Post-it notes

    This past week has been very busy! Monday we went to the Neurologist (for the first time). She is recommending that Eli get leg braces for support. After talking to the PT later on that day (Eli had his evaluation) we decided to order the braces. I'm anxious to see how he does with them! He is so close. He is definitely wobbly and falls down within a couple seconds of standing by himself, but he's fine with a little bit of support. The neurologist also scheduled an EEG because he has been having blank stares lately (trying to rule out seizures). I am praying that is not the case!! He may be getting a more detailed MRI as well. She's going to look at the last one and see if it is neccessary. Mike and I both really felt comfortable with this doctor. You always want to know your child is in good hands and we feel that she will do whats best for Elijah. All this was very overwhelming, but in the end all i need to do is look at Eli and I know that none of it really matters. He could have a million tests and scans and people saying things are wrong, but all that matters is that he is a happy, social and loving boy!!
   We would like Eli to be around other kid, at least by the Fall, so we started our search for a center based pogram. Tuesday, we went to the ECLC (a Franklin County Board of DD facility) to look into their preschool. We feel that it would be OK for one year, but weren't that impressed. So, I contacted someone from Nisonger, if her title isn't Parent Advocate, it should be. She was SO helpful by giving us some different options. I have a whole new respect for my parents at school, along with all parents with children who have a disability!!
    Needless to say, it has been a busy week with lots of post-it notes....


P.S. I decided to write this blog for a few reasons...1. To update family and friends 2. Connect with other families in a similar situation 3. A journal to look back on (for me and Eli)

From the beginning

     

               Going back to when I was pregnant with Eli…aside from having yeast infections and a stuffy nose, it went great!! I miss seeing the little alien squirming around inside my belly. The whole pregnancy, Mike and I never considered that we would have any complications. My family and Mike’s family had healthy pregnancies and babies.

`               April 21, 2009 3:58am, Elijah Klaus Sears entered the world scaring the crap out of his parents LOL…

I was induced at 8am Monday, April 20^th (yea I know, Mike was hoping for a 4/20 birthday too). I got potocin and whatever else they use to induce someone, then since the contractions were coming on so strong, I got an epidural around 4 cm. Potocin= speed up, Epidural=slow down, throw in an umbilical cord around the neck and his heart rate was dropping. I had an oxygen mask, but it didn’t seem to help much. The doctors at OSU Medical Center rushed in, gave me a pill to stop the contractions, had me sign a C-section form and pushed my into the Operating room.  I was soo happy to hear him cry and see his beautiful face!! :D

I didn’t think twice about that day and the doctors abilities to make the right decisions until Eli was around 9 months old. Our pediatrician (who I love!) referred us to a developmental pediatrician because his gross motor, fine motor and speech development seemed to be behind. We met with the pediatrician and some therapists at Nationwide Children’s hospital. The doc recommended that Eli get an MRI and blood work done. We left the appointment feeling upset and confused. After contemplating the MRI, we ended up getting it done. Everything came back normal!! Wooo Hooo!

All was good, but he still had delays. Me, having a Type A personality, I needed an answer. Why did MY child have to struggle?????? What happened? Did I do something wrong when I was pregnant? Did something go wrong at birth???

I know it doesn’t really matter what caused his delays. That’s why I try my best to focus on now because that's will make a difference!  

Elijah has been receiving Help Me Grow services (state funded program that comes to the home) for almost a year. They have an OT, ST and PT work with him a minimum of once a month.  He currently goes to OT and PT through Nationwide Children’s hospital and Speech at my work once a week (each). We are currently looking into Center Based Programs for him!

I will share a lot more about his progress, placements and being a mommy to an amazing blessing. :D