tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12937712057521545122024-03-13T06:18:17.870-04:00Time Will Only TellJoanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-14490813191256968712014-11-25T12:40:00.000-05:002014-11-25T12:40:03.522-05:00Time has ToldJacob's time on earth has come to an end. What pain and sorrow. Yet, to think of Jacob's struggles being over and his eternal gain sure brings joy amongst the sorrow. With much thankfulness, our wishes were granted - that we would be able to care for Jacob at home till the very end and that his symptoms would be under control, so his passing would be peaceful!! <br />
<br />
Not only did we lose a child, but we've also lost a life style (one that many cons but also pros.) It was a life of constant care, appointments, decisions, nurses etc. Please pray that we may given peace and wisdom as we are called to use our time so completely different.<br />
<br />
Here is the information for visiting and funeral. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Visiting hours:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arn Lockie Funeral Home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
43 Main St. West Norwich, Ontario N0J 1P0</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wednesday November 26</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2-4pm, 7-9pm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Funeral</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heritage Reformed Church</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
685 Main St South, Burgessville, Ontario N0J 1C0</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thursday November 27 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
11:00am </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pastor D. Lipsy officiating</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-59275645552635482362014-11-19T10:12:00.001-05:002014-11-19T10:12:39.014-05:00MarijeThis post was written a few weeks back, but I was waiting for one more picture. No more waiting, I'm just going to post. Marije and I were talking a few days ago about Jacob's rough days previously. Looking back, those tough days were much easier compared to the suffering Jacob has had at late!! Even since Jacob has taken a turn which we've been dreaded, Marije has stood beside us as a genuine friend!!! As hard as it is for her to watch, she's here to support and share her love. Thanks be to God for her love and care!!<br />
<br />
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
<br />
Three years ago Marije heard about a boy named Jacob that had special needs. After some time she decided to call us and see if she could help us out in any way. An appointment was set up so she could see for herself what was involved. The day dawned as a dreary, cold Labour Day holiday. In she came to a household that wasn't running at it's prime. With four children under the age of 9, one with special needs requiring constant supervision, many things had be let go. As Marije dealt with Jacob, I was assured we had a great fit as a respite worker. <br />
Since that raw September day, Marije and Jacob have developed a close and loving relationship! They have grown to know and understand each other. Marije's ability allows me to leave the house knowing Jacob is well taken care of. That's huge! Not everyone can provide that level of support. Without her care, I would be unable to do the normal tasks that are required of me as wife and mother. Groceries, appointments, lawn cutting, swimming :) shopping, and spending time with Paul are just a few of things that I'm enabled to do with. <br />
Marije has walked this path beside us and has witnessed Jacob's contagious smiles and heart warming giggles. She has also witnessed those times where every breath is a struggle and wondering how much longer he can fight. Marije's ability to think outside the box is continually beneficial for Jacob's overall well being. <br />
<br />
This picture shows one of Marije's great ideas - using a pool tube as a different positing tool. Jacob has since outgrown the pool tube, but it sure worked well for quite some time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSscuPj9d5Y/VGJviQVBHSI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/sS9ldK23iKQ/s1600/2012%2B06%2BMisc%2B073a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSscuPj9d5Y/VGJviQVBHSI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/sS9ldK23iKQ/s400/2012%2B06%2BMisc%2B073a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Jacob has always been a boy who has soaked in the love of being held. Thankfully Marije has been very compatible in that field.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-eD_z6AADo/VGJvuBbHW-I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/8HhU_jNZsRA/s1600/IMG_2136a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-eD_z6AADo/VGJvuBbHW-I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/8HhU_jNZsRA/s400/IMG_2136a.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
Going to most appointments by myself has been sufficient, but at times, to have Marije present has been a huge blessing. Here Jacob was enjoying some time at a sensory play group in London. Marije was keen on watching how Jacob responded and then tried to figure out ways how we could incorporate such a sensory therapy at home. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z6PnuADu9g/VGJv0_cDPaI/AAAAAAAAA5g/QVgYyKbRPXk/s1600/IMG_4661a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z6PnuADu9g/VGJv0_cDPaI/AAAAAAAAA5g/QVgYyKbRPXk/s400/IMG_4661a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
More snuggles!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQqMkx3VuK0/VGJv5md2gPI/AAAAAAAAA5o/aJw_QEREq8I/s1600/IMG_4693a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQqMkx3VuK0/VGJv5md2gPI/AAAAAAAAA5o/aJw_QEREq8I/s400/IMG_4693a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Massaging. He did very well with that therapy, but as his bones become more brittle, massaging does indeed get more tricky. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_BIiJkBNc/VGJv-_A2kUI/AAAAAAAAA5w/xtbLHpUg8KU/s1600/IMG_4506a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_BIiJkBNc/VGJv-_A2kUI/AAAAAAAAA5w/xtbLHpUg8KU/s400/IMG_4506a.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
