1st Snow

A few pictures of Jackson tonight in the snow in Houston...his first. It was actually snowing earlier today and we took some pictures, but the snow flakes did not show up. So we went for round two tonight and there is a lot of snow on the ground.

Jackson is doing great. We think this past weekend he went through another "organization." (that's what we call it) He was tired a lot at the end of last week...and then all the sudden it was like another big developmental change. You could just see a huge difference...like everything was connecting even more. He has been using his hands so much more...clapping all the time, feeding himself, using a pincer grasp in a coordinated manner to pick up small objects. He is using his left hand so much more...although...he still favors his right. He is also talking a lot too.

We did get his vision tested finally..and it was confirmed that he does have a weakness in the peripheral vision on his left due to the surgery. It can be overcome by just retraining the muscle to overcome any weakness. So bringing toys around from that side...getting him to notice them. Also, the Doctor recommended getting him some glasses to see things better up close. He sees great from distances....and he does see up close...he just doesn't have a long attention span with books or smaller objects. The doctor put far-sighted lenses over his eyes and he really perked up and concentrated on things longer up close. She wrote a prescription for glasses for him to wear during therapy to see if it makes a big difference. This is also something that he should not have to wear all the time.

We did get his holiday card picture this week. I had fun taking his picture by the Christmas tree. He was playing with all the ornaments, pulling the ribbon off the tree...it was cute.

Such a blessing to have Jackson continuing to do so well! Thanks for checking in on him and your continued prayers. We so appreciate it!

Pictures

Some random pics over the past week.....

Jack and his turkey

Happy Thanksgiving

Today has been an incredible day to share our gratitude and thankfulness for so much in our lives with our family and each other. Thanksgiving has never been more special. We thank God for the gifts of life, love, joy, and health. And for the HEALING in our sweet, Jackson.

Jackson is 56 days seizure free! Amazing...we don't take one day for granted!

This past week we have all been a little under the weather. Jackson especially. He has been sick since last Friday with upper respiratory infection and ear infection in both ears. He had high fevers until Monday...now it is just a lot of chest congestion and drainage. Despite the way he feels...for the most part he has been in pretty good spirits and somewhat active. He did miss all his therapy appointments this week, but hopefully next week he will be back on track.

We had a great time with our family. We went to my cousin, Carrie and Justin's house, near my hometown of Luling. My parents, aunts, uncles and my grandmother were there too. We missed the rest of the family that were not with us, but we had a really wonderful Thanksgiving together! Carrie and Justin live on a ranch with horses, cows, donkeys, and all. So we got a few pictures of Jackson with the donkeys...while we were feeding them treats. It was cute!

Thank you for checking in on Jackson. We are especially grateful for the blessings that are priceless like our family, friends and health. We wish everyone happiness and blessings- at Thanksgiving and always!

Ready to go...

Not too much to report, but all good news. Jackson continues to do so well and getting stronger each day. He really wants to move, but is still trying to figure it all out. Almost on all fours...so close. He really pulls his legs up underneath and pushes up. The increase in therapy is really making a difference. Everyone can tell he is frustrated and wants to go. We are also working on sitting to standing. He does wear his AFOs (ankle foot orthodics) to help give him a little support in standing and walking. He still has a little more of a weakness on his left foot.

Jackson is going through some separation anxiety. He started this at my parents house last week. He wants me or his daddy to be in the room with him most of the time, playing with him or he even wakes up wanting attention from us. Before he was much more independent. We are working through this new "milestone", but at the same time we are so glad he is experiencing this. Before he had no "loyalty," and would go to anyone. Which he still has that same personality, but you can tell a difference if we are not around.

We are really looking forward to the holidays and seeing family. We have so much to be "thankful" for this Thanksgiving.

34 Days - Seizure Free

This past Monday was a month since Jackson's surgery! It's hard to believe how much has happened in those 4 weeks. Originally, Jack's surgery was scheduled for a later day in October. There was a cancellation the week that we ended up having it, because another child gained seizure freedom and didn't need the surgery after all. Jackson was first on the cancellation list. It was a tough decision to move it up...but we are so glad we did. We spared him 3 weeks of seizures...which is a good thing! Plus the date, October 3rd...is a very special to us. We lost our first child when I was 20 weeks on Mother's Day 2006. Ella's actual due date was October 3rd. We felt a sense of peace about our decision when we finally moved to that date. There will always be a huge empty space in our hearts for the daughter we lost, but we are so thankful for Jackson. We believe our little girl is Jackson's guardian angel...watching over him and his recovery!

We are still moving along with therapy treatments in Houston. His evaluations are finished ,except for Speech and Vision will be at the end of the month. He will be receiving Physical therapy 4 times a month at home....so once a week. We will go to Private therapy - 3 times a week for Occupational therapy. So you see what my job is...I enjoy it though. I really love learning the techniques and working/playing with Jackson...watching each new connection or development he is doing. We are also going to start a music/activity class...which I think will be great for him to be around other kids. He really likes watching other little ones...when we walk around the neighborhood or just out and about...he gets so excited when he sees another child.

Jack is now 35 inches...that is almost 3 feet. Where did my baby go?!? He is a big toddler. He is 18 1/2 months...but was a 28 weeker. There is nothing preemie size about this child. He is so long now...I really think he grew a foot in Detroit.

His molars have FINALLY peaked through! He had been so fussy, and I was calling everyone to get their opinion of Jackson's fussiness. It is sometimes hard to think it is something so simple and "normal" as teething, when you have had so much happen. However, I can handle molars and related fussiness any day of the week! Now he is much better though...thank goodness he is loving his teething toys.

The camera is out of batteries, and the charger is with my mom in St. Louis. We are actually going to my parents on Monday to get all of our belongings that are still there. In the meantime, I might do some recording of my wild man. He has so much energy now...and is all boy. I think once he is crawling, walking, mobile...he's going to be a rowdy one. He is so rough and strong right now...trying to fly out of my arms.

All things are still going well. We appreciate each "ordinary" day! We are so thankful....

Prayer Request for Zoey

Below on the right is a button to Zoey's page. She was just diagnosed this week with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She has beaten Infantile Spasms...and is now going through chemo to battle this too! She has been through quite a lot in her little life. Her Mom, Heather, was very supportive to us during Jack's surgery. Please add Zoey and her family to your prayers.