Monroe-Meyer: One week down

We have been gearing up for the Monroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) since this past November.  It took forever to get everything okayed by insurance, and then we were further stalled by some testing to determine if Anders needed another fundoplication.  However, after consulting with our pulmonologist after Anders' impendence probe, we decided that it was time to start the intensive feeding program.  This meant that Anders would need to attend therapy sessions Monday through Friday from 9-5 for eight weeks in Omaha...which was going to be quite the challenge beings we live in Seward. I work in Columbus.  And Philip works in Lincoln.  However, the longer we waited, the further behind Anders would get.  We had learned from our therapists that Anders could possibly fall behind with his vocalization skills since he hasn't been taking much in orally.  (Isn't it crazy how everything is tied together?!)  So after conversing with my family, we decided we could make it work out. 

Anders' new home base is now with my sister and her husband in Omaha.  We are alternating who will be staying with Anders during the sessions and who is caring for him during the evenings.  Everyone involved in Anders direct care has spent time at Monroe-Meyer and has met Anders new therapists.  His day includes five sessions alternating between solids and liquids.  The are just finishing acquiring the baseline data and have started treatment.  As we knew what to expect after talking to many different people, we have transitioned rather well into our new routine.  We are planning on dropping Anders off on Sunday evenings at my sister's, they will take him in Monday and Tuesdays, and my mom will take Wednesdays.  When I'm done with work on Wednesdays, I will head to Omaha and take Anders to therapy on Thursday and Friday.  Quinn will be attending daycare in Seward and Philip is planning on keeping everything together there.  Total team effort.

So how is everything going after we have completed one week?  Pretty good. I am incredibly impressed with the therapists who are working with Anders.  They are caring and compassionate and work incredibly hard.  They have done an awesome job communicating with both Philip and myself when we have not personally been there during sessions.  In addition, I took Anders to a pulmonology appointment on Wednesday and had a great meeting with his lung doctor.  (We love him, by the way.  He has gone out of his way on numerous occasions to make sure that Anders is receiving the care that he needs.)  All in all--I feel that we have a great team working together for Team Anders.

Of course there are struggles and hardships that go along with all of this...I have not gotten to see Quinn much this week which absolutely breaks my heart.  I know that he is receiving good care, but it does not feel good to be in a different town than him.  I am also missing my husband.  It seems like we have been apart most of this week.

But I'm feeling incredibly hopeful for our future.  Anders is doing SO well.  He is on track physically and developmentally.  He has started saying new words.  He is incredibly social, happy, and loves interacting with others.  I have also noticed while observing therapy sessions that he is becoming very animated with his expressions.

Plus, I know, just KNOW that things will continue to get better for Anders. 

And just to throw in one running tidbit--I am feeling much better physically as of late.  I have decided not to focus on my speed for the remainder of the spring, but rather using running as a way to balance all of the craziness in my life right now.  I have now run at least one mile for 41 consecutive days. 

With no plans on stopping.

Here's to a  hopefully successful eight weeks at Monroe-Meyer.  And a big thanks to our family for making this possible for Anders.