $100 anti-glare lenses. We got the rubber frames and they have held up so far to him pulling them off a million times. I told Paul I want to gift all of our kids LASIK when they get old enough since we cursed them with bad eyes.

The talking issue is still ongoing. He was evaluated by several people and found to be severely delayed. He is too young for any kind of therapy, but he is being monitored and I'm good with that. What upsets me is I already know what it's like to have a nonverbal child. I have been so intentional with Chance, and he has been exposed to so much more language than Bentley was. I feel like I have failed, again. I will get over it, and he will talk. So far they do not see any specific reason why he isn't trying to talk so we wait.

When we haven't been running around to appointments, we have been enjoying the wonderful weather here. We got Bentley a new bike and he asks every day if he can ride his "mater bike." It's too cute to resist.