Zeke is beginning to have arches in his feet!! This is huge on so many levels, and more evidence of the effectiveness of this particular stander. He is weight bearing properly and allowing his feet, bones and joints to do all the things they are intended to do. 

He continues to enjoy the bike and is actively pushing through his legs and feet. Keep a look out bc Tally introduced me to a foundation that gives away bikes to the person who gets the most votes!!! When we are ready to do this, I’ll need your help to share with your online community so we can get this bike for free!! It’s exciting for him to be able to do the bike. It gives him a sense of independence and freedom. 

Our meeting with Dr. A went well. He was very happy with Zeke’s progress and with his brain development. We are approaching the stage, if we are not already here, where we just need to hammer away at the PT, OT and ST bc the brain can tolerate and accept the input. This doesn’t mean we are done with Dr. A, we just may not have to make the functional neuro as the primary focus for now. 

He did discover that Zeke’s spinal gallant is still quite strong and also gave us some exercises to correct that. This will be helpful for him in many way. This reflex needs to be integrated so it doesn’t interfere with other part of his therapies. It’s hard to explain it all here, but it will be wonderful once it’s integrated. 

His moro reflex seems to be integrated well, but we will continue with the exercises to make sure it is fully integrated.

Tally is so happy with Zeke’s progress and highlighted his will and willingness to do hard things. He truly wants to do all the things and is willing to ensure much to walk, talk, sit and eat. 

He is able to sit independently for 10
seconds with the therasuit on. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but is BIG.

Dr. A reminded me yesterday that this is a marathon. And I have to pace myself, using wisdom in all of our interventions. To not overdo it for myself - back to the whole “give yourself the oxygen mask first concept.” Bc of this, we will be restructuring some of our schedules and such. Change is hard but I think it is necessary for me to run this marathon well. 

He also reminded me of a neurotypical kid and how they develop. And how Zeke will have to go through the same things. Maybe in a different order. And maybe shorter times in some things, longer in others. But babies don’t just sit up. There is a process. Babies don’t just walk. They pull up, balance, etc . It was a good reminder bc although I know if Jesus breathed the words, Zeke would be able to do all those things without the progression. But I also have seen that the progression is part of the journey. Part of the miracle. Part of our story and faith building. And although Jon and I still firmly believe in full healing of Zeke, we have also seen things rarely go the way we think they will as far as progression. This is truly where we have to trust God for the next step. For the next chapter. Trusting that His wisdom prevails. 

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for me emotionally, and even spiritually. I know many of you can tell by the kind texts and prayers I’ve received. It’s hard to be vulnerable like this but I think it is so important. Often, when people are forced to do hard things, they get put up on a pillar of admiration. I’ve had many share with me how they admire me and Jon, our faith and how we persevere. I always smile and receive the kind words graciously, but I also know deep down that we persevere bc we have to. We don’t have a choice. This is our story. That’s what makes it more magnificent- that God carries us each step. Sometimes, He is simply holding our hand, and sometimes He is full on carrying us like a baby. Many think I’m so strong. The truth is, I’m not. I’m weak as a babe. I just have a powerful, generous, kind, loving Sovereign Heavenly Father who enables me to do all the things I need to each day. 

As always, thank you for your support - prayers, meals and financial. All are so appreciated and so needed.