We're Headed to Dallas

Some people are just so dedicated to posting new information on a regular basis. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them and I apologize for it. The last time I wrote, Carson we taking a trip to the ICU. Thankfully we are past that now and on to bigger and better things.

On a bright note, we’ve had few medical issues in the last 5 months. We’ve all been gearing up for our upcoming trip to Dallas for Carson’s first stage finger and toe separation surgery. The planning for this trip has turned out wonderfully. We received free plane tickets from American Airlines through the Miles for Kids in Need program. We also were awarded financial assistance for our hotel and food while in Dallas. My dad (Steve’s Dad) has been working in the background this whole time ironing out the fine details for travel. We will be getting private screenings at the airport here in SLC and in Dallas thanks to his efforts. We decided not to rent a car while in Dallas to save some money (the hotel offers free shuttle service to the hospital). We will be using a car service to get to the hotel from the airport also. We’re still waiting to hear about getting a portable oxygen concentrator for the plane ride (that situation could be a whole post in itself). Aside from that, we’re all lined up and ready to rock.

Carson has been growing and learning a lot lately. He can roll over now; front to back and back to front. He’s also done very well holding himself up on his arms while on his belly. His most recent trick is to mimic us when we smack our lips at him. He’s also found it enjoyable to “talk” to us. I’m not sure how he does it, but he’s found a way to force the air around his trach and make quacking noise out of his mouth. We call him our little duck.

It’s been a very difficult 10 months here in our home. There are so many adjustments that come with having a child with a trach and Apert Syndrome. Really, Apert isn’t all that hard to work with, aside from the doctor and hospital visits. It’s the trach that has been wearing us down. So much to do to keep him protected from illness and so much work to care for it. We look forward to the day he gets it taken out.

So we’re off to Dallas next week, as far as we can tell. Everyone here has been battling colds and fevers and our sitter for Avery (my mom), just broke her ankle two days ago. We could use some prayers that this all works out. At least we don’t have to do this again…..um….well only two more times this year. The first time is always the hardest, right?