Up! Up! Up!

Since Heath got his button out, it seems we've been catapulted into the future.  Lately, I have the sensation I'm watching a time-lapse film of a seed sprouting and spreading its shoots in the open air, growing each second into a bigger, mightier something.  I look back at photos taken just a few months ago and realize we are in a whole new world. 

We used to dream about what life would be like when Heath would eat big plates of food like other kids,  when he would regain the weight he lost during the wean, when he would have nothing but smooth tummy where that plastic bump used to be.  Now all those things have come true!  It hasn't made life perfect, but it has made it astronomically better, especially for Heath.  I have to take a moment every day to remember how things used to be and thank heaven for so many things we now enjoy that used to be pipe dreams.  Living and eating like a normal family is something we'll always appreciate that much more!

Heath is starting to really understand food.  He's pulled carrots from the ground at the Children's Playgarden, seen chickens and their eggs at our friend Dan's little farm, and he relishes our time in the kitchen preparing dinner after picking out tasty morsels at the grocery.  We try to let him help with whatever tasks he can do.

Heath gets to make our salad, carefully placing greens in the bowl, sometimes leaf by leaf, then cheese, nuts and cherry tomatoes.  He watches closely as butter sizzles, ingredients are rinsed and chopped, and colors and smells transform in the pan and travel to the dinner table.  He peers through the oven window as things rise and turn golden.  Foods that look intimidating on his plate like edamame or tomato become intriguing in the laboratory of the kitchen, where he's likely to sink his teeth into anything. 

All this has made me realize that Heath's long journey to culinary sophistication is a lesson to take heart from.  Goals he is now working toward, like walking and becoming more dextrous, can seem distant but they are actually coming closer each day.  They might not come as quickly as they do for other kids, but when they do we will celebrate and appreciate them all the more.  Knowing how far Heath has come already makes it easy to see how much further he will go.

Last week we met with a senior physiatrist at Seattle Children's Hospital, an M.D. specialized in physical rehabilitation.  She was a kind, funny, straightforward person who made Heath laugh and didn't stand on ceremony -- the kind of doctor I've come to appreciate.  She said that although Heath meets the criteria for a diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy, he will be FINE.  Fine!  That he will do normal things, like play soccer.  Soccer! (Gasps of exhileration at the prospect of soccer momdom!)  That though his handwriting won't be the tidiest, he will do just fine with computers.  (Computers? He does just fine changing the settings on my laptop!)  That his life will be full of normal kid stuff, just like it already is.  It was great news, and news we mostly already knew.  It will be Heath's hard work that makes those wonderful things possible and, as we learned from tube weaning, the right helpers will appear, success will build on success and his determination, smarts, and character will pave the way.  Will I always be a little prouder of him than I would be otherwise?  You bet I will. 

We've known from the very beginning that Heath's motor skills were impacted by injury to certain areas of his brain.   So having a diagnosis doesn't really change anything.  It's a relief (but also not a surprise) to know for sure that he is only mildly affected and that neuroplastic healing continues.  The important thing is that, as far as Heath is concerned, all is well.  And in our minds, we somehow lucked out and got the best baby in creation.  And in our wonderful family and community, Heath is seen and celebrated as an ordinary little boy, learning his way around and enjoying almost every minute of it.  I won't say I haven't fought my way past a lot of anxiety (much of it irrational) regarding Heath's health and happiness over the past year and a half, and I am grateful to those of you who have listened patiently and advised me wisely during these rough patches.  These days my heart is resting easy and I don't have a shred of doubt that Heath will continue to enjoy life to the utmost, sharing his gifts of patience, humor and insight along the way. 

In other news, Heath is having a vocabulary explosion!  At last count, he was saying over 60 words.  Today at preschool during bubble time, he kept shouting "Up! Up! Bubbas, bubbas, bubbas! Up!"

He also has an eerie fascination with the presidents. 

 

(Note to self:  Fill out Heath's concept of U.S. history with a homemade placemat featuring Sacajawea, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Oprah!)

We are eagerly anticipating a fantastic Halloween weekend.  Grandma and Grandpa Montgomery are arriving tomorrow!  Peanut and I are going out on the town to see David Sedaris.  And Heath will be dressing up as a national park ranger (the Teletubbie costume was too terrifying) and attending his very first Halloween party with neighborhood friends. 

Wishing everyone a spooky good time and clear skies for trick-or-treating!

Comments

[melissa aka equidae]

Sometimes I read your posts and feel jealousy. Its irrational butthere you go! I feel so inadequate at how I handle Greg at times. But Thn I look at him- he's happy, he eats, he runs & talks. Right now I am not doing a great job out of it as pregnancy slowed me big time but I know that I will catch up soon. In the meantime thank you for the update they also inspire me on my motherhood journey

[Jean]

Annie's neuro said that if--or WHEN--she eats, that it will likely promote speech recovery, because when kids eat, they strengthen the same muscles in their tongues, lips and mouth that they use to talk! So to hear that Heath is having a vocabulary explosion is incredibly encouraging to me! Hooray for Heath!

[Emily]

I love this little guy so much!! He's so preciously perfect! You are amazing, Momma!

[Abeer]

Here is a report from your Halloween local TV channel: the results of Halloween Costume competition were announced yesterday and Heath got a prize for the simple but very attractive costume he wore.. well, for Mama, she really looks cute in her BIG hat ..)
I am so happy that you guys had good time... as for me, my trick 'n treat was busy as I ate so many candies that I had to wash my poor teeth twice! now for Heath's amazing skills in recognizing the presidents... I have to tell you... I am impressed!
What a wonderful boy and a pleasant and a wonderful gift you have...

I love his pics and ravishing smile..

love,

Abeer

[ugg shoes]

Oh I do hope to visit some day! What a great place to work!

[moncler outlets]

So cute! I already like you on FB and also get your posts on Google Reader. :)

[supra shoes]

Good stuff as per usual, thanks. I do hope this kind of thing gets more exposure.

[supra for kids]

i went to the same school as patrick. i remeber those girls from my school who wrote in. they were white trash...i always felt so bad for them.