Normal Life

Being at home is nothing short of WONDERFUL! Nevermind how great it is to sleep in our own beds.  It's so fun to actually feel like parents.  Josh is such a good baby.  He's sleeping through the night which is GREAT! 

He had an appointment with neurosurgery 2 weeks after we got home which was really positive.  The doctor was pleased with his progress.  The wound on his back was looking really good.  We were still using gauze to cover it but rather than being the size of a quarter, it was the size of a dime.   Josh had another follow-up 3 weeks after that appointment.  They did a head ultrasound to measure his ventricles again.  We keep praying for good news and we have been blessed!  His ventricles are still in the normal range!  His next appointment is next week.

Josh saw urology recently also.  The doctor did a Urodynamics study on his bladder.  The test entails filling his bladder with dye because they wanted to see if urine refluxes into his kidneys.  The results were also great news!  His bladder is able to hold urine which is the best case scenario. 

The following week Josh had his first spina bifida clinic.  He met with a rehab specialist and orthopedics.  After having a hip ultrasound and an xray of his spine completed, we met with the orthopedic doctor.  He confirmed again that both of Joshua's hips are out of socket.  Josh also has slight scholiosis which is not at all uncommon for people with spina bifida.  He continues to wear the splints on his feet to loosen and stretch his muscles and tendons.  At this time the doctor doesn't recommend that we put Joshua's hips back in socket because he doesn't show both abductor and adductor movement in his legs.  The balance between both is what keeps his hips in socket.  Essentially his hips would come back out of socket.

Josh and I met with the coordinator from Early Intervention a couple of weeks ago. Early Intervention is a free therapy that comes into the home to teach Matt and I different stretches, positions, etc.  Since he has limited mobility in his legs, building a strong upper body is crucial.  As of right now he will be seeing a physical therapist once every other week and an occupational therapist once a month. 

Lastly, we signed up to be a part of "Walk-N-Roll" at the Montgomery Zoo on September 24th, 2011.  Walk-N-Roll is an event that benefits the Spina Bifida Association.  The Spina Bifida Association is an organization that promotes awareness, research, and is an advocate for people living with spina bifida.  As someone who knew nothing about spina bifida, I truly believe in this organization.  Most people that we have encountered have heard of spina bifida but don't know what it is.  If you would like to join our team and help us raise money or simply sponsor either Matt or I, we would greatly appreciate it!  Of course, you are also welcome to walk with us at the zoo too!  Use the link below and follow the directions to donate online.

http://www.sbaofal.org/

1. Click on the "Walk-N-Roll" icon
2. Click on "Sponsor Walker or Roller" or "Register Here."
3. If you are sponsoring just type in one of our names.  If you are joining our team to help us raise money, you will need to follow the prompts to join "Team Josh."


When we first found out about Joshua's spina bifida, we were heartbroken.  However, we can now say that God has brought more blessing in our lives through this than anything else.  Thank-you everyone for how you've supported us.  This experience would not be the same without all of you!