May is pediatric stroke awareness month

Hello EVERYONE!!

May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month and May 5 specifically is pediatric stroke day.  I know you all have heard Braylon's story and how he is constantly overcoming obstacles.  Sad to say there are thousands of other kids around the world who's story is so similar.  This past week we had 3 ER visits with Braylon... none of them related to his stroke.  Twice we were in Children's to check for meningitis and once at a local hospital because Braylon dropped a glass on his toe and cut it open and broke it.  Everything is fine with B, he's so tough, but I did notice something that caught my eye.  When Jamael and I were at our local hospital with B each bed had a stroke flyer next to it.  The poster stated if you have problems speaking, raising one arm or have a drooping face to let hospital personel know immediately.  It also stated that if you are having a stroke its crucial that you receive immediate care.  Although I've seen those flyers before, somehow they never made it in to children's hospital.  I did not see one flyer in the hospital at all.  Crazy, huh?  Even crazier is that when Braylon's pediatrician suspected a stroke, he never told us or told us to seek immediate medical attention.  Instead we waited 4 months to get into the neurologist to get a diagnosis.  This is why Pediatric Stroke Awareness is so important.  If grandma or grandpa had a stroke is would be devastating, but chances are they would get the care and support needed to recover immediately.  I honestly don't think hospitals or doctors think that pediatric stroke is less significant, I just think people are not aware of how often this occurs and the best plan to handle it. 

I am asking that all of you wear purple saturday, May5 for pediatric stroke awareness and spread the word about Braylon.  He has come so far, but we have a long battle ahead of us and I'm afraid that it seems like his battles are getting more difficult for all of us.  It's the saying... If its not one thing, its the other.  Some examples are being so excited that he can walk and run, but then realizing he's a flight risk and will run away from you, the house, anywhere.  Or  "Yay, his vocabulary is growing leaps and bounds!" but he now tells you "NO" for everything and calls the neighbor "PEEPEE head".  Lol, that boy!  Please help us spread the word by doing the following 3 things...

1. Watch Braylon in this video montage for pediatric stroke awareness.  Please watch all the way thru for the important facts/stories.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B31CKWa5j80

2. Donate to my firstgiving page.  Funds go directly to CHASA, a nonprofit that offers scholarships, orthopedics, summer camp etc. for stroke survivors.  https://www.firstgiving.com/account/fundraising/FRPPage.asp?id=1153670&did=1

3. Forward this email to all your friends and family.  They can also read about Braylon on http://www.ourstrokeofluck.blogspot.com/

1 Corinthians 15:10   
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.  No, I worked harder than all of them- yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

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Helloooo, I've missed you!

I missed writing to you so much, but still it has been difficult to get on here. Being a mom in general means your time is no longer your own and everybody else's needs come before yours. Being a mom of a special needs child is the same except there are no breaks! I'm trying to take time for myself, because lately I've been going a little crazy looking after everyone but me. This is my beginning.... Writing down my experiences, both good and bad, so that I can digest and reflect.

Braylon is doing amazingly well (although today he's very aggressive and whiny) and his speech has moved leaps and bounds! We have yet to here sentences, but there are plenty of words. Some of the most popular words we hear are: mommy (of course), daddy, drink, eat, ball, car, beep, bubba and love you. That alone should let you know what B's interests are. LOL! He's still drooling, but we are doing exercises to help with that. Because he's able to communicate more his aggression has subsided some. Thank the Lord, because his aggression is usually taken out on me with something very hard being thrown at my face. :( Of course he's yelling and hitting Torian as we speak. Lord help me!

Physically Braylon is doing really well also. He's running , jumping on his trampoline and dribbling a basketball. He's a fast little dude too! If we don't watch out, he'll run off and disappear in a flash. You should see him at his big brother's basketball practice trying to get in line with all the other boys to do suicide drills! Braylon is spending 2 hours at Baylor Our Children's House on Mondays and Wednesdays. After physical, occupational and speech therapy he's warn out and ready for fun. Luckily, the weather is nice so we can enjoy a walk or trip to the park. I've been looking in to horse therapy for Braylon and found one close to home... just gotta see when it can fit into the schedule.

Braylon will have a very busy April coming up. April 10th my baby will be 3 years old!!! I can't believe it! And on that day he will begin attending school in Garland ISD in a PPCD class. I'm really excited about that. He's wide open to learning right now and I think it's going to be awesome to see his progress! Plus, a little break for me will be well needed/deserved. That goes back to me doing something for me. Everyone keeps asking what I'm going to do when B does go to school. Seriously?! I have a list of things I've been waiting to do! Braylon will also be having surgery on both eyes April 29 to help correct his strabismus. If it is not corrected he could be completely blind in both eyes.