And then there are the times that Jacob sleeps and the kids are home and...the games come out. :) That doesn't happen very often but when it does the kids LOVE it!! Marije has become much more than a respite worker to Paul and I, but also our kids. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-75JG0I38s/VGJzbhbkLzI/AAAAAAAAA58/sR-OyBtin5w/s1600/2012%2B11%2BThis%2BThat%2B170a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-75JG0I38s/VGJzbhbkLzI/AAAAAAAAA58/sR-OyBtin5w/s320/2012%2B11%2BThis%2BThat%2B170a.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
It is such a joy to see Marije using the talents God has given her. She has been such a blessing to us over the past 3 years and we look forward to her loving care in the future. Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-75080147720746818192014-11-18T18:08:00.001-05:002014-11-18T18:08:21.774-05:00Last StepsEven writing these words brings tears. It's such a reality that Jacob has entered his last journey on earth. Things are deteriorating which brings anguish which is indescribable. Yet, to think that Jacob is but a few paces away from everlasting peace is such an inexpressible joy.<br />
<br />
Currently his symptoms are being treated and are mostly under control. His pain and agony that he endures is so difficult to watch, so to have the symptoms under control is a blessing. It brings a time of breathing again for us all. As his brain stem deteriorates, it doesn't seem like the path is going to get easier. Yet, we plead upon that promise 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' For those who are unsure, Jacob is at home, which is our desire. Jacob's medical team supports us totally, as home has been the place which Jacob has always done well in. So to have his last steps at home is in Jacob's best interest. <br />
<br />
Your tokens of love are greatly appreciated!! Your prayers are appreciated tremendously. Without God, to walk this journey would be so much more difficult, if not impossible!! <br />
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-83447635358291799532014-11-15T08:16:00.002-05:002014-11-15T08:16:40.450-05:00The Journey ContinuesIt appears that we have entered the last journey of Jacob's life. The hour of his departure is unknown to us, but the time does seem to be somewhat short. Hours, days, or possibly weeks - no one on his medical team is giving any direction, as the road is uncharted and unpredictable. We trust that God's timing is perfect and are comforted in the fact that His will will be done. The battle continues of wanting Jacob to be out of all his suffering, yet the flesh and blood crying out for him to stay. <br />
We covet your prayers! <br />
<br />
Providentaly, one of our girls brought it to my attention in September that we should be having family pictures taken. I understood her tone of voice and acted on lining up a photographer. Little did I know at the time how precious those pictures would be. Here is my favorite picture of our little man. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU5mQ-PgvA4/VGdRG59Fw4I/AAAAAAAAA7o/S3kvHb-CLoE/s1600/Boesterd-0072a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gU5mQ-PgvA4/VGdRG59Fw4I/AAAAAAAAA7o/S3kvHb-CLoE/s1600/Boesterd-0072a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-69093068567987046572014-11-11T22:24:00.000-05:002014-11-11T22:24:02.719-05:00Make-A-Wish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the spring our social worker told us that Jacob was eligible for a Make-A-Wish. After much consideration and advice, it was suggested that we apply for a screened-in gazebo, which would enable Jacob to enjoy the outdoors without being eaten by the MANY mosquitoes we have here. It has always been impossible for Jacob to be outside here from May - July due to the enormous amount of mosquitoes. This summer we only brought him outside a couple of times due to the amount of bugs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After some time, we were thrilled to hear that Jacob's wish had been accepted. The construction date had been set for October 9. Home Depot came with 9 volunteers who donated their time to help build the gazebo. It truly was beautiful to see those people willingly take the day off work to help one who is less fortunate than most. They worked with their heart in the project. Good humour was in order for the day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make-A-Wish surely went above our expectations! They arrived with a wonderful array of donuts and muffins for break time. When lunch time arrived, a wonderful selection of subs were brought in. The workers were re-fueled and ready to go again. The humour resumed and they were all in the groove again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Around 4:00 the project was complete. Pizza, pop and cupcakes arrived to celebrate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not only did we have a screened-in gazebo, but one with windows all the way around and...it came fully furnished. A beautiful wicker patio set sure gave a complete and homey feel. Jacob was also given a whole basket of goodies - teddy bears, sensory toys, books, blanket, and more. One of the volunteers went to some local nursery's and received several plants. A London nursery graciously donated a tree which they named 'Jacob's tree.' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stood amazed and humbled at the love that was put into the day. God had indeed blessed us above what we could have asked for! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyXRd4U4ofU/VGKcjc_H7nI/AAAAAAAAA68/yrH7uOo_xso/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CyXRd4U4ofU/VGKcjc_H7nI/AAAAAAAAA68/yrH7uOo_xso/s400/photo%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The construction begins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ64aUQOq94/VGKcTjAE_LI/AAAAAAAAA6c/-ISFUdaj6vE/s1600/DSC00319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ64aUQOq94/VGKcTjAE_LI/AAAAAAAAA6c/-ISFUdaj6vE/s400/DSC00319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and continues...even though they were battling high winds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zvVaMHyef4/VGKcSYpI1lI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/xryTh3HD00g/s1600/DSC00332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zvVaMHyef4/VGKcSYpI1lI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/xryTh3HD00g/s400/DSC00332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The willing volunteers with a job well done!! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrWDn7yPJ_c/VGKcSJDfN2I/AAAAAAAAA6M/ncYGxR2X-Pw/s1600/DSC00337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrWDn7yPJ_c/VGKcSJDfN2I/AAAAAAAAA6M/ncYGxR2X-Pw/s400/DSC00337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-4B0mh6s0M/VGKccbPC6zI/AAAAAAAAA60/C4DUSSICkGY/s1600/DSC00342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-4B0mh6s0M/VGKccbPC6zI/AAAAAAAAA60/C4DUSSICkGY/s400/DSC00342.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob's first time in the gazebo :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1rWMsQLI8w/VGKd0fz1bHI/AAAAAAAAA7I/rY_Nsjs43S0/s1600/IMG081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1rWMsQLI8w/VGKd0fz1bHI/AAAAAAAAA7I/rY_Nsjs43S0/s400/IMG081.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day a couple weeks back we were scheduled to have an OT and PT appointment but Paul was making too much noise working in the addition for us to be in the house. (Jacob didn't handle the noise well at all!!!) Our conclusion...let's have the appointment in the gazebo! Jacob loved it and Paul was able to complete the necessary tasks :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-85127139606852850212014-10-07T19:58:00.000-04:002014-10-07T19:58:00.800-04:00Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEPoj4C89b0/VDQF_sMqAOI/AAAAAAAAA4c/ge4xqugQq6c/s1600/IMG_7564a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEPoj4C89b0/VDQF_sMqAOI/AAAAAAAAA4c/ge4xqugQq6c/s1600/IMG_7564a.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love you bro!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These two boys already have a great love for one another. As we were contemplating if Aaron was smiling in response, it was confirmed when the two of them were spending some time beside each other. Aaron continually smiled at Jacob while Jacob was rather soaking in the love!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsqjJRauOpc/VDROM4vvI9I/AAAAAAAAA4s/wTdlnVGS82I/s1600/IMG_7573a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsqjJRauOpc/VDROM4vvI9I/AAAAAAAAA4s/wTdlnVGS82I/s1600/IMG_7573a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
What a privilege and blessing it was for me hold our 'big' boy again!! After 6 long weeks, my arms wrapped around Jacob with a host of emotions. To see him smile sure made my day!! After holding Aaron for six weeks, Jacob seemed that much bigger than before, but also soooo stiff. <br />
Jacob has been at respite for several days which has given a much needed break. Trying to juggle the two boys care has been difficult, but yet rewarding. I'm hoping the transition of Jacob back home is going to be a peaceful one! We'll see what tomorrow and the days ahead brings.<br />
Exciting news in the construction world...Jacob's room is becoming more and more a reality :) With most of the noisy work coming to a close, it's a few of the quieter jobs left, which can be worked on when Jacob is home. We found out (the hard way!!!) that the noise and vibration of the tools/machines were playing havoc on his brain. Here is the project as of today. I'm hoping that the mud is going to come to a close soon!! We're so thankful for all the help with the building! It truly is a big job, but overall it's gone smooth with excitement filling the room!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ2tnhiGb7w/VDRf7BB38VI/AAAAAAAAA48/P-PZg4ycmTQ/s1600/IMG_7637a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ2tnhiGb7w/VDRf7BB38VI/AAAAAAAAA48/P-PZg4ycmTQ/s1600/IMG_7637a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-35254358543933660492014-09-15T21:41:00.000-04:002014-09-15T21:41:24.061-04:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkrOE9fPUoI/VBcHZKcNwqI/AAAAAAAAA3c/DvGrJp5I7C4/s1600/IMG_7357a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkrOE9fPUoI/VBcHZKcNwqI/AAAAAAAAA3c/DvGrJp5I7C4/s1600/IMG_7357a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
Little did I know even one month ago how much joy this little one would bring into our family. The concern of how we were going to care for 5 children weighed heavy on me since the day we found out we were expecting. The fact that Jacob takes so much of our time and energy made the realization of being a mother of 5 kids a daunting task!! With so much thankfulness God knew perfectly what our family needed! It was another child. The children have been enjoying every day with their new brother. The girls love being little mothers, and Caleb - well that's a whole other story! He is super protective over his brother Jacob, and it's looking like that same protectiveness is appearing over his brother Aaron. He wants his brother to walk soon :) He asked us on the weekend, 'how many more weeks till Aaron is going to start smiling?' We replied 'hopefully in about three.' Caleb quickly asked, 'then is he going to start walking?' I love how his brain ticks :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc1224AOgEw/VBcHc0mabeI/AAAAAAAAA3k/MCCgH8qXYEk/s1600/IMG_7363a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc1224AOgEw/VBcHc0mabeI/AAAAAAAAA3k/MCCgH8qXYEk/s1600/IMG_7363a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
Jacob has been gone quite a bit since Aaron has been born, but when he's home he still gets plenty of attention! Thankfully we've seen lots of smiles this past week, which makes everybody's day! We see it more and more how Jacob loves having his siblings around. It also seems like he's getting used to Aaron's crying. At first, he really became agitated with the extra noise, but now he is getting adjusted to the new norm. Thankfully Aaron is also getting used to his new surroundings and is crying much less :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjh9nbJ4EHg/VBcHgEz7QcI/AAAAAAAAA3s/epcNvA_9ugA/s1600/IMG_7365a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjh9nbJ4EHg/VBcHgEz7QcI/AAAAAAAAA3s/epcNvA_9ugA/s1600/IMG_7365a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
