I almost forgot one of the most awesome things that happened last week. As many of you know, Hannah, who will be 2 next month, was born w/ a cleft palate & had to have surgery last May to repair the palate. Babies born w/ cleft palates aren't able to suck because there is a hole in their mouth (like you can try to suck from a straw w/ a hole in it, but you don't succeed.) We had to feed her as a baby w/ a special bottle that we had to squeeze. The only sippy cups that she has been able to use are those w/ a soft top that she could squeeze w/ her mouth to get our her milk. We went through a lot of these because she would bite the nipple part.
Well, last Saturday, I left early to work on VBS. Dh & kids followed later. Dh left the baby's cup at home. We grabbed a quick bite on the run. Since Hannah did not have her cup, dh took a straw & put it to her lips. After a few times, he noticed some suction. He then put the straw in the cup, & after about 20 seconds, Hannah sucked up the tea. She was shocked. We were shocked. All prior attempts had failed. But she succeeded this time!!!
Well, we immediately went & got her a regular sippy cup. And she was able to suck from it, too. She doesn't like it as much, because she has to work at it. But we don't dare go back & give her the other cup. She needs the practice.
Needless to say, I've been telling everybody, after 2 years, my baby can suck!!!
I have a nephew who was born with a cleft palate...his big struggle was speech. Until he was around 2 years old, the only name he could say was "Laura" (DH's aunt). So that was everyone's name for about a year or so, lol!! He's now 12 years old and doing great - talks (talks back, at least!) a little too much for his own good now...
While I wouldn't wish any hardship on anyone - it is great to be reminded now and again that God is still in the miracle business!!
God bless you on your job interview, and your DH as he starts his new job with the crazy hours (been there, done that....it is hard work, but if you make sure to coordinate your days off with each other as best as you can and keep them absolutely sacred - turn the phones off if you have to - it can be done!!).
...... Then they came for the Catholics, and I was a Protestant, so I never said anything. And then, they came for ME, and there was no one left to speak up. Martin Neimoller, German Pastor, WW2
