Update on Shan

Shan Update February 13, 2010
I'm sorry it's been so long since I've updated everyone on our family, but specifically Shan. Shan was diagnosed with his schwannoma on 12/10/2010. He had his surgery to have it removed on 1/13/2011 and came home on 1/17/11. So we have officially finished Shan's 4th week of recovery. What I've witnessed is physical healing: his scars look great and are pretty much healed at this point. His pain is remarkably better and he's on about 1/3 of the pain meds he started on when he came home. He says that he's constantly in pain but that it has lessened, the sharpness has dulled and the twinges have lessened. I'm seeing a lot more function as he could barely move his right arm let alone lift anything. Now he has more range of motion, can lift and hold our baby and can do his daily activities with minimal help. His appetite is improving as is his outlook re: recovery and getting back to work. His hope is to be back to work by the end of February or early March. We are thinking he'll return to work part time to get his endurance up at first and then ease into full time, as his job requires him to be on his feet for the entire shift and for his to have quite a bit of energy.
Reagan is growing like crazy and will be 7 weeks on Tuesday. She's turning her head toward her mom or dad when she hears our voice, she's more alert and interested in light, sound etc. We're working on "baby wise" and we're seeing a new baby who's more calm during the day and sleeping up to 7 hours at night. We are loving getting to know her and this special time together as a family.
I feel like I'm physically recovered from the birth and enjoying learning how to be a mommy. I'm loving having Shan here, I'm loving my time with Reagan and am looking forward to what's to come in 2011. We have been overwhelmed by people's generosity in gifts, money, meals and time. We are blessed to have friends and family around us that have loved on us during this time. Though it has been difficult and jam packed for the last 7 weeks, we wouldn't change a thing. We believe none of this was a surprise to God, we believe he holds everything together, including us, and that he will get the glory through this piece of the Applin Adventure. Thank you for your prayers and for checking in on us. I'm happy to report that we're doing just fine. Please pray for Shan's ongoing recovery and return to work.

Shan, Shauna and Reagan Applin