So glad I was able to write you... I feel much better! Hope to bring you more news soon!

God Bless!

Putting in Work

It has been awhile since I've posted anything on my blog. It's not because I stopped thinking of those of you who read or that I've ran out of words to say. My thoughts very rarely get away from Braylon and what needs to be done or who needs to hear our story. It's just that I have been so busy taking care of business with Braylon that my time is not so plenty. As a matter of fact, right now Braylon is crying in his room because he doesn't want to nap.... but guess what buddy, it's nap time!
When my family and I first started this journey with Braylon back in January of 2009, we didn't think the struggles would be so overwhelming. My husband, the most positive of us, probably thought that most things would continue along normally except for a few more extra appointments for Braylon. Boy were we ALL wrong! The older Braylon gets the more we see his disability. Don't read to much into that.... he's not getting worse, but it definitely is showing itself more and more. This past weekend a bunch of us went boating on the lake. One couple there has a son born one day before Braylon, but their stories were so much different than ours. As she called to check on her baby boy, he responded with, "Mommy, I got wet. Mommy, I love you. Have fun, mommy." And although, I know that made her day, I couldn't help feeling sad for myself and my baby boy who can't even say momma.
It seems like every where we go I see an adult that walks with a limp and who's hand is close to there chest and I wonder if their story is similar to ours. I wonder if Braylon will be like that one day. In my heart I know that B's determination will take him so much further than I can imagine. Braylon is so smart, but still developmentally so far behind that it makes everyday activities a challenge and somewhat frustrating. May faith in God is never ceasing and I believe fully in his plan. That's why even with all of the obstacles we face, I continue to praise him for the ones we've overcome. Situations can always be worse. Braylon is running all the time. He has the best laugh and always smiles for a camera. He is using about 5 signs to communicate with us and is getting to the age where he loves to hang out with his older brothers.

Continue to pray for all of our strength. Pray that the good Lord blesses Braylon with words of power... words that move people. Praise God for his influence in our lives and the miracles we see everyday. God bless!

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger." Psalm 8:2 NIV

Tears have flooded my eyes on so many occasions because of Braylon... his struggles, his triumphs and my own pain. The older he gets the harder the task at hand is and some days I don't know how I get thru. BUT God knows just when to swoop down and show me His strength as well as his compassion. Yesterday my family went out to eat like we normally do on Tuesdays. Only this Tuesday was extra special and it wasn't just because kids eat free. As soon as our food came, Jamael handed Braylon a french fry to eat and when Braylon grabbed it, he threw it down on the table and said, "HOT"!! He began to blow on the french fry to cool it off. Jamael and I looked at each other realizing that that was Braylon's first recognizable word!!! We knew what he said and he knew what he meant! God is so good! His first word may not have been mama or dada or even bubu, but he said it and I am so thankful! I'm sure more words will come when Braylon is ready... I'm even sure there will many days will I'll say "Can you just be quiet for a minute, B?" LOL! But boy, I can't wait for it. Braylon lost the area of his brain that controls his speech. It is completely gone... empty, just fluid, but yet we are so wonderfully and fearfully made that he is beginning to use sounds to make words and understand meanings. Imagine what we could do having our entire brain working if only we had the faith and desire of Braylon!! Wow!

This Saturday, May 1, is Pediatric Stroke Awareness. Please take a moment to say a prayer for Braylon. He has come so far, but still has a very long journey ahead. Consider making a donation to CHASA in Braylon's name (the link is below). Childhood strokes occur just as often as childhood cancer and brain tumors, but very little is known about it. Plus recovery from a stroke is a life-long issue for many, including Braylon, because of the lack of knowledge to correctly diagnose this. A child would be diagnosed with a stroke quicker from an adult doctor than a pediatric doctor, because even the doctors don't have the neccessary info about Pediatric Strokes. Please consider helping a charity that can change the lives of many.

www.firstgiving.com/braylonharris

Stacy's Vision

Today I came across an article that let me hear Braylon's voice for the first time... not literally, but into his world for sure. The article is about an adult woman's journey back to vision after her stroke. Just like Braylon, her visual field was cut in half on both eyes. She too could not see anything to the left. I can still only imagine how that much of a vision loss would affect my daily life, but she allowed me to understand a little better. Read the article as if Braylon was speaking to you. Try to understand how difficult that would make EVERYTHING. Now praise God that B still runs around with a BIG smile on his face! Soon Braylon will be receiving a visual aid teacher and I'm sure with that will come some great stories to report to you. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Stacy's Vision

msnbc.com: Paralyzed soccer player walks again

msnbc.com: Paralyzed soccer player walks again

I saw this on the today show this morning and it reminded me of Braylon. Even know the cause is different, their fight is the same.... and I noticed she wears the same type of AFO (ankle brace) as Braylon. Just a reminder of how good God is!

