The Ferguson Family

When Life Throws You An Unexpected Left in the Road Called Life!

Hello all my blogging friends! Wow how busy our life has been the past few months! This is one reason our blog has remained lifeless since the high chair incident! J

The Ferguson household has definatley not been lifeless! We have been busier than ever, many blogging entries for sure if time would allow! But I did want to take the time to tell everyone what has news we have received concerning Luke. The easiest way I have been able to tell everyone is through an email that Matt sent to his very concerned friends at work, so please excuse the copy and pasting!

Long story short…..

A couple of weeks ago, at a routine checkup, the doctor was not pleased with Luke’s (my 18 month old son) development. To begin eliminating possible causes, an MRI was ordered. Luke had the MRI yesterday. Today, we found out that the results show that Luke suffered some sort of brain damage. Either in the pre-natal stage or during his stay in NICU at birth, we may never know the cause. The damage is small, but is effecting Luke’s development. One of Luke’s biggest hurdles is his lack of muscle tone. While he can crawl and pull up to his knees, he’s not able to stand or walk. After consulting with a  neurologist, the doctor has determined that Luke’s brain damage and lack of development are pointing towards cerebral palsy. This could mean a variety of things, CP effects different people in different ways. At this point, even though the results point to CP, nobody is ready to label Luke with anything. (including Jennifer and I) We’ve agreed that the best form of treatment is intensive physical and speech therapy. Once he’s been in therapy for a while, we’ll be able to see how far he will be able to progress.

We don’t know much, but we do know we have a long road in front of us. Our hope is that, with PT, Luke will adapt and one day learn to walk and talk like everyone else. The good news is that Luke’s brain damage isn’t regressive, he can only improve from here.

Right now, Jennifer and I are obviously emotional as we adjust to a new definition of “normal”. (Ironic as we do a series called “normal”, kinda like 10,000 spoons when all you need is knife) I wanted to fill everyone in for two reasons.

1. So that if I randomly burst into tears, you won’t think I’m going through menopause.
2. So that you can pray for Jennifer, Luke, and I. Pray that Luke will get into a PT as quickly as possible. Pray that Jennifer and I will strengthen our minds against attacks from the enemy. Pray the Luke will respond to therapy and there would be no lasting effects of this “damage”.  Pray that God will use all of this for his purpose and glory.

It has been about 2 weeks since this email was sent to so many friends and family, Matt and I have been through so many emotions. I think the one emotion we feel almost daily is the one of God’s protection and peace about the future. Due to Luke’s prognosis, we don’t know very much and probably won’t for a while. Now there are good things and bad things that go with this. Some days have been WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON, but most have been, ok, one step at a time!

Luke has been getting some occupation therapy a few times a month since July of last year with ECI (Early Child Intervention). Starting this week, we will get private OT, PT and speech therapy, hopefully on a weekly basis to really help him catch up! We are also finally in with a VERY specialized doctor that will answer some questions, sadly our appointment is set for August 31^st (yes, you read that right AUGUST! J )

But even with such shocking news that hit the Ferguson household there isn’t a moment that goes by that we aren’t SO THANKFUL for our Luke! It seems just as we received this news about Luke, he has gained SO much personality and is really starting to do some funny things! You can’t get too sad when hang out with our little guy! So if you are reading this and are feeling a little sad, come on over and play with Luke and your concerns will melt away!

I am sorry for this heavy and long blog entry, as we find out more about Luke we promise to keep everyone updated… and I also promise to have some funny Matt blogs soon to cheer this blog on up!

Matt v. High Chair

I can only assume that this blog post was bound to occur at one point or another.

As Luke becomes more mobile (finally), one can only imagine that the number of head bumps, falls, and close calls will only increase. However, this morning was not a close call. It was the real deal.

To ensure that my candidacy for the Father of the Year award would remain valid I kept Luke up an extra hour last night. (Jennifer was at a Girl’s Night dinner) My hope was that Luke would sleep late on my day off. So at 9, as Luke and I leisurely rolled out of bed to begin our “Just Us Men” Day (otherwise known as every Friday), we were trying to decide whether we should cruise chicks at the grocery store or tune in to the World’s Wildest Police Chases marathon. Around 10, I put Luke in his high chair for breakfast. Cheerios, milk, bananas, all of Luke’s favorites, were piled high on the tray and Luke began to double fist his breakfast. Seeing that this was “Just Us Men” Day I chose not to use the manufacturer provided straps. Those two small straps of fabric were for girls. Men don’t strap other men into chairs. He needs to be able to move freely and conquer his breakfast appropriately. So at 10:15 with breakfast over, I began to clean up the tray, wipe Luke down, and remove the last piece of banana out of Luke’s nose. As I was asking Luke how said banana became lodged in his nostril, I reminded myself that he was not strapped in. (Luke is a leaner. He’ll Geronimo at the first chance he gets.) As I was unlocking the tray, our dogs began scratching at the back door and doing the ‘gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now’ dance. I replaced the tray and went to open the door for the dogs.

