I had a mostly normal pregnancy except for vomiting the entire nine months. It is safe to say I was tired of being sick. Jeremy and I decided to begin our Christmas shopping that year on December 1st. For us, that was really early.
Our sweet neighbor offered to watch our older three kids who were ages 4, 2, and 17 months. We began with dinner out then shopping. While at Toys R Us, labor was in full force. I was in denial but Jeremy noticed the white knuckles on my hands as I was stopping in the middle of the aisle grabbing on to the shopping cart. I kept telling him it was just good ole Braxton Hicks contractions. Well, he knew better.
We finished our night of shopping. I was mighty uncomfortable and very agreeable to any gift Jeremy was picking. I just didn't care at that point!
We picked the kids up and asked our sitter if she was busy later. Mind you it was already 9pm! She knew what that meant. We got the kids home and bathed. I packed a couple of changes of clothes for them and we put them in bed. I showered but didn't crawl into bed. I had just changed the sheets that afternoon and I was saving the clean sheets for our family when they came.
We finally arrived at the hospital at 1am. The hospital was very slow and thought it was a false alarm. After checking me, I was six centimeters dilated and then the rush was on to find me a bed.
Benjamin came into this world at 6:42 in the morning weighing the most of any of my kids at 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was healthy! Or so we thought. After they took him to the nursery to clean him up I realized something was not right. My mom and dad had made it here in time for his birth to wait in the waiting room. Jeremy and my parents went home around 8am to get a little bit of sleep. I was alone.
The nurse came into my room and I insisted on speaking with her. Where was my baby? She hesitated but then explained to me the concern. Ben was born with a very deep dimple in his spine at the sacral area. She said they called the pediatrician and he was coming over to see Ben. I have had two children at this hospital before and I know that NEVER happens. Again, I was all alone. I immediately called Jeremy and he came right away.
As it turns out Ben was transferred to Nationwide Children's in Columbus by ambulance. He had a ton of tests run and it was determined that he had spina bifida where two vertibrae were affected. He also had a tethered spinal cord. We were not really given any options on how to proceed and ultimately surgery was scheduled for Ben at ten days old. That was one of the most difficult times for us. Our three older babies were at my in-laws and my parents were with us in Columbus. Ben's surgery took about 4 hours and he had complications in recovery. The pain was unbearable for Ben and for my heart. We leaned on the Lord for our strength during those very dark days. The only visitors we had were my parents and my brother and sister-in-law. It was a very difficult time for us. We were also told Ben may not be able to walk and may not have bowel and/or bladder control. Wow! That was no where on Ben's radar. He walks, runs, and has full control of his bowels and bladder. He has a "different" run but not many notice.
At 7 weeks old Ben was diagnosed with RSV and pneumonia. He ended up in our local hospital for 12 days. The doctors considered having him taken back to Nationwide Children's, but in the end he stayed locally. He went into respiratory distress once and that was scary. As a result of the RSV and pneumonia (in both lungs) Ben visited the hospital many times during his first three years. He was finally diagnosed with asthma. He also struggled with ear infections continuously. He had his first set of tubes when he was thirteen months old. The second set came with an adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy when he was only 2 1/2 years old. That was a difficult surgery for him which ended with an unplanned stay at the hospital.
Ben's wonderful neurosurgeon has kept a very close watch on him. MRIs were ordered every six months for the first few years. Now they happen yearly. Four years ago, Ben's MRI showed Chiari Malformation. He is symptom-free for now and we pray it stays that way.
At seven months old Ben fell two deviations on the growth charts. After being referred to an endocrinologist, the testing showed he does not produce growth hormone. The official diagnosis is Growth Hormone Deficiency. We have been giving this sweet child injections of human growth hormone for 7 1/2 years.
This helps explain why our Ben is so determined. I remember a conversation with our pediatrician about Ben and his "spirit". Our doctor told me that it is that very determination that has not allowed Ben to be a victim. He has fought for the things that we take for granted. Ben has fought for his very breath on many occasions. These problems do not define this beautiful child.
If I could take this all away from him I would. In a heartbeat! However, God has allowed this to be a part of his life. Ben does not ever complain. He laughs about his shots. He never, ever complains about the medication he takes daily for his asthma. He does forget to take it though. He never complains about the six specialists that are a part of his care. Our pediatrician has a special place in his heart for Ben. How do I know that? Our doctor told me!
The woman that marries this boy will be very blessed. I love his zeal for life! Ben is my cuddle bug! He needs lots of love. I am happy to oblige!
Now that I just gave his entire life story, I just wanted this little guy to know that I love him to the moon and back! I wish I could make things easier for him but then he would not be who he is if I could have changed things. Happy birthday our sweet Benjamin!
It is that very fire in Ben that Mariah just does not understand. Poor girl! She just does not get it. Honestly, she is irritated by it. One day she will understand that he truly just loves her. He always asks for a kiss and hug. On occasion she will give in to his repeated requests. She will imitate Ben more than anyone else. He has taught her most of her sign language. Ben taught her to clap. He taught her to blow kisses. I just don't think she has realized that yet.
This rare picture was taken on Wednesday. Mariah crawled up on the couch with Ben. I hurried and had to snap a picture. After all, I had to prove to Jeremy that it really did take place.
I guess a friend bought this Steeler helmet/cup holder. Mariah knew exactly what it was.......it just didn't quite fit.
Neil made friends with Mariah. She then stole most of his french fries at lunch.
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