The first big Midwest snowstorm of the season has come upon us this afternoon in big, fat, wet flakes. It’s the kind of day that makes you really, really glad that you have your Christmas shopping done and can take in a lazy afternoon of comfort food and nostalgic movies. We, unfortunately do not have our Christmas shopping done, so I’ll be on Julia duty while Jocelyn braves the elements this afternoon to run a few errands and hopefully find that perfect present for her hubby.
There has been little new progress in terms of Julia’s progress – except that I brought home a cold last week and immediately gave it to her. Nothing really earth-shattering, we found out later, but it makes the feeding a little more challenging. It’s amazing what makes you realize how tenuous our position can be. I felt terrible about it when I realized my sniffles were not allergy related and for a couple of days did not go near Jocelyn and Julia in deference to their well being. That forced all of the caregiving for Julia on her mother and leaving me to sit across the room and watch them. And I never really knew how much I could envy a person until I watched Jocelyn holding our daughter and not be able to myself.
I got a new fun medical fact when all of this shook out. It seems that the common cold is at its most contagious two or three days before the symptoms show up. But the pediatrician said that even though Julia had what I had, she would be fine and wouldn’t re-contract it once I’d given it to her. So I needed to cowboy up and hold up my end of the caregiving. Yahoo!
As I mentioned, with the reflux and cold the feeding has become a little more challenging. Her volumes are an ounce or two below the normal daily target. Perhaps it was providence that Dr. Weinhouse, our cardiologist, advised us to relax and let her take what she takes and leave the rest to God. It’s been an important challenge, since we can offer it, but Julia’s got to take it. Despite the feeding challenges, however, Julia had still gained three ounces for the week!
There have been other blessings as well. One was a new acquaintance we made with Audrey and her parents, Jim and Jessica. Dr. Weinhouse noticed that she was in for a routine follow-up exam and wanted to be sure that we met. Audrey had, last August, undergone the same procedure with the same surgeon that Julia will be doing in January. She had gained very little weight before the surgery, but you can see that she’s doing great now! It was a real encouragement!
We also found the beauty of community as our dear friend Patricia gave Jocelyn and I a much-needed break on Friday afternoon to do some Christmas shopping. It was… interesting… for us to be away from her, but a good exercise in the end. Julia did great, Patricia had the time of her life and the new parents realized that it’s okay to leave their kid for a while.
The snow is still falling and we just put our little girl down for a nap. I need to go out and shovel some snow! Stay warm everyone!
One Response
It was so nice meeting your family. Today is the first chance I have had to look at this amazing blog. I have been thinking and praying about your family and I know God willing that Julia will come out of this just wonderfully. Audrey is over 15 pounds and almost 25 inches now!!! It is incredible how fast they grow after the surgery. If you need anything please let us know.
Jess, Jim Aby & Audrey Tolonen