Okay, I know it's strange for me to post two times in one day, but I just had to say: we had a very good day! Despite Milkanu having several sulking/sad moments (I call those "shutdowns"), we had no actual "meltdowns" today. That is a big accomplishment for us. And I do use the word "us" because not only did Milkanu control his emotions more, but we also did a better job learning how to deal with him. I feel like we are starting to finally figure out what works for him and what doesn't. I am most impressed with how Brian is dealing with Milkanu. For someone not known for his patience, Brian is doing such a good job nurturing Milkanu and figuring out what his son needs. He is strong when I am not, and I am so thankful for that. He has been there for our family, both physically and emotionally. God is really softening Brian's heart toward this precious boy and helping him to become an even better father.
I also wanted to let you all know how the boys' doctor appointment went today. 19-month old Tadesse gained 2 pounds in just over 2 weeks (he is now 22.5 lbs)! That is pretty awesome considering he is such a picky eater. I'm sure the whole milk mixed with Pediasure 3 times a day has helped a lot with that. He is still only in the 16th percentile for his weight and only the 3rd percentile for his height, but I know that will change dramatically in this first year because of multivitamins and good nutrition. Milkanu (5 years and 10 months) is 13th percentile for his weight at 39 pounds and also only in the 3rd percentile for his height (39 inches). He is only wearing 4T clothes. But that kid can EAT! We were surprised that he didn't gain any weight in the last two weeks, actually.
Both boys had a skin test to check for TB, and we go back Wednesday for them to check the areas. Milkanu had 4 immunizations and Tadesse had 5 today! It was so sad seeing them hurting and knowing they did not understand why we were doing this to them. We were amazed how well both boys did and that Milkanu didn't end up melting down (just crying a little). We have to go back in 6 weeks to get more. Milkanu will have to have quite a few immunizations done to catch up for the 5 years he hasn't had any (we are assuming since there is no documentation). I'm just praying that he doesn't resent going to the doctor's office. :( Another cool thing about the pediatrican: her husband is Ethiopian! She spoke a few words to Milkanu in Amharic and he understood her. Just another neat person that God has put in our path. She did a culture for a mysterious spot Milkanu has on his arm (seems like a boil or a blister, but hasn't gone away with antiobiotic cream), and if that comes back inconclusive, she is going to set us up with an appointment to see her brother-in-law (also Ethiopian!) who is a dermatologist. So, beyond those things, the boys seem pretty healthy. For Tadesse's turning out of his legs, we are just going to keep an eye on it. The dr. says that it usually corrects itself over time as they walk more and those muscles develop more. So that's good news. Bad news for Milkanu is that she thinks he has two to three cavities. I was bummed to hear that, because that's just one more doctor appointment for him. I have no idea how we'll get through that one, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when it comes. I had been hoping to put off the dentist for a little while, but now we can't.
Both Brian and I and now Preston have ringworm (not actually a worm, but a fungal skin infection), which we probably either picked up from the orphanage or from one of the boys. Neither Milkanu or Tadesse have any signs of it, but they could still be carriers. Brian has a spot on his arm, Preston on his leg, and--lucky me--I have two small spots on my face. Not fair!!! Hopefully it goes away fast and doesn't spread to anyone else. :( Taylor is super paranoid about getting it.
By the way, if you get this blog directly emailed to you instead of going to my blog site, you may want to check it out sometime. I have posted on there some cute pictures of the boys, with my favorite one of the two of them together at the top of the page.
I feel like today was definetely a step forward with no steps back. Praise the Lord for that!!!! Now we'll just see what tomorrow brings...
Blessings!
No comments:
Post a Comment