Step 1

After several hours of research, talking with Sean's pediatrician, and some prayer, Jamie and I decided to proceed with testing to see if Sean does, in fact, have Celiac Disease. There were some things from his appointment Monday that just weren't sitting well with us. Malnourished, vitamin deficient, decreasing iron, concern with his constant complaining of a tummy ache (of which I'm still not 100% convinced isn't partially an excuse to not have to do something... eat, go potty, go to sleep!) etc. I think at first we were so happy to hear the news that Sean's growth made great progress, that it didn't really set in on what else the doctor was saying.

Once I thought more about it, I kind of felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. All this time, we have been SO focused on Sean's height - GROW BABY GROW! - that we may have failed to notice other things. I felt terrible. What kind of Mom am I that I may not have seen these signs and symptoms? Enter good solid cry.

After the cry, my Mommy-mode set in. I knew we had to find answers and that's what we are going to do. I contacted Sean's local pediatrician and set up an appointment to have the lab work done. We are going to test his vitamin levels, iron, other important levels, but most importantly, for Celiac Disease. Is it life threatening? No. Will he be able to enjoy a great life? Yes. Does the thought of it scare the hell out of me? MOST DEFINITELY. If you know me well at all, you will know patience is not a virtue I posses. But strangely enough I feel very calm right now. It is out of my hands. My daily devotion the other day was about how when we feel the most out of control, unsure of what path is coming, stop. Remember that God has already chosen the path for us, and we're just waiting to find out which one it is. That has brought me an insane amount of comfort! Why it's taken me almost 35 years to figure that out... ;-)

So today I took Sean in to have the blood work done. He was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Sadly, I think he's used to being poked and prodded, and he loves going to the doctor. Hmm, maybe it's because there is usually suckers and a trip to Sonic afterwards??? Regardless, he didn't even flinch, cry, nothing. Love that boy. On Friday, April 22nd, we will go back to meet with his doctor for the results. Until then, we wait and pray!

Since my Father was recently diagnosed with diabetes, I'm beginning to wonder if Sean is just trying to be like his Grandpa (changed diet)!!?? What a booger.

"Small Body, Big Spirit"

After feeling very overwhelmed from Sean's doctor's appointment yesterday, and dealing with an almost two year old (who is definitely in the terrible two's!... God love him...), I received the following. It is a daily parenting email that I subscribe to, and let me tell you, it's JUST what I needed to read today!!!

THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove

Mother Nature doesn't aim for mediocre. She imbues
every child with HUGE creative potential.

Children are born *knowing* they're supposed to be
BIG -- innately powerful, free, and continuously
expanding to new horizons.

Today, no matter how physically small your child
may be, notice and appreciate his or her BIGness in
spirit. That spirit is easy to see when your child
is expressing pure Love and Joy. But it's no less
present when s/he's "misbehaving." In those trying
times, remember...

Our children are always doing the best they
can to stay connected to their BIGness --
in a world that expects them to be small.

Sean - St. Louis update

Today we took Sean to see the endocrinologist to see how he has progressed in the past year. We got some GREAT news! At this time, NO GROWTH HORMONES!!! On average, doctors like to see a child Sean's age grow no less than 4 cm in a year. Since our last visit, Sean grew 6.8 cm! That's about 2 1/2 inches, which for him, is great! He's still not on the chart, but showed a great incline closer to the line.

But with that, comes the "bad" news (if you can call it that). Last year he weighed in at 26 1/4 pounds. This year, he weighs 27 1/2. Unfortunately, that is not good as he is beginning to grow, but level in weight. They really need him to gain more weight. She mentioned a disease (that begins with an "S" that neither Jamie nor I can remember), but looked up his lab work and he has been tested for it. It's basically when your body doesn't process wheat. Since he complains all the time of his tummy hurting, she wants to monitor this closely. So every six months, we'll go in for a weight check and blood work here locally. We'll go back to see her in one year to see what's happening with his weight. But the good news here, is that her office is moving to Springfield, IL in June of this year! If it has continued to level off, then we will have to run further tests to see what seems to be the problem. In the meantime, we are going to try to pump him full of healthy, but fatty, non-empty caloric foods, which with him being a picky eater is going to be a task! (Seriously, I'm bummed that he isn't gaining weight, but how unfair... I wish I could transfer some of my body fat! LOL!)

I realize that the good news should outweigh the bad, and it does, but part of me is still frustrated that we can't just officially move on. BUT, this is God's plan and we can handle this. Sean was a trooper all day (7 hours in the car for a less than one hour appointment) - I'm just so proud of him! I am thrilled with the news about his growth though and just know it's thanks to the prayers of our friends and family. Thank you all for your continued support and know that it means the world to us!!!

Fun at the park

The weather was SO nice this weekend (at little windy)... sunny and perfect to finally be outside! We took advantage of the gorgeous day (and the fact that we had nothing going on in the morning) and went to the park. Watching Nathan was the funniest thing ever... he is definitely his happiest when he is outdoors. Be prepared for picture overload!