Ben's Recovery

Ben's recovery has been a little slower than we'd thought - though, to be honest, we had no idea what to expect.  Unfortunately, Ben and I both caught bad colds soon after we returned from our two-week hospital stay.  Ben quit eating and drinking for a few days, scaring everyone! But he is back on track, his appetite has returned as well as his interest in his toys and head hugs. Today, during the superbowl, we got belly laughs again - the highlight of my year!!
I think I underestimated the trauma the surgeries and hospital stay caused Ben. He's never wanted me to hold him so much. I don't think he left my arms for 3 days after we got home. We have two dear friends of the family who are both surgeons who have reminded me of the time it takes to recover from surgery (thanks Jerry and Phil!). It helps to put it all in perspective. Add to that the fact that Ben is now without a part of his brain...  I keep thinking of what he lost as "bad brain", brain that was causing him harm, but kind of difficult to wrap my head around nonetheless. He's less stable on his feet, which makes sense and we were told to expect, given that he lost part of his parietal lobe, Everyone is remarking on his daily progress in regaining stability, though, and we all know how plastic and amazing the young brain is - and, in fact, we are learning the old brain is also plastic so all of us "older" people need not despair!

Let's keep this beautiful child laughing while he relearns how to move his body in space.
Enjoy his laughter :)