I'm going to try to do this: post daily. I'm not going to worry about how random every sentence is or even worry about complete sentences. Eventually I hope to update everything on here, but we're taking baby steps.
Jet lag is a fierce beast! We're tired around here: all four of us. This is our second day home. Daniel woke up at 3:30 ready to face the day. And he played pretty hard until he crashed at 10:30. He's been sleeping since. Probably not the best way to get into a routine, but he is overly exhausted. He woke up at 11:45 and I thought "great that's his morning nap and he'll take an afternoon nap and be ready for bed. He was screaming so hard (we think because he is tired) I took him back into the bedroom and put him down again. I'm sure too that he is over stimulated and needs sleep. We were told in Beijing our first day of touring that it was his first day outside. Can you imagine all he's attempting to process!
I'm excited about taking the first steps in providing for his needs. He has a comprehensive physical with our pediatrician on the 14th. We've contacted Babies Can't Wait and are waiting for them to call us back to schedule appointments. My understanding is that our pediatrician, Babies Can't Wait, and Children's Healthcare Atl will integrate their work to help form a service plan for our little man.
My understanding is that our ped will test his eyesight and hearing as well as evaluate his development plus much more (I just can't think of what right now) ;). Babies Can't Wait should help us provide him with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech (I'm not sure if now or down the road with speech). Children's healthcare will help us care for his cleft palate (there will be surgeries...we don't know the details yet) amongst other medical needs.
I am working tirelessly to get unpacked and into a routine. Both of our kiddos need that as do Nathan and I. Speaking of Nathan, I can't imagine life without him. He's a good man. And a good dad. And have I mentioned he has an amazing boss and job? He's off until next Wednesday. This time is really helping us achieve our new normal.
Joshua is happy to be home. He is talking more and more and is so precious playing with his toys. Daniel and Joshua are not interested in the same toys right now. Praise the Lord! So their little parallel play makes it easier to jump back and forth between the two of them.
One thing I did this morning was take the boys outside. You know Jman is all about the outdoors as are his parents. Daniel has never been outside except for touring in China (and that was exhausting). So today I dressed them and took them out (feeling good about that accomplishment)...Daniel was terrified of the grass. I think I pushed him too hard. He calmed down in my lap and we spent the rest of our time outside with Daniel in my lap and Joshua playing with his toys. Albeit one of the times I set him in the grass was because Joshua's cozy coup fell over in the grass with him in it. He needed me and I knew Daniel would be alright, but I had two crying boys for a minute. Joshua was fine after "-o-ee iss it" (Mommy kiss it) and Daniel stopped crying once in my lap again. But they did go for a ride in the wagon so Joshua could pick blueberries. Daniel wasn't smiling but he wasn't crying either and of course Joshua is happy outside.
Babysteps in all things. I looked around and prayed that Daniel would be able to take in God's glorious creation one day. The flowers, the grass, the sunshine, the trees, the sounds of birds and bugs. I'm pretty sure that this day will come, but I'm also pretty sure that we will help him not just through nurture (though that's vital). We'll need professional help as well.
There's a song by Sara Groves "Eye on the Prize." I've hummed it over and over. "The way is slow and we've so far to go...Keep your eyes on the prize...hold on." I feel very close to the Lord right now. Even in the exhaustion. I know that I have two blessing asleep in their bed. I steward blessings for a career. And if suffering comes with the blessing then it's partaking in Christ's suffering which will produce fruit. It's a good life. The Lord will provide for what these boys need. I have to believe that! And I do.
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