I’m sure you all know what happened next. Just as I closed the door and turned back towards Luke I saw that he had successfully pushed off the tray as it hit the tile floor. Like any good Dad I started shouting for Luke to lean back as I ran the, what felt like, 10 miles between us. (In reality it was less than ten steps) Luke was already mid air and I wasn’t even close enough to catch him. All I could do was run, scream, (and smack the fire out of my shin on the coffee table) as Luke landed on all fours and then, eventually, his forehead.

Now we’re all screaming; Luke, myself, even the dogs are howling outside at all the commotion. I scoop up Luke and strip him down, trying to look for blood, bruises, swelling, I’m not even sure what all to look for. I grab my phone and call Jennifer. She answers. I can hear kids screaming in the background. (This isn’t going to end well for me.) She can hear Luke. I tell her that Luke fell out of the high chair. She begins to tell me what to do. Ice pack, check his eyes, did he vomit? That’s when I finally understand I’m not talking to my wife. I called the wrong Jennifer. I called Jennifer Day. My boss at work. In this case, that might be okay seeing that Jennifer Day’s husband is our pediatrician. She tells me what to do, encouraging me that Luke’s bump is swelling out not in. And then I ask the final question, “What do I say to my wife? She’s going to freak out! I’m in so much trouble” Her advice, “tell her exactly what happened, and then do whatever she says for the rest of your life.” I laugh feebly.

The actual call to my wife is not as dramatic. (In my mind, I’ve already concluded that Jennifer’s anger will eventually lead her to bring legal action against me. And in my luck, we’ll wind up on Judge Judy.) I try to calmly state what happened, report Luke’s condition (by this point he’s stopped crying and is totally engrossed in his spaghetti table) and then try to listen. I’m told to call the nurse. My heart is racing because I know the next question. “Was he not strapped in?” So I did what any grown man of 30 years old who, by the way, can grow a beard, would have done.

I cried. I cried like a middle school girl meeting a Jonas Brother.

I cried as I apologized. And then I snot and snort as I think about how this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind for “Just us Men” Day.

Jennifer is very understanding, explains that it was an accident. It was bound to happen. “Make sure you call the nurse. Then call me back.”

The nurse talks me through what happened. She assures me we are in the clear. Watch for vomiting. Watch how he acts this afternoon. Give him Motrin. If there is anything out of the ordinary, bring him in. If not, learn to use the straps next time.

So now, as we venture out on “Just Us Men” Day, we’re not cruising for chicks, looking to adopt a puppy, or even looking at video games.

Instead, we’re going out to buy roses for mom, some Xanax for dad, and a helmet for Luke.

Yup, just us men.

This Proves It…..

You can the boy out of Tennessee but you can’t take the Tennessee out of the boy.

 -M

Finally something to blog about!!!

Hello blogging world, it has been awhile! Sadly, since Christmas the Ferguson family hasn’t had much to blog about. We snuggled in and had a very relaxing Christmas break and just hung out with each other. School and work started back and other than Luke being sick for almost 8 straight days. We again, didn’t do much. We happen to join our church staff and church in a 21 day Daniel Fast which was a FIRST for Matt and me. We usually don’t deny ourselves meat, caffeine, dairy, friend foods and SUGAR! It was a hard 20 or so days. We both learned a lot and we may even blog about it. I am very proud of Matt and me. It was a good thing we waited to blog AFTER the fast, b/c our blog entries might have been something like… I need a cake, I need a DP, and I need a HAMBURGER. We didn’t want to bore you, so we refrained…. Now on to the big news!

