A Gavin Update

I have been so busy with our little Gavin that I haven't had too much free time to blog. I decided this is my only form of journaling . . . and I should be better at it. We had a nice weekend with Jason here in SLC and I was sure glad he was here. On Friday we found out conclusive news about Gavin's cranial nerves from a more specific MRI result. It appears that Gavin did not develop cranial nerves to hear on either side. This means that hearing aids and implants will not help him hear at all and he may have issues with balance as he learns to move. I guess we will be learning sigh language. We also found out that Gavin does not have any facial expression nerves on his right side. This may explain why his mouth falls on that side. On his left side he may have SLIGHT facial expression nerves. The serious problem is without facial movement swallowing is virutally impossible (try swallowing without using your cheeks) and this means that we will need to suction him to keep his airways from building up secretions and blocking oxygen from his lungs. Perhaps he will be able to adapt as he grows, but this will always be an issue for him. It seems if we keep the secretions clear and out of his throat and mouth he keeps his breathing patterns much more stable.

As for a diagnosis, we have been told that there is a very good chance we won't have one. I THINK we can accept that. . . just as long as we know what we need to do to help Gavin achieve all he needs to do. He is the best thing that has ever happened to us. I know that sounds odd because this is so hard to do, but I truly believe there is a purpose in all of this. He is here to help us.

We have done a LOT of physical therapy this week. Many of these pictures are from the PT sessions. We have a really fun time with him in the mornings doing this and then he sleeps for the rest of the afternoon. . . I just it's just too much work for him! :) Infact, yesterday he fell asleep right in the middle of PT so we just let him sleep in his boppy on the floor! (There is a picture below)

Here are a few random pictures from the week!