We haven't updated the blog in FOREVER! Sorry about that. I would really like to update more and am going to make a better effort.
As for an Amirah update... those on Facebook probably know a lot of this....
About 2-3 weeks ago Amirah starting sitting on her own! She gets better and better everyday.
In February Amirah got her first TWO teeth!
In early March Amirah ate food via her mouth for the first time! She only eats about 5-10 spoons of yogurt at a time, but we work with her everyday to eat. Eating via her mouth is going to be a slow process, but it's so exciting the progress she has made.
As of March 14th Amirah has been approved to start trach collar trials. This means she will have a little bit of time everyday OFF the vent. We are waiting for delivery of the items we need for trach collar to arrive. We are hoping it arrives this afternoon. (After I wrote this the supplies arrived and now we are waiting for Amirah's Respiratory Therapist to arrive to set it up for us. I hope to post photo's of her on the trach collar later this afternoon!)
I can't brag enough about how proud we are of Amirah. She "talks" more and more everyday. She definetly says "Daddy" (so clear sometimes its shocking lol), and I have heard her say "Hi" a few times. She is a very intense little girl when she is introduced to new things, people, places etc.
As for me and Andy.... overall we extremely happy and content. We do have a few stresses right now. First, Andy has been out of work since November. He has been on numerous interviews, but we are still waiting for an offer. A surprising number of the positions have been canceled after the interview process do to cancellation of the projects. But we are positive something will happen soon. Things are extremely tight financially right now, but we truly know how blessed we are to have a safe, warm home, a baby who is thriving, family and friends that love and support us, and to have each other.
As for me... I have my moments. Most of the time I am just content playing with Amirah. But every once and a while I get overwhelmed when I think back over our past year. I have to remind myself to let go of the past and be in the present. It's funny, when I remember all that we went through last year I feel more upset than I did when I was actually going through. I guess it's a blessing in a way I didn't feel all that upset when it was going on. Both Andy and I have been told by numerous people who work with us and Amirah how much our attitudes have helped Amirah get to where she is today. For that I am extremely grateful.
Since the earthquake/tsunami of last week I have been reminded even more so about how blessed we are at the moment. I belong to a forum of other trach parents and trached people. One of the parents from that board lives in Japan. She and her family (husband, 2 year old trach son, and 6 month old baby) have been trying to get home to Canada since last week. It's frighten to think about all that she is having to deal with at the moment and my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. You can read about and support them through Facebook, their page is "Help Baby Makeek Now".
That's all for me right now. Andy is going to add something now....
HELLOOOOOOO AMIRAH NATION!!! We have been gone for awhile haven't we! We know so many of you are our friends on facebook, so you are aware of a lot of the progress Amirah has made. As you can see, she is thriving, and we are so very, very grateful for that.
Jo is not the only one to get overwhelmed when think about the past year. Last night when we put her to bed, I flashed back to the day she was born, and how small and fragile she was. I realized that then, we never really panicked, and that we managed to handle it with a grace that (at least for me) is not that normal. I guess there really was a power looking out for us. I was hit with more of a feeling of panic last night then I was then.
The last few months over all have been great. It really is true what they say; things happen for a reason. While it has sucked and been very difficult financially the last few months, being home with Amirah and getting to be a part of her life has been a godsend and a blessing. I got to do what a lot of new fathers don't get to do. I was home with my baby when she first got home for the last few months. It truly has been a blessing being home and getting to be a part of her development.
Jo is amazing. The work she does is amazing. and if any guys are reading this.... If you haven't seen up close and personal the work a mother does, then you don't get to say crap. Its been wonderful to have this time with my family. And I am reminded all the time that as difficult as things has been, this has also been one of the happiest times of my life. It reminds me that no matter what, I am a very lucky man.
I will, try to help update this thing on a more frequent note. Between the job hunt, school, and the baby, its surprisingly busy at times.
Until next time...
Love is Always.
Amirah with Grandpa :)
Amirah with our cat Rodrigo
A photo from Amirah's 1st Birthday Party. Photo includes my parent's, all my siblings and their husbands or wives, and all off my nieces (the two oldest nieces are not here) and my only nephew :) It was amazing to have them all gathered together for the celebration of Amirah's birthday
Here is my new favorite shot. im still amazed when I look in a picture and I see so much of myself, but of Jo as well!
