A Real Balancing Act...

I have not written in forever!  We have been spending quite a bit of time in hospitals and when you get back home it just takes a while to get back in the swing of things.  So far since his surgery on February 12th (which was a hospitalization of 9 days) we have been in the hospital 5 times after that!  I kind of miss that colostomy bag at times. Never thought I would say that!  We have had to do some not so pleasant medical procedures at home as well as in the hospital but are seeing a light at the end of that tunnel finally.  He still poops about 15 times a day which makes for one sore tooshy and one enormous diaper bill :) and on and off we will have some projectile vomit and have to take cover.  However, Preston still proves to be one awesome little dude!

In other news, in spite of the hospital visits Preston is growing and reaching so many of his milestones.  He started Speech Therapy twice a week and is improving so much.  He also still has Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy once a week.  He is sitting up so well, clapping his hands, starting to wave and just getting stronger!  In spite of a rough year, he continues to amaze us with his smile and wonderful attitude.  He is spectacular!

So many wonder why at almost 15 months of age why he is not crawling, standing or walking yet.  Legitimate questions.  People with Down Syndrome tend to have low muscle tone (plus he has had 3 surgeries that puts him a bit behind too).  This does not mean they will never accomplish these tasks, it just takes them a bit longer sometimes.  It took him what seemed like forever to hold his head up, but we were patient and worked on it everyday and now that little head is constantly looking to see what is going on (mainly searching for his sister).  Same with sitting up, he was about 12 months when he got really good at that, but now he has it and hardly ever loses his balance.  He is a complete rockstar.

So yes, he will crawl, walk and run.  It may be in a month or in a few years.  I have no idea when, but it will happen all when he is ready and we will cheer like he just won an Olympic Gold Medal!  Patience is key when you have a child with Special Needs.  I am working on that everyday.  I like to plan things out and waiting is so not my thing, but I am trying!

Down Syndrome has taught us so much, not only about Preston, but about ourselves.  Who knew we could be so strong for him.  Even sometimes when I feel like I could not possibly take another hospitalization or bit of bad news I somehow muddle through.  I have been telling everyone lately "Well they say God does not give you more than you can handle so I am thinking he must think very highly of me!"  I hope this is true, but all joking aside no matter what is thrown at us, I just look into this cute little face and just know all is going to be ok!