Ready for a Judah update?  🙂

 We are gradually easing back into “normal” life after being gone for nearly 3.5 months.  It was a much needed getaway for our family.  The Lord did so much in our hearts – we are forever grateful!  But now it’s time to jump back into therapy and doctor appointments. 🙂 I’ll be taking Judah to Gainesville next week for 4 days of therapy.  The following week he’ll see three doctors in Lakeland, Orlando and Tampa.  Soon after that he’ll see his rehabilitation specialist and hematologist.  Thank you, again, for the support you’ve shown our family to help us cover these medical expenses.  Your generosity has blown us away!

We’ll also be jumping back into the hyperbaric chamber soon.  Chad has been busy, busy setting it back up.  I look back and wonder how in the world I spent two 1.5 hour shifts in that chamber every day.  Yikes!  But I know we’ll get back into a good routine.

Judah’s social skills seem to improve every single day.  It’s a lot of fun seeing his personality continue to emerge.  He’s imitating new words and sounds.  He’s interacting with his siblings more and even with strangers (if you catch him in the right mood) 😉

He’s saying:

“I say yes”

“Hi!”

“no”

“yes”

“Mommy”

“Daddy”

“Isaac”

“I see ya”

“Owee”

“Butts” – compliments of his Daddy – Judah loves making us laugh by saying “butts”

“Jesus”

“Hallelujah”

He tries his best to sing along with us as we sing “Wheels on the Bus” and “Jesus Loves Me” – it melts my heart!!!!  I absolutely love hearing him try to sing. 🙂

His vision continues to improve.  He notices when we walk away from him and lets us know he’s not pleased. 🙂  And when we come into his visual field he says, “Hi!”  It’s the cutest thing EVER!

He is more vocal about his preferences, specifically when he wants to go outside.  There are times he hears the front door open and close when the other children run out to play and he gets very angry if he’s not immediately taken outside as well.  I love that he’s showing us his desires and preferences.

My biggest prayer request at the moment is Judah’s eating abilities.  During our trip Judah developed thrush in his mouth.  It was painful for him to eat so he figured out a new way of eating.  When we’d put the food in his mouth he put his pacifier in his mouth to sooth himself and suck down the food.  At the time we were thankful he was eating – in whatever way he needed to.  But it’s become a habit that is proving hard to break.  We’re looking for a speech therapist who can help Judah learn to eat correctly, to eventually chew and eat textures, and to drink.  He doesn’t currently take a bottle or sippy cup.  Please agree with us for wisdom and divine direction.  All of our steps are ordered of the Lord.

And last but not least, the biggest update of all!!  Next June Judah will be a BIG BROTHER!!!!  (GASP!) This came as a complete surprise!  I admit I’m overwhelmed at the thought of a new baby coming along when Judah still has so many needs.  But I also know God can do so much in Judah in the next 7 months.  Our children are absolutely thrilled that we are having another child.  Isaac cried when he found out and admitted, “I thought you’d never have more babies after what happened to Judah, but I’ve really wanted another brother or sister.”  We are thankful for LIFE.  We love all of our children dearly – it’ll be exciting to fall in love with Dearey baby #7.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. 🙂

We love you!

“Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord.” — Psalm 127:3