A Tribute to Leo by Tyler

Today is Leo's 2nd birthday. Tyler had to write 1 paragraph for his writing class. He could choose the topic. Any topic. He chose Leo. It just so happened that he wrote this paragraph today on Leo's birthday so I thought I would share it.

Loveable Leo 

Tyler Shafer 

April 30, 2012 

 Leo is an extremely cute and loveable baby. Because of Leo’s genetic syndrome, which is called wolf-hirschhorne, Leo has to catch-up developmentally. When Leo was put up for adoption, he was adopted by the Shafer Family. The Shafer’s were as lucky as someone who had won the lottery. Leo has lots of therapists which come weekly because they teach Leo helpful skills. Leo makes very cute sounds. We want him to talk but he has some speech difficulties. Leo is very loveable. 

 I love Tyler's perspective. He loves his brother. So often we are told by well meaning people that Leo is so lucky to be a part of our family. I LOVE Tyler's perspective- in his own words- he says- "The Shafer’s were as lucky as someone who had won the lottery." We are the blessed ones. So, if you want to know what it feels like to win the lottery consider adoption. You will be the one blessed as you forever change the life of a child who needs a family.

 

 Cake decorated by Amanda

 Leo and Pop-pop

 Leo standing guard over his presents!

Introducing Leo Moses Shafer....

Introducing Leo Moses Shafer! An awesome experience in court!

cardio update

I have decided nothing is clear cut with Leo.  I left the appointment a little frustrated.  Here is what we know.  The hole has not closed.  It is not a little hole.  It is a big hole which means open heart surgery.  They will not do the surgery until Leo gains weight.  Children with wolf-hirschhorn syndrome gain weight slowly. So we wait. 

Because nothing is clear cut with Leo we left the office with Leo connected to a 24 heart monitor.  Apparently, they didn't like that the results of the heart monitor tests done in October and December don't agree so we are doing a third test.  The hole in his heart and the problem that showed up on the first heart monitor test are not related, so basically two heart problems but the second supposedly can be managed with medication.   

On a happy note ~ we go to court on Wednesday!