Braylon's EEG

About two weeks ago I mentioned to Braylon's physical therapist that B's eyes were twitching. She told me to report it to the neuro. When I did call the neuro, he scheduled and emergency EEG for Braylon. An EEG is a test conducted in order to detect seizures. During the test Braylon had to be sleep deprived, which was very difficult on all of us. The test sets up a series of events that would typically cause a seizure in a person prone to seizures... for example, a strobe light flashing in front of his eyes. Well the good news is, Braylon never had a seizure during the test. But the test did show abnormal brain waves on the right side of his brain. The neuro prescribed seizure medication for Braylon as a preventative measure, but neither my husband nor I feel comfortable giving it to Braylon.

Braylon has never had a seizure to our knowledge. We know that the chances of him having one are higher than a normal because of the stroke, but he still hasn't had one. After researching the meds and there side effects (one being causing seizures), we feel that at this time we shouldn't give the meds to Braylon. I know some people may think we're crazy for not listening to the doctor, but my P.O.V may be different than theirs. In Braylon's case once he started the meds he would have to stay on them for the rest of his life. With a normal brain meds can control seizures and eventually be weaned off. With a brain of a stroke victim, getting off medicine could cause an even worse debilitating seizure. Plus, Braylon isn't even two yet. What would be the long term effects on the rest of his body (i.e. liver, spleen, blood, heart) if he was to be on this medication for 20+ years.?? Sometimes I think medicine can do more harm than good. So for now we are going to continue with our prayers and expectations of healing. We're believing in God and preparing our fields for good. One thing I've learned is our decisions may not always be easy, but when we have faith in God we understand why we have to make them.

New York Times

Finding articles about pediatric stroke victims always bring tears to my eyes. But at the same time, it helps me feel not so alone. I found this article in the New York Times about a 7 year old who had a stroke. Some of the things the doctors told his family I never heard of or considered. It just makes me realize how much more research needs to be done on pediatric stroke causes and care. I hope you enjoy it as much as me!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/19/health/19stroke.html?pagewanted=1&ref=health

And a "triker" is born!

Today my husband and I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon with AMBUCS in Mesquite. We were invited to their weekly meeting because they wanted to present Braylon with a very special trike. About 6 weeks ago B's physical therapist presented me with the idea of getting Braylon a tricycle to help with his therapy. At the time I had no way of knowing how special that idea would be. The trike has a chain that runs vertically instead of horizontal like on most bikes. With the chain running vertical it allows the user to pedal with both their feet and hands. What these mean for Braylon is when riding his new trike he can pedal with his feet and right arm while stretching out his left arm. Normally the only time B's arm gets a good stretch in is during therapy or while he's on our laps and we're stretching his arm straight. And believe me that's not very fun for B! Now with the help of the bike our daily walks will be therapy and riding bikes with his brothers will be therapy.... so much more fun!! I can't wait to post video of B on his new trike!

Although we didn't stay long at the luncheon, I was reminded of so much. AMBUCS is a group of business men and women taking time to help others out. The organization first started out giving scholarships in physical therapy. Some years into it they began to see their passion to help turn into someone else's passion to create. See Braylon's very special trike was designed by a physical therapist who once received a scholarship thru AMBUCS. With the help of some John Deer mechanics she was able envision and develop a trike that has now helped hundreds of children in their challenging journey. It's funny how in all situations God puts a feeling, a desire deep inside of you and once you begin to pursue it, He can make it so much bigger than you ever expected.

The Story... told by the pictures

Photos of Braylon taken at 3 & 4 months old.

(above)

Photos taken at 1 -2 months old.

