For the first time in a long time… actually, that I can ever remember, I am a little sad to see summer go. Of course, it's still very warm outside but we all know how quickly time moves after Labor Day. :) Soon there will be…No more flip flops. No more shorts and t-shirts. No more playing outside in the yard for hours. I'm not talking about for me, although I love to do these things, but for Aspen. Summer is so much easier. He's an outside boy that loves to be barefoot. He's an outside boy that is full of energy.
But, not only does the end of summer mean that the temperatures will be changing but it's also the beginning of "cold season" or "flu season." Thankfully I can say that I "may" have had the flu in 2000 but that's the only time it's ever been a question for me. In fact, our family as a whole hasn't really struggled with the flu and we are so grateful for that. When you have a son or grandson or nephew with a chronic disease such as Cystic Fibrosis, your thoughts and concerns and worries change though. If one of us got the flu or bronchitis or even a bad cold, typically it wouldn't be a big deal. With Aspen, however, it can always turn into a very dangerous situation for him.
People with CF are at greater risk of getting lung infections because thick, sticky mucus builds up in their lungs, allowing germs to thrive and multiply. CF lung infections, caused mostly by bacteria, remain a serious and chronic problem for many living with the disease.
We've learned that Aspen can't live in a bubble, however, so we will all just do the best we can to make sure he avoids people that are sick and that he stays away from places that may have a lot of germs (inside playgrounds, the nursery at church…etc).
I truly believe that aside from Aspen's CF, he has been blessed with an awesome immune system. He's never had an ear infection and really only been sick a couple of times. We're praying that good genetics/immune system will help him stay clear from lung infections that can cause lasting damage. Will you join us in praying that Aspen will have a healthy fall and winter?
The Lord has certainly been with Aspen since the day he was born! What a fun month this was. He changes so much every day! He understands everything you say and repeats so much. On the way to the CF clinic this month, Lindsey and I were talking about something being "cray-cray"… and he followed my sentence up with, "cray-cray." Yep, sweet, Aspen. It was cray-cray and we are officially watching everything we say.
Aspen loves, loves being outside and playing with Bow. He loves to throw her the ball. They are going to be best buds one day, we can already see it.
Aspen loving and hugging on his Ma at the CF Clinic. The doctor's were so impressed with his progress. He's changed so much since we were there in May. He's running and talking and climbing and repeating words. He told the doctors "thanks" and "please" at just the right times. He certainly knows how to throw on the charm.
The doctors said he was growing well and they were pleased. He was 23.6 pounds and 31 inches. The week before his appointment, he was cutting his molars and his appetite was much lower than normal. It was hard to know if the change was related to his CF, so the doctors said to keep a watch on it. We are all grateful to say that once his tooth came in… his appetite returned to normal and he has been chowing down. He loves his organic macaroni and cheese. He loves chicken and peanut butter and jelly. He can put away some strawberry banana yogurt and an entire banana in about 60 seconds. We're grateful that he loves to eat and that his enzymes seem to be working so that he is able to digest his food. There isn't much Aspen won't eat. PRAISE!!! It's the small things….
The doctor said that Aspen's lungs sound great. His weight is good and so is his height. The only thing they are concerned with is the mucus that is still hanging around in his lungs and his low vitamin D level. They changed the way that he receives his vitamin D and the way that he does his "vest" in the morning and at night. The most important thing is keeping the lungs clear as long as possible. We are grateful for doctors that are knowledgeable and that care. He doesn't go back until November. That's hard to believe!
The doctor's seemed excited that Bennett Rainier was due in December. They took the time to explain what we already knew.
Bennett has a 25% chance of being born with CF. He has a 50% chance of being a carrier but not actually having CF (like Lindsey and Chris) and a 25% chance of being completely normal - without anything related to CF. They told us that he MIGHT test positive to the initial testing (if he is a carrier) but either way they will do a test to confirm at around 10-14 days old. This will be a hard time not knowing for our family. Please be in prayer for sweet Bennett and for Lindsey and Chris. Lindsey's pregnancy is going well. Sometimes I forget she's pregnant because she never complains and doesn't REALLY look like it yet. She makes a great pregnant Mama.
