A MUCH Better Day...

After what happened Thursday I was really shaken and nervous about my ultrasound appointment the next day. Could we handle bad news? Before Jack we lost our first baby girl Emma to a chromosomal abnormality 45 X which caused a severe Cystic Hygroma and deadly fetal hydrops. There was a zero % chance of survival. She was born still at 22 weeks gestation April 12, 2001. Then, two years later we decided to try again. We conceived Jack with no problems -- had many ultrasounds completed and an amniocentesis done to be sure there were no problems. We had a totally healthy baby boy -- until Jack's arrival at 25 weeks gestation. So now we're a little nervous about being pregnant again. We had our ultrasound on Friday and everything looks PERFECT! I really didn't realize just how much fear and worry I was carrying until it suddenly lifted when the dr. said our baby girl was perfect! Of course, there is still pre-term labor and delivery to worry about -- but I am being followed every two weeks from now on to have my cervix measured. So far at 20 weeks my cervix looks as it should.

Earlier Friday morning the representative from the equipment company called to say he was sorry to hear Jack had a rough go and couldn't make it to the seating clinic. He said the therapists at the clinic took a look at Jack's chair and didn't think he needed to be seen in the full clinic. So Mr. Equipment Guy said he could arrange for a delivery to our house! He then went on to say he had some time later that same day and could fit the TWO HOUR journey into his schedule! I thanked him over and over. This was wonderful news. I also told him I would be away for a while in the afternoon -- but my mother would be at our house with Jack. He also said if something came up and he couldn't make it he'd reschedule for the following week.

After the ultrasound appointment I called my mom to tell her the wonderful news. She said Mr. Equipment Guy was at our house setting up the chair already! I told her to tell him we'd be there in 20 minutes!! When we got home Jack greeted us at the door in his brand new wheelchair!! It was so cool! I really couldn't have asked for a better turn out to that week.

Jack needed no introduction -- he really knew what to do right away. He does have the circle thing going because he doesn't yet steer with his right hand. You almost have to see it in person to get how perfect it is for Jack! I wanted to share my ideas on how we intend to use the chair...

For longer distances. For this reason we did not order a tray because for us, it's not going to be used in a stationary setting. If he's eating he's at the table with us in his feeding chair. If he's working at school he's in a chair at the table with the rest of the children. If he's going a short distance he'll use his walker. Longer distances are fine with me. I am not sending it to school right away. I want to become familiar with it myself and get a feel for how we'll use it as well. I've mentioned before -- I want it to take place of his stroller at home and at school. He will continue to walk short distances with his walker (which, by the was is going WONDERFULLY!)

Here are some pictures:







The right wheel has pegs attached so Jack can push with a closed fist or the heel of his hand. He doesn't have to worry about trying to open his right hand and grasp the wheel. This is a great workout for his right side!

I am looking forward to using it. Right now I cannot lift it in and out of the car because I am limited to only lifting Jack when absolutely necessary. So we'll have to be sure Daddy is with us for our outings when we use it.

Jack is doing very well after Botox and the apnea during sedation. He doesn't remember anything (thank God). It's strange because he's never had a bad reaction to sedation in the 20+ times he's been under in his life. Right now I am not even thinking of "next time" but when I do think of it and we're faced with it we're going to be very nervous.

Well as I've rambled Jack's fallen asleep on the sofa watching Sesame Street. I usually take advantage of nap time to eat breakfast and shower...so gotta go!