Alexis
October 5th 2000, was a day of many emotions. I was finally holding my new baby girl, and the doctors said I never would! Half way through my pregnancy, scans detected a few abnormalities; bilateral talipes, increased nuchal fold, and a very small head circumference. None of which meant anything to me at the time.
I named my miracle baby Alexis (strong warrior), and looked forward to a normal, happy life with her. Her first 24hrs brought many questions. A significant high-pitched cat-like cry, and a lack of ability to suck, lead us to further investigations at a nearby intensive care unit, where we later discovered Alexis' syndrome: “Cri du Chat”.
Finally at almost 2 weeks old and with a diagnosis, we were able to take our new baby home. Unsure of what lay ahead of us, we took each day as it came. Remarks like “She will never walk, she will never talk, and she may never even know who you are” weighed heavily on all of our minds.
The next 12 months were horrific. In and out of hospital and doctor clinics, a few minor operations (adenoids/tonsils removed, grommets), and many upper respiratory and ear infections. Lexy battled with constipation on a daily basis and could only tolerate a lactose free formula.
Alexis was also born with bilateral (meaning 2) talipes, severely deformed feet. With early intervention (from 3 weeks old), and a terrific therapist who specialized in talipes, we tackled the following 6 months with 2 weekly visits to a nearby city, slowly turning her feet each time. Both her feet were fitted with steel plates and a bar separating between. A very uncomfortable time for all. Engaging her feet into correct position, was painful for her on each visit.
To our amazement, Alexis seemed extremely responsive to ongoing Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies. She was eagerly determined to conquer each challenge set for her. By the age of 10 months, she was sitting up unaided, and standing for lengthy amounts of time. Alexis began crawling by the age of 1, and by 2, decided she was going to walk. She has never looked back! She was toilet-trained shortly after, and continued to thrive at everything.
Today, at almost 11, Alexis walks (runs), talks, dresses and toilets herself and has become quite an independent little princess. She enjoys listening to music, singing (her style), looking through her books and adores bath time. She travels by bus to a nearby special school on a daily basis, and uses a simple Makaton sign language to communicate. Alexis does speak, but only in 5-6 word sentences. Those who know her, are able to understand and communicate effectively. Lexy is profoundly deaf in one ear, suffers from allergies, and requires ongoing dental work. Chewing her foods properly is still a very big task for her, and she has learnt to manage her drooling. There was a huge lack of sleep throughout early years (for her and for us), but since the age of 2½, she has taken medication to slow her hyperactivities, and help give her nights of undisturbed sleep.
Alexis is an extremely funny little scallywag. She shares her world with four sisters and a big brother. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. She has taught me strength I never knew I had. In earlier years I dwelt on the WHY's and WHAT IF's, but now focus on the CAN's and DO's. I believe that God would never have sent me such a challenge, if he doubted that I would make him proud. Thank-You for my gift from heaven, and God, you can be proud of your Alexis too! Xxx
Update on Alexis's progress October 2011:
Alexis has just celebrated her eleventh birthday and is about to undergo some extensive dental treatment and be fitted with a hearing aid. She has now been diagnosed with sleep apnea and a possible future operation is in store to help correct her ongoing breathing problems. She now uses ventolin on a regular basis to help control her asthma and an upcoming visit to a nearby clinic in Brisbane, Queensland will soon be approached to discuss the use of botox injections to assist with her ongoing drooling! All in all, I have full faith that Alexis will adapt well in time with all of her new changes and will certainly document her progress for future reading!
