The Hood Canal

We couldn't resist putting him on the boat for a picture.

With all of the craziness so far this year we haven't spent much time out at the canal. This weekend we took Anthony for his first trip, and he had a great time. So did mom and dad, because Grandma and Grandpa got up with him both nights, so we actually got some sleep! We spent most of the weekend inside as the weather wasn't warm enough to sit on the deck yet. Next time we go to the canal Lucas will be here - we are so excited!

The Park

Today was beautiful, so we decided to take Anthony to the park for the first time. He slept the entire time we were there. Check out the huge hat - I threw it in the diaper bag without even looking at it, only to realize once we got there that it was way too big for Anthony!! But it matched his shirt.....;)

One Month Old

Anthony turned one month old on Sunday, and weighs in at 10 lbs 5 oz. He gained over 2 pounds this month, which doesn't surprise us because he eats all the time.

Aunt Kendra and Uncle Steve visit

Anthony loves to stare at his Aunt Kendra, and his Uncle Steve is looking forward to when Anthony is a little older and he can start rough housing.

Tummy Time

We do tummy time on the dining room table for now so that I can be at eye level with Anthony. Once he starts rolling over this certainly won't work any more!

Home at Last

After exactly four weeks in the hospital I am finally home - just in time to celebrate Anthony's four week birthday. Some things are harder than I expected, but other things are easier. It feels so good to be back home living a somewhat normal life again. My in home therapy should start next week. The days go by pretty quickly because it takes me so long to do things that would be fast for most people - showering, getting dressed, using the bathroom. My morning routine now takes about three hours! I can't wait to be faster at these things.

Jared's been out running errands today, and I've been able to be alone with my son for the first time ever. Though it's hard and tasks take so long, it is so nice to feel like I am contributing to my family again and like I'm capable of taking care of Anthony.

We still have a long road of frustrations, therapies, and triumphs ahead of us. Please keep praying.

Looking forward to tomorrow

I have a "pass" from the doctors to go home for the day and couldn't be more excited. Last time I was in my house was March 18th - it's been way too long. We are so excited to be able to spend Easter at home together as a family.

And an update on rehab, I will be going home this Wednesday. We still don't have the at home therapy worked out, but if we can't get that set up I'll continue with outpatient therapy here at the UW.

More pictures....

Rehab Update

Two weeks down, one to go. I met with my team of doctors and therapists today (ten people in all) and was quite discouraged. They'd like me to stay one additional week (going home the 22nd instead of the 15th) but I just don't think I can handle that emotionally. The decision is ultimately up to Jared and I. It's important that I am independent and ready to go home so that I'm not too much of a burden on Jared, but it's also important that I get home to be with my husband and new baby. I can't tell you how much I miss them. For the next week I'm just going to work my tail off. Please pray that I am able to make significant gains so that I am comfortable going home next Wednesday. The thought of two more weeks here makes me cry, I just don't want to do that. The doctors are also working to get us set up with a place called Rehab Without Walls - they come into our home and do the same intensive program at home with me for several hours each day. Please pray the approval process goes quickly and smoothly- there can be a lot of hang ups with the insurance company, and we need to have this set up so I can continue working hard at home. Thanks for all of your calls, letters and emails of support. We are so thankful for the wonderful family and friends we have - I think half of America might be praying for us right now, and we need that. I'm praying for a Resurrection Sunday miracle!

Pictures from Uncle Josh

Anthony adores his dad. Jared is SO wonderful with his little boy.

Uncle Josh came to visit in the hospital yesterday.

Anthony and Lucas

Here is Anthony giving his cousin Lucas a great big hug!!

The ramp

Check out Jared's handiwork - he is sure we could drive a car on this ramp it's so sturdy. And I believe him - nothing but the best for his wife! He has a few finishing touches, including railing, to complete before I come home. Jared is working so hard to get the house ready for me.

Anthony

First time in his car seat.

Caleb loves to touch his new cousin.

Kaitlyn loves to hold Anthony.

In the swing at Grandma's house - 3 days old - look at that smile!

How Great is Our God

I sing this Hillsongs song to myself every night as I go to bed, and am reminded that though I don't understand why this is happening or when I'll be healed, my God does.

The splendour of the king, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice, let all the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light, and darkness tries to hide
It trembles at his voice

How great is our god, sing with me, how great is our god
All will see how great, how great is our god.

Age to age he stands and time is in his hands
Beginning and the end, beginning and the end.
The god-head three in one, father, spirit, son
The lion and the lamb, the lion and the lamb

Name above all names, worthy of our praise
My heart will sing how great is our god.

Rehab Update

One week down! I met with all of my therapists and doctors yesterday, and they have set my discharge date for April 15th. That's only two more weeks and then I'll get to be home with Jared and Anthony. I miss my husband and son so much and am glad they can at least visit every evening. My therapists are impressed with my progress so far. I am learning how to dress myself all over again; it's hard to put pants on when your legs don't move! I'm also learning how to transfer myself back and forth from my wheelchair, and by the time I get out of here I'll be able to do that on my own. The goal is for me to be completely independent by the time I get out of here so that until my legs regain function I am able to do things on my own.

The doctors won't say if or when I'll regain function. My body is in spinal shock right now and has basically shut down so that it can heal itself. It's possible my situation is similar to that of a stroke victim where the neurons directly around the tumor may be permanently damaged, but the other neurons are just temporarily damaged and need a little time to heal. Please pray that it is a fast process! Also, play that my blood pressure stays at the right level. It's been dropping, so I have to wear special wraps on my legs and a binder on my stomach to keep it up. I don't want to go home with all of this special gear, I'd like my blood pressure to be able to regulate itself.

I am feeling good about the progress that I am making while I am here and I'm making the best of this situation. Thank God I am alive!

Anthony with his cousins.

Hanging out with mom at UW Rehab

Anthony's first time at home with his dad.

Anthony and Uncle Mike

Though I hate this picture of me, I had to put it up - look how proud Jared is of his new little son!

The huge head.