Playing Catch Up

It's been quite awhile since I last blogged, and I've received a few concerned emails. So I'll work my way backwards, and try to do a better job of updating :) Chase was especially fussy today according to nurse Cathy. I think he's just really tired. I hope he's not getting sick! We're still learning his cues. We still have some concerns with nurse Cathy. Her boss came over tonight along with a supervisor in training to do her bi-monthly evaluation. I explained how Cathy doesn't always leave Chase's HME on (the filter thing that goes over his trach) b/c she thinks he can breathe easier without it. But the doctor specifically said to keep it on or put him on his humidified air mask. Cathy got very defensive when confronted, it turned into a kind of heated argument, and Cathy threatened to leave Chase's case. As the tension rose, my blood pressure rose, and Chase could sense the stress and became really agitated. It wasn't pretty. We sort of worked it out. Cathy has a history of doing her own thing, sometimes against doctors orders. But we do feel that she takes great care of Chase, and puts his needs (or what she thinks are his needs) above all else. So Chris and I are trying to decide what to do.
This past weekend we had a 'Meet Chase Party' that was given by some family friends. It was great fun and wonderful to see so many friends and family. Chase did great, and loved all the attention. He thinks he needs to be constantly held now :) He loves all his new toys and outfits. We continue to be so thankful and amazed at the support, love, and friendship of so many! Words can't even describe it. Thank You!
This weekend we also took Chase to get his picture taken with Santa. I think the photographer snapped some good ones. I have yet to see them, but he was happy and bright eyed, and he's still too little to be scared of Santa :)
We had an orthopedic appt a couple weeks ago. Chase checked out great. They want to do a repeat MRI to look at his spine at the first of year. Hopefully everything looks good then. I try to think positive and not think too much about what will happen if the MRI scan shows that the spine stenosis is worse and they'll have to do surgery. But it's still in the back of my mind. We have several appointments coming up December 10th (Hearing/Speech, Opthamology, and Dr. Gratny).
All in all Chase seems to be doing great. He getting stronger and growing. We're hoping to get Infant Toddler Services set up soon so they can come out and work more on his development.
Here are some pics from the party:

Chase and his buddy Addie


Chase's Attendant, Scott, and Scott's other patient Keith






Cousin Greta and Chase


Chase and cousin Jack