So much has happened since my last post and I'm not sure where to start. Let's see...
In November, Carter was admitted to the Children's Hospital here in Pensacola for a high fever and white blood count, he was there for 2 days. He had been struggling with a cough and wheeziness for about 6 weeks. While in the hospital, I finally admitted to the doctors something I had carried on my shoulders alone for so long. Carter wasn't developing at a normal rate and wasn't even sitting up by himself yet. I was so afraid for so long to tell anyone, because I was terrified to hear that something was wrong. Josh and I tried everything to help him learn, but he just wasn't getting it. He lacked motivation and drive to do even the smallest of things. This confession to the doctors finally opened up a gateway of opportunities. We have since been set up with the Early Steps program and Carter starts therapy this Friday morning. His evaluation was about 3 weeks ago and we learned that he has more than a 25% delay in his speech, cognitive and fine motor skills. He also sees a pediatric neurologist on the 14th to rule out any further issues he may have. I am so afraid of what he will have to say, but I am coming to terms with the fact that he NEEDS help and we can only get the appropriate treatment by finding what it is that's wrong. There's a good chance that nothing is wrong, that he is just developing at a slower pace...but we just don't know yet.
On a lighter note, we recently moved out of our small apartment and into a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in East Hill! We love it. We live only a few blocks from our good friends, Kirsten, Brian and Gretchen! We are enjoying our spacious home and couples dinner nights. Once Carter starts getting around, he will have so much space to explore. I am waiting for that moment like my life depends on it.
I have started going to the gym with Kirsten in hopes that I can get down to my desired weight and be beach ready in a few months. This is one of my New Years resolutions...
For Christmas, we drove to Michigan to spend the holidays with KayLeigh, my mom, Al, Raymond and Dani! It was a fantastic trip and we accomplished so much. We were only able to see KayLeigh for 4 days and it's just never enough...we miss her so much! While home, we celebrated Carter's first birthday since it was the only chance to have our family and KayLeigh there. It was perfect!
That brings me to Carter's big day. This to me, is amazing. I can't believe my little baby boy is going to be a whole year old. I remember the day he was born like it was only yesterday! So many firsts, so many things still yet to be. I have etched every single special memory into my mind. The first time he smiled at me, the first time he giggled, the first time he ate sweet potatoes, the first time he sat all by himself and the first time he planted a big wet kiss on my face! One thing that is certain, is that I have learned to never take anything for granted...Milestones to us are like gifts we have waited all our lives for. They aren't just moments, they are monumental! I appreciate everything.
2009 was such an amazing year and I only hope that 2010 can top it! I for see great things to come.
