Matthew Update

So, last Wednesday, the 15th of October, we drove back to Cincinnati for Matthew's re-check. Overall, it looks like Matthew is doing better; however, his weight was the main topic. Matthew gained like 7oz's in 4 months; very disappointing to say the least; and since his gastric emptying scan came back normal recently, the procedure we were going to have done is no longer an option. So today, we drove to Cincinnati again for the feeding team to evaluate his eating. They wanted to make sure he didn't have any trouble chewing, swallowing, gagging, aspirating, etc...and of course, he did awesome! Unfortunately, since he was sick last week, he also lost weight...again, very disappointing!!! It makes you feel COMPLETELY HELPLESS AND DEFEATED as a parent! He just can't keep up with all the calories he is burning from his breathing hard. I wish I could give him some of my own fat.

So, although we were reassured that we were doing very well with what he was eating at home, they asked us to try a few other things and if we didn't see any gain within 4 to 6 weeks, a g-tube would be necessary. We are going to pray and do our best, but we have finally come to terms with the fact that the g-tube may be the best thing for him.

Have I mentioned that Cincinnati Children's Hospital is fantastic. They never cease to impress me. It's a long drive but well worth it.

Sara's 4th Birthday

So Sara had her Princess Birthday Party. She looked very cute, along with all her little Princess friends. We handed out wands to the girls and the boys received home-made capes. The school allowed us to use the Pole Barn and boy did that work out nicely. I think we'll be using it again for other events as well. So, we had face-painting and Briana and Conner were nice enough to volunteer their time helping with that and we had a ball toss and crepe paper contest. Winners were Annika and Kaleigh. It was crazy, but a lot of fun. We appreciate all our friends and family and the time we were able to spend with them.

Matthew's Glasses

Well, Matthew got his glasses. Amazingly, he put them on and hasn't messed with them. He is adjusting really well and looks pretty handsome too. Expensive, YES...but worth it if he can see better. We are so proud of him.

Last day of Soccer...

Well, I would have to say that Sara enjoyed soccer. Highlights would have to be her kicking the dirt, picking the flowers and the grass, watching her teammates run after the ball and pointing things out in the sky! It was hilarious.

Actually, she did really well for being the smallest one on the team and she of course was not the only one oblivious at times to what was going on. She dribbled the ball well and had a great time. She even got to play with her friends Jacob and Parker.

I'm sure, we will do it all over again next year!

Nostalgia

As most of you know, my mother is from Colombia and most of her side of the family still reside there. I miss them all horribly and wish I could go back more often. Now with Matthew and his lung disorder, I'm not sure when we'll go back...we'd have to arrange for oxygen when we get there and he'd have to wear it 24/7 because of the high elevation. Not sure I'm ready for all that yet. I guess we'll just have to take it one step at a time.

Elsita (my Aunt) and Jenny (my cousin)...

Les extrano mucho!