Fletcher Updates

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I know this update is long overdue and I have a lot to tell you all. The last time I sent an update Fletcher had had surgery on his right eye, had a bad ear infection and was about to have a CT scan of his head. Well, the eye surgery didn't really seem to do anything, as a matter of fact you can't even tell he had surgery except for the scar! The doctor says it is because of the nevus (his skin condition), it seems these days that a lot of things are getting blamed on 'The Nevus'. Fletcher's ear infection did clear up after a round of antibiotics, but he'll probably always have problems because 'The Nevus' goes down into his ear! As for the CT scan, the lesion is still there but it has not changed at all. Which is great, because all the doctors say we would be hard pressed to find anyone who would do a biopsy on Fletcher because of his many issues. And it's probably 'The Nevus' anyway! :) Okay, enough sarcasm from me!

Fletcher is doing well. He is still going to class each day and has speech, physical and occupational therapy many times a week and sometimes several therapies all in one day! When Fletcher works with his speech therapist she brings a bottle and some food and I have now fed him about four times. He signs 'more' when he wants another bite! It feels so great being able to feed and communicate with him. In physical therapy he stands in the stander several times a week and his therapist comes to his unit in the afternoons and works with him there on sitting up, rolling over and laying on his tummy. His head control is getting better and his tolerance for sitting, rolling and laying on his tummy is getting better. He still can't do any of these things by himself but he's sure working hard to get stronger! We sure are proud of our little guy! Fletcher has also gotten really good at throwing a ball, he loves to play ball with his daddy and papa. We're also starting to see a little ornery side in Bubba, which is really quite cute! He is so fun and brings us so much joy each day.

As you all know last year Fletcher spent his first Christmas and birthday in Baptist hospital. Well, this year we will bring Fletcher home for his first overnight stay. Craig and I are both excited and scared to bring him home! We know the Lord is our strength and He will get us through our visit, but we'd still appreciate your prayers. Also, EMSA will be transporting Fletcher home and back to the Center. EMSA wanted to do something nice for a child at the Center and we were asked if we'd like to be a part. We are glad to have the help, because it's not the easiest thing in the world to get him home on our own. Apparently the media will be involved and News 9 will do a story on our trip home for Christmas. My prayer is that when these people meet Fletcher that they will be blessed by him and his very sweet and fun personality. Sometimes when we're in public people make comments about feeling sorry for 'that poor baby' and I always think, if you only knew him you wouldn't feel sorry for him because he is precious! Please pray for us on Christmas Eve and day that it would be a sweet time at home, all of us under one roof, Fletcher waking up in his home on Christmas morning with his sisters will be such an amazing blessing for all of us. Thank you all for always being so faithful about praying for us, we always need it!

As for Fletcher's birthday we'll have party at the Center for Fletcher on his birthday, December 30th, you're all welcomed to come if you'd like! I can't believe he's almost 2 years old! We hope you all have a great Christmas and that you treasure your time with your families.

Much love,
Craig & Denise