I am so sorry that I haven’t updated in over a week. We have remained busy with our usual therapy sessions, and finally found time for a little fun too. Bruce and I went on a date this past weekend for the first time since before the accident. It was LONG overdue. It seemed really strange leaving Erik, much like when he was first born. We decided that not only is it good for us to get away, but also good for Erik to be around others. He has become a bit clingy over the last few months. He absolutely loves the ladies that kept him, so we felt completely comfortable leaving him in their hands. He seemed to do well without us, and the worst thing that happened while we were gone was the typical two-year old behavior that was expected.

We finally have most of our appointments on a set schedule. For now, five of our seven regular weekly sessions are on a set schedule. These should hopefully stay this way for at least the next couple of months. This has been such an answer to our prayers! We are hoping that the consistency will make Erik’s progress even greater, as well as help simplify all of our lives. God has such perfect timing! The set schedules came at a time when we REALLY needed them. I was having one of those weeks where I questioned how much longer I could handle my life in such a frenzied state. Everything had been so chaotic, and I was craving the old days when Erik and I had very few deadlines to meet during the week. As always, I asked God for help because I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I must constantly remind myself of how good He has been to us. There are SO many families that have experienced tragic accidents that are unable to enjoy their sweet babies like we are. Please know that I am so aware of it. The thought never escapes me. It is a strange place to be… to be so happy that our child is progressing so well, but to complain about being tired or things not going exactly as I would like. I guess it’s greed! I get so aggravated with myself when I think that way! I pray about it a lot!!! Fortunately, God always gets me back on track.

Erik had a great week in therapy! His Theratogs have really helped him. Before he started wearing them, he tended to hold his arms up about shoulder level all the time. He now seems much more relaxed, and he is holding them down much closer to his sides. His walking is much smoother as well. He has much more body awareness and is able to place his feet where he wants them. He used to sort of “stomp” his feet when he walked, but now he is a little more graceful. He is actually starting to trot now too. He is going up the stairs much better. Right now he is still climbing them using his hands and knees at home, but in therapy he is doing much better holding the rail and walking up each step. Until now, we had seen very little progress in this area. Praise God for all of these improvements in this sweet baby boy!

We had a couple of appointments that were canceled this week, so it allowed Erik the time to go to school and see his friends. As always, he had a wonderful time! He was SO excited when I told him we were going. He stood by the door and chanted “cool, cool, cool…” (Erik can’t say the s). The best part of the day was that he got to eat lunch with them, and he actually ate this time! It was the most he has eaten since the accident! He ate some colorful goldfish, fruit loops, a Dorito, and a pretzel. He didn’t touch any of his old favorites (bananas and grapes) or his milk, but he drank a lot of water. When we got home, he ate two cheese puffs and drank almost two ounces of milk! God is answering our prayers! It’s a slow process, but he is definitely getting there. It was so good to see my baby boy with a messy little face again!

Erik stopped taking another medication this week. He no longer has to take Robinul, which dried up his secretions. He was taking it because he was unable to manage his secretions since he was not swallowing. He has been off of the Robinul for a couple of days now and he seems to be doing fine without it. More praises to God for restoring little Erik and one less medication!

Erik has one new concern. His skin has split open on the bottom of each of his big toes. It looks very painful, but it doesn’t seem to bother him too much while walking, etc. When I actually touch the area he flinches a little. We are currently using Aquaphor on the wounds until he sees his pediatrician on Monday. We are not sure of the cause of this. He tends to keep his toes tightly curled most of the time since the accident. We think this may have something to do with it, but we are just speculating. Please keep his little toes in your prayers!

Today marks three months since the day of the accident. I can’t believe it has only been three months! When I reflect on all that has happened and all that I have experienced and learned, it seems like this has been going on much longer. On the other hand, it seems like time has just flown by. The day of the accident was the last day of his school year, and it's amazing that school has already started back! We literally missed an entire summer of our usual beach trips, bike rides and dog walks! I’ve learned so many things during this journey, but one of the greatest is the value of time. Just since the accident, I have lost a very dear friend, a friend has lost her brother, another friend has lost her father, and two of my classmates lost their teenage daughter. All but one were unexpected deaths, and I know there may be others close to me of which I am not aware. For some reason, His reason, God gave us a little more time with our sweet boy. I want to make the most of it, as well as other areas of my life. I always thought I tried to do my best, but now I realize I am capable of so much more. Life is short, and I don't want to selfishly waste as much time as I once did. There are too many available opportunities to help another person, family, organization, etc. As crazy as this ride has been, I thank Him for giving me this experience so I can truly be a better person. I hope I don’t disappoint Him.

Please continue to pray for Erik’s full recovery, particularly that the wounds on his feet will heal and he will continue to eat more. Thank God for His many blessings and for Erik’s constant improvements!