Yesterday the whole family went on a great outing. It was the first time in a couple months. Recall that Keane needed to not be exposed to crowds before his surgery. As a result, we really did not do anything as a family unit all summer. Talk about the longest, shortest summer ever. First, we wait and wait and wait. Then, we can finally get out and have some fun with less than a week before Avery starts school!
We decided to go geocaching near UO yesterday. Since it was the first duck game, there were plenty of people out and about. We tracked down four cache's using our GPS; however, we didn't find a single "treasure." Bummer, but well worth the effort to see both kids having fun on a beautiful day.
We also went out to lunch and bought Keane a baby food maker gadget. Guess what ...? He tried carrots yesterday. Loved them! I am relieved and grateful that he has apparently not be cursed with the Down Syndrome symptom of a malfunctioning swallow reflex, which causes some kids with DS to aspirate their food. No choking, no struggling, just smiling and eating. Introduction of food is a blessing at this point as entertainment for a kid that has to be carried like a pizza wears thin on only week two of six with sternal precautions.Plus, when I begin to travel to Corvallis again at the end of September, Keane will have another option besides Mom to fill his belly.
Sleeping is improving, although I still long for the day when I/we will get uninterrupted sleep. It seems, although I hesitate to say it aloud, that Keane has returned to his pre-surgery sleep schedule: waking up two times at night to eat. We have had three days in a row of midnight and 4a waking, with relatively easily and non-dramatic return to bed. Is this a trend that will sustain? I hope so. I also hope that we can eliminate one of the eating sessions, as his heart is fixed and he doesn't need excessive extra calories. However, that is the habit we established. Because he has pulmonary hypertension he is not allowed to get too upset, it's dangerous for him. It's a little hard to say "no" to eating in the middle of the night if he can't cry a little. He is supposed to be on Viagra for three months for the hypertension.
Sleeping is improving, although I still long for the day when I/we will get uninterrupted sleep. It seems, although I hesitate to say it aloud, that Keane has returned to his pre-surgery sleep schedule: waking up two times at night to eat. We have had three days in a row of midnight and 4a waking, with relatively easily and non-dramatic return to bed. Is this a trend that will sustain? I hope so. I also hope that we can eliminate one of the eating sessions, as his heart is fixed and he doesn't need excessive extra calories. However, that is the habit we established. Because he has pulmonary hypertension he is not allowed to get too upset, it's dangerous for him. It's a little hard to say "no" to eating in the middle of the night if he can't cry a little. He is supposed to be on Viagra for three months for the hypertension.
Avery starts school on Wednesday, with a two hour orientation for the whole family on Tuesday. What an exciting transition for Avery! She looks adorable in her uniform. We will be sure to take some great pics next week.
We remain eternally grateful and still overwhelmed by the support we have received from our family, friends and colleagues. We are truly blessed and lucky to have great people in our lives.
1 comment:
We are so happy for you all that life is getting somewhat back to normal!! Keane looks so good and healthy!!
Post a Comment