Jonah

All of our children have aspects that remind me of Riley. Unfortunately, Gabriel was too young in utero to be able to have many comparisons toward. 

This week, Jonah graduates Pre-K. Jonah has a lot more about him that makes me think of Riley than I realize. Had Riley survived birth, he would have had heart surgery. And, had he survived that heart surgery, more than likely he would have had more life or death situations including more surgeries in his lifetime. But, God's plan for him with me on earth was the 37 weeks in my utero that I would never give back. I often wonder what my life, our life would be like if Riley were alive as it would be full of doctor appointments and constant worry if he would survive. 

Jonah has had his own health challenges, and some life or death, that have filled our lives with constant doctor and specialists appointments, surgeries, and worries over where he is, who he is with, and what is around him (food and environment). 

To begin, during my pregnancy with Jonah I had a subchorionic hematoma. I was on pins and needles during his pregnancy more than I care to admit. 

Fortunately around 37 weeks, he quickly entered the world, at which point he surprised us with an extra left thumb! He has since gone through 2 surgeries (so far) to function like a normal child. I am happy to discuss this surgeries with anyone in more detail, or on here at a later time.

Then, around 9 months old he started showing signs of food allergies (FAs) It was determined at that time that he was allergic to milk and egg. Today, he can have eggs but no longer anything with cashews. This has been the most difficult, informative, scary, heartbreaking, lonely, proud, educational, life-changing journey. I feel God calling me to do more with this part of Jonah's life, so stay tuned and join me in prayer that I follow God's will and not my own here. This journey has also involved lots of anaphylactic reactions, ER trips, (including 1 by ambulance).

Later, he would loose his baby fat and an inguinal hernia was discovered that had probably been there since birth. His surgery to repair his hernia was just 8 months after his first hand surgery and 4 months before his next hand surgery.

Next, he would carry around big books and take a fall into the island in our kitchen and split his head open just below his eyebrow. The year this happened, I think we were in the emergency room 5 times. 

Finally, his outdoor and environmental allergies are constantly changing. We had a night when he was a few years old that I had to drive him to the ER because he was struggling to breath. He had a rescue inhaler that he used 1-2 times a day for almost 2 years. During part of this journey we had to eliminate outdoor play during peak pollen times and could not allow those who were around dogs to be around him without fresh clothes. Then, about 18 months ago he did so much better he could be outside and be around dogs. But, after fostering a puppy for a week, we learned he is reacting to dogs again, and had to return the puppy without adopting her. This was a difficult decision for our family that affected everyone. 

But no matter what life has thrown at him and no matter how many times he has been stitched, poked, examined, driven around to sit in waiting rooms, he is a happy kid. He gives the best hugs and likes to climb me as if he were suppose to be a monkey. I have nicknamed him Monkey, so you may hear my call him that at the ballfield! He is a joy, and although he is the middle child living in our house, he does not get typical middle child treatment. He is learning to navigate his FAs and environmental allergies. 

So this week, if you see me "boo-hooing" it is because this precious child of ours is graduating Pre-K. This is an accomplishment with his FA journey alone! I am so grateful to both programs and their teams who have navigated this FA journey with us and those who have gone out of their way to include him!

Pray for us come August as we start a new school with new teachers, staff, and friends who will get this Momma-bear's cautionary concerns heavy at the beginning with constant checking in until I get back to the comfort both The Academy at Wellspring and Station Hill Mother's Day Out have given me!

Jonah, we are so proud of the boy your are and the young man instincts that are shining through. You will do great things in this world! God has BIG plans for you and I am glad I get to be your mommy and to see you living them and growing into them!