RowanEmilia.com

I realized that I haven’t given an update on Rowan’s development in a while. Basically, she’s a typical toddler. She has tantrums, is STUBBORN, and manipulative. She’s not walking or pulling up yet, but the physical therapist is working on that. Rowan can walk behind a little push toy better but hasn’t figured out the whole “center of gravity” thing. Rowan doesn’t talk much. She reliably says about two words “dada” and “night night” but she signs a ton. Her speech therapist explained that there is something about Rowan’s palate that makes it hard for her to make certain sounds. Eh. Whatever. She has language, that’s the important thing.

As far as anyone can tell, Rowan is typical cognitively but is being held back by her body. Her therapists and her doctors are happy with Rowan’s progress so I am too.

Oh, and tube removal is scheduled. June 21.

Rowan goes to a playgroup on Tuesdays. A couple weeks ago one of the moms invited a photographer friend to take pictures. We have tons of pics that need to be touched up a little but here is one of my favorites.

I’m having a hard time getting good pictures of Rowan lately. She just won’t sit still long enough. Don’t worry, though, Shawn will be here next week!

Rowan had to be sedated for the first time for her echo. I couldn’t give her food or water for FOUR hours because of the possibility she would be sedated. For anyone who has seen Rowan lately, that is an eternity not to be fed. She was good and doped up for a few hours then it was like nothing happened. She just wanted her Cheerios.

I’ll post photos tomorrow! No need for threatening emails!!

Great Cardiology Update: Rowan’s heart is doing wonderfully! Better than the Dr had expected. The narrowing at her repair site on her arch appears to be LESS than it was six months ago. Her heart, which has been enlarged, is now going back to normal size. The Dr said he is “cautiously optimistic that she will never need to see the inside of the OR again.” This is HUGE for Rowan. Her heart is getting healthier.

Second Update: The Dr decided that Rowan’s feeding tube can come out! He emailed the surgeon who placed it and he said, “sure, have them schedule an appointment”. WOOHOO! Nobody else had been wanting to make the decision, they were all waiting on his (the cardiologist’s) OK, so there it is. Rowan will be tube free ASAP.