Dallas Update

We wanted to update everyone on our time here in Dallas. As many of you know, we are currently on a week-long trip to have Sy's one year post-op appointment with the Neurosurgeon and Craniofacial surgeon that performed his craniosynestosis surgery one year ago. We have met with the anthropologist and media specialist that are following him as well.

It is amazing, seeing the same doctors and walking the halls of the same hospital, how fresh everything seems in our minds. We are reminded of what it felt like one year ago and realize just how blessed we are to be on the other side of things with our healthy, joyful, Frankensteinish-walking baby boy!

Last year, during the surgery, the doctors discovered that Silas had a chiari malformation. This is a condition whereby the brain begins to cork the spinal column. Of the 13 patients that had the same craniosynestosis, 67% were found to have this condition. The doctors hoped that, with the reshaping of his head, the brain would pop back into place (very technical term!) and alleviate the condition. We went back this year to have an MRI to confirm whether or not this had happened.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. The chiari is still present, although Silas does not exhibit any of the observable symptoms. That is part of the good news. The other part is that the chiari has not visibly grown since last year. The not so great news is that 50% of these children will be symptomatic and need additional surgery before they reach the age of five.

That means that we will need to keep an eye on things with additional MRI's of his head and spine. We will also need to have some sleep studies done to make sure that this is not affecting his nighttime breathing.

We are trying to keep positive with the positivies, although more than anything we just wanted to hear that Silas was completely healthy and finished with all of the medical issues. The last thing we want is for him to have to go through more poking, testing, or, worst case, another head or spine surgery. We pray and ask that each of you pray that he does not become symptomatic. As much as we have grown to appreciate these doctors for all the good they have done for Silas, we mostly would love to be rid of them!!

To those of you that have kept us in your prayers throughout this week, we can't thank you enough. We know that we have a bunch of you that keep us upheld in prayer and it means the world to us!

With Love,

J.L., Heidi, and Silas

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!

We spent Saturday at the Pumpkin Farm (the perfect place to celebrate Papa's birthday!). This year Silas even stayed awake for the day! We pet llamas (or alpacas...we aren't quite sure!), sheep, goats, some sort of cow-like creature and, of course, saw plenty of pumpkins. Silas even picked out one that was just his size! We had a blast!!

First Haircut!

Last week, Silas had his first haircut! It was getting to the point where we either needed to have his hair cut or put the middle back section into a weird ponytail mullet. We opted for the first.

He was so interested in what Jeanette was doing that he didn't have time to be scared. He did get really good at anticipating the scissors and ducking when they came close. But the end result was fantastic!

Outta Here!

So, today was my first day out of the house in two whole weeks! We decided it was about time we got out together, even if just for a couple of minutes! So, we headed to the park...crutches, wheelchair and all, to enjoy the awesome fall weather!

Silas was thrilled to see all of the farm animals...chickens, alpaca, goats, sheep, horses. But the wheelchair alone held the majority of his attention. Who knew that's all we needed to keep him entertained for a while??

Surgery!

About a week and a half ago, Heidi had some foot reconstructive surgery. Although painful, the biggest factor in and of itself is having an overly active 15 month old at home. It will be about 9 weeks before she'll be able to walk, let alone chase after our "in-to-everything" Silas. But, we've had lots of help (thanks Mom!) and as you will see from the pictures, Silas lends a hand every once in a while, too!!

Before:



After:

Birthday Benefits!

Well, after Daddy got a bike for his birthday, Silas seemed to have benefited quite a bit himself! He decided that it wouldn't be fair for him not to go along on the bike rides. So, we caved and got him a helmet (safety first!!) and a bike seat. He can't really decide if he likes it or not. Overall though, we think the reaction has been favorable. And on days that it is not, at least he looks super cute in his "flying pigs" helmet!

Physical Therapy...YAY!!

Today, as Silas was working with his physical therapist, Miss Kelly, he became quite intrigued by a smiley face sticker that was stuck to one of her toys. He started pulling it off and when he did, stood there holding onto it and nothing else. That may seem like no big deal. However, it marked the very first time that he had done so!! On Friday during PT he wasn't even close to being able to do so. But, today, thanks to the sticker, he stood unsupported most of an hour. It was thrilling!! Check out the video and photos below!!

Trouble!

Silas is an absolute explorer. Just like his father, he wants to see exactly how everything works! His favorite toys are the phones, remotes, wires, outlets, and glass cupboard doors...which makes life very interesting these days!!

Here he is standing in his block box, trying to get over a room divider. The next morning he found a zucchini and red pepper in the kitchen and tried them both out. Today, as I was making pizza for lunch, J.L. and I were searching everywhere for a Horrible burning smell. We chalked it up to something in the bottom of the oven. Unfortunately, it was. Silas had opened up our broiler drawer and placed my tupperware containers in there, then closed it back up. Needless to say, they won't be containing much food from here on out!

West Virginia, Mountain Mama!

This past weekend, we headed to West Virgina for a memorial service for J.L.'s Gammy, Anna Mae. Although she passed away 3 years ago, the entire family gathered to remember what an awesome woman she was and the wonderful memories we have with her. She was a very special lady!

It was a whirlwind trip, going down and back in two short days with a trip to Baltimore in the middle and one very sleepless night in a hotel parking lot. We capped it off with a stop at Mom and Dad's to meet friends passing through at 1 in the morning. It was an awesome trip, full of adventure!