Brain.

As I do more research about the brain, I become increasingly more convinced that we were designed. I'm not saying that I had huge doubts but WOW. It's really incredible, actually. Stop and think about it. The fact that you can THINK ABOUT IT, is miraculous. No one would look inside at the intricate gears of a watch and think it just somehow evolved from metallic ooze. How much more incredible is the human body? So, anyway. The brain. Jack's brain, specifically.

We had a follow up appointment this AM with Jack's neurologist about the results from his MRI back in July. I'm going to try and explain it without using the brainish jargon that I can't even spell anyway. As you know, the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body... well, the left side of Jack's brain is 'abnormal'. It has thinner folds and more folds than the right side. The left ventricle, which holds spinal fluid, is larger than the one on the right side which also means that the white matter around the ventricle is thinner. Somehow while he was forming in my womb, possibly from a lack of blood, the left side of his brain didn't develop normally. As weird as is sounds to have an asymmetrical brain, he really is quite 'normal'... I mean, you can't expect a kid that cute and smart to have everything going for him, right? :-) We are glad to have a diagnosis - Cerebral Palsy - because it at least explains the reason for his right side weakness.
So, what does this mean for his future? It's hard to be certain about that - with Jack or with anyone for that matter. With PT and OT, he should gain most, if not all, range of motion and dexterity on his right side. We are so thankful it is nothing serious or life threatening!

Yesterday I started Jack's Constraint Therapy - the binding of his 'good' hand to force him to use his weak hand. At first he kept looking at it all wrapped up saying, "All done! All done!", but then he began to adapt. However, instead of using his right hand to pick up objects he used his mouth! He's inventive at least! We'll continue to do this Constraint Therapy for two hours a day for eight weeks. Fun times!


As I've mentioned previously, this is a minor developmental disorder and nothing compared to the many children who have to live with severe disabilities.
Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words!

- I'll leave you with this super cute face -