September 11, 2009 Blaze--Baby no more

Our Blaze isn't a baby anymore, he's a little boy now! He's refusing bottles, cuddling on special occasions only, climbing on anything he possible can and communicating with a few words and sign language. It's amazing to see the difference one month can bring. Recently he started sleeping in until 6:30 during the week and 7:30 on weekends! He previously would wake up anywhere from 5:45 -6:15 a.m. and that was Mommy/Blaze cuddle time! I would get him up, give him a bottle and we'd snuggle until Melissa took over at 6:30. There would be tears and shrieking (his, not mine) when I would leave him to go downstairs and get ready for the day. Not anymore!! In the morning now he wakes up rarin' to go. He explores his room until Melissa comes in, then he goes upstairs to let Maggie out. No tears, no struggles, he's ready to go up and play. He is growing taller, getting stronger, gaining weight and getting braver. No fear whatsoever. And he's STRONG. He can do a chin-up off the side of our table. By holding onto the side, he can pull himself up high enough that his chin is above the table and his feet are off the floor. It's jaw-dropping the first time you see it. We are so blessed. We know of so many families whose children we follow from their websites who are struggling right now. It's almost overwhelming at times. We don't understand why God allows our son to thrive and do so well, while other children with similar conditions struggle so much...but we are so thankful and give God the glory. Once again, we're going to have to be a bit cautious as the flu has hit our area. Several elementary aged school kids have been hit with the swine flu. Because this flu could literally kill him and we're just not going to take the risk. He is still getting to go to stores--we wipe down the carts and put his seat cover on them, which helps a lot. He rarely goes to a restaurant but when he does we, once again, wipe everything down. Our biggest concession to the swine flu has been pulling him from the church nursery. I hate that. It saddens and frustrates me, but we just can't risk it right now. They are fabulous in how they clean and provide a safe environment, but any time a bunch of little ones are together, things get shared. The last couple of times he's gone, he's brought a cold home...the last one he shared with all of us, it was awful. We are so grateful for such a wonderful and loving church family and the beautiful facility they provide for Blaze to go to...but we need to wait awhile before he can go back. Thank you for your understanding support. We look forward to the day where we don't have to be quite so cautious. Thank you for your continued prayers. We're so blessed to have you in our lives.