Easter in Virginia

We had a wonderful trip to Virginia for Easter. Our older boys were there, minus fiances unfortunately. Mom and Dad's property was in full bloom and was just spectacular.

And the Easter bunny found us too.

This is big month for us as Kris graduates from UNC medical school on May 7th. He and Shannon then move to Baltimore and return for their wedding at Topsail Beach on May 23rd. Kris starts his residency at Johns Hopskins on June 20th.

Enjoy the pictures....

Jake enjoying his mimosa as Jack discovers what EB left.

Mom, Dad and Kris

Been so long

It's been so long since I last blogged that I am so embarrassed. But, there has not been a lot to report either. Jack is doing well in school. We've had some behavior issues to deal with and an adjustment in medication seems to have made that better. We believe the behavior stems from the brain injury. Research on the internet and talking with experts seems to confirm that.

Other than that, there hasn't been much going on. We are preparing for two weddings this year. Our older boys, Kris and Jake, will be getting married. We love our new daughters-in-law and I know Lisa will be happy to have a few more souls on her side....other than the female dogs of course. What can I say? It's a boy family.

Hopefully it won't be so long for the next post. Someone has a milestone birthday next month so maybe there will be pictures for that event.

Thanksgiving in the NC mountains

We had a great trip to the mountains in McDowell County, NC for Thanksgiving. All the kids came and it was a very restful and relaxing weekend. It was nice to get away for a while.

Enjoy the pictures......

Halloween

Jack had a great time at Halloween. We trudged over much of the neighborhood taking in as much candy as they could dish out. Halloween has always been so much fun with our neighbors as the adults use it as a means to socialize. Jack dressed as Woody from Toy Story. He kept saying "There's a snake in my boot" all night long.

Jack continues to improve both from an emotional and physical standpoint. We are really pushing the walking and I think he is starting to accept this as his primary means of getting around. He was playing on his computer the other day, which by the way, on which he is requiring less and less guidance, and he decided to get off the chair and head in the living room to watch tv. He did this all without talking about it or asking for help or anything. He is starting to discover his independence and it is a cool thing to see.

I posted some pictures of Halloween below.

Jack's progress

Wow. Can't believe it's been over a month since the last update. I will definitely try to do better in the future.

The good news is that Jack has been improving the last few weeks in terms of emotional stability as well as his mobility. He is much less fussy than he was after the surgery and he doesn't wake up crying any more. He also is gaining strength in his legs. Lisa and I kind of layed down the law that he wasn't going to be allowed to scoot around anymore. We are making him walk everywhere including upstairs.

He actually was due to participate in a race today at the school but it was cancelled due to the weather. He has been using a walker at school (instead of the motorized wheelchair) and really moves quite quickly in it. It is great exercise for his legs.

We go back to see the Duke doctors in a couple weeks.

The next big task: potty training him. We have attempted this several times with little success so if anyone has any ideas, don't keep them to yourself.

Bye for now.

Labor Day

Jack is still experiencing extreme fussiness and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. He is still struggling in school. We will be seeing his neurologist soon and will discuss options at that point. We're hoping he seems some relief soon as he is often not feeling well.

We had quick trip up to the Motherland (Ohio) over Labor Day to visit with Lisa's Aunt Dottie and her sister, Jo, in Ohio. It was a short, but very enjoyable trip. Here are some pictures.

Jack, Caylie and I on Aunt Dottie's porch

Caylie, wondering why she was tied to a post

Jack and his Great Aunt Dottie

Jack and Aunt Jolene

Jack and Scrappy getting ready for a ride in the Polaris

Scrappy decided that he liked Jack a lot

Jack got to take a ride with Aunt Jo

August happenings...

We wanted to share some memorable August events with you but also give everyone an update on how Jack is doing.

Jack has begun 2nd grade and is doing well. He has had one tough day so far but otherwise is faring pretty well. He continues to break down emotionally over little things that didn't use to bother him but I believe is beginning to understand that he can control that. If it continues or gets worse, we will talk to his neurologist about it. His new elementary school, Patriots, is great and they have been very supportive of Jack and we feel very confident that he will have a very good year.

Now, for some pictures....

Mom and Dad came to visit and Jack enjoys a little lap time while Grampy reads the comics.

1st day of 2nd grade!

with appropriate attire

Kris and Shannon's moving day. A sad day for us as Kris moves back to Chapel Hill for his 4th year of med school.

Moving that dadgum treadmill again. I thought that's why I gave it away?

Kris and Jack making their way to the big truck.

Kris and Jack

Jack ready to drive the big U-Haul

A "vacation day" for us as we took Jack to Discovery Place

I swear this child has talent on the drums although I'm not sure we want to promote this. He could be the most famous one-armed drummer of all time.

Jack got to visit with a very large iguana