Business As Usual

I don't have much to post this week, which is actually a good thing. That means life has settled down! We're still keeping busy with OT and PT but we now have more time to hang out and play. Dominic is making great progress in therapy and his right side continues to get stronger and stronger. He's been able to move his right arm and leg for awhile, but he's just starting to realize where they are in space. He's starting to purposefully move his arm and hand, which is so great to see. Last night Mike and I saw him clapping on his monitor; which he's never done before! We were so excited! Tonight in the bath he was trying to use both hands to pick up a toy. He's not really able to use it to pick something up, but the fact that he's trying is huge progress. He's acknowledging it's there instead of just letting it hang. Here's a cute little video from tonight.




After a positive progress report from Dr. Chugani and Dr. Sood, we decided it was okay to travel. So, thanks to my parents treat, I will be taking the boys to their beach house in Florida in November. It will be nice to be there with my folks to spend time relaxing, but we will miss Mike a lot!

Newest obsession...showers

Next Thursday will be a big day in the Dunlap house - Dominic turns ONE! Wow, what a wild year it's been. I can't believe how much has happened in less than a year. I was telling my mother-in-law the other day that as crazy as it sounds, I am grateful for everything that has happened with Dominic. Although I would have never asked for any of this, I have learned so much through this experience. I've learned a lot about myself, my husband, my family and my faith. While there is a lot of bad in this world, there is  also a lot of good. There are evil people but also amazingly loving and supportive people as well. We have been incredibly blessed by so many people; all without which we could not have survived this. It's through trials that we see ourselves and others more clearly. So no, none of this was easy. Would I have rather had a happy, healthy baby? Yes. Would I have rather slept through the night than be up all night with a seizing baby? Yes. Would I have rather played patty cake with Dominic than give him steroid injections? Yes. Would I have rather let him keep his whole brain than let a surgeon cut half of it out? Yes. Would I rather be snuggling and playing with my baby, than taking him to therapy four times a week? Yes. But life isn't always about us and what we want. Life's not fair. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and do the best you can. And while none of this has been ideal, Dominic is and has been an incredible blessing and taught us so much. It's been a wild ride and I wouldn't change it for anything :o)

Fun with Mom's new camera! Gotta love that half smile.

 

Eating his socks, his new favorite pastime