Oliver arrived at 33 weeks. He was the most beautiful three-pound creature on earth. From the moment I met him, I worried. I worried about how the NICU might affect his personality. I worried about his abnormally-shaped head and his tiny body. I worried about what his future might be like.
At age four Oliver had major surgery to correct the birth defect that had been misdiagnosed for too long. I was angry and felt guilty I had ruined his chance at a normal life. I worried more about the affects of surgery and if he would ever look "normal." I worried he would have delays in school because of prolonged pressure on his brain.
Several months after his surgery, Oliver began having stomach pain. He stopped growing and became irritable. He had multiple symptoms such as fevers, sweating, shaking and headaches. He was pale. I stayed up late researching diseases. I worried he had cancer. I worried he would need another surgery to release pressure on his brain. For a year, I worried he would never get better.
Six months ago Oliver tested positive for the gene that causes Celiac Disease. We took him off wheat and he began to feel better. He started eating and sleeping. He stopped shaking and sweating. He started gaining weight. In the past month, Oliver has reached his goal weight and has caught up academically with his peers. He looks and acts like a regular six-year-old. It has taken me six months to shake the worry, but I think I'm finally there.
Oliver auditioned for and was cast in a local production of The Little Mermaid Jr. I sat in the audience last weekend, watching him sing and dance and I could feel his joy. I don't think I've seen him happier. I don't think I've been happier. My little boy is going to be just fine.
Dear Jessica...
ReplyDeleteWith all that Oliver and your family has faced I applaud each and every one of you for your courage in the face of worry and wondering Jessica. It is hard enough being a parent and knowing what to do when our wee ones get sick but Celiac's disease on top of his birth defect is too much. That being said however, I'm so glad you found out what is wrong and you sound like you have taken all the necessary steps for Oliver's health and well being. Is he on a gluten free diet then or is that different from being wheat free? I'm not to up on that stuff like I should be. I'm so happy he is gaining weight and budding out! Yay Oliver! And being in the cast of Little Mermaid is waaay cool! :)
He looks wonderful!
Blessings to You Jess and to your incredible family and Happy Mother's Day too! I hope you have a wonderful day!
In Divine Love,
Akasa
Thanks so much, Akasa, for all of your supportive, kind words over the years! Oliver and Glenn are now both gluten free and feel great. Happy Mother's Day to you, too! Love, Jess
DeleteI remember very well those scary days during your pregnancy and after Oliver's early arrival. It is only now that I am a mother myself that I can fully appreciate how terrified you must have been with a baby in the NICU and then later with your little boy having surgery. I'm amazed you've handled all of it so well. I think you're right, Oliver is going to be just fine - and that is in large part due to his wonderful parents! You guys were persistent with trying to get him diagnosed (both times) and you've given him such a loving home, how could he not turn out well? :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jen! You made that first night so much easier for me!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI 100% am with Jen- the whole lot of you are incredible. Oliver has had a magical presence since day 1. He is an amazingly strong soul who comes through everything with a smile and a song. That bravery and resilience will always serve him well. He also brings smiles to others when they need one- I know I have about every voicemail he's ever recorded for me stored on my phone and I've listened to them during hard times to help me smile. You are an amazing mom! As Jen said, while I thought you were amazing then, I couldn't fully appreciate your strength until I became a mom myself. I just can't even imagine how you've faced it all and with such grace. You and Glenn and Pearl and Oli are an inspiring family unit and we love you guys very much.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Godmother :)
Love you too, Godmother! Thank you for always being there for us and for your kind words. Can't wait to see you guys and your babies next month!!
Delete