Randy turns 2!!!!

Can you believe it?  I can't.  One of my close friends said, "It seems like yesterday you were in the hospital turned upside down".  You would have to know the story of his birth to understand that statement.  This year has been amazing.  He has gone from a baby that could not roll over a year ago,  to this little toddler who is making HUGE strides.  Since last year he has:

• only had 2 shunt revisions
• sat up without any support
• rolled over both ways
• army crawled
• started daycare
• transitioned in and out of sitting
• spoke a dozen words
• crawled on all fours
• pulled to stand
• walked 30 feet with a walker
• and much more.....

It is so amazing how much he has flourished.  Happy Brithday my baby.

Happy Birthday Randy

As I sit here on the eve of Randy's second birthday I am reflecting on all the progress he has made and how much he has grown. He is so easy to love.
Randy certainly has a fiery personality and a mind of his own. When I think back two years ago at how very small he was and how much he has gone through I just have so much gratitude.
Today he has no idea how many people he has that support him. Family, friends, co-workers, church members, the list goes on.
One of my very dear friends told me that God knew the right mother to give to Randy because she is one in a million. I agree. They are a gift to each other.

Had to leave Randyland

I consider myself a very realistic person, but I must admit that since having Randy I choose to live in an alternate reality.  I see him through these rose colored glasses where today and tomorrow is always bright.  Now I'm not crazy; it's just how I cope and stay positive.

Every once in a while I must venture into the real world and they remind me that all is not perfect in Randyland.  Today I had to buy this:

It was a simple process to get it and the pediatrician actually suggested it in October.  I just kept forgetting to find out if there was a form that he needed to fill out.  I had to print a form off the Internet (or you could pick it up at the BMV).  Then there were a few lines of personal information to fill out and I had to attach a prescription from the doctor.  There were six reasons that qualified a person for a placard and Randy qualified for three of those reasons.  Sigh.

Now I know everyone wants to tell me that this will make things so much easier and that I should see it as a blessing.  Trust me; I know.  I am glad that I have access to it.  But still, it represents imperfection.  And there is no imperfection in Randyland.

Disclaimer:  Please note that the author knows that there is no such place as Randyland and its existence is symbolic.

Ear tubes

Sound familiar?  It should.  Randy had these put in July, 2009, and guess what?  They are not working anymore.  When he received the tubes, the doctor warned that he may have to get a second set.  But he said in 12-18 months, not 8 months later!

I have to be honest, I'm not so sure I want to have then done again.  His ENT is a wonderful man who spends lots of time explaining things and allowing me to vent.  He says that if Randy did not have other health issues, he would suggest that we "wait and see".  But since ear infections take such a huge toll on Randy, he suggests that we do the tubes.  He looked at Randy as a whole when making this reccomendation.  He talked about infection in relationship to his shunt and overall health.  He talked about ear infections and how it sets him back in feeding.  He does not want his ears to delay his speech any more than it already is.  He simply feels the risk of this simple surgery is worth the benefit.  I'm not so sure.

At any rate it is scheduled for April 26, 2010.