Spiked

Thankfully Jake recently did get a haircut!

Team YFC

This is the 2009 t-shirt design for runners/walkers who are joining YFC in this year's Riverbank Run. There is plenty of time to be a part of our group! We had a lot of fun last year riding together and having a lasagna dinner the night before. We are hoping that each participant raises $500 in pledges for Youth for Christ. The person with the highest pledges will be sure to win a fabulous prize (last year it was an iPod).

Remember...there are options for everyone. There is a 5K run/walk, 10K run, and 25K run. No excuses! Interested? Leave me a comment with some contact information.

Florida

I found my camera cord! I'm not sure who had more fun in Florida? Looks like Grandpa to me. We spent a week in Orlando. Jake and I rode down with Grandpa and Grandma and the 2 of us flew back the following Saturday. Our Allegiant Airline experience was quite pleasant. At one point one of the airline attendants was actually walking an infant up and down the aisle to help out a Mom. During our stay we ventured out one day to Disney's Animal Kingdom and road tripped another day to see the Tiger's play a Spring Training game. It was so wonderful to not have to put on hats, mittens, socks, and shoes. Jake loved the pool but has no fear of just walking off the edge. He kept me on my toes! We look forward to the warmer weather here in Michigan (as does everyone else who lives here).

EEG today

Jake was a trooper this afternoon during his EEG. They instructed us to sleep deprive him (no afternoon nap). He watched baby einstein on his portable dvd player (2 gifts that keep on giving) while they attached 25 little wires to his head and 2 on his ears. Shockingly he didn't seem phased and then by another miracle he went to sleep so they could run the test. I would've never dreamed that we could orchestrate this.

The bummer is that he is such a sweater! A couple of the wires kept coming off his wet head. The technician hopes that she got enough information that the doctor can study.

Thanks for all the continued prayers and encouragement!

Past 48 hours

These past few days have been a roller coaster. Jake has been doing random things with his eyes that seem involuntary. For example, he could be sitting in his chair and all of a sudden his eyes look way up and to the right. This started this past weekend but in the past couple of days it seems to be getting worse. He would be sitting in his car seat and suddenly his eyes would toss back and cross. As soon as we would say "Jake!", he would snap out of it and refocus.

So today we spent the afternoon in the Hospital getting a CT scan of his head. This 3 minute procedure was not a problem. On the contrary, getting an IV in took 2 hours, 3 nurses, and 2 anesthesiologists! By this time the first sedative had worn off and we were off to number two. By this point we have an 18 month old who hasn't eaten all day, drank, slept, and had been poked for 2 hours. This equals disaster! Another hour and half later he finally caved and went to sleep for his CT scan.

All this to say our awesome Doctor called on our way home (from her home) to tell us that the CT scan looked very good. This excellent news means more tests next week. Probably an EEG. I'm looking forward no needles for this round.

Finally, the past 48 hours have brought lots tears and concern. Everything gets put into perspective when your child is not well. I find myself being extra patient, saying more prayers, calling on God, appreciating good friends, and loving my family. During times like these I always think of those dear people who deal with stuff like this on a regular basis. It reminds me to pray for them and encourage them as much as possible!

Christmas

Welcome back to the blog world Tara! So, here's a way overdue post. We stayed in a lovely home at the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole for Christmas. It was beautiful. Aside from our travel drama where we got stranded in Denver (600 miles away from our destination) for 2 days we did have a bonding time with family!

This is Morgane (Trav's girlfriend). She and Jake bonded. I think Jake's head is the same size as hers.

This is one of the famous antler arches in downtown. My Mom wanted a huge family photo underneath. Don't we look good?

Jake eating a peanut butter and jelly with his fresh black eye. Peek-a-boo with Grandma got a little out of control.


See how much fun Jake is having?

So there are a few pictures from our short-lived trip!

60

This old geezer is 60 today! He told us on the way out to breakfast today that it's time to start thinking of his "Bucket List." Truth is...I don't think he needs one. He can run circles around me. I am so thankful for the Father he is to me and the Grandpa he is to Jake. He is a man of God who loves his family and sacrifices a lot for others. I can't imagine what my life would look like without my Dad. Happy Birthday Dad!