About 6 or so months ago, we realized our dinosaur of a TV in our bedroom was losing its color and starting to slowly go. Sadly it was only 6 and ½ years old. Odd, I know, TV’s are made like they used to be I tell you! Matt and I actually matured a little with our old age and decided to save our money and buy a TV. We patiently waited until after Christmas, saved most of our money, and for the past month have been scouring the ad’s looking for a good deal for the TV. After 3 Saturday’s of looking, the clouds aligned and the angels started singing and we found a great deal on a really nice TV. I think what sealed the deal was while we were in Best Buy, our third store for the day, Luke started to get fussy. Matt and I were thinking we were going to come back after nap time and really not wanting too. The next thing I knew, Luke had passed out in his stroller. I was shocked! Luke NEVER sleeps in public! It was awesome. So while my pretty boy slept, Matt and I asked our questions, text our computer/TV savvy friend Jarrod a million times, talked about our big purchase (like grown- ups do!) paid for our TV, and loaded the car. The whole time Luke never stirred. Even better, he promptly fell right back asleep when we got home, which let us set our new TV up! (Dang, I love that kid!)

So it was a good Saturday for the Fergusons. Matt got to do one of his favorite things (i.e. spend over an hour in Best Buy and buy a BIG purchase at the same time) and I don’t have to spend anymore Saturday’s looking for our bargain! Ah, what a good day!

One Proud Mama!

I have some friends that are very eloquent writers and can write some blogs that can make you cry and weep like a 4 year old. Inside I am feeling that right now, but I know that I won’t be able to express it like some of my friends, so please bear with me.

But the past few weeks my precious little boy has grown up in front of my eyes. Ever since Luke started physical therapy I think, without realizing it, I put all expectations aside of when Luke should do what and when. Now don’t get me wrong, I know every baby is different, but after a while Luke was REALLY behind all his other buddies his age. His PT said he was about 5 months behind and they were pretty much on target.

So now enter the days where Luke is doing something new every day. It is so fun to watch! He started crawling in early November. Very slow and robotic at first, it was so cute. We have wanted him to crawl for so long. He soon got faster and was getting happier and happier that he could go straight to whatever he wanted too. The more he crawled the better he got. Then all the sudden he FINALLY got to be moved up to from the infant room at church to the walker’s room!! GOODBYE to my sweet 15 month old playing next to the 5 month old every Sunday! I no longer had to go get toys for him to play with since most infants don’t really require those. (For safety reasons, Luke couldn’t move up to the walkers class until he crawled)

He has also started pulling up the other day (not all the way, but we don’t care!) Something his PT girls, Matt and I have been working on FOREVER. He just like that crawled up to his activity table and started to play. It was so awesome!! I think the one thing that makes my heart just swell is yesterday while Matt, Luke and I were in the car; Luke started making all kinds of noises. HE WAS BABBLING! Luke talking was something I held in my heart that would be so special to hear him start communicating (he is NOT into the sign language thing) and he did it! So today while listening to my sweet buddy babbling continually, I can’t tell you how one proud mama I am!!

Luke’s 1st Haircut

While we were in Tennesse, Luke got his first haircut. I made a short video with our Flip video camera. Thought you might enjoy!

Oh My Jonas

Jenn’s parents came into town this weekend for thier annual Christmas shopping trip. They invited us to meet up with them and have some dinner. So, we loaded up and drove out to Northpark mall. It’s a Saturday, during the Christmas rush. Needless to say traffic is thick and the parking lot is full. We quickly find a spot, unload, and make our way inside. Jenn is trying to texting her mom to set up a meeting place. I’ve buried my nose into my phone trying to update my Facebook status, when the following begins to unfold.

Moving as one large gaggle, about 150 teenage girls  coming pouring around the corner headed straight for us. My spidey sense begins to tingle as I asses the situation. Did a movie just let out? Is there a sale on over priced, low-rise, boot-cut jeans at the Gap? The space between my family and this looming mob is closing quickly. Jenn and I step to the side to make room for these young ladies to pass. That’s when I notice two large men in the middle of the group. Very out of place. Very odd. What is going on? That’s when I saw them. Less than 2 feet from me is the most perfect person I’ve ever seen. Every black hair on his head is perfect. No facial blemishes on his bronze skin. Wardrobe perfectly matched with his scarf. Talking casually to the guy next to him. Also perfect. Also dark headed but curly. More perfect skin. Then the thrid guy, also casually walking oblivious to the mob, slightly taller, more dark hair, more perfect skin.  This is the exact moment it all clicks. I grab Jennifer’s elbow twisting her to look at these perfect people as I point and try my very best not to squeal. “It’s the Jonas Brothers!” (For Fergoogle’s readers who might be from earlier geneartions. The Jonas Brothers are this generation’s equivilant to The Partridge Family, Osmand Brothers, or The Jackson 5. Mega Huge. Mega Popular. They were also nominated for The Best New Artist Grammy this month.)

