Monday, April 27, 2009

8 x 2

One month ago today we departed on an 8-day journey to Ethiopia to pick up our son. Four days ago we arrived home after another 8-day "journey" with our new son through the most difficult days of our lives. Of course, neither of these journeys will ever be over for us and they will definitely be something that define our family forever. I wouldn't expect to ever experience a month for the rest of my life that would have such dramatic highs and lows. We feel so fortunate to be looking back over the past couple weeks knowing that Taye continues to make amazing strides. Coming back to our house on Thursday kind of felt like a "do-over" of our arrival with him on April 4th. I almost forgot that we had him in our house with us for 11 days before heading to the hospital.

Now that we've begun to digest the situation a bit more, we've been able to reflect a bit on the last couple weeks. Of course, most of our reflection seems to lead us back to April 15th. We've discussed how the timing of everything seemed to lead us to the best possible outcome imaginable on that day. From our decision of when to go to the pediatrician and when to go to ER, to the amazing coordination it took to get Taye the hospital he needed to be immediately. Any one of these things could have gone differently and very bad for us...and it's hard not to dwell on that...but we are grateful beyond words with how everything was handled.

As for Taye right now, he continues to do well. We're obviously a bit paranoid about the large soft spot that now exists on the side of his head, but it doesn't seem to phase him too much. He's been on the ground rolling over and only a few times has it been painful for him. We're getting more comfortable with handling him, but we're very aware when Mikias gets near him because there's that fear that he will fall on him or play too rough. So far so good! There was some concern that he would have anxiety about being upright and would feel off balance because of the brain shift, but he hasn't been bothered at all. What a trooper this kid is! Joanna commented that he is the strongest person she knows...and he's only 7-months old.

It seems now that we're starting to deal with some of the things we were working on a few weeks ago again...getting on a good eating/sleeping schedule, finding ways to comfort and soothe him, etc. There are so many considerations with attachment and bonding that were (obviously) thrown out the window while we were in the hospital, so we've been making an effort in that area too.

This week is extremely busy. We had an appointment with the pediatrician on Saturday. Tomorrow we see the ophthalmologist to re-check areas of concern in his eyes. On Wednesday Taye gets a follow-up CT scan and an MRI (with anesthesia) and then sees the neurosurgeon in the afternoon. I think his stitches will be removed this day too. Then on Thursday begins regular PT and OT appointments...these will start as twice per week and may be increased. Needless to say, Joanna is off from work all this week. Hopefully, we can gauge from all these appointments what our schedule will be and work from there.

I'll work on getting some more pictures of the boys up here so everyone can see how good Taye is doing. We continue to need your prayers as we travel through the recovery process and come to terms with the trauma we experienced. I know that coming so close to losing our little boy has been a drain on us mentally, physically, and emotionally, but every day has been better than the one before. And it's hard not to feel hope and happiness for the future when Taye flashes us one of his big smiles!

18 comments:

Wendy said...

You have all been through so much in a short amount of time. We're so glad that you are all home now.

Taye is definitely strong -- look at all of the progress he made over the last two weeks! The two of you are so strong, too, Joanna and Ben. You have shown so much strength and courage.

Good luck with all of the upcoming doctor appointments - sounds like you will be very busy.

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanna and Ben,
It sounds like you had incredible doctors and support staff at the hospital. Applause to them! Thank you again for continuing to keep us all informed of Taye's progress. ~Jackie Madacki

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for keeping us all updated. You are one amazing family, that's for sure! Continued prayers for Taye. If you or Ben need anything on the spot, I'm just a couple of corners away. ~Jen

Anonymous said...

Hi Ben and Joanna,

So happy to hear that your family is doing well. Good luck with all the doctor appointments. Our prayers continue.

Love, Mr. and Mrs. Unger

Anonymous said...

I continue to think and pray for all of you everyday. I don't want to be a bother, but want you to know that you are supported. I added your family's name to the pray list at church, and have been surprised to hear from many of my kitchen staff that tell me that their church is also praying for all of you. Taye is a miracle!

Love,
Caroline

DDanielle said...

I keep thanking God for how far he has come, but constantly pray for the road ahead. He is so strong, its just amazing how he is healing:-)

Anonymous said...

I echo what Caroline says. And even though I am far away, I constantly think about y'all. You are on at least 4 prayer lists around here that I know of- people continue to pray. Good luck with all the appointments!

-Alison :)

Anonymous said...

Hello from all of us! If you need anything, let us know. We are praying for you every day. Looking forward to more pics of the boys! Take care and take one day at a time.

Love,
Sue, Chaz, Caleb, Ethan, & Siene

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that Taye continues to progress. All of you will heal with time and soon this will be behind you. Good luck with the doctor appointments and PT.

Our prayers continue for all of you.

Mr. & Mrs. Lewandowski

Anonymous said...

I can't believe that it has been a month since our trip to Africa. I haven't had time to process everything that has happened this last month. However, I have processed the fact that Taye is one remarkable litr all of you. Trust that God is tle baby and that he has two remarkable parents. God is watching overight with you on the road ahead.

Love,
Mom K

Anonymous said...

It is so nice to read this wonderful post about your son. Many continued prayers and blessings for your entire family.

Peggy Casagrande

Beth & Rico said...

You don't even have to ask..Taye and the McKinneys will remain in our prayers until we are having some fun Ethiopian family get togethers again!!

Anonymous said...

Well, the message I left earlier seemed to get messed up. That is because I was using your brother's lap top and I am not use to working without a mouse. What I was trying to say is that I can't believe a month has passed since we left for Africa. I haven't been able to process everything that has happened this past month. I have processed that Taye is one remarkable little baby, who has been blessed with two remarkable parents. Trust that God is watching over all of you, and is walking by your side on the road ahead.

Love,
Mom K.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for writting again. It can be so tempting to get lost in everyday activities. Where is the time to update everyone? Thanks again for making the time. We look forward to seeing positive results continue to occur. Our prayers will keep coming. Beer Kitchen. WCS

Unknown said...

So happy to see this update. Sounds like things are continuing to improve and Taye is doing well. Although it is hard to see it at times, the hand of God is always present and in His time all will be revealed. I have faith that both your boys are with you purposefully and know that the journey, whatever it is, will be worthwhile.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news...and what a wonderful gift! God is surely keeping you all in His love and care. Rest well and know that prayers continue from North Carolina. Keith, Jo, Jessica & Alexandra

Anonymous said...

how is taye's doing? hope to see an update soon. prying

kelly wright said...

Yeah---I finally founhd the blog, and am now working on reading up on the events over the past month. I can't even imaginne all you guys have been through...God will use this for good and make your family strong. Blessings to you all. I LOVE the pictures...exp the top of the blog page.