It has been a rough few days here in the Buster household. Unfortunately, Ezra's belly did not enjoy the joy of soy as I had hoped. His poor little GI system is having such a tough time. After talking with Ezra's doctor yesterday we have decided to switch him back to his formula. Another adoptive mom had suggested this to me and I think it is for the best. The past few days he was in so much pain and I hated that there wasn't much I could do to help him in the short term. He did start saying "Mama" pretty consistently but it was hard to celebrate since he did it while squeezing my neck in pain. Luckily, he seems to be on the mend and last night was acting like his normal, goofy self as he pretended to sneeze. I kept saying "bless you" in a high pitched voice and I think he thought it was funny. Damon and I were both laughing pretty hard at Ezra's fake sneezes.
Last Friday I took Ezra to the adoption clinic for his 6 month follow-up and all the nurses there remembered him from when we first brought him home. (at least they told me they did.) They were impressed with how well he mimics and how much he seems to understand. I love that at our adoption clinic a lot of the nurses and aids have adopted themselves. One of the nurse practitioners was holding him while I put my coat on and Ezra was reaching for me. She commented how great it was that he preferred me. Most people outside of adoption circles don't usually notice that attachment stuff so it's nice that they are in the know. Side note: Have I mentioned that I think nursing is probably one of the most under appreciated professions? I really think I need to write an ode to nurses. The nurses at the adoption clinic and at our pediatrician's office have so wonderful and even with my own medical stuff I have consistently encountered nurses that I would consider to be angels. Thank you nurses of the world for being so amazing!
The bummer part about the results from his trip the clinic is that it looks like Ezra may have to do a 9 month antibiotic treatment as a precaution for a dormant TB germ. I was pretty upset when the nurse told me Ezra will have to get a chest xray. The thought of him being in a white tube by himself and not having any idea what is going on makes me want to cry. I know it will be over fast but Ezra does not even like it when they take his temperature. It will be an ugly couple of minutes for him and for me. I know there are far worse things so I will put my brave face on for him and maybe find a new toy to give him when it is over.
Adding to my frail emotions this week, there are some rumors swirling around about possible changes in Ethiopia regarding inter-country adoption. If you are not entrenched in the Ethiopian adoption community then you may not have heard about this. Basically the government ministry that oversees adoptions in Ethiopia is talking about drastically reducing the number of cases they would process a day resulting in major slow downs. My understanding is that government officials are meeting this week to discuss these changes. As I was telling my mom about these rumors over the weekend, I had to fight to hold back tears. There is absolutely the need for reform and there are most certainly agencies that are not acting in the best interest of all parties involved. It makes my stomach hurt knowing that birth families have been deceived. However, I hope the government can come to a resolution that will allow adoptions to move forward in an ethical manner without such drastic slow downs. The emotions of the adoption process are still very raw for me. This time last year we were anxiously awaiting our referral. There is a reason anxious is in bold. I was a mess. I can only imagine the fear and doubt that is creeping into the minds of families currently in process. I am trying to hold on to hope for them, the children and the people of the Ethiopia. Selfishly, I can't help but think of the diminished possibility of bringing home another son or daughter that shares Ezra's culture and ethnicity.
Here is a link to a sign a petition.
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Emily,
ReplyDeleteK Man is on month 5 of the TB antibiotics because he has possible exposure. He also had to get a chest x-ray, and it was very painless. I actually was able to stand right next to him while he had it. They did have to strap him down which made him cry, but I was able to talk to him and comfort him the entire time, which was helpful. Any way, if you have any questions let me know. I was freaked out when they told me he had been exposed, but his chest x-ray was normal so this is all precautionary. I can even give you tricks on giving him his daily meds. :)
I've been able to stand next to all my kiddos for their chest x-rays, too. So maybe it won't be so bad.
ReplyDeleteAnd Naka is on the TB meds. Our int'l ped recommended crushing up the pill form instead of liquid because she thinks it causes fewer stomach issues. No idea what that's based on, but we're doing it and haven't had any problems.
So glad he seems to be back to himself!
Will think positive thoughts for you and Ezra. BIG HUG.
ReplyDeleteYup. ANXIOUSLY awaiting a referral is where I am right now. 26 months in to our wait. Seriously. #3 on an unofficial "list." CLOSE. ANXIOUS. Then throw this in the mix? Literally, today I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Waiting and waiting and waiting for more news. Thanks for your thoughts...
My thoughts are with our sweet Ezra & his belly and little dormant TB germ. We love him....I'm hopeful that everything will be okay.
ReplyDeleteH had to have the same antibiotics for TB exposure and the same x-ray. We're here to tell you that you all will be fine! I remember feeling the same about him going in the x-ray machine, but it was painless and quick, so no harm done. H seemed to enjoy the taste of the antibiotics, so it ended up being no big deal, and honestly, I was grateful for the fact that it was a preventative to make sure that no TB came to be a problem in his life later on.
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