We Made It.

I had the distinct privilege of attending the baby shower of my dear friend, Amy, today. Amy has been a big support to me through all of our journeys with Regan. As I mentioned in a previous post, we all have our own paths through life and I’ve been blessed to share Amy’s as much as I’m blessed she’s chosen to be a part of mine. Going to a baby shower after having a baby gives a unique twist to the fun. You’re completely aware of how much their lives are about to change, flipped upside-down in the best kind of way. They’re about to experience a whirlwind for which there is no preparation, but also a brand-new kind of love that’s never touched your heart.

Regan had the chance to be a social butterfly and it should come as a surprise to no one that she absolutely soared. I was talking to Amy’s mom and I told her three words that have stuck in my head for the past several weeks – WE MADE IT. We made it to the other side of open heart surgery, where we’re sure she’s feeling much better and can function like a typical family.

We’ve had several exciting events over the past few days. Regan has been left alone twice (this was more of a success for me than anyone else, ha). We had a cardiology appointment last week and y’all – we don’t have to go back to the doctor for THREE MONTHS. This is almost a bizarre thought for me. She’s eating like a champ and I’m no longer paranoid about that, although I’m admittedly still tracking every milliliter she eats – it’ll take me a while to give up that habit. We are now able to focus on the other (more exciting!) milestones with Regan.

I never thought I’d be excited to see a therapist (physical, not psychological – though I could make a case that I need the latter more). We had Regan’s Early Intervention assessment last week. She’s falling slightly behind on the typical chart, particularly in the area of head control. This is due in part to her inability to be on her tummy for the past six weeks (since surgery). It’s also in part, of course, to her low muscle tone associated with Down syndrome. In most other areas, she falls in the typical range though still slightly behind. We will start meeting with an early childhood specialist weekly to get some exercises and movements to do to improve her muscle tone. We’ve also started some sign language with the hopes that it will begin her communication skills

We’ve taken Regan out for walks, out to family events and a baby shower, and all of this probably sounds like a ‘what’s the big deal’ statement. This falls under the category of ‘things I didn’t know I would appreciate so much’ before I had Regan. Thank you to everyone who oo-ed and ah-ed over Regan if you’ve seen her out – you’ll never know much proud that makes me feel, though I’m sure every mom feels a unique sense of pride in those moments. Thank you to everyone who has asked how we’re doing and who’ve been keeping up with our progress over the past several months. I can say, as I mentioned in last week’s post, that our world has certainly shifted again, and luckily this phase has a lot less stress.

I hope y’all are enjoying the Spring weather – Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!