Our first appointment outside of our hospital stay was scheduled with our pediatrician. We really like how relaxed he is and how well he listens to us. He was encouraged at how well Jordan is doing thus far.
He was concerned about Jordan’s weight. While in the NICU, Jordan demonstrated some sleepy eating patterns. We had to weigh him before and after his feeding. When we left the hospital, he weighed 7lbs 2oz; he weighed 6lbs 15 oz during this visit. They wanted us to check back in for another weight in a week.
The real encouragement came when he talked to us about how Jordan was going to reach his potential. He said we may set the bar so far, but Jordan may push harder and push the bar higher. If you know Randy and me, you know we push hard to do what we want to do. Jordan has already shown us he is going to fight to be an amazing child of God. I can’t tell you the joy we have as we have watched him grow over the past 3 weeks.
We had 3 appointments a week after Jordan came home. The first was an ultrasound to review the shunt to make sure it is doing what it is supposed to be doing. We can’t say that we didn’t walk away without being frustrated with the techs or a little on edge about how they acted when they were reviewing the images, but Jordan was a champ through all of the fuss.
Next stop was scheduled with Dr. Hudgins. Holly, the physician assistant, came in to remove the 31 staples in our little man’s body (6 in his head, 6 in his belly, and 19 in his back). What a trooper!
Our hearts melted as Dr. Hudgins cradled Jordan and kissed his sweet head. He was pleased with how well Jordan’s legs are moving and with his shunt function. He said the ultrasound looked fine. Randy was ready to run a marathon.
What a relief to know that everything is working as it should without complications. We’ll continue to pray all goes well.
The third visit was to see Dr. Stewart to have my incision checked and to introduce our Peanut to the staff. They were so encouraging to Randy and me throughout our journey.
At our next appointment with the pediatrician, Jordan weighed in at 7lbs 4oz. So we are all doing what we need to for lil Peanut to grow big and strong. He also peed on the doctor twice while having his circumcision checked. The doctor reassured us that he had a good stream.
The part of the spinal cord affected by Jordan’s spina bifida controls the bowel and bladder. Usually kiddos with the level Jordan has need to be catherized to empty their bladder. So far Jordan has not shown the need for a cath. He has been peeing on us since we’ve been home and filling his lil pants on a regular basis. (Please continue to pray for these functions to continue. We have an appointment on July 13 to test his bladder function.)
We have been adjusting well as a family at home. Randy started back to work. He loves spending time with our little man walking around the house, telling him stories, and reading books. Jordan is such a content little man. He sleeps really well at night – so far – and has been eating like a champ.
God has been so good to our family. We are encouraged by the support each of you has given us. We appreciate the cards, food and prayers. We continue to pray for strength for our little man as he grows stronger, and appreciate your support as we have more appointments to learn more about Jordan’s progress.
Read more about Megs and Randy’s journey through her blog, Labor of Love.
