7 months old

Uncle Jon Pauly (meeting him for the first time)
standing while holding onto toy Coco got him

first attempt with sippy cup

I wish today was filled with only happiness. It began with our PT suggesting we see an OT (occupational therapist) for Stryker. She wanted hand splints made to stretch his web spaces in his hands. I immediately thought - will he ever get a good report & stop having to go to doctors. The PT informed me that the splints would only be worn at night & not for a long time. My heart was broken again. I've always been told that it's harder to bear life's situations that affect your children. This is definitely true. We were able to see an OT at Children's Hospital on Sept. 15th - the day Stryker turned 7 months old. What a way to celebrate. Logan met us at the office. The OT requested a neurological consult after fitting him for splints. Logan's face was in shock as he immediately started asking questions of clearification. On the other hand, I was silent. My mind was full of unwanted negative thoughts. The OT noticed something a little different with Stryker's left arm. Logan & I spent the rest of the afternoon on the phone with the OT, PT, & neurologist office. Nights have been hard on both of us since then. It's a time to talk, cry, & just be with each other for comfort. As of right now, we are still waiting to hear from the neurologist on a scheduled appointment. Stryker has been wearing his hand splints at night without any problems. Later that afternoon, Stryker had a follow-up visit with Hanger regarding his helmet. The helmet was re-adjusted. The orthotist was already able to tell some improvement! God is good. We return in 3 wks for another follow-up visit.



The Lord only gives you what you can bear. Something I keep reminding myself. We are trusting in Him & praying for strength to get through all of this knowing it could be worse.



On a good note, Stryker is 7 months old now. He is doing new things:

• eating baby food, puffs, applesauce, etc.




• holding a sippy cup




• sitting while playing with toys




• standing while holding onto something




• scooting backwards (hopefully forwards will come!)




• laughing at funny things




• rolling from tummy to back & back to tummy (more than before)




• fights sleep during the day




• loves to swing on the front porch




• loves to ride in stroller as I run/walk




• babbling/trying to talk (says "mamma" & "blah blah" all the time)




• loves bathtime




• cries when he sees Logan or me leave/walk away




• loves Elmo & Sesame Street




• known at the daycare, church, & many other places as "the cutest little boy who smiles constantly"