(below)

Going thru an old computer my husband found a bunch of photos from when Braylon was first born. He walked into our room at 12:45 a.m. wondering if I was still awake. Barely, but enough to listen to what he had to say. He began to tell me how he came across photos of Braylon and after looking at them he began noticing something we haven't seen in a long time. In all of the pictures Braylon's left arm and hand were stretch out, looking very similar to his right hand. Pictures of B putting weight on his left arm at only a few weeks old... a task he can no longer do at 21 months old. My husband continued telling me how he was sick to his stomach with the thought that Braylon had a chance to live a normal life. A life without all the appointments with therapists. A life where you buy shoes and clothes that fit you, not your AFO brace and splint.

My mind wonders on occasion... trying to figure out what really happened to Braylon and if I could have stopped it or at the very least made it less severe. I still have no definate answer to what caused B's stroke. Doctors have only given us his diagnosis, never a cause. Thru my own research I have come to assume Braylon's stroke may have been caused by a vaccine or the amount of vaccines given at one time. Looking back at the pictures I can see the ease B had in both hands and legs. I can see B looking towards the left (which he rarely does now b/c of his vision loss). All of these things occur until B's 3 month old pictures. Shortly after his 2 months vaccines, the pictures tell a different story....a crooked smile and a clinched fist.

Sadness feels my heart to think Braylon had the chance of a "normal" life fillled timely milestones. But oh, God is so Good! My faith in God and the power thats from within Him would never be so needed without that sadness. Without the emotion felt from Braylon's circumstances, I could have gone thru life being "normal" and teaching "normal" thoughts. I know this... for every negative situation there is a positive one of equal (or greater) value. So thru that sadness, I have found the greatest joy. The joy that Jesus Christ is still my savior, that God is still a miracle working God and that if I just have faith God will always be there.

pics from the holidays

Gift of the holidays

This holiday season was a little more reserved this year. Staying in Texas this year for the holidays, we were able to spend a lot more time together.... just the 5 of us. We still had a wonderful time with our extended family, but it was nice to spend quality time with those closest to my heart.

I always wish for a white Christmas and this year I got one!!! Almost all day Christmas eve the snow was falling. But unfortunately, the day before it 73 degrees out. The ground was so warm I didn't think the snow would ever stick, but it DID!!! At 9:00 at night we all threw winter coats and shoes on to rush outside and play in it while it lasted. I thank God for that snow. My boys smiles were so big and even Braylon couldn't help but laugh as the snow fell on his face. This was B's first real experience with snow. As I watched him trying to run in the snow like his big bros, I remembered my extremely high goals I had for him just 6 months ago. Goals that included Braylon running in the back yard with his brothers for Christmas. WoW! What a wonderful gift I received. Just like a white Christmas in Texas, when you least expect it God can make it happen.

It is now 2010. A new year, a new decade and I'm sure new battles to fight and races to win. But as I look back to at the last decade I smile. Like the commercial... It wasn't always perfect, but it had some perfect moments. And in those times God was perfectly molding me. Creating in me faith, strength, empathy and perseverance. What's to come? There's no telling, but I will continue to grow. And for Braylon and my other boys, I'm sure there will be more miracles to report and mountains to overcome.

Have a Blessed New Year!

Christmas past, Christmas present

10 days till Christmas!!!! This year has gone by so fast and so much has happened. Christmas 2008 my family and I traveled to Pennsylvania. We spent time with the family, went snow-tubing and of course shopping. Life was normal and wonderful. We spent Christmas Eve thanking God for the birth of Jesus and thanking God for our family we were surrounded by. Christmas day was spent at gram's house with family again and presents (of course). Braylon was 8 months old and seeing his first Christmas. At this time, we had no clue that Braylon had a stroke. We didn't know the amount of damage that occurred to his brain. And we couldn't even recognize the fighter we had on our hands!
I remember it clearly.... My two older boys slowly walked down the stairs to see what Santa had left them. Perhaps they even surprised at how much there was. Braylon is being passed from lap to lap. He was unable to sit up, so he was held a lot. Tearing at the gift wrap was more fun than anything else for Braylon. I can remember having conversations about Braylon and how "normal" he seems. (At this time we had a neurology appointment, but hadn't gone yet.) He was 8... almost 9 months old and he couldn't sit on his own or hold a bottle. Really he barely played with anything. I don't think that was normal.
This past year I've learned my baby had a stroke and suffered major damage. But more importantly I learned that with God even babies can overcome any obstacle. When I think back on it, I just can't believe all God has brought us through. The amount of change I've seen in Braylon in less than a year is nothing short of a miracle.
Christmas is always full of memories. My memories will always be landmarks on Braylon's road map to his destiny. This year at Christmas we will be in Texas with family. Braylon will be playing outside with his brothers and cousins. He will be free from all laps (although I'm sure when he's ready there will always be one available). I'm sure tearing the wrapping paper will still be fun for him. B will be enjoying the holidays on a completely different level and I'm so happy for him.

