Who I Am

I am hardworking.

 I am valued.

I am capable.

I am brave.

I am loved.

I am making the world a brighter place.

 I am molding those who know me into better people.

I am more than an extra chromosome.

That's who I am.

"What Is Wrong with Him?"

A few weeks ago, I got a call from the Medicaid office. They needed some information to finish up Levi's paperwork for his yearly renewal. Apparently, they didn't do something they should've done in OCTOBER, but that's not the point of my story. 

The woman on the phone was very pleasant, explained what happened, assured me that Levi was still covered on his Medicaid plan, and asked if I'd just answer a few questions for her.

Her first question was, "What is wrong with him?"

I responded with silence.

After a little while, she restated her question and asked, "What is Levi's diagnosis?"

 

He has Down syndrome, but there is nothing wrong with him. Thank you very much.

We actually think he's pretty great.

 

Enjoying Some Fresh Air

 Yesterday Levi's pulse oxygen levels were good during his nap, and he ate and drank a little. We were thankful he didn't need an IV and that we were given the okay to go home. When he woke up, he wanted down and immediately tried buckling himself in his car seat.

Here he is on his way out of the hospital. I'd say he was ready to go!

The stickers they put on his cheeks to hold the oxygen tubes on are very difficult to get off. I haven't had the heart to try too hard yet. Please share advice if you've had to get these suckers off your kid before! Next time I am going to ask a nurse to do the dirty work before we leave!

The boys both felt a little better today. We even got to enjoy some time outside after dinner. A couple that lives down the street gave the boys permission to play in their driveway and backyard. Adam explored their big tree tonight and was thrilled to get some climbing in.

And this was just what was needed today. A chance to enjoy the ordinary...to explore a backyard...to breathe the fresh air...to be renewed.

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called THE PRESENT."

Levi in the Hosptial

This was Levi at nap time yesterday...

and last night...

He was treated Wednesday for croup but yesterday he was wheezing a lot and just didn't look good. Wes took him to the local ER last night, and they took him by ambulance to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which is about 2 hrs from our house. He has RSV. His oxygen level got really low last night...so low Wes won't tell me the number.

Adam & I stayed at home but I will be heading to the hospital this morning. (Thank you grandpa for helping out!)

Levi's is on oxygen and may need an IV. They are waiting to see if he eats any breakfast before deciding on that. Adam slept well so I am hoping he is about over all of his illness. He coughed so hard yesterday it made him throw up a few times.

I thought Levi wasn't bad enough to go to the hospital and am so thankful Wes knew to take him. Levi would wheeze and struggle to inhale when he cried or coughed but otherwise seemed to be breathing without trouble. I asked if we should wait and only take him if he was in respiratory distress. Wes said, "I've been there before. I don't want to wait." I am so glad he didn't.

A Little Catching Up to Do

Wes & the boys went to Birmingham, Alabama with me this weekend. I was there for work & we made arrangements to see Wes' favorite cousin & her husband, who live near Birmingham. We had a nice drive down & arrived late Friday afternoon. We stayed at the hotel by the convention center, where I was working.

Around 1:30am, Adam woke up with croup. He was terrified and could not catch his breath. Not fun. Steam from the shower and breathing the cold outside air didn't help so Wes took him to the ER. They got back at 5am, just after my alarm went off, and Levi woke up for the day before they even had a chance to fall back to sleep.

I took Adam back for a follow-up with the pediatrician, and he has an ulcer on his throat. Poor guy. He napped for over 3 hours today, but he hasn't complained and has been in a good mood. We didn't get to see the doctor that did his blood work last week so I will have to contact her tonight about the results and what it means for the treatment of his tics and OCD behaviors.

Wes has been sick, too, so Levi & I went to Bible class and worship services by ourselves Sunday.

When I came home, Adam couldn't wait to show me how he cleaned up the house.

This OCD stuff may not be so bad after all! :) He has gotten especially good at folding blankets!

Now that I have an iPhone, I am enjoying Instagram. I have found some cool photographers to follow and enjoy the inspiration there. My username is aprilmvernon if you want to follow.

Have a great week.

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.” -Walt Whitman