More Photos!

We found more pics we wanted to share! Jack just cracks us up every day and here's a couple of reasons:

This is what the kids call Jack's "frumpy face":


Here's the other new face. Ty thinks he's getting ready to whip out some ninja moves when he makes this one:


This is a new trick; I took him in the bathroom to get ready for a bath and looks like Jack really wants that bath!


And this is a special request from Ty! These are his clothes. Jack looks thrilled, doesn't he?

Pictures!

This is only part of our group! We had 8 canoes! What a fun day....



Here's Jack in his trunks and matching swim hat (we love skulls)! He really liked sitting in the rocks and checking them out!



Jack was able to walk around a bit on our cool rug in front of the camper. (It's not really that great but it's a great improvement over no rug!!)



Here's our little man getting ready for a boat ride!

Floating!!

We sure had a great week-end! We went on a float trip. If you aren't familiar with it, that's when you get a canoe, or a kayak, or a big blow-up raft and float (with paddling) down a river. Usually, the water is not deep, and flows pretty gently, and there are lots of places to stop and swim along the way. Our trip was 6 miles, and we took about 5 1/2 hrs. to do it. We camped with Allan's 3 sisters and their families so there was 21 people floating together! This was Jack's first trip and he had a great time! He sat on my lap pretty much all of the float time and then splashed in the water when we stopped. (Pictures to follow later.) Jack had lots of firsts this trip - first float trip, first school bus ride (up to the drop-off point), and first time in a canoe. Wanna hear something funny? We were on the JACK'S Fork River!

We had his IFSP review last week and Daddy was able to come home for it! That's the first time he got to meet our "team" - PT, ST, and Service Coordinator (OT didn't make it). So he got to hear Jack's progress from the last meeting, what we're working on, and how we're working on it (I try but sometimes Daddy doesn't listen when I'm explaining what we're doing). According to Jack's PT, Lori, he's doing great. He's taking lots of steps independently and we're sure he'll be walking everywhere soon! We don't have as much progress in the Speech area but we go to the ENT at the end of the month and I'm pretty sure we'll be scheduling ear tubes. He may not be hearing super clearly because of some fluid that won't go away. His speech may improve after tubes.

What else is on my mind? I love our camper. It's our little home away from home. It's felt like home every time I've walked inside. I'll post a pic of it too. Our time on the river sure was fun but I REALLY hope that smell comes out of our swimsuits! They were run through the washer twice so far. M got her haircut. How in the world did I end up with such a gorgeous daughter? I think we could let Jackson at her with clippers and she'd still be cute! (Not that the haircut isn't cute - it is.) I hate when the kids go back to school but I love school supplies! It's that time of year again - everyone has them on sale!

Enough rambling? Yep.

this blog

Okay, I started this blog with the idea that it would be sort of a diary for my family. You know, a place where out of town family and friends could check in and see Jack's progress and what our family is up to. I guess that's still it's function but it also seems to be turning into a venting place for me too. Maybe vent isn't exactly the right word. A place for my thoughts maybe? Here's a few:

What am I grateful for today?
1. Johnny Depp. 'nuf said.
2. Fireworks!
3. My kids - always, my kids.
4. Sending time with Jack. I love watching him play. You can see him taking it all in. Love it. And I still rock him to sleep, most of the time. I love watching his little eyes get sleepier and sleepier, and feeling his little body just get more and more relaxed 'til he's snoozing! Yes, he would probably fall asleep on his own, yes, I'm setting myself up for a problem, but it's the best way to end the day. I'm addicted to him and he's getting more active and less cuddly when he's awake. So, there you have it.

Don't forget to check in on Miss Kennedy and Miss Emma (the buttons on the left, remember?). Kennedy got through her surgery and she's been up and playing a bit! She's amazing. And Emma just keep thriving, despite the doom and gloom her drs first predicted.

Fireworks!!

We went to see the fireworks display in our town last night and it was so much fun! Jack had gone last year of course, but I think he slept through most of it. This year he watched, and pointed, and laughed out loud a couple of times! When the finale started he clapped his little hands! I couldn't even watch the fireworks (and I really love them) 'cause I had to keep looking at him. He was really watching! How much more in love with this little guy can I possibly get?! I didn't think to bring my camera but I did take a couple of photos with my cellphone which won't turn out real great and I'm not even sure how to get them onto my computer. BUT if I figure it out I'll post them 'cause that was so darn cute! All the kids were piled up in front of me and I took a pic of the back of their heads watching the fireworks which would have been the coolest photo but since it's the cell camera it probably won't be that great. I know that deep deep down my kids all love each other but they rarely express even tolerance of each other, so that was a super shot for me. At least what I got will remind me of how that moment felt - I thought I was in heaven! It truly was a magical moment.

We get to celebrate again this afternoon with a potluck with our friend Russell and his family and some other friends. I'll get to report on that tomorrow! Hope everyone else is having a wonderful 4th of July week-end!

Did You See My New Button?

On the sidebar over to the left! For some reason, I can't get the buttons to show up as pretty as they should be. So, here's the real one:



Kennedy is so cute and has been through so much. We hope her surgery today to stabilize her vertibrae is a roaring success and she gets to live a surgery-free, healthy, happy life for many years! Lots of prayers for you beautiful girl!

On the Jackson front, he took 12 steps in a row for his pt on Mon.! We've been trying to repeat that ever since - no such luck! But now he has no excuse; we KNOW he can do it!

I have lots more on my mind but Jack needs attention for now!