Long Overdue . . .Dawson Update

Where, oh where, has this summer gone?
Is it really time to go back to school?

We have had lots of fun this summer - board games!



Dawson always wants to be where the action is- silly faces and all.



This summer Leiney Grace and Ellie found a new love. . .
UNO!



Dawson is doing so well!  He has captured ALL of our hearts (even those who weren't initially in favor of  opening our home and hearts to another little one).  He keeps us smiling and laughing with all of his 2 year old antics.



This summer I have been busier than ever and more tired than I can ever remember.
I wouldn't trade a thing though.  He is worth every bit of it!
Pediatrician visit and subsequent lab work revealed Dawson has no immunity to any of the illnesses in which he was vaccinated for in China.  Thus we are redoing ALL of his vaccines! Thus many visits to the pediatrician and lots of tears!
 



Shriner's Hospital brought peace and concerning news.
Peace came with the unanimous decision from the professionals: no prosthesis in Dawson's near future.
At this point, a prosthesis would only hinder Dawson - it would be heavy and cumbersome.  He needs to learn to navigate this world with his God-given anatomy. Down the road, we will revisit the idea and be open to whatever Dawson wants and whatever is available to aid him to reach his full potential!  



The concern came when the doctors recommended we see a geneticist.  The main reason for this referral is that Dawson has numerous "spots" on his trunk.  The doctors at Shriner's have labeled them as cafe au lait spots.  Our pediatrician is not so sure nor am I.  If they are cafe au lait, Dawson may have a syndrome - bilateral upper limb difference combined with cafe au lait spots.  We have an appointment in March with the geneticist at Shriner's and are seeking a sooner appointment from another genetics center in our state.



I was really shocked by the "cafe au lait" diagnosis and subsequent syndrome concern at Shriner's.  I noticed the spots in China and thought they looked like old scars. Having had time to reflect on this possibility, I am resting in God's perfect plan.
You see David and I did not accept the referral of another little boy who had Tetralogy of Fallot (same heart defect as Leiney Grace) and numerous cafe au lait spots.  We were concerned he had NF 1 or NF 2 - neurofibromatosis.  We said "no" to that little boy only because we did not have a peace about the "spots" which were listed in his referral papers.
God in His sovereignty did not reveal Dawson's "spots" in his referral paperwork.  And I am so thankful that He didn't.  I likely would have missed a tremendous blessing! 
Dawson has started Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy through the Early Intervention program in our state.  He has been referred for Physical Therapy as well.  I am not sure all of these are absolutely necessary.  Dawson amazes us everyday and even amazes his OT with what he can do - without ever having any therapy. 
My heart is bursting to share that just tonight Dawson made huge progress.  The kids had shared that Dawson had gone up the stairs alone.  I did not believe them and cautioned the children not to let Dawson go up the stairs.  He always holds my hand and acts very timid on the stairs. Dawson struggles with balance due to his lack of arms so the stairs have scared me!  Well tonight he wanted to go up so I said "Ok, Dawson you can go up the stairs."  He smiled a huge grin and proceeded to walk upstairs BY. HIMSELF. (He uses his right arm to balance himself up against the wall.) I was SO proud.  A crowd of us gathered at the bottom and cheered him on.  Then I was sad.  He won't be a baby for long : (

There is a lot more to share - more to come!