I was hoping that my 100th post would coincide with some amazing news like Maddy was coming home, or her CT scan results were fantastic - but we're still waiting for that news, so instead I wanted to reflect a bit on the past year in a spirit of thankfulness, since it's the American holiday of thanksgiving this week. (Australia and Hong Kong don't have Thanksgiving, but I really like the idea behind the holiday! I wish we DID have it!!)
I'm thankful that I have this beautiful child. I'm thankful that we chose to continue with the pregnancy even when we weren't sure if she would survive, and I'm thankful that she isn't just surviving, she is thriving.
I'm thankful for my beautiful first born, Lana, who keeps us on our toes and keeps a smile on our faces through all the tough days that we've had this year.
I'm thankful for my husband, who has been my rock throughout this whole year. When I'm having a bad day, he is the one who hears all about it and has helped me through it. He helps me to stay positive and keep things in the right perspective.
I'm thankful that this little one is happy and smiley, with such a sweet temperament that everyone who meets her loves her.
I'm thankful that her oral feeds are going well. She can drink with a normal teat despite her cleft palate, and she can now take as much as 45mL from the bottle - that amount is increasing every day. Before too long, she should be able to get rid of that feeding tube!!
I'm thankful that Maddy is finding her hands and learning how to use them. She sucks her thumb all the time now - and is also starting to touch a lot of other things like her blankets and toys.
I'm also thankful for all the support that I've had throughout this past year, from friends both here in Hong Kong and also overseas. I'm thankful for the new friends that I have met, the other parents of little people, particularly parents of Diastrophic babies (and kids, and adults!) who know exactly what we are going through.
And last but definitely not least, I'm thankful to the Lord Jesus for carrying us through this journey. I'm thankful for the encouragement that I've had from the scriptures - that has really helped me to remember that nothing happens without Him knowing about it; and that even when things look bad, He can and will bring good out of them. And I'm thankful that He's already been doing that :)
It is too bad you don't have an official Thanksgiving day to celebrate! Cook up a turkey and dressing, and any other of your favorite comfort food dishes and eat until your stomach is at maximum capacity. That's how we celebrate it anyway! haha
ReplyDeleteMaddy is getting so big and absolutely cuter by the day!!!
Amen, Nicole! I praise God for how He has blessed you, Bernard, Lana and Madeline. :) You are an encouragement and inspiration. Thank you! What a testimony you provide for others as you write from your heart. :) I love you! I miss you!
ReplyDeleteNicole this is a beautiful post. Congratulations on your 100th. I have been waiting for something special and what better than to be thankful. We love you all so very much. As parents we are so proud of both you and Bernard. We too are very thankful. Thankful to God for His keeping power, His strength,and His joy. What a blessing to see the peace in Maddy's eyes, the love and devotion that I see in both you and Bernard and the utter joy that Lana brings to you daily. Love always, Mum and Dad.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about your little girl! Glad to hear she is doing so well. To answer your question, DDs often have kyphosis in their neck, where their neck curves in the opposite direction than the rest of us. So if Maddy's neck really is "straight" then she's actually doing pretty good! You should be able to get more information from doing the MRI and more X-Rays.
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