Seriously, 4? I feel like this is where my son becomes a boy, and not so much my baby anymore. He is leaning out, talking smart, and looking grown up. Sometimes I glance at him and wonder when, at what point did that babiness fade? Where did his chubby calfs go, his froggy and slurred speech go, and where the heck did all the "Why's, what for, how come's" come from? I thought that stuff wasn't til' they were older! I find myself having to do more research just to explain things to him!
Ok, so, for real…Owen is 4, and if any of you have been continuously reading my blogs (what little few there are) you know this is two years past the most horrifying news my husband and I heard of our son. However, I would like to say, God is so good, and he has given us not only a miracle in changing his original diagnosis from Duchenne's MD to Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, but in granting us time. I look back now, and I am confident that what God gave us was a MIRACLE. He has been my miracle since his conception. From a 99.9% sure Duchenne's diagnosis to Becker's was a miracle. Owen has been symptom free for the last two years. This year we tried to coddle him less, realizing that everyday should be precious regardless of a diagnosis or health. Owen experienced more "growing pains" this year, which caused us to question his Pediatrician quite a bit. However, his leg pain appears to be quite normal. We have had a few scares when Owen has said something like "my legs hurt, I can't walk." Knowing our son it took only once for us to realize he was making excuses, and wanting to be held or carried. We will probably always fear the worst when he says something like this, but we try to remain positive that we'll know for sure when that day comes.
Owen is a special little boy, and not just because he's my son, but because I believe through his life God is being glorified. I have to admit that when I pictured myself having children, this was not the scenario I hoped for, nor the child I perceived in my dreams. I wouldn't change my life for anything, but I want you to know this isn't easy for me. Being Owen's mommy is a privilege and a struggle altogether real and crazy. We have also recently discovered that Owen has a mild form of SPD or Sensory Processing Disorder. We have questioned this since summer, and struggled with behavior issues for some time now. After what feels like a hurricane of meltdowns Aaron and I decided to have our Chiropractor (who we originally started taking Harper to for her constant ear infections) adjust him, thinking maybe we could loosen him up. We know Owen is "spirited/strong willed" which does not help this present situation. In speaking with our Chiropractor she believes Owen's onset of nerve damage (which can cause the SPD) may have occurred during his birth trauma or his vaccinations. I have started looking into the vaccine issue, but haven't read much or talked to any other parents experiencing this. I wish we had said NO to vaccines, because in our gut we wanted to and discussed it with our Pediatrician but felt that because of our jobs at the time we were protecting him. That being said, I am over the guilt of wishing I said no…because I realize I didn't cause it, just like I didn't cause his MD (even though I am the carrier). In life God gives us things to grow us, and this is more a growing experience for me than for Owen-he's oblivious!
So for the last 3 years we have been eating Paleo (and that is a whole other blog for another time), and have restricted our diet even more going GFDF. The Chiropractor, Dr. A, suggested we cut out dairy and grains for a 90 day detox and see what changes occur. I have to say in the first week we noticed Owen was sleeping better (and going to sleep easier). Getting Owen to bed can sometimes take 40-90 minutes. On his birthday he told me "go out mommy," during nap time. It was the second time in his life I can remember not putting him to sleep, not laying with him, or reading endless amounts of books, or singing to him. He is still co-sleeping with us, and maybe that will change one day too. The detox is hard, but worth it. I am anxious to talk to other parents. I have read some blogs and websites, but will do more research in order to accommodate our situation. I am sure I will have a ca-trillion posts about his SPD in the future seeing as how it is an everyday thing.
Three was a big year, hard, fun, crazy, new, adventurous, busy, and great. Here are some photos to catch you up. Owen had a "Cars" themed Birthday. He got a big boy bike that he is loving! He is into cars, planes, swords, being "Samson" from the Bible, dancing, wearing dress up clothes, playing in his bounce house, going to the zoo, doing "guy stuff" with Daddy and playing with his friends.
This is on Owen's bedroom door, in honor of his favorite song: "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save." Zephaniah 3:17 (He also asked me to sing this to him tonight at I rocked him and Harper to sleep in our recliner) This boy! xoxoxoxo mommy
Owen and Harper at the Zoo. Owen is gradually getting over his fear of "petting" them. Conquering fear, one stroke at a time!
Owen and Mason at Owen's party.
Owen hitting the piñata!
Owen and Harper
Mommy and Daddy
Visiting Daddy at his new station, and climbing onto the truck!
Christmas!