Happy Holidays everyone! Happy Birthday Jesus!!

From the walker to the AFO brace... either way, Braylon is determined!

Strong hand, Powerful speech?

Last week I took Braylon in for a neurology appointment. I was a little nervous to hear what the doctor was going to say about B's speech not progressing. This week B will be 19 months old and he is still not communicating with us. Although he says the "dada" sound and the "mama" sound, neither are directed towards us. The only hand gestures Braylon uses are bye-bye and peek-a-boo. So even with all of the awesome improvements going on physically with Braylon, my curiosity about his speech delay and play delay makes me a little nervous.
Anyways.... after the neurologists being amazed at Braylon walking already (remember he didn't even know if he'd ever walk), we began discussing the speech issue. I informed him that Braylon has been receiving speech therapy for some time now, but with no progress. His next question to me was, "Is anyone in the family left-handed?" My response, "Yes, my husband and dad are both left handed, but what does that have to do with speech?!?" It turns out that Braylon would've most likely been left-handed (like daddy), but because of the stroke his strong hand will of course be the right hand. It also turns out that most of the time speech is located on the same side of the brain that controls your strong hand... which in Braylon's case is his right side of the brain (the damaged side). It's amazing how God created our bodies to work!
My nervousness turned into thanksgiving. Although B is still not communicating, I know that he will soon. We are going to have to wait on the speech info to transfer from the right side to the left side of his brain. AND of course we will be on Braylon's time, like everything else.
I've always heard and read that there's power in the tongue. I find it very insightful that a person's strong (powerful) hand is located near the powerful tongue in our brains. It makes me wonder what God's purpose is for that.... Maybe thoughts really do become words and words really do become actions. Who knows?!

MIA

It has been awhile since I posted anything on my blog site. I'm sorry for those of you who check regularly for updates, because I have been missing in action. But let me stand clear God has still been very present in our lives!!!

As you can see in the picture Braylon has a walker. My mom and gram were in town when we first received the walker and it was so cute to see B and gram both using their walkers to get around. I should have seen if they would race. LOL! ... just kidding!! Braylon used the walker outside to get around and hang out with his big brothers, but indoors he stayed crawling on his knees. It seemed to me that B didn't want to leave his comfort zone. He knows how fast he is hoping around and was fearful that he wouldn't be able to keep up with the rest of us on two feet. It's probably a common reaction when something is new. I can only speak for myself, but its hard to start something new fully committed. Fear creeps into our thought process and convinces us that we can never be as good in a new adventure, so we'd rather stay with the "comfortable" old one. Although that may be a common response or emotion, it doesn't mean we have to stay in that emotion of fear. And I'm so glad Braylon didn't either!!!

Literally within a couple weeks Braylon has moved away from his walker and begun walking on his own!!! The comfort of his crawl has changed into the new explorations his walk can take him too. It all started with three steps to his bottle, then five to a pretty young lady (not me...lol) and now his steps are so many I can't even count. B's walk isn't the prettiest. As a matter of fact his o/t said he looks like Fred Sanford from Sanford & Son... which is so totally true! But it is beautiful to me. To see B walk across the room, pause to catch his balance, then continue around the corner is one of the best things I've seen. Thank you God, for your vision is always bigger than mine.

Braylon is a constant reminder of how blessed we are. Last week, my oldest son Torian, was doing homework. On his third sentence he told me his hand was too tired from writing. My first instinct was get on to him, but then I remembered B. We talked about Braylon and the fact that he doesn't even know how to begin to use one of his hands, let alone complain about it being tired. We discussed how God blesses us all with individual gifts and to not use them would be sad. After the discussion, Torian no longer complained about a hurting hand and later that night he thanked God for all 10 of his working fingers. Because B is a constant reminder for us, I ask this for Braylon..."With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

