This is how we roll

Even though I was a child development major, I sometimes forget that you can't force a child into developing and doing things faster than they are ready.  I also forget that Isaac was born 5 1/2 weeks premature.  So really, when he turned 1, he was really only like that of a 10 1/2 month old.

We got Isaac his first wheelchair when he was pretty little because we want him to have the opportunity to grow and get around the best that he can.  We wanted him to have the ability to be mobile when he was ready.  We knew it would take time for him to catch on to his wheels but for some reason I felt like when he turned 1 he would suddenly start rolling around.  Well, he did start catching on, but he didn't magically start wheeling all over the house.  Every day we work on it.  Some days he improves, other days he just whines and would rather be carried.  Little by little he moves more and more and I am sure before I know it, he will be moving more than whining.

Isaac wants to show you how he rolls!

He first started by putting his hands on his wheels and pulling them backwards, hence moving himself backwards.  I think it was a little bit frustrating for him because he didn't understand why he didn't go forward.  

Then one day, when he was about 13 months old, he accidentally pushed his wheels and.... moved forward!  He started to learn what "push" meant.  We kept encouraging him to push his wheels!  A couple of things.... he knows what his wheels are AND, he is pretty stubborn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUzW6v0scFY&feature=g-upl  Isaac is learning his wheels.

Daddy and his big brother Gabe are really good at encouraging Isaac to move in his wheels.  Daddy has even made up a pretty catchy tune to help motivate the little man and Gabe loves singing it to Isaac.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pc-iQS6SBQ&feature=context-gau
Big brother motivates Isaac

 Last night I was working on getting dinner made and was at the kitchen sink.  Isaac was at the fridge playing with fridge letters in his chair.  All of a sudden I felt a bump on my leg and I hear a sweet, little "mama!"  I look down and see my littlest man with a big grin grabbing onto my leg!  He had the most proud grin on and I was shocked!  He had rolled over to me on his own without any encouragement or help!  

It was just what I had been waiting for!

I still would have chosen you. By Terri Banish

Dear Isaac,
Today I read this poem and it touched my heart.  I couldn't have said the words better myself.  I hope that one day, when you are old enough to understand, you read this and know just how much I love you.
Love, 
Mommy

I STILL WOULD HAVE CHOSEN YOU- By Terri Banish

If before you were born, I could have gone to heaven and saw all the beautiful souls, I still would have chosen you.

If God had told me, "This soul would one day need extra care and needs", I still would have chosen you.

If He had told me, "This soul may make your heart bleed", I still would have chosen you.

If He had told me, "This soul would make you question the depth of your faith", I still would have chosen you.

If He had told me, "This soul would make tears flow from your eyes that could fill a river", I still would have chosen you.

If He had told me, "This soul may one day make you witness overbearing suffering", I still would have chosen you.

If He had told me, "All that you know to be normal would drastically change", I still would have chosen you.

Of course, even though I would have chosen you, I know it was God who chose me for you

Go Away Germs!

Well, Isaac was on the upswing, then caught a fever again this weekend.  He seems to have more viral symptoms; congestion, fever, crankiness, etc.  I think the poor guy's immune system is down a little so any lack of sleep or little germ he comes in contact with seem to be attacking him.

Here's what I have to say about that; Go Away Germs!  You are not welcome in our household anymore!  Stay clear of Isaac, his brother and all of us for that matter!

I feel much better after declaring that to the world.  I have decided September is our month to get healthy and enjoy fall.  As I mentioned before, Isaac will be going in for his big surgery Oct. 9th.  This is his surgery when his bladder will be placed inside, his abdominal wall defect will be repaired and his pelvic cut in order for everything to rotate into the correct places.  It is a very long surgery, most likely 8-12 hours long and a very long recovery... probably 6 weeks.  He must be healthy for this big surgery.  I hope and pray that he gets healthy and all of these germs stay away from all of us so that Isaac can go into his surgery as healthy as possible.  If you have a moment, would send a positive healthy vibe his way?  He could use a some.  Thanks!

PS.  The little man got his first hair cut a few weeks ago!  I was sad to see his little baby curls go, but when 4 out of the last 5 people adored Isaac and explained "how cute she is", I decided it was time.

Before haircut:

After haircut: