On Monday, we took Owen to a new GI specialist. There are several reasons why we switched doctors, and it's kind of a boring story, so I won't post it on here. I was very impressed with his new doctor! He really listened to us, and seemed to
get what it's like to live with a kid like Owen. We are trying to figure out what reflux medicine he should be on right now, since he didn't do well without any medicine, and that has been kind of complicated. We are doing Nexium again, but he just won't swallow the stuff. I can't say I'm surprised. A kid who turns down cake and other treats is certainly not going to be willing to drink a gritty suspension! I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor as to what they want us to do since we are having trouble with the Nexium.
I wish that we were just out of this stage. I wish that he would just eat food like other kids, and drink milk (or formula even!) out of a sippy cup. He won't hold his own bottle. Eating is just so passive for him. He still drinks bottles every few hours like a newborn. He eats three bites of something and then stops. I
know that he is not going to be like this forever, but some days, eating real food seems like a milestone that is going to elude us. Especially when I'm checking out at Target with two $27 cans of formula (which will last us just under a week).
But then, God is always faithful to remind us of His provision. We have a great dietician and feeding specialist that we are working with, and they are both so patient with my many phone calls. They are also some of the very best in their field, so we know that we are getting good help.
Last year, when Jordan lost his job, it looked from our perspective like the worst thing that could happen. But now he is making more money at his new job, and we have had enough to pay for all of our medical bills and formula expenses.
I am ashamed to say that I have so much trouble trusting God's provision when He has proven Himself faithful time and time again! I tend to expect the worst, when God is using every situation to accomplish the very best.
On Monday night, I went to go fill Owen's Nexium prescription (which I knew would not be cheap). Instead of being filled with anxiety over the bill, I was praying that God would show us how He was going to provide for this additional expense. When I got home, Jordan went to the website for the manufacturer of Nexium and found a savings card that we could print right from the site! If we stay on Nexium (we may not), we can use this card next time and save a percentage of the cost!
So all this to say... I would love for Owen to start turning around. I am thankful that he drinks his bottles well, because that has definitely not always been the case. But most importantly, I am finding myself appreciative of the humility that comes out of trials over which one has no control. I can't arrange my life at the moment, because the variables are not up to me, but I can find rest in the One who works all things according to His purposes. I know that His purposes are
good. He does not provide all that I
want, but I wouldn't want Him to. I don't know enough to know what I should want!
"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD we have an everlasting rock."
Isaiah 26:3-4
Because of it being VBS week, we didn't do a big celebration on Aidan's actual birthday. We did have taco salad for dinner (his choice!) and then played outside in the sprinkler. I'm happy to see that life is still pretty simple when you're 7!
On Saturday night, we celebrated Aidan's birthday with Grandpa Packard since their birthdays are only two days apart.
Opening a new Woody toy from Grandma and Grandpa. He's so cool - just like the movie one with the pull-string and everything.
