Where You Been?

Sorry everyone for no update in a while. We've kinda settled into a routine and neglected the blog. We don't want to take for granted how many people continue to pray for us so we will try to more frequently update you.

As of 22SEP, Dustin weighed 7lbs, 9oz. He was gaining weight at approx one oz a day - this rate won't keep up forever. The pediatrician told us he was very low relative to kids his age (he is 12 wks old today so we think he is more like 9lbs) but he is gaining at a very rapid rate. No concerns - praise.

The weight gain perhaps is a factor in his excellent sleeping. The typical routine is he eats (mix of bottle and Lisa nursing) for the last time at night at apprx 11p then he gets up only once during the middle of the night and then he won't awake again until 7 or 8am most days. This allows us to get decent sleep. Praise.

We saw the cardiologist as well - kids with Down are more prone to have heart problems such as holes in the heart - some of which require surgery. The cardiologist did find several very small minor holes but indicated that he felt very confident that these would likely close on their own perhaps within the next few months. Praise that no surgery required for this. We will continue to monitor this but no surgery for now.

We will be starting developmental physical therapy soon. In Nov we have our first appt at the Duke Down Syndrome clinic. Also in Nov we will have another cardiology appt, and an appt for urology for a circumcision.

Dustin got his "shots" so we have started bringing him out more and to places like church where there are bigger groups of people and with the shots we have less concerns about him being susceptible to others' colds, etc. You still have to watch for this but it is nice to have everyone go to church. Previously one of us would go and bring Zach and the other would stay home.

Praise for weight gain, nice routine, decent sleep.

More then anything, please pray for Rob to manage his stress - it is very hectic at work for him.

Thanks for all of your emails that you send to us - great articles about success with Down, etc.

Below are some links to recent articles:

Prom King with Down Syndrome Goes to College

Life's Essential Joys