CHERUBS Web Page Header Photos

[StephanieOlivarez]

Yes--the key to remember is all CDH babies will develop different. But you are SO right---it is nice to hear of other CHERUBS successes.
Shelby is 17 months old and weighs 18pds 13 ounces. She started walking at 16 months and just this last couple of weeks...is walking more than crawling. Shelby started crawling around 10 months-that's when our DT said his work with Miss Shelby was done. Right now for 17 months old- she is developmental there---we are just lacking the eating issue. She eats nothing by mouth and seems to get sick a lot here lately....so the weight issue stays steady with her.
We had a DT come to the house once a week when Shelby was 6 months old to about 10 months. He was great. Do you have a DT for David?
I feel strongly about Shelby having big sisters and watching them walk...well she wanted to be with them---so now she is off!!!!

Nicole- David has come this far. He will crawl and I hope you are granted your Christmas miracle this year. Give it time and David crawling and YES walking will all come in time. I promise
You have to promise--when David does crawl---you let us know!!!!
If yu have any more questions-do not hesitate to ask.

[LiseDill]

I have heard so often that we all grieve in different ways. Even tho our baby isnt' here our grief is pretty evident. But those who have a living child w/ challanges grieve as well.
I love Cherubs because of the compassion we all feel.
I can fully understand your apprehension to 'show him off'.
Sheri came to my house w/ Jax and she told me how she basically hole dhim up as well. Any little cough sent her into a frenzy.
I totally get it.
( and he really is just precious!)

[StephanieOlivarez]

Lise,I think that is so cool that you and Sheri live so close together.
Jax is so darling!!!!
Where has Sheri been? Miss her posts.
Everyone that has been affected by CDH suffers in theri own way.
If I could take the pain all away.....oh by the good Lord... I would take it all away.

[CristaHavar]

Oh Kara, I can really feel with you! Hang in there, one day........... Your baby boy is really really adorable and you can share as many pictures as you like so we can ohh and ahh over him

Stephanie, I love the way you put so much personality into your posts. I can almost hear your voice when I read them, even though we have never actually talked!

I just wanted to say how good it feels to see Rebecca's picture up there every time I open the site. There are times when all that happens seems like a bad dream and not real. But then I see her picture and it reminds me, she is real, she exists. I can't really explain how much good that does for me.

Hugs from Germany,
Crista

[LiseDill]

Is Rebecca up there too???Tell me where.

Yep, sheri came here to Tulsa from Texas w/ her 3 chidlren. My 16 yr old and her 17 yr old made such a cute couple!!!
And Jax was so sweet to Emmie.
She's remolding her house and it's not going so great.

[NicoleRaucher]

Thanks Stephanie about the words of encouragement for David. I think I mentioned before I am a really really nervous mom. I think I am still kind of shell-shocked about everything that has happened to us this year. I am worried for David's future so I LOVE hearing the success stories about the other Cherub babies on this site. I take so much strength from hearing the success stories of these little guys. ESPECIALLY to hear from you and Kara that your children are developmentally on track. I know there is nothing holding David back and that his surgery was much later than most of the kids on this site (he was in the hospital months 4, 5 and 6) , but I am scared we will always be running to doctors, therapists, etc. Yes, we have a number of therapists -- OT, water therapy, cranial sacral, feeding therapist and developmental specialist. A LOT, I know. David also has an older sister (almost 5) who is constantly running around -- so I hope he gets the hint quick quick.

He is a total love, but I am scared everyday I can't take care of him or get him where he needs to go in life. Everyday I get up and pray I have the strength to be a good mom to him. It is very hard, but then I think of how far he has come. My mom is amazing and picks me up off the emotional floor constantly. This site has also been very helpful to me -- I love hearing about the successes of the babies who have survived (I also feel so much for the parents whose kids have not -- an absolute tragedy -- and the strength they have to continue on). I am thrilled Shelby is doing so well -- the feeding will come -- my feeding therapist says it is the hardest thing to get kids off the g-tube and feeding orally, but it does happen. I send you my best wishes for continued improvement in the eating. Please make sure to updated on how Shelby is doing and THANK YOU for sharing your successes regarding Shelby -- It really means a lot to know how well some of the other kids are doing.

[StephanieOlivarez]

Shelby's test went GREAT today. She was at a Stage 3 reflux now she is at a Stage 1. So she has improved.
The urology doc recommened we put Shelby on some Pedisure with fiber. We will try that and hope we can keep the UTI's away.
I am so relieved and feel so much better the test is over. Bless Shelby's heart....she cryed the whole time. We will go back in a year to do it again...but she will be older.

Nicole you please do the same and keep posting about David.
It is natural to be scared. I am scared to!!!Everyday of my life with Shelby- because the hardest thing is not knowing what could happen next.
You being scared and concerned about your son--SHOWS you are a great Mom.
It is hard to stay strong when so much has happened to our babies.
God will not give us something we cannot handle (this has become one of my favorite sayings).
If I can do anything for you or answer any questions- you just ask.
There are so many successes here at CHERUBS---and you are so right....it does mean a lot to hear the stories--gives great hope.

Shelby keeps up with her three sisters and David will do the same with his sister!!! I bet he will crawl before Christmas.

[LiseDill]

Congratulations on such a positive appointment. I really love reading about these sucess stories. They are so encouraging to new parents

[karahess]

Hurray for Shelby. That's great news Stephanie! I bet you feel better getting that all over with. Ah, poor Shelby cried the whole time! Maybe God misheard me when I said "please help Shelby not to cry the whole time." Yeah, that's it. He must have thought I wanted her to cry the whole time.

[StephanieOlivarez]

It is SUCH a relief.
That's funny about Shelby crying. I of course cryed the whole time to...it really hurts not to be able to take away the pain.
I don't know how Adam acts around docs---Shelby cries even when a doc walks in the room. When they come to touch her, now that is a nightmare!! I wish she understood that they are only there to help. I think when she is older she will be more calm. But then again maybe not.