Hello friends!

I’m sorry I have not provided an update on Apollo in a long time. It has been so nice to be at home with him and we have found peace. I think back through all we’ve been through, and there are many unpleasant memories. But now Apollo is living a life full of family and fun. We are leaving the medical scene behind us. Apollo has had some work done since the last post, and I’m hopeful he won’t require much more in the foreseeable future. This will be my last update.

Before I go on about Apollo, though, I want to put a huge thank you out there to everyone that has supported me through this. Thank you for checking up on me, sending gifts, reading my updates, and visiting my son. Especially visiting my son. This boy certainly won’t be shy! He has met so many people and has made many friends. And he has people rooting for him that he has never even met. Those of you that have not met him, I hope that someday you do. He will warm your heart. And someday I will tell him of all the people that supported him this first year of his life. And I hope to raise him to be a very loving, kind person, like all of you.

Due to COVID-19, we have not been to Boston since the late-February dilation. At this time, I do not know if we will go back. His local surgeon is amazing and I’m hopeful she can serve as the key doctor that will follow him for his gastrointestinal issues. Travelling is difficult on everyone in our family, so we hope that he will not need special care out-of-state again. Josh and I are strong advocates for Apollo, though, so if we ever feel he needs more than what we're getting here, there’s no stopping us. 

Apollo’s esophagus is in good shape. An esophagram was done in early April and showed that he is not tightening at the surgery site. He is still tube-dependent, however. The road to oral feeding has had many ups and downs so far. It’s going to take some time. We have a feeding therapist helping us, and his big sister to show him what to do. 

Apollo’s tethered cord was released a few weeks ago, and that surgery went very smoothly. We were only admitted one night, and a few days later Apollo started scooting! We are thrilled he handled it so well. Apollo is catching up fast in the areas that he was developmentally behind. He is waving now, which is so sweet. It’s his way of saying hi to everyone. 

Last week, Apollo was at the hospital for his colostomy reversal. It’s official, Apollo now poops out of his butt! I was nervous about changing poopy diapers and diaper rash, but it’s not so bad. Beats putting a new bag on him! That was becoming way too frequent, as he was ripping it off while dragging his belly across the floor.

Things are certainly slowing down for Apollo. He has many appointments to keep up with, but surgeries are done for now, and procedures are slowing down greatly. Apollo is not going to remember any of this, but he will have the battle scars all over his body to prove his strength and perseverance. Thank you everyone for your support! Stay healthy <3 Collette