Jacob's spa day :) Marije decided to try something new with great success. He really seems to enjoy the sensory stimulation. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcOtVv00gnM/VBcHn3E1dMI/AAAAAAAAA38/Ni8McC_OKG0/s1600/IMG_7403a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcOtVv00gnM/VBcHn3E1dMI/AAAAAAAAA38/Ni8McC_OKG0/s1600/IMG_7403a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
Talk about trying something new... our therapists talked to me several months ago about trying Jacob in a stander. In their mind, he was up to the challenge. On Thursday it was brought into our home as a trial. Little did we know how great he would do in it!! He loves it. We have to take it really slow, as his leg muscles have never been worked like this, but so far he's responded extremely positively. The stander is great for Jacob's muscles, tone, bones, and so much more. Every time we place him in the stander, we'll add another minute or so, and see how he does. It seems like we're seeing progress :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cD-XJiKZfUY/VBcHqmIVVrI/AAAAAAAAA4E/nOUT61tvFNc/s1600/IMG_7411a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cD-XJiKZfUY/VBcHqmIVVrI/AAAAAAAAA4E/nOUT61tvFNc/s1600/IMG_7411a.jpg" height="298" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
The walls are now poured for the addition. This week is stacking up to be a busy week with lots of work being planned on. We've seen the need for the addition for a while, but with Jacob's new stander, we have to leave it by the main door, as we have no room to store it. The addition is looking more beneficial all the time. The extra room is going to be a welcome treat!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wqd9sTtU75Q/VBcHYVYIMHI/AAAAAAAAA3U/F5yr1GhGkiM/s1600/IMG_7349a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wqd9sTtU75Q/VBcHYVYIMHI/AAAAAAAAA3U/F5yr1GhGkiM/s1600/IMG_7349a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
In South-Western Ontario, rain has been in abundance this summer! Building the addition with 5 inches of water in 5 days has added plenty of excitement for the kids. It doesn't matter how much water or mud is in the hole, Sheryl and Caleb will be found helping Paul do whatever needs to be done! (They are far more eager to help Paul outside than to help clean up all the dirt/mud they bring in the house :) Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-77668714914184366372014-09-06T13:43:00.001-04:002014-09-06T13:43:40.875-04:00New Additions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/>
<w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sure has been a while since I sat down to formulate my
thoughts about our on-going journey. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post will be a rambling of my thoughts
of late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life has taken on an extra busyness since the addition of
our little Aaron on Aug 22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This little bundle has
sure changed the dynamics of our house hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, in order to welcome Aaron into this world, I needed to
have a last minute c-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has come with an
enormous strain, considering I am unable to pick Jacob up, hold him, change his
diaper etc. for six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mother, this breaks my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to tell myself that God has
ALL things in His control and ALL things happen for a reason, but I’m stumbling
on this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see Jacob so upset and
me unable to console him brings pain unimaginable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob has been somewhat off his norm since
Aaron has been born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re unsure of the
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we put the two boys
together, Jacob quite agreeably absorbs the new setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems to be very content and alert when
Aaron is close by. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The messages we are receiving from Jacob seem to be mixed...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
He is currently at respite, where he seems to be doing fine! I'm so thankful that he is happy there. Hopefully by the time he comes home next week Wednesday, Aaron is more predictable and maybe will not exercise his lungs quite so much :-/ Time will only tell what the future holds, but I'm quite certain the next 4'sh weeks will have stress unique to having a new-born and a special needs child in the house at the same time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are excited to say that the addition has finally started. Wow, what a lengthy process!! The footings are poured and are ready for the walls next week. :) Jacob's new bed has been ordered and should be ready shortly after the addition is complete! What a welcome treat that is going to be for all who care for him (and for Jacob who will much more room to move without hitting the side rails!!)</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5vTGwjG4C8A/VAtFo-NnE5I/AAAAAAAAA20/KUpMPBGvEvg/s1600/IMG_7278a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5vTGwjG4C8A/VAtFo-NnE5I/AAAAAAAAA20/KUpMPBGvEvg/s1600/IMG_7278a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob is just sooo big - and white!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okw730e5Lu4/VAtFtbojeLI/AAAAAAAAA28/kMRp5K2pshI/s1600/IMG_7285a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-okw730e5Lu4/VAtFtbojeLI/AAAAAAAAA28/kMRp5K2pshI/s1600/IMG_7285a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nurse was having fun with the 2 boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9GU9lMiwqk/VAtF1L5xbKI/AAAAAAAAA3E/3eATT78BgMU/s1600/IMG_7315a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9GU9lMiwqk/VAtF1L5xbKI/AAAAAAAAA3E/3eATT78BgMU/s1600/IMG_7315a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul pouring the footings for the addition. Considering he works in concrete, this was second nature to him. It was neat to see him work in his element! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-13674791795712655862014-07-30T22:29:00.000-04:002014-07-30T22:29:10.993-04:00ThoughtsLately, it's been hard to know what to say,<br />
As we continue down this way.<br />
It's sure been a tough and hard time,<br />
As we continue to care for Mr. Sometimes.<br />
<br />
We've had plenty of meetings,<br />
Some about his continual issue with feeding.<br />
He's still not gaining weight,<br />
Which we may never see at this rate.<br />
<br />
His breathing has been a mess,<br />
It sure adds plenty of stress.<br />
Last week to emerge we went,<br />
Yet nothing was found in the event.<br />
<br />
We asked ourselves how can that be? <br />
He was sick, all in emerge did agree. <br />
A high fever, weakened, low sats and laboured breathing.<br />
We left with a mixed emotion feeling.<br />
<br />
Lately, Jacob's undergone lots of medication changes,<br />
Is it just another one of his stages?<br />
Nothings stays the same for long,<br />
As the battle continues for what is wrong.<br />
<br />
Is his condition worsening?<br />
It sure causes our heart much hurting!<br />
We never know what to expect,<br />
Or what will next take effect.<br />
<br />
We're blessed with a great night nursing team,<br />
Love and compassion is their over-arching theme.<br />
Each one exceeds our expectations,<br />
As they lovingly adapt to all Jacob's complications.<br />
<br />
Anxious fear can grip us as we near our due date.<br />
What will then be on our slate?<br />
A fifth child in tow,<br />
Thankfully the baby is healthy for what we do know.<br />
<br />
In the recent past, we've had tears,<br />
Tears of joy or a heart wrenching fear.<br />
God says He'll carry us through,<br />
To lean on Him is all we can do.<br />
<br />
We continue to covet your prayers,<br />
And all your words you share.<br />
Your encouragement has been so uplifting,<br />
We find it thoroughly comforting.<br />
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-30284316961235302892014-07-11T22:33:00.000-04:002014-07-11T22:33:49.298-04:00Summer DaysWell, this week as I was discussing with a medical professional how the summer affects our family life and explaining how much easier my life becomes, he quickly exclaimed 'I've never heard a mom say that before, let alone, a mom of 4 kids.' I LOVE the summer days of having the kids home. They are such a big help in so many respects. It truly makes my life so much easier!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgfOd24F9V8/U8CbKJxj4hI/AAAAAAAAA2M/xJc9tRLam3c/s1600/IMG_6063a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgfOd24F9V8/U8CbKJxj4hI/AAAAAAAAA2M/xJc9tRLam3c/s1600/IMG_6063a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only do I love having the kids home, so does Jacob!! The floor is his favorite place as he feels the vibrations from his siblings. When they leave the house to play outside, he often becomes whiny!! He's become so aware of his surroundings. It's truly beautiful to see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4YLAbf-ffQ/U8CbOlOgA0I/AAAAAAAAA2U/iPo6fi-ptDM/s1600/IMG_5964a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U4YLAbf-ffQ/U8CbOlOgA0I/AAAAAAAAA2U/iPo6fi-ptDM/s1600/IMG_5964a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound asleep, or maybe just pretending :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvlVJl8P6uA/U8CbS_Jj7PI/AAAAAAAAA2c/QYG_jBYQXNw/s1600/IMG_6151a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xvlVJl8P6uA/U8CbS_Jj7PI/AAAAAAAAA2c/QYG_jBYQXNw/s1600/IMG_6151a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a treat to have Ashley come back for a day shift to play with Jacob. The first thing she did upon her arrival was to get on the floor right beside him and start playing/talking with him. What a blessing to have her still involved with us!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99CAOq5754U/U8CbYIQcSII/AAAAAAAAA2k/bidUal8Zt5Q/s1600/IMG_6201a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99CAOq5754U/U8CbYIQcSII/AAAAAAAAA2k/bidUal8Zt5Q/s1600/IMG_6201a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One example of how our life becomes easier when the kids are around. They are often the babysitters!! On this particular day, Jacob was quite out of sorts for some reason. Even though it was super muggy that day, it was a last resort to take him outside. I truly did not know what else to do with him!! He loved it and...his lungs became super clear. So unpredictable!! Sheryl was quite pleased that she could watch her brother :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-39328444772924320242014-06-23T20:02:00.000-04:002014-06-23T20:02:51.718-04:00Random ThoughtsLast week we were interviewed by a member of our medical team for a project for her schooling. She gave no heads up as to what she was going to be asking, so we anxiously awaited her arrival and questions. The worst part about it was the fact that the 'interview' was recorded!! One beautiful thing Paul and I gained insight from was from the question 'what have you learned from having Jacob in your life.' We all took our turn. Sheryl was last to answer, and I was the most amazed at her response!! She replied 'I've really learned how caring people are!' What a beautiful response. She didn't reply that she now knows what an apnea spell is, what a pneumonia looks like in a little boy, how uncertain life could be or how hard it can be having so many people come into the house. Instead she saw the beautiful way that people help out in various ways. I was so thankful for her response. Yes, she has pain many times, but at this point in the journey, she is able to dwell on a huge positive. Thanks be to God for this breakthrough!!<br />
<br />
Also, last week a meeting was held at CPRI (the one respite home) which included several staff from the home plus most of our community team. They can be daunting meetings, but this one went fairly well. It seems like we can't get off the train of Jacob's weight/feeding intolerance not being an issue. It would be so nice to have a time that he handles his feeds well and gains weight. When we push the calories he gains weight but doesn't feel good because of it. On the other side, to see him grow in length, but not put on much weight is truly a burden! We've revamped his feeding slightly, so we'll see what happens. So far, the desired effect hasn't been reached :(<br />
<br />
We received pictures from the fundraiser, for which we are thankful to have those moments captured for us! We stand totally amazed at the generosity of so many people!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETSbZyzUyg8/U6i37CpzEPI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/sSn3dyqQocs/s1600/2014-06-12+at+20-54-34a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETSbZyzUyg8/U6i37CpzEPI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/sSn3dyqQocs/s1600/2014-06-12+at+20-54-34a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious conversing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbZ46JTdC-4/U6i3M7lCEQI/AAAAAAAAA00/4mVC7HhPlQI/s1600/2014-06-12+at+19-02-01a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbZ46JTdC-4/U6i3M7lCEQI/AAAAAAAAA00/4mVC7HhPlQI/s1600/2014-06-12+at+19-02-01a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's that smile on Becky (our case manager) that has got me through many hard times!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oPbpzmTSAQ/U6i3a3iOSbI/AAAAAAAAA08/QKyEnnl3P-U/s1600/2014-06-12+at+19-32-47a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2oPbpzmTSAQ/U6i3a3iOSbI/AAAAAAAAA08/QKyEnnl3P-U/s1600/2014-06-12+at+19-32-47a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For anyone who knows our medical team, this picture really sums up the situation - Michelle is not wanting to give up Jacob while Ashley says 'Times up, it's my turn!' Jacob was held the entire evening by his medical (past and present) team! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HZa5mE0htE/U6i3ge7pExI/AAAAAAAAA1E/zGwBk6Nac6Y/s1600/2014-06-12+at+19-43-31a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HZa5mE0htE/U6i3ge7pExI/AAAAAAAAA1E/zGwBk6Nac6Y/s1600/2014-06-12+at+19-43-31a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa all ready to talk :) She's a gem!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAMDbdW8mBE/U6i3m8ptS4I/AAAAAAAAA1M/XXF2dPmsh40/s1600/2014-06-12+at+20-48-33a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAMDbdW8mBE/U6i3m8ptS4I/AAAAAAAAA1M/XXF2dPmsh40/s1600/2014-06-12+at+20-48-33a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply socializing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ns6DB8AyeY/U6i8d0crlqI/AAAAAAAAA18/zmuZWyGQwmA/s1600/2014-06-12+at+18-43-20a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ns6DB8AyeY/U6i8d0crlqI/AAAAAAAAA18/zmuZWyGQwmA/s1600/2014-06-12+at+18-43-20a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small sampling of the delicious food!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNZSSCqt9-Y/U6i4MrzaV6I/AAAAAAAAA1w/MvyzG_vOB4g/s1600/2014-06-12+at+22-02-51a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNZSSCqt9-Y/U6i4MrzaV6I/AAAAAAAAA1w/MvyzG_vOB4g/s1600/2014-06-12+at+22-02-51a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending some time with his cousin Luke :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y8kDzlvNs4/U6i4KzrpbNI/AAAAAAAAA1o/Ur1jeuT4_pI/s1600/2014-06-12+at+21-50-38a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y8kDzlvNs4/U6i4KzrpbNI/AAAAAAAAA1o/Ur1jeuT4_pI/s1600/2014-06-12+at+21-50-38a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Content at the end of the evening, even after all the sensory input!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-24163821562328276242014-06-13T21:33:00.004-04:002014-06-13T21:33:43.076-04:00After the FactWell, here we are 24 hours after the fundraiser with a plethora of emotions! To accurately describe how we are feeling is almost impossible. <br />
<br />
To see so many people come beside us last night was humbling to the very core!! We felt your love and support, and appreciate it beyond words!! It was a most enjoyable evening for Paul and I to be able to talk to so many of our 'supporters.' <br />
<br />
<br />
One thing that was made crystal clear to Paul and I was the fact that Jacob is one loved boy. Even though he comes with so many hardships, he's loved by many. Never did I think that Jacob would be fought over the whole night :) Originally I thought my dear Mom and Marije would have their hands full all night, but they couldn't have got their hands on him if they tried. For a mom to witness such love is heart warming!! Be sure Jacob felt the love too, as he was quite calm all night (which is a blessing in itself!)<br />
<br />
One thing that Paul and I have been living with for almost three years (this was one of the lessons we learned early on) is the fact that we are called to walk this path with Jacob, not anyone else. We can't (and don't) expect anyone to feel what we feel, experience what we experience, suffer how we suffer and joy how we joy. Yet, last night showed us clearly that there are many who may not feel exactly what we feel, but are walking this path right beside us. To see family, friends, neighbours, the church community, school community, nurses, other nursing personal, and work related personal all come together and shower us with support was a day which we will not forget. <br />
<br />
We tried to talk to everyone who came, but we failed in this department! :( But be sure, every one of you who came made us grateful and amazed!! Your presence didn't go unnoticed! <br />
<br />
By the response we heard last night, Lisa's speech was informative and helpful in giving a realistic picture of what life is like with a child like Jacob. Once I get a copy of the video, I'm going to try to upload it for those who would have loved to come, but were unable due to other commitments. Talking with Lisa today, she said how much she enjoyed herself last night and could really feel the love and support. <br />
<br />
Where we also stand humbled is how people are willing to help with the actual building of the addition. This is something we didn't at all count on! We see first hand that the Lord gives more than we can ask.<br />
<br />
With much thanks to God and many generous hearts, we were able to collect over $12,000.00 dollars, with funds still coming in. Your moral and financial support is greatly appreciated. <br />
<br />
Sorry I have no pictures to post. I'll post pictures once I get the pictures from the 'photographer.' For some reason I was rather busy, so our camera sat in the kitchen collecting dust. <br />
<br />
Thanks again to everyone for all of your support last night! Your kind words and encouragements have indeed uplifted us! <br />
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-18148418966622122082014-06-10T17:11:00.003-04:002014-06-10T17:11:44.840-04:00Excitment at the Home Front<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These last weeks have been busy, but full of excitement. It's beautiful to have positives going on around us!! Last week we heartily welcomed a previous night nurse back, from 21 months ago! Maria left us as she was pursuing her RN degree. She's since graduated but has kept working part time in the community. We had no idea she was coming, but when I saw her walking up the stairs, it took me 3 looks to confirm my thoughts! I was beyond excited!! She was thrilled to be watching her cuddle bug again. According to Maria, he's changed in so many ways, yet he's the same in so many other ways. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We also had Ashley back last night for a night shift which was totally refreshing. It's been 7 weeks since she took on a management position, so it sure has been a while since she's shown her love to Jacob. The girls woke up with smiles from ear to ear to see Ashley again! Caleb woke up when she was gone and was NOT impressed!! He loved his mornings with Ashley. They are alike in many ways :) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we are busy planning for the fundraiser on Thursday, this has made the time go by super quick! Little did I know what lessons were to be learned through this endeavour!! One lesson that has been learned is that this fundraiser has been super beneficial for our girls. They have something fun, exciting and special to plan and take part in. They have been a huge help and are so excited to see Jacob reach this milestone. Many ideas have originated from them which makes the night even more special for them. It's beautiful to see them shine!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lisa Pearlman is really looking forward to the opportunity to speak. We have no idea what she is going to bring forth, but I'm certain it's going to be interesting for everyone!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-65258209442105858952014-05-29T17:13:00.000-04:002014-05-29T17:13:30.921-04:00Jacob's Room :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVpZYVlSO0A/U4eb0J4UlKI/AAAAAAAAA0U/d8nXEYNGm80/s1600/Fundraiser+Logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVpZYVlSO0A/U4eb0J4UlKI/AAAAAAAAA0U/d8nXEYNGm80/s1600/Fundraiser+Logo1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: blue;">June 12, 2014</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmmqFPYTYVo/U4eZmO_s9pI/AAAAAAAAA0E/fV63KFcpoN0/s1600/Fundraising+Poster+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmmqFPYTYVo/U4eZmO_s9pI/AAAAAAAAA0E/fV63KFcpoN0/s1600/Fundraising+Poster+2a.jpg" height="640" width="388" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As we plan on this fundraiser, it is a constant reminder of how Jacob has exceeded everyone's expectation. What a celebration :) Truthfully God's ways are above our ways! It brings back memories of Jacob in the isolette in the PCCU, when he was only several days old. Back then, I never thought we'd see the day that he would 'graduate' to a crib. Now, 3+years later we are faced with the reality of Jacob graduating from his crib and requiring more room than we currently have in our house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lisa Pearlman is a world renowned speaker who has graciously offered to speak at our fundraiser. She is a captivating, knowlegable and sincere woman who has dealt with Paediatric Palliative Care for years. She's been involved in Jacob's care since he was 10 days old, and has been an enormous asset ever since!! I'm more than slightly interested in what she is going to say :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To say the least, the nurses can't wait for the addition to begin (and finish) so they can have their own space with Jacob. They are looking forward to being able to deal with Jacob in ways without the worry of waking the whole household up. Yeah, for more sleep and more relaxed care from the nurses!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gap9u4l2F5M/U4eZcpx3bSI/AAAAAAAAAz4/igMtwIXmLnM/s1600/Brochure+Fundraiser2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gap9u4l2F5M/U4eZcpx3bSI/AAAAAAAAAz4/igMtwIXmLnM/s1600/Brochure+Fundraiser2.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-16888000512601594812014-05-13T11:59:00.001-04:002014-05-13T11:59:23.410-04:00Month's Summary<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/>
<w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
Over the past month, we've been blessed beyond measure with a relatively
stable boy. I don't think we could get him to a more stable point
:) Here are several of our recent joys/concerns:<br />
<br />
- He's been enjoying quite a bit of time outside, which he LOVES!!
He's usually grumpy for a bit when we take him in, but that's ok. It
shows us that his brain properly processes his likes/dislikes, which is a huge
stepping stone! :)<br />
<br />
- He's beginning to roll onto his right side. It's so nice that he can
become more comfortable on his own! What a milestone :)<br />
<br />
- He's been sleeping at night surprisingly well! He's been waking up
to the minute, that the nurse is done her shift. It seems when he gets a
good night’s sleep, his days are so much more manageable! <br />
<br />
- He's becoming much more vocal :) In a pleasant way. He's
making more different noises in response to different things. It's truly
beautiful to witness. I love our new found conversations :)<br />
<br />
- He no longer needs chest physio. There is simply no explanation for
this, but we'll gladly accept this new stage. His lungs have been
perfectly clear for several weeks. Incredible!!<br />
<br />
- A new GI med has been added while another one has been discontinued.
And the world of changing meds continues. It seems like the med is having
the desired effect, so that's a bonus!<br />
<br />
- Unfortunately we witnessed another apnea spell on Sunday :( On a
positive note, it was the first one we saw in 6 weeks. That's the longest
we've gone once they reared their ugly head in December.<br />
<br />
- By far the least fortunate for us was that Ashley, a night nurse, changed
positions in the nursing world for a management position. We wish her the best, but it's more
than difficult to see a nurse leave whose heart was so caring for Jacob.