So we stand there, stunned, our mouths wide open. I don’t know what to be more stunned at, the fact that we are mere inches from the hottest musical act around right now. Or the fact that these girls are litterally floating on the air behind them. Begging for a autograph, a picture, or even a lock of hair. One of these poor girls, litterally, walks straight into me. She so busy, texting, trying to get a glimpse she almost falls down when she runs into me. She looks at me, eyes full of puppy love, and begins to stutter. Trying to apologize. Jenn just laughs and says ”It’s okay, honey, it’s the jonas brothers, we get it.” She gushes and runs off to rejoin the mob.

Pretty cool, huh? See some famous people. Go on about our day. We eventually meet up with Jennifer’s dad, who asks us, “Do y’all know who the Hudson Brothers are?” My inner teenager tries not role his eyes. We go on about our day. Hit a couple of stores then head over to the Cheescake Factory for dinner. When what do my eyes see? Two booths over are Kevin, Joe, and Nick, enjoying the last bite of thier meal before slipping out the back door.

My brush with the brothers launches me into near Facebook stardom. Girls from our student ministry begin to post the letters “OMJ” on my page. I thought I knew all the cyber lingo, but this one is new to me. OMG (Oh my God) LOL (Laughing Out Loud) yup, knew all those. So what is OMJ you ask?

Oh My Jonas

oh my jonas indeed.

-M 

Yo Gabba Gabba

At first I thought it was a fluke. While flipping through the channels one Friday morning I stumbled across a kid’s tv show called Yo Gabba Gabba. While I watched a few seconds of the program I noticed something odd, Luke smiled. Luke smiled then he laughed. Then he clapped. Then his laughter turning to babbling. I watched as his eyes focused on the characters and actions. After about 5 minutes on instense watching Luke went back to his blocks. I really didn’t think anything else about it. We left the house, ran our errands, ate lunch, then came back home for a nap. Jenn came home shortly after and I was telling her about Luke “watching TV”. Later that night, Jenn was holding our little guy on the couch and once again, I stumbled across the same show. Before I could even say “hey this is that show!” Luke was in a full out fit. He wanted nothing other than to be in his chair watching his show. Againn he lauged, clapped, and babbled/screamed. That’s the moment I knew. He’s hooked, this will be his show. (While the show is no Seaseme Street, Pinwheel, or Fraggle Rock, it’s not that bad.) Soon Luke had his own Brobee plush, Plex sweatshirt, and songs downloaded onto my iPod.

That’s the moment I also knew, I was that guy. The guy who watches kids shows, knows the names of all the characters, sings along, and also claps his hands in excitement when he hears DJ Lance Rock say…..”It’s Dancey Dance Time”.

If you’d like to see for yourself. Below is a short clip of Brobee learning that eating vegetables is like having a “party in my tummy”.

Yo Gabba Gabba! from Kidrobot on Vimeo.

Luke’s Picture with Santa

Family Pictures!

Oh the drama of family pictures! About two months ago Matt and I decided to get family pictures made. We scheduled a time with our fab friend Kristen Sizemore who takes GREAt pics! Because of conflicts of schedules, we decided to take the pics in late November. Matt and I are thinking, oh fun, our first professional family picture, never thinking of the drama that comes with taking your picture with a 15 month old.

The drama all started when I realized that I literally had nothing to wear for our family photo. Well, nothing that made me look like I lost 20 lbs instantly and wasn’t at least 2 year old! So Friday night before our Saturday night shoot I am running into multiple stores trying to find that “perfect outfit”. I then come home and try everything on for Matt, accessories and all; I can’t decide what the heck to wear. I just want to look SO good for the pictures, so years down the road it can be hung on our wall and I was wearing the perfect outfit! (Even though we all know in 15 years, we will all make fun of everyone’s outfits!)

Saturday morning comes (quiet early for the Ferguson family) The weather had turned super cold, so we switched pictures from being outside to inside at our house (thanks for the idea Lindsay Henson!) Kristen comes over and bam, it doesn’t matter what I am doing, what I look like, what I am wearing, it all depends on what Luke is doing. Unfortunately for us, Luke does not smile for anyone but us and our camera. So poor Kristen worked so hard to get him to show is awesome personality. Nope, not gonna happen. Matt does his tricks, I do mine…. Nope, not gonna smile! So the entire photo shoot Matt and I just smile the whole time, so when Luke does smile, it will be good.

At the end, I sat down and laughed! All that worry and work for those pictures! Gone are the days of family pictures being about you…. It’s about getting your baby to smile. Funny thing, I saw Santa Clause doing the same thing at the mall when Matt’s mom took Luke to get his picture. I understand Santa… smile and wait for the kid… I had to do the same thing just a week ago!