Better News

I’ve been trying to write for days…but it seems like when I begin to write, I’m interrupted or my A.D.D gets the best of me. It doesn’t help that I’ve been stressed to the max lately, but isn’t that what makes life interesting?

I’m very happy to report that Austin’s appointment with the Pediatric Neurologist went well. The Choroid Plexus cysts apparently “don’t mean anything and aren’t harmful.” She (Dr. B) said that the cysts may or may not go away on their own. Do I fully understand these pesky cysts and what they‘re all about? No. I’m all about logic. I like to know WHY, or rather I HAVE to know why? However, I’m making an exception. I won’t stay up late and obsessively google Choroid Plexus Cysts. If they aren’t harmful and don’t mean anything, that’s enough confirmation for me. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Austin had an uncomfortable procedure done last week…a VCUG. I wasn’t strong enough to stay in the room. Thankfully, Daddy stayed with him while the uncomfortable, but not really painful procedure took place. This Thursday we will visit the Nephrology (kidney) doctor. We’re hoping to find out exactly why Austin’s left kidney is dilated.

I’ve noticed for the past month or so that Austin doesn’t use his arms. What do you mean he doesn’t use his arms? Well…when he’s in his bumbo chair with the tray, he doesn’t want to touch the toys with his hands. When I try to move his hands to the toys…he freaks out and whines. He’ll use his mouth like a dog to pick up the toys. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll reach for and grab things that he’s interested in…like my hair, his blanket, bottle, Daddy’s nose, necklace, his talking doll and the dog. He grabs toys when he’s on his back or tummy during playtime, but doesn’t possess very much interest in them during this time. As you can imagine, not using your arms can become problematic when you’re learning to crawl and sit independently. Austin gets so frustrated when he’s on his tummy…trying to crawl. He just doesn’t quite “get’ that he has to use his arms. His leg strength is phenomenal. Doctors are always impressed with his muscle tone. We love this type of feedback…but until Austin learns that his arms are there to HELP him move and sit, we can’t move forward. Luckily, therapy has given us helpful exercises and stretches. Austin despises them, but I know they’ll make his upper body stronger. Due to my concerns, they have decided to increase therapy to twice a month. Yes, I pushed for it. I know he’s not technically delayed, but I feel that’s what EARLY intervention is for! Maybe this is a sensory problem? I’m not really sure?

I took Austin swimming last week for the first time. HE LOVED IT! I was shocked because I thought for sure we’d have to ease into it. We went swimming 5 days in a row…only 20-30 minutes at a time, of course. He’s a little fish! For once, I’m thankful for the Texas (summer) weather because it really doesn’t get “cool” until the end of October…if we’re lucky! I’ll have a few more months to take him swimming.


I’ll leave you with pictures of his swimming adventures: