Sunday, August 22, 2010

4 months old (almost)

Found a new blog template, so thought we'd play with that!  What do you think?

Jacob had his 4 month check up this past week.  Wow!  Where has the time gone?  We also had a couple of other appointments with the neurosurgeon and the neurologist.  Here are the details:

Height: 25 3/4 inches  (75th percentile)     Weight:  15lbs 1 oz  (50th percentile) 
Jacob's head is stilll larger than average, but he is getting better at holding it up on his own.  We have been recommended for physical therapy, but are still on the waiting list.  The neurosurgeon was pleased with how things look, particularly some swelling that had been around the shunt site which has gone way down. 

This was our first visit with the neurologist and it was a bit of a reality check for us.  Jacob has been progressing well, but is a bit behind where he should be developmentally.  It is hard to say at this age, but there are some things he was concerned about, particularly his vision and hearing.  When we see Jacob every day, we don't think much of it.  But when the doctor put a red ball in front of him, Jacob didn't seem to notice it at all.  There are some visual defecits that can occur with hydrocephalus, so we have an appt with the eye doctor, as well as another hearing screen.  Jacob will also need an MRI in another couple of months to better evaluate the brain structures.

So we are not out of the woods by any means. It just means we need to keep praying!  We know God is with us still.  We are grateful for all the health care providers who are looking out for us and for our friends and family supporting us. 

Other adventures:  Jacob's first Mariners game!  Shown in the picture below with Grandma Vicki.  Another Rainiers baseball game to celebrate Grandpa Leigh's birthday.  And we are enjoying being at home after all the travelling we have done this summer. 

Annie is back at work full time now and we are all trying to find the balance of work and home life.  It was a bit rough the first week, but we're figuring it out now.  Matt is doing a great job keeping the house liveable and a big thanks to him for getting up in the middle of the night with Jacob so Annie can sleep. 

Thanks for reading and we appreciate your continued prayers and support. 


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Pictures, pictures, we want pictures!

We have been to 3 weddings, Port Angeles, Idaho, and California since our last post.  All very good trips, but we are glad to be back at home for awhile to settle down.  Here are some pictures of our recent adventures. 
Helping out at the winery...

Family reunion in Hayden Lake Idaho with Matt's Family. 
Jacob's first boat ride!


Visiting with Aunt Ronnie from New Jersey
Celebrating Great Auntie Joy's 85th birthday and 50 years at their lake cabin. 

Grandma and Grandpa lovin' on Jacob.

First airplane ride...to California.  Jacob did great both ways!! 
Annie was a bridesmaid in her best friend Megan's wedding.