Cabin Adventures

This weekend Jack and I went to my parents cabin with my family (Hardy was in Reno coaching at a basketball tournament). I was a little unsure how he'd handle it since it's so much higher in elevation and therefore lower in oxygen, but he did great. We had such a good time.

Jack got to play with lots of cousins and learned all sorts of tricks.

He had early morning pajama parties on grandma and grandpa's bed.

He made beautiful music with cousin Alex.

And nibbled on some corn.

He even got to go on a 4 wheeler ride or two (very slowly and carefully down the road and back.) He loved it!

We also saw lots of moose and deer. My nephew Nathan named this one Darrin. It hung out right by the cabin and was fun to watch from the deck.

Mostly Jack just stuck with the chipmunks though. They were just his size.

He's a true mountain man now.

A 5k for Charlie

Last Saturday Jack, my dad and I did a 5K for the Brain Injury Association of Utah in honor of our friends the Christensen's and their sweet little boy Charlie Cooper.

Jack was a trooper and was good the whole time, and my dad and I enjoyed walking and talking. It was a beautiful day to support a good cause and see some friends.

Jack continues to do great and is cute as can be.

As for those who have noted how much he looks like his father, you'll be happy to know his volume level is also starting to match Hardy's. Wow, the kids got lungs! I'm sure our neighbors are delighted about that.

9 Months Old!

My baby is turning into a little boy. His hair is getting thicker, he sits up like a pro, and he loves to eat just about everything (hurray!) He's also getting a bit sassy and throws a little fit when he doesn't get his way. But to compentsate for the sassiness, he's learning to wave and give hugs and big open mouthed kisses. Such a fun stage. Still no crawling or standing on his legs, but he definitely knows what he wants and is trying to get there, so I have the feeling we're getting closer.

We had Jack's 9 month pediatrician visit this week. He is now 28 inches (45%) and 18 lbs 10 oz (25% - and that was right after a big bottle and a bowl of mac & cheese). It's funny, everyone always comments on how chunky he is due to those big kissable cheeks and round thighs, but he's really not that big. He's just perfect though. The dr said he looks fantastic, and I couldn't agree more. We don't have any more doctors appointments until AUGUST and those are just check ups with his ped and cardiologist. Oh how wonderful to have a doctor free summer after going at least every 3-4 weeks.

We also took Jack to a pediatric urologist earlier this week to discuss getting him circumcised since we weren't able to do it when he was tiny. After talking with the doctor who said it would be pretty straight forward but recommended against it, and chatting with some of my friends on Monday night who several mentioned their kids had not had it done, we have decided just to leave him like he is. Hardy's argument in favor of it is that he can name every kid in his high school who wasn't and Jack is going to have enough scars to deal with in the locker room. But the doctor said it is much less common than it used to be (which we realized was true after talking with my friends), and locker rooms are different than when we went to high school. They would have to intubate and sedate him again, and he'd be sore for a while, and we decided we just don't want to put him through one more thing. We hope he won't hate us for this decision when he's a teenager.

A Year of Change and Hope

I was talking with my little sister the other day and she recalled that it was one year ago that we got Jack's diagnosis. Oh yes, that fateful April 23rd. It's really amazing to me how far we've come since that oh, so scary day when we learned how uncertain our baby's future would be.

It seems strange, but given the option, I don't think I would change a thing. During this past year I have learned to pray more sincerely than I ever knew before. I have learned to trust in the Lord's plan, and not make quite so many of my own. I have witnessed miracles and gained compassion and empathy. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world of amazing people who have overcome insurmountable odds and held on to their faith through the most difficult trials. I have become more in tune with the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and have drawn closer to my husband and family. Hardy and I have felt so much love from people we know and some we don't who have prayed and continue to pray for Jack's health and well being. My testimony of the Savior has grown leaps and bounds and I believe so has my character.

I don't know why Jack has been given this lifelong trial, but already he's had a profound impact on me and so many who love him. I have a feeling this is just the beginning and I can't wait to see the great things in store for him in the future.

Zoo and Tulips

This week Jack and I have been bummin'. My sisters husband was out of town so we helped them have a "staycation."

On Thursday we went to the Tulip Festival. The weather was perfect and the flowers amazing. Jack had a fabulous time.

Then on Friday we went to the Hogel Zoo.

We saw elephants...
...ate Oreos...
and smiled a whole lot.
Here's Jack making his scary alligator face while sitting on an alligator and wearing his alligator shirt. What a guy.