How Great is Our God Tour

God is so great and so mighty! Friday I took Braylon to a new doctor for a check-up. The doctor was taking note of his past medical history and issues with his stroke. The exam continued as normal, then the doctor left to get some referrals for a hearing test and eye exam. While she was gone, the head doctor came in to speak with me about Braylon's stroke. As I was discussing the amount of damage done to his brain, I remembered I had a couple MRI pics on my phone. So I pulled out my phone and showed the doctor (who had another doctor with him). He was speechless. The only words he could say over and over again were, "That's impressive." He couldn't believe that B was able to do as much as he was with an MRI image like that. The head doctor called in Dr. Khan (B's new doc) to see the images along with 2 more nurses. All them kept repeating "that's impressive." The nurses were able to talk a little more and were stunned at what they were seeing. I told them that I was scared to death when I first saw the images as well, but then I looked down at Braylon playing and smiling back at me and I knew God is always good.
When the appointment was over, I gathered my things and headed out the room. As I stepped out the door, I saw the 2 nurses crying over what they just saw in Braylon. Then walking to the checkout, I saw the head doctor in a room full of people talking about what he had just seen also. My thoughts.... sometimes the worst things in life can be the loudest voice to edify the Lord! We all need to humble ourselves and I think that day some doctors realized that although they can do some amazing things, God is so much bigger than them!
Today in church I saw one of the most powerful videos to every come before my eyes. Some of you may have heard of it or seen it as well, but I'm including some links to check it out anyway. The video puts in perspective how BIG God really is. It connects science with christianity. And by the end you will see why the only words the doctors can mumble out about Braylon are "That's impressive." My mighty Lord literally has allowed all of us to connect with him thru the cross. Watch and be amazed.

Deon

The video is about 40 minutes long. Because its on youtube, I guess you have to watch it in 5 parts. It's worth it tho!!!! Pass it on too...

part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGxsI8ksX8Q

part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfNiZrt5FjU&feature=related

part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxdRrWjh0g&feature=related

part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6AB5IvogHc&feature=related

part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVBNKSjg-LQ&feature=related

Images....

"Nothing even looks wrong with him." I hear those words all of the time from people I meet and share Braylon's story with. What they don't understand is, B may have a disability, but in no way something wrong. The Bible says, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." How can anyone have anything "wrong" with them when we are all made perfect in the image of God.

Looking at Braylon, there are some definant issues he is overcoming, but God's light is always shining through him. I see miracles and blessings everyday in my baby. It is truly a blessing to be chosen my God to have a child who had a stroke. When I go to the store, the chiropractor, a football game or anywhere, I find the closest person to me and tell them about Braylon. I tell them he had a stroke, suffered severe brain damage, lost vision and was partially paralyzed. Not because I want pity or attention, but so I can hear those words.... "Oh my God!" Yes, my God is here with us everyday. We get to see him in our lives and have a constant reminder of how good he is. I brag to strangers how good God is and the work he is doing in Braylon (and my whole family). Most people don't have a story to tell that gives praise to God in front of friend and foe alike.

Made in the image of God.... all of us are. Let's take a look in the mirror and see our image. Find God in us; our beauty, courage, triumphs and persistence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with us! God makes no mistakes. Take your disabilities, your failures and use them to sing praises to the LORD GOD our FATHER! I promise you will feel much better about the "cards you were dealt" and the obstacles in your way.

photos above were taken for The Littlest Heroes Project by Alison at Starglo Photography.

www.littlestheroes.org

www.starglophoto.com

hard-headed and frustrated

Everyone knows the so-called terrible twos really start about 18 months... When babies start to realize they can have a little independence, but aren't quite sure how to follow rules yet. I think we've run into this with Braylon. He is definitely a strong-willed baby, determined to have things his way. My husband and I both pray for B's independence, but gosh does it wear us out!!!
Braylon has been getting frustrated lately for a couple of reasons. One, because of his age and two, because of his disability. He wants to get around the house as fast as possible and get into everything within reach, just like other babies his age. But he physically can't do things that other babies can. He wants to walk desperately! So he walks around the couch, tables, book shelves and chairs. He also wants to be fast, so he crawls or hops on his knees to play chase (and believe me, he is fast!). Frustrations comes somewhere in the middle. Does he choose free and fast on knees or walking with help??? Braylon just doesn't know, so most of our day is UP, down, UP, down...
Good news is, he's really progressing. B is standing more and more on his own. He is trying to take a step here and there. And cognitively he is right where he should be... praise God! At the end of this month Braylon will be getting fitted for a AFO brace for his foot and a splint for his hand. Hopefully, both help him be more independent and active. I know he has dreams in his heart to run with his brothers. I can't wait for my blog entry to be about him walking around independently. Maybe it will happen sooner than expected!
Keep praying for Braylon and being encouraged by his spirit!!