Our trooper

Hello Family, friends, and followers,

Yesterday was a loooong day! Phew! Kaden was certainly a trooper. He had to have another nuclear medicine study to make sure his stomach is emptying correctly......and he passed! Yay! Something to celebrate. We also had to visit the endocrinologist (blood sugar and growth doctor) to follow up with her. Kaden's blood sugar still suggests that he's running on the low side, but he does a great job with his finger sticks when we have to check his sugar.
 The endocrinologist informed us that he has a minor problem with his thyroid, but she was more concerned that he's still so tiny. That seems strange to us because he simply "looks" taller. Perhaps it's just his face maturing and his overall stature. Or as his friend would say "he's walking tall." That speaks volumes for his character.
We are at the point now that we are using a ridiculous amount of extra virgin olive oil to give him extra calories, but all of his doctors are supportive of the idea, because he's gained a pound! However, he's still not on the growth chart at all. So, he had to get some lab work completed to run some more extensive testing. Unfortunately it appears that Kaden has a new hernia and may need that to be repaired. His stomach is shifting upward, but he really doesn't complain of pain very often, and when he does it's just for a brief moment. We will also have an appointment with the neurologist to investigate the foot pain he's been experiencing. We also need to investigate why he's having so many episodes at night again. Thank goodness those tests are not invasive. There comes a point when we have to speak on behalf of our beautiful son and simply say "no".

He is still not tolerating his feeds very well, but his big brothers and Daddy have muscle contests and praise Kaden about his muscles to encourage him to try and eat. Moments to savor. Memories to eternally retain.

Sissy is still working with him and he recognizes almost every letter now in both upper case and lower case. Wahoo! He's enjoying his brothers and imaginary play every day.

We have a friend we call Mr. Jimmy. Kaden loves him like a grandpa. Mr. Jimmy bought Kaden a big boy bike and with some practice and help from his brothers he should be riding it all by himself soon.

For now, they are double checking a few things and checking a few new things. We will post an update when we get the results.

To the older kids: One day you will read this blog and we must say to all three of you- Your sacrifices  for your little brother will never be overlooked or forgotten. You all help in so many ways to make sure your brother is enjoying his life as much as possible. As you all age, your patience and grace grow as well. We are so proud of all three of you, and so thankful to God that He chose for the 4 of you to be our children. We couldn't be more blessed and we humbly thank Him. Remember every day that you are all so special in more ways than you could ever imagine.

To Kaden: Philippians 2:13- For it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose.

You son, are a miracle. We've never seen so many lives touched by you. That's right son, you. A little tiny boy is reshaping so many peoples' lives and showing them what really matters every day. It's not stuff or money or what kind of job you have. It's about so much more. Thank you for the reminder and the sweet way of teaching humility.

Love to all, Brian and Julie