Sunday, July 11, 2010

This past week


We’ve had a bit of a sad week, but it hasn’t been without its laughs and victories.

Last Sunday we spent time with various friends, at church and elsewhere, who have kids the same age as Cam. It’s often then that we notice things that Cam isn’t doing – things that other kids are doing. Like looking across a room for confirmation from mom that it’s ok to do something, or getting the route to the slide and up the ladder right first time, without needing to be shown. Some kids at a coffee shop playground teased him about his eyes, and one was even throwing rocks around (which Cam didn’t see coming).

On Monday I quickly went to my office and left Cam playing with Maria. When I came back in through the kitchen door he was there, but he didn’t recognise me until I spoke, which was sad. That same day, he tried to shove cheese up his nose, which was hilarious (though of course I sternly explained that this was not standard gentlemanly behaviour).

On Tuesday we went to the zoo with Granny and all Cam’s cousins and aunties. What he could see, he absolutely loved! Like the stripy zebras and tiger (contrast), and the seriously close-up horse, and the seal that kept swimming right up to the window. The rest was pretty heartbreaking for me, because he couldn’t see much else at all, and kept saying things like, ‘Can’t see; want to look closer,’ and ‘If only could touch the elly...’ He also ran excitedly right off a step he didn’t see. He got a big fright, but he did do a rather excellent barrel roll and wasn’t hurt at all. We’ve noticed that he actually doesn’t use his eyes at all when he runs – he looks up and doesn’t try to see the way ahead. It’s miraculous that he doesn’t trip or bump into stuff more than he does. Still, it was totally worth going to the zoo, because he had fun despite the quiet dawning of realisation that his cousins were seeing things that he wasn’t. The absolute highlight of the day was a red sucker from Aunty Coral (he is still talking about it).

Other breaking news is that Cam’s grommets have fallen out and he has had another middle ear infection this week. But praise God for his paediatrician, and banana-flavoured Augmentin. We’ll be paying another visit to his ENT in the next couple of weeks to see about another set of grommets. I also had a good chat to the paediatrician about our struggle with Cam’s sleep, and he was super encouraging and understanding. He gave us really sound advice and a way forward that makes sense, so we are feeling much more hopeful and at peace. Already we are getting in a couple of extra hours each night, so here’s hoping that by the time his baby brother arrives Cam will be snoozing all night...

‘The Lord your God is going ahead of you. He will fight for you...’ – Deuteronomy 1:30

Photos: our time at Sabi River Sun; Cam playing the piano for Dunx and Linda; Cam and Lola helping me do some filing...; the zoo.

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