Vitamin H

Coming from the Netherlands, the Tehran summer feels bloody hot to me and Noor. Luckily there’s a nice breeze on our terrace, since our apartment is situated pretty high up in Tehran. The pool doesn’t bring much cooling during the day. But for the late afternoon the temperature of the water is perfect for some baby swimming. Not complaining at all, just need to acclimatize :-)

It is good to be back in Tehran. Not only to have our little family reunited, but to be away from the busy times in the Netherlands. The previous week we’ve had appointments almost every day. This was Noor’s observation period in the rehabilitation center. Again different specialist wanted to see what Noor can and cannot yet do and get an idea of her potentials.

This team of specialists will get together while we are in Tehran, to discuss what would be the right path for Noor’s therapy. It’s good to know that they look at her individual needs and our private situation. They take in consideration that we will most likely still need to travel often, that Noor and I stay with my parents during our stay in the Netherlands and that there will be enough support for me as well.

What I like most is that the approach at the rehab center is the opposite of how things are done in the hospital. I am certain that they do a great job in the hospital and they manage well to create a child friendly atmosphere, but examinations are always done to look for errors and dysfunctions. And of course, that is the only way to find out exactly what is wrong with my baby. I’m also grateful that we had this chance to have her checked so thoroughly.

Still, after five days of hearing what Noor mostly cannot do and how much she is behind in her development, will get you really fed up with everything. It’s tiring enough to spend so long in the hospital and my energy was getting low from all the sad conclusions. I’m sure you can image that I was pleased to meet the final doctor in the hospital, who was a rehabilitation doctor. He brought the spark back into my senses by looking for her potentials and giving me examples of how we can help Noor in the best way.

The rehabilitation center is all about that. Potentials, stimulation and play in a social and child loving environment and adjustment in everyday life to make things more comfortable for Noor. We’ve been there several times now and it feels good. Let’s see what they come up with for Noor’s treatment.

Meanwhile we swim, play and massage everyday and I also give Noor acupressure on the energy points where the acupuncturist sticks his needles. I use toothpicks instead of needles and of course I do not puncture, but it doesn’t make it more fun. Noor seems to respond well to the treatment. I know it’s not just me who sees this; Noor is able to focus a little bit more on toys and faces! This is an important step, because it will help her to stimulate playing with toys which will kick start her development. We still have the visio (eye therapy) coming up. I think we’ve made a bit of progress already when it comes to the obstacle of her impaired vision :-) , it will only get better from here! Little by little.

Back to Tehran, which is a perfect break in this whole process. All three of us together, enjoying but also sharing the load. It’s so good to be with our little family again, especially in these times. We will surely never take that for granted. Noor is so happy!

Luvie is here to babysit, which is a well needed relief for me. I need to regain energy to keep going strong. No errands or appointments, no tests, no examinations. Just relaxing, catching up sleep, extra TLC, do some reading and writing, some nice cooking and the Friday Barbecue at the White House (our apartment complex). Going home feels like a holiday, an high doses of Vitamin H!