Just wanted to pop in with a little update on Thomas. I am so humbled by the prayers, emails, gifts, meals, cards and more that we continue to receive. I truly have wonderful friends and readers and am so thankful. It seems like just when I’m about to hit my breaking point, a sweet email rolls in or flowers show up at my door and I’m encouraged all over again that we can do this!!
Yesterday we had our 500th checkup for the little man. He is doing really great. The doctor was really pleased with Thomas’ healing progress and informed us that we can reduce our eye drop regimen from four types of medicated drops four times a day (yes, 16 drops total!) down to TWO medications twice a day! Hallelujah! Squeezing those drops into an infant’s eyes every few hours was rough. Thomas has really grown to hate the drops and they burn his eyes and irritate his eye lid, eye brow and cheek really bad. As much as I hate the drops, I know they are helping him heal so I try to remind myself of that when I am at my wits end trying to pry his tightly shut eye open and missing his eye several times until enough of the medication makes it in! We also still have to keep his shield on his eye when he isn’t being closely monitored so he doesn’t rub his eye or worse, his sister pokes his eye. I have a love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with this thing too because every time I remove it to administer the drops the tape pulls his skin so badly and he freaks out.
But seriously, perspective. This could be so much worse. I know it. And to all of the readers who have reached out to me with their similar or even more challenging stories, I applaud you for being such strong mamas!
So we have a date for the second surgery – October 6. Next Tuesday! We were a little upset with how far apart the surgeries were scheduled because we are ready to get past this first big hurdle and we have another big family medical procedure quickly approaching that we’re trying to prepare for. But, our doctor assured us that it would be better to space the surgeries out to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. So we are trying to stay patient. But it’s hard.
Since Thomas’ surgery I have been working from home so I could administer the eye drops myself but yesterday I took Thomas to daycare so I could return to the office. It was so much harder than I had anticipated. He’d been in daycare for about a week before we found out about his condition and I handled that transition okay, but leaving him anywhere now (including his swing while I fold laundry) makes me so anxious. I constantly worry he is scared or looking for me. But his teachers really are so great and before I left they told me about a blind baby they cared for a few years ago and how much he learned and grew in that year together. They said they would be working on different types of sensory development activities with Thomas and would really capitalize on his strengths.
So now we just need to get through this next surgery! Thomas will recover for about two weeks before we begin our contacts journey (which we’ve been informed is the hardest part in all of this)! But I can’t wait. I am dying for the day that Thomas gets his contacts in and we can watch his reaction. We don’t know how much he will be able to see but we are praying for a healing miracle!
Thomas is doing so great, and so are you guys!!! So glad to hear the positive progress he's making, and praying that the second surgery goes just as smoothly as this first one did!!!
All of this sounds so hopeful! I love his teachers too, and I'm so glad they have their own plan for helping him grow! Praying for you all, I can't imagine how difficult it is to watch your baby go through this but you're doing a great job!! xo
I'm so glad to see such great progress. God has your sweet boy covered from every angle. Hang in there.
I am so glad to see he is making progress. I am praying for you and your family.. I hope his surgery goes well
Y'all are doing a great job! Hang in there, this will all just be a memory soon. Thomas is such a happy baby and will take the second surgery like a champ! He's a tough boy! I know exactly how you feel about the eye patch, we had to put them on our son when he was 4 months old to around 8 months old for his Duane Syndrome. I hated putting them on him and seeing his cheeks get so irritated. But it's all worth it in the end! Praying for y'all!
So glad to hear he's doing so well. I cannot imagine having to put drops in a baby's eyes & I can't imagine the contacts. I will be saying a ton of prayers for all of you.
Ugh so glad he is still doing well and I pray that next Tuesday goes as well as his last procedure!! It will all be worth it in the end! And of course he won't remember this part, just a little heart pulling now will definitely pay off! I will continue to pray for you and your family!
So glad he's so smiley! I can only imagine the fear and stress as parents. I continue to pray for your family and for the surgeries to be successful!
Glad to hear the great update on the little man,. I know it's tough, but remember it's for a good reason. I had to get drops as a child too and they were painful, but I'm glad my mother did everything she could to make it less painful. Hang in there mama, you're doing a great job. Prayers to Thomas for his second surgery and you and the family for getting through this!liz jo @ sundays with sophie
So glad to hear Thomas is recovering well! That video is adorable! Sorry that it is hard dealing with his drops and eye cover – I can't imagine. Praying for his 2nd surgery!
So glad he is healing and needs less drops. Not sure if it would make a difference, but our girls are allergic to certain types of surgicial tape…the glue irritates their skin terribly (mine too), we have found using paper tape is better and easier to pull off. And, with that you can moisten it a bit with water before pulling and it helps as well. Ask his doctor. Continue to pray for you all!!
Christina, so wonderful to hear he is doing well. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers. A sick child is truly one of the scariest things out there and I can only imagine how you feel. I know your faith will carry you through and God called you to be Thomas's mother. You can do this!
He's doing beautifully!! Hang in there, you guys got this!!! Love his little smile-so adorable. Continued prayers for you all!!
You're incredible!! As is your hubs! What lucky children; they have such strong, smart and loving parents!!! Xo!!
That video is so sweet! You are doing great!
Oh my gosh he is so sweet!! So glad he is recovering well, what a little trooper! And you are doing so good, hang in there mama I know its got to be so tough!
Continuing to think of you all and pray for your family!
So glad that everything is moving along so well!! Prayers that the second surgery goes just as well on Tuesday!!
I can't even imagine trying to get so many drops in. I know what it's like to "wrestle" a baby with a snot sucker and I'm certain the drops would be much harder. Am so so glad it's going well. And I completely understand about daycare. What a relief he has great teachers. So thankful to hear it's going as planned. God is good!
Just got caught up on Thomas' surgery updates & so forth. So glad that He is doing good!! My heart goes out to you & Matt & I am praying for you guys! Something I try to remind myself when going through tough times is "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it". Hugs momma!!
Gosh. I just cannot get over how you are just surrounded by everyone and everything you need as you get through this! It really gives such a beautiful meaning to the word blessed!!! Heart you all!!
I'm so glad he's doing well! Best of luck on the 6th!
So thrilled to hear how well Thomas is doing! He is a fighter for sure!!! Continuing to pray for you guys!
What a precious little smiling baby face- love it! SO glad everything's going well with this! xo
I love him so much! That video made my day!You're doing great, mama! I can't wait to see Thomas's reaction when he SEES his amazing parents for the first time! Sending lots and lots of love and prayers your way! xo
Go little Thomas go!! Can't wait for his first time seeing and what an amazing moment that will be! For both him and you!!
Praying for his second surgery and recovery journey!! Praying the Lord comforts you and your husband as you trust the doctors and medical staff during this time!! God has a great plan for Thomas' life!
Oh, Christina. I know things will go well. I'm a little behind so am catching up, and just learning of this news. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
That video is so great – he is such a sweet baby… I am so happy he is doing well and you've got the next surgery scheduled. We will keep praying, mama!!
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers for continued healing for baby Thomas!
He is seriously one of the cutest babies I've ever seen. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. ?
Hunter V just said "wow mommy look at that cool cute baby, I like him" 🙂 day by day!! So happy to hear of all the progress yall have made! Lots of continued prayers for yall and sweet Thomas!
Jackson and I just watched this video twice …. Thomas is such a doll!! So happy to read this update and praying for an equally successful and easy surgery on Tuesday! YOU GUYS ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. You're doing great, mama!!!!
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Sending love and prayers for you all tomorrow!! Sweet little Thomas x