Post 8 Month Miracle

More than two weeks ago Mia turned 8 months old. I didn't write a milestone post because we were having a hard time. She wasn't progressing at all. In fact, she was regressing. A lot.

It's hard to explain my feelings towards my daughter having Spina Bifida. Basically, I hate it, but I love her. My choices were,
1. Not having Mia at all
2. Having Mia with Spina Bifida and all the challenges that come with it

I am so glad I chose option 2. It can be so hard sometimes, but I would never give her up. She brightens up my day! I would do it all over again, even when it's hard.

My cute little Wonder Woman!

For the past month Mia has been regressing baaaad! She had the upper-body strength of a newborn or a 3 month old. She could not hold her head up for longer than a minute. Could not do tummy-time for a minute either and any position was just too uncomfortable and hard. 

Also, for the life of her, she could not eat solids. Any time we tried, she would throw up a ton! It wouldn't even go all the way in her mouth. As soon as it touched her tongue it was, see ya later food!

So, when 8 months came along, there was nothing good to report and I just wanted to enjoy her smiles, and giggles. Also, I was trying to come to terms with everything that is coming and I just couldn't bring myself to write about it. 

During Spina Bifida clinic, she was seen by the Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist. Like always, the Neurosurgeon acted like a robot and left. But everybody else was concerned with Mia's lack of movement in her upper body and lack of interest in eating solids. She also wouldn't put any toys in her mouth. When doctors get as concerned about something Mia has as I am, I get even more concerned because I knew something was wrong. 

They ordered a sleeping study, a swallow study and a sedated full-body MRI. These will be done in November and beginning of December and we'll get better results then. 

This past weekend though, we've been seeing miracle after miracle! I felt like I needed to write about it.

Friday November 4th: Mia played with a pretzel licked it with her tongue AND didn't throw up!!

Saturday November 5th: Mia put a toy in her mouth for the first time EVER!! She didn't touch it just with the tip of her tongue, NO! She full on put it in her mouth and played with it!

Monday November 7th: Our physical therapist came over to our house. Mia lasted the whole hour!! She didn't even cry! We worked on rolling, tummy time, and sitting! The therapist evaluated her and she is now at a 6 month level in upper body strength AND working on some 5 month motor skills!! 

I am SO happy! I mean, going from 3 month old strength to 6 month old strength in a few weeks, it's a big deal. She still can't hold her head for super long. But she can do it longer than before and that is fine by me! 

She is almost rolling over. She is getting better at grabbing toys! Her hands are opening up a little bit more, she's not as fisted as before. 

We also worked on a new move. Going from her side to sitting! The therapist led her through the entire thing. But, she loved that exercise. 

Also, her language is almost at 8 months! WAH-BAM!

Sometime this weekend, she started screaming! I feel like her personality is finally coming out! She now gets frustrated because she can't move how she wants to. So, if she's laying, sitting, or facing the same direction for longer than she wants, she complains and screams. It's hilarious and annoying. But I am so proud of her!! Is it weird that I like her screaming because it's annoying? That's a "regular baby" thing and I am so happy! 

Watch my sweet baby roll! Way to go Mia!!