Extraordinary Child

Definition:

1. beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established
2. exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy; remarkable
—Synonyms 1. inordinate. 2. uncommon, singular, rare, phenomenal, special, signal.
—Antonyms 1, 2. common, usual.

All these things pretty much describe Bryson who has Trisomy 13. He came with so many "extras". He has an extra copy of the 13th chromosome in every cell in his body. He has extra pinkies on his hands which we like to call "dinkies". He even has an extra toe on his right foot. He has an extra middle name.

This week, Bryson had an appointment with a Pediatric Urologist and we found yet another "extra". He has a third kidney! We are really surprised by this. I've not heard this in other Trisomy 13 cases. In fact, I'm not sure I've heard of this outside of Trisomy 13 either. But I'm sure somewhere, it's happened.

He remains in good health. He now weighs 12 pounds, 13 ounces and is 5 months, 2 weeks.

He is EXTRAordinary!

Blogs of Merit

I have spent the most part of this evening reading other people's blogs about their children with different developmental disabilities. It really warms my soul knowing that the children written about were delivered into the loving arms of a family that found out what the meaning of love is and quality of life. Quality of life cannot be measured by IQs or the ability to walk and talk. Quality of life can be measured in smiles, in reaching each child's unique milestones, in the amount of love that is poured upon them and those within that circle.

Please visit these blogs and see what love and richness in life and blessings are about.


http://realchoice.blogspot.com/2006/10/life-worth-living.html

http://renandmotorcycles.blogspot.com/2006/08/unforgettable.html

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/jul/06072006.html

http://moteguardian.blogspot.com/2006/02/quality-of-life-and-people-with.html

http://funfinns.blogspot.com/2006/10/kimber-is-pregnant.html

Happy 5 month birthday Bryson!

Today is another milestone, another day to celebrate. We are so happy to rejoice every day you are with us.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

The US Army has been very good to Travis and Dana while they have been stationed at Fort Drum, NY. They have been very helpful to them since they have been in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and were going to move them into on base housing because of Bryson needing to be closer to medical care. However, they are still an hour and a half drive from the specialists that they need to see in Syracuse, NY. With winter weather fastly approaching and trips to Syracuse being more of a danger than a help a different plan has been hatched. This will hopefully be approved as all around; it will be better for the family. They are hoping to be reassigned to San Antonio Texas. There is where Travis went to school for his Combat Medic training. There he can continue his education in the field of medicine and the weather will be better as well as being close to many fantastic medical facilities for Bryson's sake. We do have family in Texas. Dana has grandparents in Rockport, and Aunts and Uncles in south Texas. It's really a long move 1860 miles and I suppose they'd have to do it over several days. The military will move their house.