Thursday, September 29, 2011

Madly in Love

My new lens was delivered to my door at 6:37pm last night. I didn't get it until 8 because we went to dinner and I wasn't there for the doorbell.  I was complaining to my dad about how it was supposed to be delivered today but wasn't.  Sorry FedEx.  You were right.  I was wrong. It came and it's wonderful.





Three things he loves!  His milk, nesting cubes, and dog toys.
Not bad pictures for a right out of the box lens with no practice.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Ta Da!!!!

I'm so proud of myself.  I had no idea what I was doing but trial and error worked well.  That and Photoshop.  I was supposed to get a cameral lens delivered today but it didn't come.  Hopefully I will have some picture with the new portrait lens up soon!  Until then, I'll leave you with a tid bit of Jackson's excitement from the night.  He learned how to drink out of a juice box.  He was pumped and very serious about holding the box and drinking all of the juice, swig after swig.  Big boy!

Blog Makeover in Progress

It doesn't match right now.  I know.  I'm playing around with a new layout and working with Photoshop to make it better!  I'll be back!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Apple Orchard



















Niiiiiice!

When I first started making Jackson's babyfood, part of the motivation was that he would be used to the tastes of foods because they wouldn't be watered down and the textures would be closer to what he would experience with table food.  Every time I thawed some food for him I just kept thinking to myself what a great eater he would be.  Well....he's not.  This is what he does to every fruit and vegetable on his tray.  On this day he even did it to his chicken....which he likes.  I was loading the dishwasher and looked away for about a minute.  I was excited about how much meat was missing from his tray until my eyes focused on the wall behind him. 

Here's a closer look at the damage.
Thanks, Jackson, for encouraging Mommy to wash the walls.  You're right.  I forgot to add "scrub the walls" to my daily list of chores but I'll get right on adding that to the list.  Until I can get it on the list...

EAT YOUR FOOD!!!!!!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Jackson, at 14 months you:
  • are officially a walker!  You spend most of your time walking but you still crawl every once in a while.
  • haven't improved your eating habits much.  You still throw most vegetables and fruits over the side of your high chair.  Your favorite breakfast foods are waffles, cereal bars, bananas, and oatmeal.
  • are still having yucky diapers.  Mommy can't wait for your next appointment to get some more suggestions.
  • love the toilet paper rolls.  When the bathroom door is open, you go right in and spin the toilet paper as fast as you can until Mommy gets there.
  • can go up stairs but not down them yet.
  • still have the same words.  You are showing more signs that you understand what is going on.
  • are a once a day napper now.  You usually go to sleep around 11 and sleep anywhere from 30 mintutes to 2 hours.  One day you even took a nearly 3 hour nap.
  • have 3 new molars.  Those darn teeth gave you so much trouble but they are finally through your gums.
  • learned how to move backwards on your cars.  You push yourself backwards until you run into something and then get off and turn it around.
  • are becoming very attached to your lovey.  You have always slept with it but you are wanting to carry it around more and more.
  • get really sad when Mommy walks out of the room without you.  You showed your first separation anxiety when Mommy and Daddy left you in the nursery at church. 


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

We'll Miss You Grandpa

This is another copy from Dick's blog.

Marching Into Heaven

Dick passed away this morning about 10:30 a.m. Sharon and Bryan were able to be there with him at the end. The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band was playing the Patton march on the CD player as Dick marched into heaven. We then played the Spirit of Aggieland and were able to pray over Dick with the hospice chaplain. We obviously will miss Dick, but we know he is in a better place and his pain is finally over. We are sure that his mom and all the other family and friends that have gone before him are celebrating with him today.

Over the last 12 hours, breathing became very difficult for Dick as his lungs filled with fluid. He never opened his eyes last night and his motions were extremely limited. But the hospice nurses did an excellent job of caring for him and ensuring that he was comfortable. Overnight, Bryan shared with him all of the messages that you have sent, read to him, and prayed with him.

We appreciate all of the love and support you have provided throughout this ordeal. We are in the process of making funeral arrangements and we will keep you posted.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

The Latest from Dick's blog

Bryan wrote this on Dick's blog earlier.

We are sorry to report that Dick's condition has taken a turn for the worse. On Saturday, September 3, Dick did an hour of speech therapy in the morning and everything seemed to be going well. He was responsive and coherent, telling the therapist about his family, his job and his battle with cancer. However, when the occupational therapist came 20 minutes later, he was not able to speak at all and had difficulty communicating in non-verbal ways. Doctors have determined via MRIs and CAT scans that he had a second stroke during that time period. Dick was transferred from the rehabilitation facility to a hospital room at Mercy Fairfield on Saturday evening.

Over the last 24 hours, his condition has continued to get worse. Dick was able to eat dinner last night, but chewing and swallowing are not possible at this point. He still appears to have full range of motion, but he is weak and does not always respond to commands. Other than a few head nods, Dick has been unable to communicate today. Currently, he is resting comfortably thanks to IV medications.

Obviously we wish we had better news to share. We would like to thank everyone for the continued encouragement, prayers, and support.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Rehab

Yesterday was another good day!  Dick was moved to Mercy-Fairfield rehab facility.  He went by ambulance around 6 last night and Sharon followed in her car.  This wasn't their first choice in facilities but we are looking at it as a blessing that there were no available beds at the first choice because now one of his oncologists can see him at the hospital.

He will be able to take the oral chemo drug as soon as his doctor gets it to him.  His rehab is very structured.  He got to his room and he already had his schedule for today on the board:  Speech therapy at 8:30, physical therapy at 9:30, occupational therapy at 10:30, etc.  He has breakfast at 8, lunch at noon, and dinner at 6 every day. 

Sharon got him all settled in and then came home for the night.  We will go to visit him there but will not be staying overnight with him.  He will be a busy guy for sure!

Thanks for all of the prayers and support!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thursday


Monday morning brought the bad news that Dick had had a stroke.  We drove to Cincinnati and were there by early evening.  On Monday night he was really weak on his left side and was having trouble with his speech, only able to say a couple words at a time.

Tuesday morning brought many improvements in speech.  He was able to say full sentences but slowly and it took a lot of focus.

Wednesday was even better!  His physical strength was improving as well.

Today, he worked really hard.  He had back to back visitors, OT, PT, ST, a social work consult, a rehab nurse evaluation, and doctor visits.  He was so ready for a nap after all of that!  We are waiting to hear about insurance and getting some things in order with his new chemo drug.  The great news is that the drug he was going to take in the study was approved by the FDA over the weekend so his oncologist can presribe it for him here.  There are lots of logistics that are being worked out regarding that.

Sharon is staying with him at the hospital at night though Bryan did take the overnight shift last night. 

Dick is still impressing everyone with his determination.  He was working on speech therapy and she asked him to name some animals.  He said "dog, cat, cow, horse, hip....po...pot...a...mus!"

The therapist just laughed and I said "That's why we love him!"

Keep working hard and getting better Grandpa!  We love you!

Daddy and Jackson

I love these boys!  Look at how much fun they have together.









This last picture is another really good example of just how small he really is still.