A Post from Nanny

Tonight, it's Grandma Carolyn writing in Lori's place. The last 24 hours have created a plethora of emotions for all of us. Yesterday afternoon they did the ultrasound of Will's brain . It was a very long evening as we waited for results. Around 7 the nurse told us that since the results weren't back yet, we probably wouldn't know anything until morning. That made for a long and emotionally exhausting night. Andrew and Lori were back at the hospital this morning in time for rounds. When the Dr. came in, he explained that the bright spots had not disappeared. They were still there and appear to be surrounded by some cysts. He went back and reviewed Will's birth records and it appears that the damage was suffered during the placental abruption due to lack of oxygen.

The name he gave to Will's condition is PVL and explained that this almost always leads to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy by the age of 2. It appears from the location of the damage it will not effect his cognition or mental abilities, nor his upper body. Although he is not sure of the severity he does not believe he'll be in a wheelchair and will be able to walk (not at a normal gait), but probably won't be able to run. He will have some type of mobility issues. Physical therapy will begin while he's still in the hospital and will continue so the muscles don't tighten or atrophy.

As you can imagine, there have been lots of tears and conflicting emotions today. Knowing that "it could be worse" doesn't bring comfort. Andrew and Lori need time to process the information, be together, love Libby and Will, and gather strength for whatever the future holds. Right now, they are really not up to talking about it or going over the details repeatedly with a lot of people. They aren't ready yet to hear all the anecdotal stories about "I have a friend who had a CP child..."

I'm sure you can understand that their greatest need tonight is for your prayers as they take time to be a family and try to stay in the present instead of jumping to what the future might hold.

In the midst of all this, Will is still working on his oral feedings. He has had a few times when he has taken the entire 45 cc by bottle. But it tires him greatly and the next feeding or two he's too tired to eat, so they use the feeding tube. However he gets it, it seems to agree with him and he is swiftly approaching the 6 pound mark! When he was weighed tonight, he was 5 lbs and 15 ounces! I love his double chin and the rolls on his arms. And can I just say, as his "Nanny", I can't get enough of snuggling him and hearing his little baby coo's. He is so absolutely lovable!!

Libby, who has no notion that anything could be wrong in the world, continues to bring laughter and sunshine to all of us. Today we tried out her new sprinkler swimming pool, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Before we were finished, she had led Mommy, Daddy, Papa and Nanny through the fountain with her. I think we were all refreshed by playing together.


So, once again, we want to thank each one of you who reads this blog for your care and concern for Baby Will and his mommy, daddy and sister. Without your love, support and prayers this journey would be so much more difficult. Specifically tonight, please pray for strength and healing for Will's legs and brain. Pray for Andrew and Lori that they sense the comfort and peace that can only come from God, for a spirit of continued unity in their marriage, and the ability to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and not lean to their own understanding.