Thursday, March 29, 2012

Anton might go home today!

Sorry I haven't had a lot of time to update the blog. Anton is doing SOOOO good! They started feeding him formula through his G-Tube on Tuesday and he is now up to his full feeds and tolerating them well! They were a little concerned that he might have refeeding syndrome since it had been so long since he had eaten but they are doing blood work before we go home to make sure he doesn't have it. If he doesn't have it we will go home today if he does have it we will be in the hospital for a few more days. 

 

Patrice left early yesterday morning and I miss her so much! Sandy, Courtney, Anita and Patrice were such an amazing blessing to have here the first week we were in the hospital. I couldn't have done it without them.

I also have to thank my amazing husband, he has been running around like a chicken with his head cut off taking care of us. He is working, coming to the hospital to see Anton and I, going to see Kenya and Judah at my Mom's, cleaning our house and washing our clothes. He has been AMAZING and I couldn't do any of this without him!

I wanted to also thank our families for all of the support they have given us and thanks to Momo and Gramps for watching Kenya and Judah while we are in the hospital.

Thank you to Jen also who has been coming to the hospital to see us then taking our laundry (including cloth diapers) home and washing them for us! I have lots of people to thank :)

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who has brought us food or sent us money for food. It has been so nice not to have to worry about getting food!

And a HUGE thank you to the ladies from our church who went to our house and cleaned it they said it wasn't bad but I am so glad it's done!

Jason and I did our first dressing change alone yesterday and it went great. Patrice helped me cut bandages before she left so that helped a ton. We did it in two hours and we both were talking about how much easier it was than we thought it would be. Anton did great and his skin is looking really good right now. He had a few spots that have been pretty infected for the past week but they are starting to clear up! 

Anton is the EASIEST baby EVER! He was only fussy the first two days we were here and after that he has been so good! He is playing, talking, and learning more signs everyday. He understands us when we talk, which has happened a lot faster than we thought it would. He can sign "more", "thank you", "please" and "help". He can make the animal noises for bear, pig, cow, elephant and monkey. He says "Mama", "Papa", "Oppa" (the way they say "uh-oh" in English, I think) and "Tom" (Russian for "there"). He is the most amazing little boy and he is such a gift to our family! 

Our hospital stay has gone great. I have really enjoyed getting to spend a lot of time with Anton and I haven't really gone stir crazy yet. I miss Kenya and Judah but I have gotten to see them a few times so that has helped. 




Anton is adjusting well, in fact we had our two week post placement visit with our social worker today and she said, "This is more than the honeymoon phase after a child comes home, he is really bonded to you." If he is upset he reaches out for me to hold him and he lays his head on my cheek and I just snuggle and comfort him. He cries if Jason or I leave him and he LOVES it when his Daddy walks in the room. He really is doing great! 

He is recovering well after surgery. He is in pain but seems for the most part to be tolerating everything really well! He is a trooper.



 

I don't think words could ever describe how God has worked on our hearts through all of this. I just praise Him more and more everyday for the amazing things He has done in our lives. Anton is such a gift, as all of our other children are, and I can't stop praising God for these amazing blessings! 

Thank you all for praying for Anton and for us! We LOVE you all and I pray more then anything that you would know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. Please take time to read the tab at the top of our blog that says "The Gospel" there is nothing more important than knowing where you will spend eternity and there is only one way to God and that is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. I love you all and pray that today you would be made right with God, there is no greater gift that you could receive then the gift of salvation.

LOVE you all so much!

21 comments:

The Buchanan Family said...

Great News! Anton looks like he is finally where he belongs-with a loving family! Prayers!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this update, Vanessa. It is priceless to see Anton smile. What a charming boy! Glad things are working out and also glad that you have a big family to support you. I was worried how your husband handled taking care of both kids and working, my wouldn’t be able to :). Glad your folks are there to help. BTW would you like me to send some of Russian cartoons your way? Would be glad to do it.. Let me know. - Lena, from MI

Anonymous said...

Very happy to read such a good news! It shows that Antosha is recovering. I am very glad to see that whole family s supporting you.. Great thanks to your mom who is helping a lot. Kisses from Switzerland

Gilda said...

Thank you for updating! I am super happy to hear he is doing so well. How can he not be he is so loved. Praying you get to go home soon!

Laura A said...

Praise God! So glad that Anton is doing so well, and praying that you'll get home very soon.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you!!

Love,
Laura (for Team A)!

Ani said...

Praise God! Hope Mr A is feeling better today and that you are able to go home soon to begin life as a family of 5!

Anonymous said...

So glad everything is going so good! Anton is just the cutest little boy!! That smile is precious!! So glad Anton has bonded so well to you and your husband!! He is one lucky little boy and you have one terrific family!!

- Ellen

Jamie said...

Anton is so cute! I am glad that he might be able to come home soon!!!!!



p.s. we hopped over from the blog hop!

Cheryl said...

Hello

I have followed Daylon, Bella and Tripp. Congratulations on getting Anton ! I am so glad things have worked out so well!

Anonymous said...

I notice he has his hands bandaged can I just ask why? I notice non of the other EB sweeties seem to have theirs bandaged? Just curious, you guys are awsome for all you do for this sweet angel!

Rachelle Feinland said...

Absolutely Beautiful!

sveta said...

Your family is amazing! We are all of you very much! You are a real family of Anton, and we are happy to see how happy he is with you! May God bless you, we admire you!

Annalien said...

I am so glad he is doing so well. He is such a cute little boy. And it is great news that he has bonded to you so quickly - obviously you were meant to be his parents!

I have a question, which you can decide whether you want to answer: I see Anton's hands are completely bandaged, while I know that Jonah's fingers are open or bandaged separately. Is Anton's fingers very blistered? Or had they have some damage in the past?

Praying that Anton is home soon. God bless!

Anonymous said...

Dear Vanessa, you are the best mother in the world!
Antoshka looks very happy. His smile melts my hearts and I love his eyes.
Thank you for taking good care of Antoshka and yourself :))
Many hugs,
Jane
New York

Anonymous said...

Vanessa,
so happy to hear these news! You are a true inspiration, a wonderful person, both you and Jason. You have been blessed with ANton, but he has also been blessed with you! I can't and don't even want to think about what the future would enhold for him, had he stayed in Russia. You are all amazing! sending love your way,
christiana, cyprus

Ren said...

So happy he is doing well and bonding with you guys! His little smile melts my heart. I hope you can go home soon.

Tracey said...

I just love Anton's little face!! He is just so expressionful!! My daughter is almost 2 and most of the pictures I have of her looking at me are her making the scrunch nose!! I love all the different faces and smiles Anton makes. And his eyes...soooo full of expression too!! It's probably a good thing his cheeks aren't allowed to be pinched cause I'm sure everyone would just want to pinch them!! (Trying to find a positive in a bad).

Thank God your family was able to adopt him!!

Jo said...

He looks so happy. You are brave and wonderful people.

Rochelle said...

Just so grateful that little Anton has a loving family! He is so darling. Those beautiful eyes, vibrant facial expressions and smile melt my heart! Much love, thoughts and prayers to you! Thank you for sharing your journey. I am humbled. God is in control and won't give us challenges greater than we can bear!

Raquel Rosenbalm said...

Just seeing how well he's doing and that he's finally with the family he's suppose to be with makes my heart so happy. :)

Jessica said...

Gorgeous boy! He really does deserve all of the hapiness in the world. I have utter respect for you for stepping forward and doing what you have done c: