Changes

Jay has always told me that change is the only thing that is constant...might as well embrace it.  We all have our set ways and there are areas in everyone's life where we just don't want to budge!  Well, it feels like Zoe is in constant motion...always moving forward.  She is changing every single day, and I am finally learning to embrace it.  Every time she does something adorable, or says something hilarious, I am learning to cherish it with all my heart because she might not ever do it the same way again!  She learns quick from her mistakes and is a different person every single day.  I wish we could all be more like her!!

This week Zoe has:

• finally said "Jenna" instead of "nenna" (we almost cried!)
• started saying cheerios...slow progression from chuh's to ear-ios and now full blown cheerios
• begun saying all the colors of the lights at stop lights...it's incredible!
• started expecting prayer time in the car right before we get out to go into her school
• finally figured out what she likes to do right before bedtime...she LOVES to read
• actually cried LEAVING church instead of crying when we drop her off
• learned "leg up!!!" and plays it with herself
• become very consistent with please and thank you

I am probably forgetting so much more, but it's proof that we MUST keep trying new and different ways to approach everything we do.  We all must learn to adapt, problem-solve, and be willing to try new things.  Don't get me wrong.  She's also one of the most stubborn, sassy, and strong-willed kids I know, but those characteristics will definitely pay off in her future physical development.

Brief medical update - Zoe has been waking up screaming in the night for a couple of hours for the last 3-4 weeks.  We were so confused by this because she also did not want to go to sleep either.  She didn't want to eat or drink really, just didn't want to be in her room.  We tried EVERYTHING.  We finally got smart and called the doctor who told us she may be refluxing more now.  She's already taking Prevacid, but it turns out the Chiari (the malformation in Zoe's brain which is changing position and causing pressure and additional spinal fluid) could be pinching the nerve the causes reflux.  She's probably feeling that terrible burning from the reflux.  I just feel so sad for her!  I've never experienced that, but it sounds awful.  We are adding extra antacid before sleeping per doctor's orders and elevating the head of her bed.  All is well and we are just about back to normal - going down easier and sleeping through most of the night again.  If necessary, we will get the surgery bumped up.  She may be needing it sooner than February 28.  We will know more Friday morning at her consultation with Dr. Swift.

"Uncle Varian" is keeping Jay extremely busy this week...we haven't gotten to see much of him especially since he pulled an all-nighter.  We hope he gets a break soon!!  Thank God I have had the privilege of baby-sitters 2 out of the 3 nights this week :)  Plus last minute help picking up Zoe today.  

Lovejoy kids are taking finals this week, but they are still celebrating our 5 All-Staters from last weekend's auditions!!!!!!!  Bethany and I are so proud of our kids and all of their hard work.  This process brings back so many good memories for us too.

Thanks as always for keeping Zoe in your thoughts and prayers.  We are thankful for you.  Have a good night and a great rest of the week!