Tuesday, June 09, 2009

A new beginning...

I feel like a different person. A different mom. A different family. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from me.

I know this is only Day Eleven of seizure freedom and we still have a long road ahead of us. But it is a road filled with excitement and hope. A road where I get to witness all the new things that Sophie will get to do...that she is ALREADY doing.

To have one morning...JUST ONE MORNING...in which you can wake up next your child with big smiles on your faces...without the knowing that a big cluster of seizures is about to take that all away...it is indescribable. There is still that moment...a moment where I hold my breath and watch intensely...wondering if IT will come. But IT doesn't. And knowing and wondering are two completely different emotions.

I am treasuring each and every moment. Holding on to the moments that use to be stolen from us. Because you just never know. Sophie was once seizure free for 33 days. But the difference between then and now is that we had no idea why Sophie became seizure free. It just happened. There was no change in medication or diet. There was no surgery to explain why.

It's been a crazy few days. Trying to get settled in. Trying to figure out our new routine. I set up a few private therapy sessions for Sophie this week. She had PT this morning which her therapist was quite impressed with how well she is doing so soon after surgery. Tomorrow, I will take her for a short day at preschool. She will get PT and OT while she is there and I will stay with her the entire time.

We have been receiving so much support since we have been home. Aunt Colette decorated our house with flowers, balloons, a banner and a cake for when we got home. Yesterday, Aunt Cindy came over to visit with the girls and brought us lunch. Heather and Jennifer (both friends that live in our neighborhood) brought us dinner last night and tonight. This morning, Stephanie (another neighborhood friend) watched Elsa so I could take Sophie to her PT appt and go to my OB appt**. My mom came over after that to help out with the kids. THANK YOU to everyone for being so supportive so that we can truly enjoy our first few days at home. And how wonderful it has been to be home together as a family...I am bursting with joy.

I promise to update soon with all the new things that Sophie has been doing.

**I had a routine ultrasound to check the position and weight of the baby. Everything looks great.

15 comments:

Katie said...

Elaine! I can just feel the joy coming off of your post, and it brings tears to my eyes, truly! Congratulations!!!

Anonymous said...

We're so excited for all of you. And we're enjoying hearing about all of Sophie's new accomplishments. Enjoy day twelve and all the days to come!!

Love,
Barb

Liz said...

I am just so happy for you guys. I can't tell you how fabulous it is to read of Sophie's success after all she has been through.

blogzilly said...

Your joy, so pure, so raw, really resonates in your words. It's inspiring. It's great. I am so happy for you, for Brandon and Elsa, and especially happy for Sophie. I can't imagine how you must feel after having been at this so long and now having this whole new chapter starting for you.

I'm proud to have been touched even in the slightest way by you guys on our own journey. On these dark days I am going to use you guys often as a beacon of light. Hope you don't mind. :)

Super awesome that your OB said all was OK, when I saw you I was like...whoa, she is gonna have a baby soon. Do you have a name yet? I'd like to recommend Leonidas, Thaddeus, Maximus or Cornelius. All names that were of course rejected by my wife for our boys.

I love it...Thaddeus Coleman. Call him 'Tad' for short.

Though I was able to convince her to let me use Maximus and Leonidas as the middle names. She was on mucho morphine both times when I got her to sign the certificate.

Oh and YOOHOO....BRANDON...start your own blog. :P

Danielle said...

Seriously Elaine...the joy is absolutely tangible! And I enjoy JOY for breakfast! I am SO SO happy...

(((((((((hugs)))))))))

...danielle

Adesta said...

Your post made me smile like a fool! Your joy comes through your words like a shining beacon in the night. I'm so glad that all is well with you and the family! {hugs}

JSmith5780 said...

I am so glad Miss Sophie is doing so well. I look forward to the many positive posts to follow!

Heather said...

The journey to this point has been riddled with tears and fears and uncertainty.Yes,there has been joy scattered throughout but on this day,another day of freedom from seizures,I wish for Sophie all the joy this world has to offer,for it is her's for the taking.And she deserves,you all deserve an abundance of moments packed full of joy filled moments.All our best,all our love from here in California and I think I heard,from across the miles,Sophie say,"Hey mom ... I want to move to the beach."!!!We're here waiting for you ...

Anonymous said...

Such great news....we hope the joy continues for many many moons....

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that everything is going well and that you are getting lots of help. I wish I was there to do something! I am off to San Diego tomorrow to spend some time with your sister. Can't wait to hear more about Sophie's progress and what you decide to do about her hair. I loved the pic with it on the top of her head with the pink bow! She always loved Emerson's bows!

Holli said...

Truly miraculous, Elaine! I can only imagine what this must feel like. You guys fought long and hard for your miracle. And I hope the good news just keeps coming and coming!

What a wonderful way to welcome Baby Boy Coleman!

Kim Arns said...

Congratulations!!! That is wonderful. I love reading your post.
Blessings, Kim

Reagan Leigh said...

It's so wonderful to hear how well everything is going! I am beyond happy for you! Keep the updates coming...

Colby said...

Brandon and Elaine, This just gives me chills...I couldn't be happier!!!...No one deserves it more...It really does sound like y'all are on your way to your NEW "normal"....Praise the Lord!!!

Now, you are probably going to have to change the words in the heading of your blog!!! Did you EVER think you would have to do that?

Keep writing as often as you can...We are anxiously waiting for the progress reports!!

HOOORRRAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!

Cyndi

Unknown said...

We are elated to hear of continued peaceful, healthy mornings for you and Sophie! I check for updates every day. I hope you will call on us when you could use help now, or when new baby arrives. We want to support you!