Sunny

The sun has been shining bright on the Littlejohn house lately. We had another fantastic week. Meltdowns after transitions have been few and far between. When she does have one, we ask her to go to her room and she usually goes willingly to get herself calmed down. Bob and I just kind of look at each other like "is this really happening?". I'm so proud of her and how far she's come.

She spent a couple of nights with Bob's folks last weekend and Bob and I were both dreading the few days after her return. Generally they are filled with giants sobs and an inability to cope with anything. This was not the case this time and makes us realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even though we've been told this would happen and she would begin to understand more, it doesn't seem like it will ever happen when you are going thru it.

Once we picked up Payton and Koen after being gone for a couple of nights, I sat in the back seat and watched Payton stare at Bob for nearly an hour and a half trip in the car. Not just a typical stare, but a stare that looked like she hadn't seen Bob for years. She was studying his face and asking him to smile a certain way. I've never seen anything like it. It was almost mysterious, like she was memorizing every freckle, every crease. In articles, I've read about babies with ws....how they look more at faces and really gaze. Payton did that as an infant, but this is the first time I've seen her do it this much lately. She had me mesmerized.

Life is simple at our house. We spend nearly every evening at home - usually outside. Koen is typically riding his little three-wheeler, playing baseball, or swimming while Payton is usually sitting at my side using her daddy's iPhone to listen to different train signals. I sometimes get sad that she's not up and playing with her brother more often, but the sound of train signals for some reason is something that really makes her happy. And it also seems to help her relax - just sitting there doing her own thing. I'm sure some would call us quirky, but we are enjoying our peaceful evenings - even if it does include train bells :)

Sleep actually exists at our house now! Just going on mother's instinct, I believe the major cause of Payton's sleep issues were blood pressure. This past weekend she was complaining of her eyes hurting (which for her, is the clue that her blood pressure is up) and sure enough, her blood pressure was high and her sleep (and behavior) was 'off'. On one hand I am so happy she is feeling better and sleeping better and on the other hand, I feel sad for her that for five years she was miserable and we just couldn't get a good reading to know why. But - I can't think about the past....I'm just so incredibly thankful she feels better now!

Before I sign off here, I just want to ask you to please keep Avery and Michaela in your prayers. Avery is recovering in ICU and Michaela had an MRI last week. I know their families could use all the support and prayers they can get.