Pediatrician Appointment

We made through! Daniel was such a trooper. He cried but no more than any little child cries at the doctor's office. He received my comfort. That made it a successful visit. Period. He got upset when we walked in the waiting room then calmed down. Then he really didn't cry again until he got a shot. He sat in Nathan's lap during the physical and didn't cry. We were very encouraged to get through this milestone...his first doctor's appointment. Because there is so much involved in this type of physical we're going back Wednesday. He'll have to have more blood drawn and perhaps more vaccines.

We love our pediatrician. She takes her time with us, answering any questions we have. She has watched me go from a timid pregnant mama worried about nursing and changing a little infant boy's diaper to perhaps a just as timid mama with two busy toddlers. And she's encouraged me every step of the way. Here's the report from today:

-She was pleased with Daniel's size. Though he is small (very small), she said he's getting what he needs nutritionally and his health should progress with time.
-He has gained weight since his medical exam in Guangzhou!
-He can begin eating different textured solid foods: soft vegetables, cottage cheese, soft scrambled eggs! (Okay that honestly intimidates me as much as excites me, but we're all for growth and development.)
-She feels like physical, occupational, and speech therapy will help him dramatically and that he can overcome most of his delays through therapy, good nutrition, play, and exercise.
-(I didn't know this) Speech therapy will help him with swallowing.
-Although he will be referred to specialists regarding eye-sight and hearing, she said everything looked healthy.

Daniel and I have to return Wednesday for the second round of shots/blood drawn. She is going to sit down with me and go over all of her referrals which is comforting. She recommended we go through Children's Healthcare for everything (and they have everything). He will also be evaluated through Babies Can't Wait to receive, local at-home services.

On an even more special note, his eyes are brightening. I'm noticing it more and more. When I catch his eyes, they sparkle and he smiles at me. You know what, don't ever take that for granted. I won't! When your baby looks you in the eyes and smiles, that is no small gift from God. Three weeks ago when his eyes caught mine I saw fear most of the time. We got some smiles (and we got them on camera) but we saw a lot of terror in those eyes. That fear is disappearing and I will never take bright eyes for granted. Praise the Lord!

I know without a doubt that prayer has already been a huge part of Daniel's life. When you pray for him, we see the fruit. Thank you! We can't do this without calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.