Who would have thought almost 5 years ago we were on pins and needles about Declan's surgeries and recoveries and now I cant get him to stop kicking the soccer ball around the house!
Declan has come so far in his progression and development. Sure he has some eating struggles, but not nearly to the extent it used to be. Just 2 years ago we were seeing feeding therapists and nutritionists and counting calories. And although Declan still needs coaxing here and there to eat; we are not battling over every bite. He'll eat a good portion of a hot dog before we have to give additional encouragement; and watch out if you put a bag of lemon flavored Tostitos in the pantry. He has progressed so far.
He is doing well in first grade and loves math. He likes us to make up word problems for him to try to figure out.
But his true love is soccer. He participated in fall soccer and loved it. We could sometimes see him get winded a bit quicker than the other boys in his group. But at that point he would hang back and play defense. But even once the scrimmaging was over he would want to stay after and kick the ball around.
Declan is now playing indoor soccer. He was originally sad once fall soccer was finished; so when he finally was able to go to his first practice for indoor soccer he couldn't be more ecstatic. He got a new "indoor" ball and dribbles it around the house constantly. He even made his own little "Wilson".
Just thought I'd drop in an update since I haven't done so for so long. And if you are in the early stages with a son or daughter with HLHS, know things will eventually pickup!
Happy Winter!
