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November 2009
Parker has done much better now that he is on continuous pump feedings. He has more energy and appears happier. Recently Parker developed a seizure disorder. He had several grand mal seizures before we were able to get them under control with medication. The doctor stated that often when children go through puberty they begin having seizures. Parker is tolerating his seizure medication well, and we hope the medication will not cause any negative side effects for Parker. Parker still struggles with kidney disease and the doctor's state that Parker will likely need dialysis within the next several years. In the meantime Parker is being taught at home this school year to avoid, as much as we are able, exposure to the swine flu virus.
April 2009
Parker continues to do well health-wise although last month we had a little scare. Parker's bloodwork looked like he as suffering from severe diabetes. The doctor had us rush Parker to the emergency room. The doctor's were baffled as Parker had no symptoms of being sick with his blood sugar levels were sky high. In the end, after numerous doctor visits and tests it was discovered that Parker has "dumping syndrome." This means Parker is unable to tolerate bolus syringe feedings and now must have his food pumped over a 12-hour period of time each day. Since changing to pump feedings, Parker's bloodwork is near normal. Parker is so complicated medically that nothing surprises the doctors anymore. The awesome news is that Parker is thriving. He is making progress developmentally and rarely uses self-abuse as a method of communication. Parker is also a very loving and happy child who rarely cries or gets upset. He loves going out in the community and often draws to people to him because of his great smile and sweet giggle.
November 2008
Parker and Patrick celebrated their 12th birthday last month. This was the boys' first birthday celebrated with us. Both of the boys enjoyed the festivities and especially loved opening presents. Parker loves the books that make noise the best. It was sort of difficult to find age appropriate toys for Parker who is extremely developmentally delayed. Parker also enjoyed playing with a simple remote control car he received. It was wonderful to watch Parker really get into his birthday. He paid attention as the brothers sang "Happy Birthday" and even made an attempt to blow out his candles. Parker was very independent opening his presents and played with the gifts after the party. Parker's social skills and reciprocal play continues to develop. It really is amazing to watch Parker's progress and I often wish I would have had an opportunity to parent Parker much earlier in his life.
September 2008
Parker continues to remain healthy for the past several months. He made it through summer with no emergency medical issues and thus was able to participate in a number of activities. Parker loves being on the go and now that his health has stabilized he is eager to go out in the community. Parker loves Chuck-E-Cheese and is learning how to put the tokens in the machines to start the rides. Parker also enjoys children's theater and especially loves musicals. Parker continues to eat a little bit orally each day and has definitely established preferences for certain foods. Parker is also back in school. He claps when he sees the school bus and seems very happy to go to school with the other boys. Over the past few months much of Parker self-abuse has reduced greatly. He seems to be more interested in the world around him and less interested in self-stimulatory and self-abusive activities. We are amazed by Parker's gains and enjoyment of life.
July 2008
Parker is enjoying the summer sunshine. He gets out to play everyday after summer school. Parker has really enjoyed going to the Orange County Fair. The sounds, the lights, the smells and the sights make Parker smile and laugh. Parker enjoys the children's rides and petting the goats. We even hope to get him to ride the elephant before the end of summer. Parker also loves playing in the water at Wild Rivers and looking at books at our public library. Parker is still working on using his walker and shows improvement daily. Parker's health continues to remain stable albeit fragile. We are all overly cautious with Parker looking for any changes in his physical appearance and mood. We always get him into the doctor right away for any little sign of discomfort. Our challenge with Parker is to meet his developmental and social-emotional potential while keeping his physical health stable.
We are also very excited to be signing adoptive placement paperwork for Parker and Patrick this month!
May
2008
Parker and Patrick are now attending the same
school and are in the same classroom. Parker is
very happy to get on the school bus every
morning. Parker has remained healthy for the
past few months. He has been able to participate
with the family on our weekend activities.
Parker loves amusement parks and is so excited
when we go to Disneyland or Legoland. Parker has
started using a reverse walker at home, school
and in the community. He is doing very well and
seems motivated to walk using the walker. We
predict that in no time Parker will be walking
independently. Its wonderful to see so much
progress with Parker in such a short period of
time.
February 2008
Parker joined our family in late December. He moved from a local sub-acute nursing facility, which had been his home for his entire eleven year, to our family. While the first month or so Parker battled with some serious medical issues, he is very stable now. Parker is able to attend public school and go with the family on all of our community activities. While Parker doesn't talk he certainly expresses himself though facial expressions, vocalizations and gestures. Parker, like his twin brother Patrick, is a very loving and social boy wh is just now able to explore the world around him. We are so excited to be Parker's "forever family" and hope to complete the boys' adoptions before the end of the year.
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