Unexpected blessings

When Jackson was born we couldn't help but fear that he would never live to see the summer. And even if he did survive, we expected his care and needs would prevent any long trips--at least for several years. But here we are...headed home from a wonderful week and a half vacation with Mason's family in Gulf Shores. Wow--overwhelming! All we can do is return and give thanks to God. That and enjoy every moment! Additionally, Mason's mom was scanned recently and was declared cancer free. We are overjoyed!

9 months

Jackson is nine months old! It doesn't seem possible. It seems possible that he was born nine months ago, yes. But it doesn't seem possible that nine months later he is still alive...and thriving. All praise to God!

Our little pal has made lots of progress over the past month. We were told that he might not ever be able to swallow, but now he gobbles down baby cereals and foods like they're going out of style. We were told he would most likely never walk or have control of his legs, but he's now rolling over, beginning to scoot, and jumping about 100 miles a day in his Jumperoo. He is an absolute joy. His smile is so contagious, and his little spirit so happy and easy to please. He is down to four medications now, and no longer has any medications that require us to wake him up in the night for a dose. If the stented area of his heart looks good in July, he should be able to stop two more of those medications. He is working right now on learning to sit up on his own. He's made SO much progress on strengthening his back and abdominal muscles since we've been home, but boy it's a lot of hard work for him! Our therapist also pointed out that his surgical scars (particularly the chest tube scars) have formed adhesions to the chest wall--preventing ease of movement/strengthening. We have been working to massage these loose and hopefully make progress a bit easier and more comfortable for him. Well, that's all for now. He is a daily joy. We are so blessed.