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The Heart Knows

Today during the physical therapist's visit, Leo was put through his paces. She had a whole list of things, 40 to be exact, of regular newborn motor reflexes and characteristics. Each one gets a check-mark (or not) and then a total score once she tallies up all the information that she observed. Although the final score for Leo really itself doesn't matter, the test was more to establish a baseline of development for Leo, and to find his strengths and weaknesses. Once this baseline is established, it will be easier to tell any progression and growth. Just since her last visit, she observed that Leo was doing a much better job of keeping his head in mid-line position. Before he would always keep it on one side or the other. She also determined during the exam that Leo definitely tracked her with his eyes and responded to sound. More specifically, to my voice. She had him on his tummy facing away from us, and she shook a rattle and made some noise to see if he would move his head. He kinda wiggled a little in response but that was all. Then she had me call his name. It was totally incredible, he started to pick up his heavy head and after a little bit of struggle, got his head all the way over to face me. I almost bawled. At the hospital they told us he wouldn't be able to distinguish between people, that he would never know me as his mother, or even see me. I had, in some way, resigned myself to that, but seeing him try so hard for me, recognizing MY voice, broke my heart again. It just confirmed the fact that these children are complete mysteries, and that the heart knows things the science can't explain.


Here is a little video clip of our little lion tonight. Enjoy!

Comments

  1. It's amazing how much science doesn't know or can be wrong about. Great video!

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  2. "God-bless you!" Leo is perfect! We loved listening to him talk...we watched it twice. I do declare I see smiles upon his face and that he resembles Justin.

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  3. Just BEAUTIFUL! Love the little sneeze! Such a blessing!

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  4. Oh! The sweetheart! I'm so glad he knows his mama's voice. I'm sure he knows you love him too. ((((HUGS)))

    ~Michelle

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  5. Wow, Anna & Justin, just watching this video... His eyes are now more stable and he is so animated...his cooing, yawn and cute little sneeze. thanks for sharing! :-) Leo will continue to wow the docs with his development, and educate them so those comments they made to you early on, won't be made to the next unfortunate couple. Good for him! And for his parents who are working so hard with such love in caring for him.

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  6. This is amazing! You are all in our prayers. -Evan Freeman

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  7. ;-) What wonderful little expressions he has! And it sounds like he is trying to coo...

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  8. What a full range of expressions! And I love the little sneeze. (c;

    I'm sure I would have cried too when he turned to your voice. I just about did just reading about it. How wonderful. What a blessing!

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  9. Best television I've seen in 10 years! Thanks for sharing Leo with us. Deacon Greg

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  10. Seems pretty sharp to me. Fr Caleb

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  11. Oh gosh what a beauty!

    M.Michelle

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  12. Oh, so sweet! Thanks for sharing. He's wonderful.

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  13. That is amazing Anna! Praise God. What a beautiful little boy! He is doing so well.
    Marcy

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  14. Absolutely amazing! Human body is such a great mystery and science doesn’t know so much. Leo our little trail blazer is just darling, and hopefully will continue to defy the gloomy predictions of docs .Very touching video, thanks for sharing.

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  15. Thank you for sharing your mystery with us! It helps to soften our hearts a little in this cold world. ~ Taylor

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  17. What a blessing to see this video! We continue to offer up prayers for all of you.

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  18. I just loved this story. He is such an adorable child. I love listening to him talking. Keep the videos coming- they are adorable. We pray for your little man every day. God bless you all!

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