Happy Birthday, Caden!!

After two years of being absent from the blog, I figured Caden's third birthday would be the perfect day to FINALLY update everyone on how our little guy is doing.  I can not believe that it has been that long since I wrote on the blog, but better late than never, right?

Life with Caden has been going really well, for the most part.  The thing about Caden is when things are good they are really good, but when things are bad they are pretty darn tough.  So let's start with all things good.  Caden is walking/running all over the place these days.  He signs up a storm, too!  I don't even know how many words are in his sign vocabulary; he picks up signs so quick!  He is signing in short sentences, too, which is great.  He knows his colors, how to sign-count to 10, and is learning how to finger spell.  He is identifying more sounds with his cochlear implant, also.  We are really happy to see that.  He is generally just a fun little 3-year-old (today!) boy.

On to the tougher aspects of Caden's life.  He still eats from his feeding tube.  He is unable to eat anything orally because when he swallows anything it partially goes into his lungs.  This is super dangerous, and, obviously something we want to avoid.  Caden isn't verbal, yet, either.  The one word he does say loud and clear is "Mama".  Yup, definitely warms my soul to hear.  We wish he were able to say more, but we are not giving up.  Also, when Caden gets sick he gets REALLY sick.  Just recently he had 3 viruses back to back.  High fevers, breathing treatments, not keeping his feeds down; I'm sure you get the picture.  It's is an all consuming 24 hour job when he is sick, and that is when I realize how difficult things can be for Caden.  This last illness that he had consisted of sores down his throat, a sinus infection, and stomach virus..........ALL AT THE SAME TIME.  Poor guy.  I just felt so bad for him.  Imagine your throat full of sores and heavy congestion and not being able to have a single sip of water.  My heart ached for him.  In those moments my mind runs like a hamster on a wheel.  It is a cycle of why, why, why's.  But, it all ends in the same conclusion; there are no answers to the why's.  Caden is just who he is and in those moments all I can do is just be there for him.  He amazingly got through this last virus with little complaints.  He amazes me so much.  I am inspired daily by his strength.



On to other Caden news; he is starting pre-school in 2 weeks.  Unbelievable!  He was tested several times through the school district.  The people that tested him just loved Mr. Caden.  They kept telling me how funny, smart, and engaging he is.  I told them I thought that too, but I just assumed it was because I was his mom.  They assured me that he truly is an amazing little guy capable of doing great things.  I left the evaluation with tears in my eyes.  Mostly tears having to do with Caden are painful ones, but these tears were pure joy and pride.  We have worked so hard as a family to get him to where he is today, and he is a very determined boy that just wants to keep up with his big sisters.

Caden will be in a pre-school class with typical children that have hearing loss.  I am so excited to see him running around and signing with his little friends.  How cute is that?!  He is Mr. social so I am pretty sure he will adjust well.  I am more worried how I am going to feel the first day I drop him off and leave him there.  I tear up just thinking about it!  This will be a big step for all of us.  The girls are already worried for him.  They don't even want him to go:).  The biggest challenge to this new school thing is going to be getting everyone where they need to be.  Caden will be in school 5 days a week for 3 hours.  His school starts at 8:15 and is about 25 minutes from our home.  The girls start school at 8:30 right around the corner, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays Jenna starts at 7:45 for math club.  I know.  My head is spinning as I am writing this.  I am sure we will eventually get into some kind of routine.  Bussing Caden is an option, but I am not ready for that, yet.  His teachers assure me the little kids love it and he will do great.  Something to think about for later.

The rest of our family is doing well.  Growing fast, and just keeping busy.  The girls are now 6th grade, Natalie, 3rd grade, Jenna, and 1st grade, Cara.  They are all in soccer, piano, and girl scouts.  We just take things a day at a time around here.  I'm sure that's the same for most of you!  I will try, try, try, to be better with the blog!

Thanks for checking in!

Mary