For the first time in perhaps a year, Jamin and I feel as though we can breathe easier. Like we've broken the surface of turbulent waters and can fill our lungs with the sweet relief of fresh air. In short, the doctor's appointment went very well yesterday, and again, we have so much to be thankful for. If you decide to keep reading below, here are the details. Probably more than anyone cares to know, but it helps me to document it, and for those (family members) who do want the details (grandmothers) to be able to come back and read here.

Of Aiden's condition, only 50% of the patients they ever look at have something done to correct it. Years ago, they were discovering this as a result of an MRI, stumbling upon it by accident when checking the patient out for another condition. Everyone was having something done to intervene. Today, no medical procedures take place until it is necessary. The doctor fully expects Aiden to have a normal life. Even if he does have to operate eventually. That's definitely the best news any parent could ever hear.

The doctor is currently keeping an eye out for the following things:

1. Aiden's head size - Which for now, is apparently benign. He said that they will continue to keep an eye on it, though his head is beginning to pan out with the trajectory of the growth chart.

2. Three out of four of Aiden's Ventricles of the brain are larger than they should be. (This is considered to be like a benign Hydrocephalus?) This could be because of a blockage somewhere, and again, if they are any symptoms that begin to surface, then they will proceed to do something about this. In other words, no more tests for now, as Aiden appears to be completely healthy.

3. Chiari 1- again, still watching. Tonsils were still descended on the MRI.

4. Spinal cord-which looks great for now, according to the MRI and the doctor. If more fluid begins to accumulate there, then action will be taken. The spinal cord would be affected by the above problems.

5. Eyes - We are scheduling an appointment with a pediatric eye doc to take a look at the nerve endings behind the eyes. If there is any build up (the nerves will begin to bow out because of a pressure of spinal fluid) then this could signal the beginning of something bigger. So again, they are just checking this out to eliminate potential problems.

Sounds like a lot, but Jamin and I are still relieved. The doctor really made us feel confident in his treatment choices thus far (the non aggressive type) and we thank God for taking such wonderful care of precious little boy! We will be back to see the Pediatric Neurosurgeon in six months. (The further apart the appointments are, the better you feel about your current condition)

Oh, and at the end of the appointment, for those of you who are still reading, the doctor also threw in that the Urologist took a look at the MRI and noted that one of Aiden's kidney's are higher than the other. When the doctor informed us of this, I nearly threw myself into hysterical laughter/crying combo on the floor, because, well, a. One more thing has gone WRONG so what the heck does THAT mean and b. if any of you know Jamin's history (Whelm's tumor=cancer on kidney at the age of six)

But before my mind could start racing and I went into a literal fit of hysterics, the doctor comforted us with the knowledge that he was just wanting to inform us, should anything arise later.

It's like the more you test, the more you find, I guess. For all I know, I could have three kidneys.

Again, we are grateful for your prayers for our little family...we have already grown so much through this entire experience...and continue to thank God every day for his wonderful blessings.