Oh My....We're Nine.

Happy Anniversary Baby!!!

Thanks for always being there to hold my hand, to wipe my tears and (most importantly) to make me laugh.

I hope my neighbors like us...

Why?

Because they are gonna be seeing us all the time now.

It's warm and Jake LOVES being outside.

This past week he's been into the water, mulch, dirt and grass.

One of his favorites.... a pool full of bird seed.

It's a therapy thing that addresses everything from sensory imput to fine motor and cognitive skills.

Who knew bird seed could do so much?

The big project this weekend. Jacob's tree.

Yep we bought Jacob a tree just in time for earth day.

That was a coincidence... not planned.

I wished you all could of seen us trying to get the tree home.

It's about twelve feet tall and we don't have a truck.

So Dave sat it in the back of our SUV and let it stick out the window.

As we drove down the road you could see the tree waving high above our car like a leafy flag.

I was hiding in the front until I got to watching everyone's expression as they past us.

We weren't just hauling a tree...we were spreading joy.

The Bunny Hopped and Hopped and Hopped

So have I ever mentioned that Jake is a lucky little boy?

Or have I ever mentioned that Jake is well loved? (aka spoiled)

He is so loved (aka spoiled) that the Easter bunny visited him THREE times.

Here's what he dropped off Friday night at my parents.

See that little goose in the bottom right hand corner of the picture above?

That my friends is a dog toy. And that my friends has become one of Jake's favorites.

He crawls around squeaking it everywhere. It's quiet cute and annoying at the same time.

Back to the Easter bunny now.

He hopped by for a second time Saturday morning.

And because the bunny had a lot to do on Sunday...he dropped by again on Saturday night.
I still don't have those pictures of him coloring easter eggs. Come to find out they are on a different camera in a different city.

As for next Easter, I'm already petitioning my man and my bunny friends to bring some real live baby ducks. I had them (named Mork and Mindy) and I think Jake should too.

Stylin' and Profilin'

My little man was struttin' his stuff on Sunday.

Incredibly Cute.

Incredibly Loved.

Man, what a difference a year makes.

This was Jake last Easter. He was 5 months old still having issues with head control.

I've got a lot more pictures to show you...but technical issues are causing a delay.

Let me tell you though... eggs + finger paint + jacob= Big Mess

I'll get to them when I can.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.

We all just need a little therapy.

Pudding. God bless pudding.

My little man has a cold and won't eat. Tonight all I could get down him was chocolate pudding. (and of course pediasure)

So, if he won't eat..might as well have fun and get a little occupational therapy practice.

If this is therapy... sign me up.

A Change Of Heart

   I'm gonna be real with ya... it's been a rough day. 

We found out this morning that Jake's heart has gotten worse. For those of you that don't know Jake's aortic valve is narrowing.  It had been stable for over a year but changed over the last two months.

 The fact is... we are one step closer to surgery. We go back in a month and if it's changed again, the surgery will be scheduled.  A top-notch surgeon in Ann Arbor, Michigan has agreed to perform the operation. When the time comes we are looking at being in Ann Arbor for at least three weeks.

 But here's the rest of the story. Dave and I are at peace with everything. We have put our trust in Him who is the ultimate healer. Jehovah Rapha. We have said since the day of Jake's diagnosis that we have a choice to make. Will we choose to fall apart, grow angry and bitter...or choose God?  That's an easy question so I won't answer it for you.

  I'm a mother. So I'm not sitting here with a smile on my face. What is on my face is mascara..because yes there have been tears. Giving this all to God is not easy. 

You see, my heart is changing right along with Jake's. I used to pray for Jake's heart to stay the same...for surgery to never happen. But God changed my heart's prayers a few weeks ago. I have been praying for the surgeon, for strength, for my family and my husband. So I ask that you pray for the same. Lift Jacob up.  

  This is one of the verses I use almost daily.

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

     Phillippian 4:6-7

I can't thank you all enough for loving us, praying for us and helping us get through.

When I finally get to see the result of God's plan.. after all of this.... it's gonna be so good.

 

I need ya...

Hear ye...hear ye ...hear ye.  I hereby call this blog to order. 

 The first line of business will be Jake. Of course.

Let me get this out of the way and then I will catch you up on the White House.

Jake's has a heart appointment Monday... the 6th. Please keep him in your prayers. (of course I know a lot of you pray for him everyday. Thank you. The proof is in the pudding and Jake is a sweet treat) Please pray that his heart and mind remain strong.

That's that.  We're moving on.

  Jake's cousins came to see him this week. They are 4 and 2. So what's a family to do on a cold Friday morning.

First..all three enjoyed a  little Mickey Mouse clubhouse.
Then it's time to PLAY!! We went to the Monkey Treehouse in Bellevue and the kids had a blast.

Jake and cousin Elizabeth had fun together in the ball pit.

Thank you guys for keeping us company.

Then today, Jake went to his first egg hunt at a friend's house. He'd pick up the egg.

 Open them. Then play with it. Out of over 200 eggs hidden...Jake got four.  Hey if was golf we would of won.

 I just LOVE this little boy!!