Justin is Home, 6 month Birthday Today!
Nathan’s on the john, Justin’s asleep in the crib…
I have 3 minutes to give you all a quick update before it’s time to run again.
After 26 days in the hospital, we made it home safe and sound to our humble abode on Monday, February 4, 2007…ahhh, home. HOME is where my babies and Loi and me are…where we can all be together.
Since then, Justin’s made a lot of progress with gaining mobility in his right arm and turning his half smile into a full one. The stroke to the left side of his brain has affected the right side of his body. So, when playing with him, you can see the significant difference between the two sides of his body. But, when just looking at him, you wouldn’t be able to tell that there’s an inch wrong with him. He’s back to his usual self (better, dare I say?) smiling, playing, and tracking everything in his sight with his great big eyes. Oh, yeah, and he’s eating close to how he was before the whole feeding issue 3 months ago (that may be associated with his arrhythmia). It’s like he hasn’t been through anything at all!
Today, Justin turns half a year old! We’ve come a long way, baby…
His lips turn blue at times and the nailbeds on his right hand are bluer than the left. Sometimes, he breathes a little faster than usual. Last night, I slept with him for the first time since we got home (because I’ve been sleeping with Nathan in his car bed the previous nights). I stayed up listening to his breaths until it slowed down to normal. The worries are there, I don’t think those will ever go away. But, we’re home, he’s happy, smiling, and enjoying his life being carried and cuddled.
Our prayers had been answered: we were home before Chinese New Year. We were able to bring in the new year as a family.
Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue praying for us.
Love,
Jen
February 8th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I’m so glad to see an update and even more glad that you are all home together! Wonderful news! We will most definitely continue to pray for you all. I’m happy that Justin is doing so well. What a strong little guy.
February 8th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I share the gladness in seeing a post and to hear the great news that you are home and have been home a few days.
Wren also breathes quickly at times. As you say, it happens in his sleep more often than not and makes my heart beat more quickly in anxiety. But he seems to recover to a normal rate eventually and no-one is particularly surprised by it.
I was sad to see the news of Justin’s stroke but you are right in saying that babies have the best chance at recovering after a stroke and its amazing that you are already seeing improvement.
Enjoy your snuggles. Thinking of you
Shannon
February 8th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Jen and Loi,
I am so happy to hear that Justin is home and in your arms again-smiling, playful and as curious and engaged as ever! I celebrate and imagine the joy you must be feeling to have your family together once again. Happy six month birthday to baby Justin and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Love,
Tammy
February 10th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
At last justin is back
February 11th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
My son Brandon had a pretty bad stroke when he was 3 months old. He stayed in CHOC ICU for 19 days before moving to the regular room. He couldn’t even move his left side a bit when it happened. Now he is 4 and fully recovered, just like a normal kid who likes sports and running fast. BTW, his teachers told me Brandon is a smart boy
What I want to say is young children always recover well and fast; therefore, I believe baby Justin will be doing fine. (Loi knows my story)
Justin
February 12th, 2008 at 6:38 am
We’re praying for you as always and delighted that you are at home together. Quoth Dorothy, “There’s no place like home,” and as ridiculous as her story is, she’s right. I hope you will be able to remain there, all of you growing and healing for a good long while. Justin has already proved that he’s a prize fighter. I have every confidence that he will fight through these newest challenges and come out a winner.