Questions and answer's...

[Guest guest]

Howdy Folks!

Christmas is over, but I think life will return to normal when the

kids go back to school. Until then, I'm at the beck and call of a 7

and 4 year old who although bombarded with toys and gifts seem to

think Mom and Dad are the coolest toys around. ly, I treasure

this even though I'm going mad with watching Veggie Tales, x-men and

the Hulk. Sheesh.

Update on the Wombat (aka: Connor Kearns 14 lbs; IUGR/SGA) Periactin

is finally starting to work. I've seen an increase in his appetite.

I also have noted that Connor has developed rolls on his legs and

tummy. Never saw those before I can assure you!!!! I also noted that

the last time I gave him a bath, he just didn't look as scrawny as he

used to. Body Tone is improving.

We had the O.T. here yesterday and she was floored with how much

Connor has improved in the last two months. He is the size of the

average 5 month old baby, but he's walking and carrying things, and

pushing a stool all over the house so he can climb up and " be " where

we are. I love it (sort of - he also likes to root around in the

trash can which is the one thing he can reach! LOL)

I would like to share one insight from our food issues with Connor.

Since he was labled an " eater " by RSS standards, we didn't have to g-

tube him. However, we still had to deal with Reflux issues. Dr. H.

caught that at convention. What was interesting to note is that all

baby food is preserved with Citric Acid. Even though I was using the

Beech Nut increased calorie brand, Connor kept gagging and throwing

up due to the citric. So for six months while Connor was still

eating soft pureed (sp?) food, his GERD was a constant issue. Now

that he can laterilize his food without gagging and tolerates food

with more texture, we are off baby food and onto pureed table food or

just soft foods like mashed potatoes. Folks, I can't remember the

last time Connor had a GERD attack since changing food! His eating

patterns have changed too, but in a positive way. I was told at

convention to have food readily available for him so he could graze

as needed. That's totally the case with him now. He tolerates only

3-4 oz at a time, sometimes less. But the variety and the enthusiasm

he has when eating just floors me! The other night I made Teriaky

Chicken with Brocoli. I cut the pieces up in tiny, miniscule pieces,

but he ate it all! (1/4 cup) Whoopee!!!!!

Onto other stuff: My dear Jodi, you are so in my prayers. I think

one of the hardest tests in life is to see our children suffer, in

any way. Whether it be from teasing or constipation. My initial

impulse to any of the challenges that Connor faces is to question God

and to question my sanity. As a pastor with nine years of

Theological training I can still honestly say I was not prepared for

the emotional, spiritual and physical drain it takes to parent a

child lovingly with special needs. Add onto that two older children

who simply need my attention it can seem insurmountable. Jodi, take

a deep breath. Be assured that many people care for you. Be assured

that " this to shall pass. " Be assured that no matter how hard a day

you face, the Lord will provided an ounce more of strength when

needed. If you really have reached the end your reserves, get some

outside help. ly, the best thing that happened to me was my

doctor prescribed anti-depressants. When you are subjected to

chronic stress, the body just breaks down.

O.k., I just got bombed with company. Got to go, but will continue

this later. You all are a wonderful support to our family and we

hope that we can help in any way.

Kearns

mother to Graham 7; Cameron 4; Connor IUGR/SGA.