We are one week out from the sphincterplasty. I have been looking for some on line references that give a graphical illustration of what this surgery is supposed to do. I have not had any luck. Caden has been doing pretty good and we are praying that he remains illness free so that the surgery can proceed as scheduled. Sherry and the baby are both doing great. As you can see from the picture, Riley is especially excited about his new baby brother coming in about seven weeks from now. We get to feel and even see this little guy move sometimes. I will say it again, “I am glad I am a man because I have a hard time imagining what it must feel like to be carrying one of these little guys”.
We are in the process of moving Riley and Caden into the same room. Riley relocated to the new room about a week and a half ago. Caden will be moved in when the new window shade arrives. The current shade does not block enough of the afternoon sun to put Caden in there for nap. Riley has rarely napped in the afternoon for quite some time now so the afternoon light is not a factor for his afternoon rest time.
Physical Wonders
Caden has once again amazed his physical therapist. He now needs a new set of goals because he has blown right past the most recent goals. Caden can now jump without assistance. He has been going trough the motions for some time now, but he feet never actually left the floor. He is able to step up and down from a stool without assistance and without holding on to anything. The up part is still developing, but he can get the job done when he has plenty of energy and encouragement.
Communication
Caden continues to amaze us with his ability to communicate and understand our instructions. He must know near a hundred signs now. I catch myself forgetting how much he might be able to understand due to him not giving verbal feedback. He gives us little glimpses of how much he is actually understanding. A few days ago, he was getting a little excited and I told him he needed to sit down and get self control. He turned and walked to a chair where we have Riley sit from time to time. He climbed into the chair, sat down, and folded his little hands just like his big brother. Not a peep came out of his mouth. I was speechless. Riley must have saw the look on my face because all he could say was, “what is it daddy? What’s wrong?”
Prayer Requests
Please continue to lift Caden up in your prayers. We pray that the swallowing will be healed. Caden wants to eat so bad and he endues so much discomfort from the suctioning that has been required until now. I also want you to pray for Aunt Robin. She had surgery this week and needs prayer for her comfort and healing. Please keep my friend/mentor Rich and his dad in your prayers. Rich’s dad has been in the ICU for 10 weeks as a result of a surgery.
Also please remember the families of the fallen firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty Monday night. Pastor Greg sent out and email earlier today saying that Seacoast is working with other churches in the local area to support the families with pastoral care as well as financially. Pastor Greg mentioned a note from the USA Today that said that this fire “dealt this city’s small, close-knit force a blow proportionately greater than the one suffered by New York’s department on 9/11.”