Well, it is Tuesday again and I am joining Heavenly Homemakers for Gratituesday. If you have followed this blog at all you may have heard me talk about my son being allergic to several foods. That son is my 4 1/2 year old third child.
When I found out I was pregnant 5 years ago I was so excited. I prayed that I would be able to carry the baby to term. I had already had 3 miscarriages, so that was always a concern. The doctor ordered an ultrasound at 6 weeks and imagine my surprise when there were two sacks and two heartbeats. I spent the next 4 weeks with lots of sickness, but was excited about the prospect of twins.
When I went for another ultrasound at 10 weeks the doctor was silent. I asked if the babies were ok. He showed me the screen and there was only one baby, but he looked perfect. I was shocked. My other baby was a vanishing twin. I would never have known there was even another baby if I hadn’t had that early ultrasound.
I still sometimes think about what life might have been like I had carried the other baby to term. I also wonder how Joshua might have been different if he had a twin. I don’t think about it long, though.
Joshua came flying into our lives on a Saturday night in December of 2004. I say that because I went from 3 cm to 10 cm in 1 hour. The cord was loosely around his neck twice, but he was just fine. We felt so blessed to have him in our lives.
He was my fussiest baby and seemed to be sensitive to light, noise, and later textures and colors in food. As he grew he would have really rough nights where he would moan and thrash around. I always thought I must be doing something wrong. He has proven challenging in many ways over the years, but I thank God He felt we were up to the task.
Fast forward to February of this year when I got the diagnosis of his food allergies. A few doctors later, some probiotics & a pancreatic enzyme later, and many dietary changes later I am seeing some positive changes in his behavior.
He has been wanting to play with his older brother and sister more. He will say things like, “I want to be big like Julia and James.” He has become more friendly when we are out in public even saying things like, “Hi. How are you?” to people at the grocery store. He sings a lot, and Sunday asked a little girl at church to play with him.
As my mom says it is like he has woken up and realized that the world is about more than just him. I think there is still progress to be made. However, for me, the dietary changes and supplements seem to be making a difference in my little boy’s life, and for that I am truly grateful.
Joshua helping me gather sticks from the yard and take them to the woods.
Joshua: Are you coming mommy? Me: Yes. Joshua: Great! The positive attitude he had while helping me just tugged at my heart.
