Growing Up

As a mother, it's so rewarding (albeit a little sad) to watch your child grow. . .mentally, emotionally and physically.  As much as you want them to stay little. . .you want them to grow into the person they are to become.  It's tough when you don't see much physical growth.  Over the past 9 years, we have celebrated every ounce that Olivia has ever gained.  I even threw her a 32 lb party years ago because I didn't think we would ever get past 31 lbs.  But, I always knew there was a problem.  She has never been a good eater, but even when she eats well. . .she still doesn't gain.  She's always been below the growth chart or around the 1-3 percentile. Sometimes I would find myself strongly "willing" her to gain weight!!  Praying!  Please. . .just gain one more pound so that I don't worry when she gets sick and loses 2 lbs.  It's like trying to get to the top of a hill and no matter how hard we try. . .we cannot make it to the top. 

At her nine year check up, her doctor became concerned.  Olivia did a bone age study last week and the results weren't good.  It showed her final height to be 4 ft 10 inches tall at most.  Most likely she has a growth hormone deficiency.  She is being referred to a pediatric endocrinologist.  If it is a growth horomone deficiency, she would need daily growth hormone injections.  Olivia is someone with multiple sensory issues.  Cutting her nails and hair is still very difficult for her.  I can't imagine daily injections.  Growth hormone deficiencies don't just affect growth. . .they affect lipids (Olivia has high cholesterol) cardiac issues, blood sugar, etc. 

So, I ask you, as you have for the past 9 years, to hold Olivia close to your heart.  Please pray for her continued growth in all areas of her life. 

I'll leave you with my favorite Olivia-ism.  She wants to be a preschool teacher when she grows up.  She talks all of the time about the wonderful ideas that she has and she would be an AMAZING teacher!  I talked with her about having her growth tested and not gaining like she should.  She replied:

God must have known I wanted to be a preschool teacher.  You don't have to be very big to do that.

She may not be big in size, but she's big in wisdom!

Halloween Preview

Guess who loves the Powerpuff Girls?  Yep, Abigail is going as Blossom and she makes the cutest Blossom in the history of the world.  Not only that, but she has convinced the entire family to join in.  Olivia is Buttercup, I'm Bubbles and Ryan is the Professor.  LOL!  Oh, what a sight we will be. Look for more pics coming later this month.