Aspen is so funny to us. His facial expressions and the way that he loves to laugh and be laughed at are so precious. He says "thanks" and "please" and has the best manners. He also says "yes" to just about everything but occasionally he will say "no."
Aspen loves anything electronic. If your phone is out, he wants to play with it. Aspen and I had a "Toy's R Us" date while his Mama was working on a project. One of the things he picked out was a phone. This picture makes me smile. He seems like he's SO into the conversation.
The other toy Aspen wanted was a lawnmower. He will "cut the yard" for the longest time. Pops only wishes this was actually lowering the grass outside.
When we went out west this summer, we brought Aspen back a Junior Ranger hat and onesie. Lindsey used to be a Junior Ranger and she so loves the National Parks. He tolerated the hat long enough for me to take a picture of him wearing it. Of course, it was scorching outside, so hopefully he will wear it longer when it gets cooler.
Aspen has so many outside toys, it's hard for him to decide which one he wants to play with first.
All things outside are usually pushed aside if he can play with Bow Valley though. He will take the ball right out of her mouth. He's not afraid.
Me and Pops took a stroll at our annual church picnic at Costley Mill park. Aspen was so intrigued by the water that I'm surprised we even got him to look at the camera.
I love this picture and how he is looking at his Pops! Such a sweet boy!
Doesn't this picture make you smile? He wanted to wear this hat during breakfast with his Mama. His face just makes me smile!!!
Aspen's newest thing is to lead you around wherever he goes. He loves to grab a finger and GO!
He's changing so quickly! He's a runner. He's fast. He loves his lawnmower more than any other toy outside. He will cut and cut and cut the grass. He's too big to ride in his car these days; he much prefers to push it. He knows his name and so sweetly, says, "Aspen." He screams, "GO BOW" when she's chasing a ball. He says apple, diaper and one of his newest and sweetest words is, "Brother." He hasn't quite grasped "Bennett" or that Lindsey has a baby (said in the sweetest voice ever) in her tummy. He's not much into being held unless another baby is around. Hey… maybe Lindsey will get her cuddler back once Bennett is born? He's inquisitive and friendly and refuses to smile or pose for a picture these days… so until he does, we'll have to be satisfied with "action shots." He loves his "shapes" toy from Tupperware and repeats, "oval, cross, circle, star" as he puts them in their place. He NEVER stops moving but he takes a 2 hour nap and sleeps ALL night long. He's changing every day and the JOY of all of our lives. He's precious and he is SEVENTEEN months old.
It's hard to believe that Aspen is 17 months. It's hard to believe it's almost Labor Day and it's often times hard to believe that Aspen has Cystic Fibrosis, even though he does many treatments throughout the day (medicines, the vibrating vest, breathing treatments)... He is doing so well, all things considered.
We know that this is a progressive disease and that things can change at any time… but right now, we are praising the Lord for how well he has done.
We're asking YOU:
* Please pray that Aspen will remain healthy and not catch the flu/bronchitis/pneumonia this season
* Please pray that the scientist's will discover a CURE soon
* Please pray for Bennett, who is due in December, to be born free of Cystic Fibrosis.
* Please pray for Lindsey's pregnancy to continue to be a healthy one
* Please pray that Aspen will keep the joy and sense of humor that he has in spite of his treatments. Please pray that CF will never define him but will only be a part of who makes up the wonderful boy that he is.
We continue to pray for a miracle for Aspen. We pray that Aspen will remain healthy. We pray for a CURE or medicines that will prevent lung damage daily. We continue to give God all the GLORY for Aspen and his health.
Cystic Fibrosis doesn't just affect one part of the body…
Galatians 6:2 (NLT)... “Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ."
Thank you for the many prayers for this sweet boy!
You are so much fun, Aspen! You bring so much JOY. Your Dee Dee loves you to the moon and back! Happy 17 months, sweet boy!
No comments:
Post a Comment