My Baby & Botox

Never thought I'd write that sentence! On Tuesday Judah had another follow-up with my favorite specialist, his pediatric ophthalmologist. Overall there's been some improvement. The patching that we do for 2 hrs. every day is working to preserve the vision in his left eye, and will hopefully enable him to avoid developing lazy eye. The muscle weakness that is in his left eye, however, has still not improved. This weakness does not allow him to bring his left eye to center; instead it's always being pulled to the left. So, sometime in March (don't have the exact date yet) Judah will undergo a procedure that will hopefully produce some positive, lasting results. The dr. will inject Botox into the eye just above the muscle. That will then relax the muscle, allowing his eye to move to the center. The effects of the procedure will peak at a month, at which time we'll go back for a follow-up; and then wear off completely at 3-4 months, at which time we'll go back for another follow-up. If the procedure is very successful, allowing the eye to move totally center, he may do the procedure again after the 4 mo. mark. If it's not very successful, then Judah will most likely need to have eye muscle surgery after the 4 months. Obviously we're praying that this injection produces great results and gives Judah the help he needs in that eye. If not, then I still believe that God is in control, and another surgery is part of His plan for Judah.

We also saw the plastic surgeon on Tuesday for another follow-up. He's very pleased with how the lip repair has healed - well, of course, Judah is too adorable for words!! We go back again in 3 months, and Lord willing, Judah will have his palate repair in 4-6 months.

There's been a lot going on lately. These last 2 weeks have been emotionally, physically, and mentally draining for me. We still have to get through the Aerodigestive clinic this afternoon & the 5 specialists we'll be seeing there. I'm so thankful for the amazing medical care that is available to Judah, and for the priority they give to his needs. But I'm tired. I'm behind on everything I need to do at home. I haven't spent quality time with my other 3 like I need to. I'm just barely being what Jared needs me to be. Actually, I might be below the barely...more like, not quite there. I keep wondering if there will come a time when all of the appointments, procedures, at-home "extras", and everything else will slow down. They have to. Eventually. This has just been a tough month. I can't wait for this weekend. An overnight family getaway, a hot Valentines date, and our weekly date night in. And I will force myself to put the dirty dishes, laundry to be washed, folded, and/or put away, floors that must be swept, furniture to be dusted, toys to be put away, bedrooms that need cleaning, and bathrooms that need a serious once (or twice) over out of my mind! There is fun in the pool, time to play at the children's museum, one-on-one with my soul mate, good food, and relaxation to be had!

After clinic.