Half Way There!!

Well, Eli has almost hit the half-way point of his stay at Our Children's House (if we end up only staying 4 weeks). It has been an eventful and exciting 2 weeks!

First off, let me say just how proud I am of my family, as a whole. There are two major differences between this admission and Eli's last stay here back in 2012: We live MUCH closer now and Ella is here (I was pregnant with her during Eli's first admission). So this stay has definitely been a balancing act with Adam working and taking care of Ella then me being here with Eli and working from the hospital..... then the big switch every weekend with Adam staying with Eli and me going home to be with Ella for a day or two. It hasn't been easy, but we've found a pretty good rhythm and it has worked out really well. Today was also the first time that the kids really got to spend a good amount of time together. We attempted it last weekend, but Ella really didn't seem to like being at the hospital, so she and I headed back to Granbuy just an hour or so after she and Adam got here. So living closer this time around has definitely been a plus, but making sure that Ella doesn't get lost in the shuffle has been a big challenge. But with the temporary routine Adam and I have worked out, along with my Mom and Dave coming up for a few days to help us spoil (and take care of) the kids, we've managed really well! Eli and Ella got so excited when they first saw each other. It melted this Momma's heart!

And Eli.... WOW! I am SUPER proud of him, as we all are. After being at roughly the same weight for the past 2-3 years, he has gained almost 3 pounds since being here! I giggle when I tell people that he has a little 'pudge' in his belly now! That's something we've never really seen before and it's such a wonderful sight!!!  The therapists and other professionals here have really been working hard to help Eli learn to eat, while also helping to manage his stress and anxiety. They seem to have found a good plan for introducing new foods and working them into Eli's diet. Hopefully in the next week or so, Adam and I will be introduced into meal times and will also be taught how to work their plan into our lives at home.

For those who don't know the process here, the first week or two is spent with Eli in a "Feeding Room" with a therapist. Parents do not go to feeds at this point because the therapists are trying to do several things at this point: they want to break any bad eating habits that the parents and kids may have as well as get an opportunity to observe the child and learn their eating habits, strengths and weaknesses. Then, about half-way through, parents are taken to an "Observation Room" where they can view feeding sessions and learn key phrases to use during meals and see how the therapists work through meals, especially rough spots when kiddos are resistant or having difficulty. The last phase it bringing the parents in to be involved in preparing meals and actually participating in meal times. So, hopefully we will start observing soon!

Their plan so far has been to introduce 'table versions' of the pureed foods that he is already eating, like sweet potato, carrots, pears, apples, etc. So instead of being smooth purees, they are mashed or slightly blended, so they are thicker and have a different texture and consistency. He's also eating some of the breakfast bars and cookies (EnjoyLIfe brand, which is one of our favorite products!) that are more dense than the soft Snickerdoodles that he is used to. Eli has really responded well to this. The other day, he told Adam that he didn't like the sweet potatoes (because of the texture and consistency), but he ate them anyway! Adam had a major proud daddy moment!

I think one of the most difficult parts of this admission is the fact that Eli is older. He is such a smart kid anyway, but this time around, he is really struggling with being in a hospital for so long, not able to get out and do the normal things that we are so used to. I get anxious and have to leave every few days, even if it's just to go walk around a store or something. I can't imagine not being able to leave at all for an entire 1 to 1 1/2 months! He has hit a bit of a wall, which is normal for this point in the process. He's more clingy than normal and doesn't want to leave me or Adam. Meltdowns happen fairly regularly at this point. It's hard to imagine for some people, but for Eli.... eating isn't fun. It is stressful. It is hard work. It's a scary thing with a lot of bad memories.

But he's taking on the challenge like to super star that he is and We couldn't be prouder of him and all the hard work that he does each and every day. Even being here and seeing him struggle, I can't fully comprehend how he feels or what thoughts are going through his head. But I do know that he's a fighter. He may only be 7 years old, but this kid, my sweet, funny, fun-loving boy, is my hero and I'm proud to call him that. He's accomplished so much in his 7 years on this Earth and I can't wait to see the adventures and experiences the good Lord has planned for him.

Playing Catch Up

It has been an incredibly long time since I've written anything on here. I think it said my last post was in June 2014! EEK! Life was in the fast lane and it seemed like we were constantly on the go. New jobs, new schools, new town.... Lots to explore and an entirely new routine to get accustomed to. And honestly, the past 2 years have really been great! Since moving to Granbury, the kids have been healthier than they have been in such a long time. And they have grown so much!

Eli is just finishing up 1st grade. This kiddo loves school! He is a fantastic reader and really enjoys reading anything he can get his hands on. Of course, Dr. Seuss is a favorite, as well as dinosaur books and Ninjago books! About a year ago, he also started playing golf! There is an amazing program here and two of our favorite people from church run it. Eli is such a natural and he really enjoys it. After playing 1 season of flag football, it didn't take long for us to decide that any kind of contact sport was not something we wanted to explore. So golf came along at a great time and has really been a saving grace! Most evenings, he'll be in the back yard chipping balls up on to the roof! He won a tournament last year and was even on the front page of the news paper! One thing that has always been true about our Eli.... He's an amazing kid; a true fighter and a little hero. His kind heart and sweet smile; God has blessed him and I pray his personality and spirit never change!

 

And then there's Ella! That little girl is a ball of energy running around! There's definitely never a dull moment with her! She is three now and is the definition of a "threenager"! Haha! Sassy, strong-willed, talkative, silly.... and absolutely amazing! We started her in dance this past fall. I love seeing her in her little tutu's and outfits. She's had fun, but we've discovered that dance is not her thing. She is in need of something more active and a little faster paced. We've joked that she will be our football player! She's actually surprised us and has been begging to play golf with Eli. So, she has some little clubs (passed down from some amazing friends) and she enjoys getting out in the backyard and playing around, too. Either way, I'm keeping the tutu's... She's just too cute in them!

I know I've said this before, but moving to Granbury was definitely  a "God thing". This move was a difficult choice and it hasn't always been easy, but we know that God knew what He was doing when He led us here. We've gotten involved in an amazing church. The people there are an amazing support. They have wrapped us in love and acceptance. It's nice to truly know what "Church Home" really means. We're blessed to be a part of this church and are so happy to be raising our children to know God.

No matter how old you get, I don't think making new friends ever gets "easy". But we won the lottery in that arena! We met some pretty amazing people here. Their family has become our family. Our kids all love each other and it's an awesome feeling to have a couple that we mesh with so well! Our weekend bar-b-ques and pizza & wine nights are some of our favorite times!

I truly believe this move has played a huge part in our kid's health. Less stress, amazing doctors (and easier access to them) and the opportunities the kids have had here; I think it all plays a roll in their physical health and we're so happy to be where we are!