If there is anyone who still reads this, I'm sorry that I have not been posting more regularly. I think my last one was right before I got hit with morning sickness. Sam has been going to school since January and absolutely loves it. How very fortunate we are to have the program that he is in available to us! We have seen many specialists over the past few months and have felt a bit overwhelmed by the information that we have learned. We do know that we are going to have to get Sam some more intensive therapy in order to have him caught up for school in 2 and a half years. Our insurance will only cover a small amount of it, but we are certain that this is what he needs, no matter the sacrifice. We were able to get a second opinion on Sam this past week. The plastic surgeon and speech pathologist both agreed that there was no way that he could speak correctly with the way his palate is now. We have a surgery scheduled for August 20th. These decisions certainly do not get easier. I think of how hard it was to hand him over to the surgeons as a baby and thinking how terrible it was. Now, I am thinking that this will be even harder because he will know what is going on. Please, please continue to pray for Sam. We have been told that he needs to see a neurologist again. This worries us because we know that Sam is so far behind. We have to remind ourselves that no matter what is diagnosed that God is still capable of miracles. We have been working with him on his colors. It's something that my other kids just picked up through reading books and day to day stuff. With Sam, it is totally different. We're not even sure if he sees colors correctly. This small skill that we are trying to teach him seems to be a bit overwhelming at times. Please pray that we will be able to figure out the best way to help him.

School is in...

Sam has been in school for over a week now. I will tell you that the first day I dropped him off, I felt so sick. I was doubting the decision that we had made. I called Jeff and asked if I could go back and pick him up. He reassured me that we should at least give it a try. It was a decision that we had made and had felt that it was the best way to help him. So, I left him there for the first day and he seemed happy when I picked him up. Since he cannot tell me how it was, I was curious to see if he would cry the second day when I dropped him off. So, on the second day, he just walked right in and waved bye to me. It kind of hurt my feelings. :) He absolutely loves school. He is improving too. His teachers are all so nice and they reassure me everyday about how well that he is doing. She even said, "I know you are worried. But, please know that he never cries and he smiles the whole day. He loves it." I am so impressed with the whole program. What a great thing to offer for families with kids who have developmental delays. And it's free. After paying Susanna's tuition every month, I appreciate that! There is one teacher and three assistants in the classroom with 6 kids. What a great ratio. He also has 3 therapists that work with him throughout the week. We are so grateful for the way God has guided us and calmed out hearts about this decision.

Sam had a check up this past week with the pediatrician. He made the growth chart for the first time. Woohoo! We are so excited to report that he is in the 3rd percentile for his weight. The doctor was amazed that he was doing so well. He said that this was the healthiest that Sam has ever looked. This pediatrician is a Christian and is a constant encouragement to us. I have come in there many times very down and discouraged, and he always reminds me that God chose us to be Sam's parents and He will see us through. I knew this but am beginning to see this.

Thank you Lord, for helping our Sam. We are confident that you have your hand on him and that you have a very special plan for him.

Where's Sam?

This is where you will usually find Sam. He eats all of his meals and about 4-5 other times too. His favorite thing is cereal. I don't know why he won't grow. His appetite is a bottomless pit!

My Big Boy...

I dropped Sam off at school today for the first time. And, well. it wasn't easy. I have been pretty nauseous all morning just thinking about him and wondering if it was the right decision. He, of course, was fine. He just walked right in and went to play with a new friend. The teacher was very nice and went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly. Is parenting always like this? I don't think I realized how many decisions you have to make for your children. I'm terrible at making decisions anyway. It's so easy for me to question and analyze everything and wonder if I am leading or guiding my children as they should be lead. Yet, God in his amazing love, gives me assurance when I feel very unassured, that He is Sam's father. He loves him even more than we do. I find comfort in that today. Sorry... I don't ever mean for this to sound preachy. I'm just reminding myself of His promises concerning our children.


I have many more updates on Sam and will post them later. Gotta go pick up my baby!