Having a baby like Caleb has changed my viewpoint on what's normal. I don't think I would even know what to do if I had another baby without any "problems". It would be weird.
For instance I never have to spoon food into my child's mouth or insist that he eats, or fret over him not eating. Actually, never mind, I do a lot of the last two things.
I know every ounce that goes into his tummy every three hours five times a day at a rate of 400 on our pump and a dosage of 140 cc's. I'm almost becoming a little math savvy these past two years.
It's become completely normal to be on the phone with doctors. I used to feel privileged to talk with an actual doctor on the phone and not the nurse, but now I just feel like it's my right.
Six doctors appointments in the week is not unusual. This next week alone we have feeding therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, cardiologist, gastrointerologist, and even a podiatry appointment (but that's for me!).
Cleaning up vomit is a regular occurrence. Even Caleb has become quite handy at cleaning up his own vomit. If he vomits on the floor it's not unusual for him to run to the cupboard with all the designated vomit clean-up rags and start cleaning up his own mess. So while being a complete pain with reflux he's quite helpful with the clean up. Sometimes....
Last week Jo and I sat on the couch and watched another regular occurrence. Caleb and his falling out g-tube. We looked out the window to see Tom walking around the yard checking each sprinkler. Walking behind him was Caleb with his g-tube out, holding his t-shirt up around his chest, and yelling at his father while following him around the yard. We were in hysterics. At least he knows it's suppose to be in and not out.
It's also become quite normal around here to feel a quiet gratitude for hearing loss. I mean you NEVER wish it on anyone, but once it's in your life, you might as well see the positives, right? Like the boys leaving for school this morning. Caleb has no idea, he can't hear the garage open or the door slam. No tears, just an effortless search around the house and acceptance. He also sleeps well through screaming cousins, loud parents and a horrible echoing house. And besides, is there anything cuter than his little tiny hearing aides? All the old snowbirds love him at Wal-Mart too!
1 comment:
He's dang cute, Megs. He reminds me a bit of Crew in that picture. I think it's good for you to record these realities because even though they're all encompassing right now, they won't always rule your world.
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