She was a gem and will always have a very soft spot in our hearts! The
kids had a really hard time with her leaving too, as she was such a fun person
to wake up to. I'm convinced she'll be glad that she's gone though
because we've been battling bats in our house :( She witnessed a bat in
our house last summer, and let's just say, she didn't handle it very
calmly! <br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReQKHtSUigg/U3I_1mz6Q-I/AAAAAAAAAzo/eRFJYuBOjnc/s1600/IMG_4957a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReQKHtSUigg/U3I_1mz6Q-I/AAAAAAAAAzo/eRFJYuBOjnc/s1600/IMG_4957a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley - is dearly missed already!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-35631233478710364632014-05-08T20:34:00.001-04:002014-05-08T20:34:11.056-04:003 YearsVirginia is a regular 'visitor' at our house. We are more than fortunate to have had her care and love watching over Jacob for the past three years. Yesterday marked the three year mark that she walked through our doors to meet a little Jacob. She said yesterday how she questioned <i>would we see Christmas?</i> Well we did see Christmas 2011, plus 2 more :) :)<br />
<br />
Once a week Virginia assesses Jacob's lungs, answers our questions and concerns, deals with medication issues and is often our sounding board for medical questions/issues. She has been a huge asset for Jacob and the rest of us.<br />
<br />
Jacob has learned who Virginia is and we are sure he realizes she is going to get her stethoscope out because he usually starts snorting and breathing really loud. The noise can be so loud through the stethoscope that I'm sure she has left more than once with ringing ears. She's gotten so used to his noises that at times she doesn't even try to get an assessment because she knows all she's going to hear is upper airway noises which are deafening. I'm so thankful that Virginia sees humour through it all. <br />
<br />
One time several months ago Virginia came while one of our night nurses was here. His lungs had been great for the nurse Andrea for several hours until...Virginia came in. Instantly he started snorting, snoring and making all sorts of noises. After attempting to assess a noisy situation, she finally exclaimed, "I'm not Virginia, but Andrea.' Her reasoning didn't work, but needless to say we were all in stitches. That's Virginia. She can make a tough situation into a much lighter one! <br />
There are nurses, but there are also nurses who go above and beyond their calling and Virginia is one of them!! :) What a gem!! Thanks Virginia!! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMFVBTTFX-g/U2wdmlAI8dI/AAAAAAAAAzM/fU8UqzQ3DM8/s1600/IMG_1475a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMFVBTTFX-g/U2wdmlAI8dI/AAAAAAAAAzM/fU8UqzQ3DM8/s1600/IMG_1475a.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, he's complaining that the stethoscope came out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRBYcuCy4kY/U2weau2LAbI/AAAAAAAAAzY/PXCzMHUv88k/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRBYcuCy4kY/U2weau2LAbI/AAAAAAAAAzY/PXCzMHUv88k/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was more than noisy this particular day and Virginia can still smile :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-53338520043021741572014-04-25T11:37:00.001-04:002014-04-25T11:37:35.245-04:00RiddlesLife is full of riddles. Some we'll figure out, some we won't. Life with a special needs child is full of many many riddles. Jacob's life is no exception to that reality! For the past 2+ weeks, we've been trying to figure out what happened to his leg(s). Seeing the x-rays came back fine, we knew his legs/hips weren't broken :) The doctors and nurses couldn't figure it out. After days of close observation and still no clear direction, I presumed this was one riddle that was left to be unanswered. Until...the therapists arrive at our doorstep to 'feel' what was going on yesterday. Our physiotherapist is amazing with her hands!! She really feels that nothing is wrong with his legs, but something happened (or is happening) in his back. He is reacting to the pain/discomfort by bringing up his one leg while holding the other one stiff! He can hold it so stiff, it's extremely difficult to move it! The strength of a three year old amazes me!! Mary Ellen showed us how to do some gentle exercises with him, to see if he can relax his legs/back more. The therapists are scheduled to come back the beginning of next week, so it'll be interesting what happens before then. Her theory totally makes sense to us. Maybe, just maybe we'll have the answer. <br />
<br />
Life with Jacob as a whole though has been good lately. The weather has been amazing, so he's been spending quite a bit of time outside :) He LOVES it!! The only part he complains about is coming back inside. What a blessing though that his brain registers the difference and he's able to express it correctly!! That's something we don't take for granted. Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-43668196904890444762014-04-10T09:10:00.001-04:002014-04-10T09:10:58.435-04:00Another Trek to EmergeYesterday sure brought trials our way. Suddenly in the afternoon Jacob started crying/screaming. There was nothing obvious what caused him to be so irate. After close observation, I decided to take him to emerge because he seemed to be favouring his right leg. It makes things so difficult when he can't indicate what's hurting him. At Emerge, they took x-rays of his pelvis and legs, but all came back with a positive report. Bizarre. It's the life we have with Jacob. We often face the reality of the unknown. <br />
<br />
When he's in pain, like yesterday, it truly breaks our hearts to see him suffer to such an extreme. The poor boy.<br />
<br />
His evening and night were OK, but he sure still isn't himself yet. He's off to respite this afternoon. I don't want him gone when he's not himself, but on the other hand, it's great to have such skilled eyes on him. The doctor and nurses there are extremely knowledgeable with these kiddos. <br />
<br />
We covet your prayers as we continue down this path, which God has so perfectly laid out for us. Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-79776554460250956972014-04-07T10:36:00.001-04:002014-04-07T10:36:28.937-04:00Year in ReviewJacob turned an amazing 3 years on March 30. What a milestone, or should I say, what a miracle?! It's been a year of ups and downs, questions and concerns and much prayer. Yet, we can stand back and be thankful at an overall good year. In that past year, he has not encountered one pneumonia - the medical team (and the rest of us) are amazed at that fact alone.<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures to summarize our last year :) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nDI_YjfuJ8/U0KrWYb4ZNI/AAAAAAAAAvs/_8nItdwRmaw/s1600/IMG_2136a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nDI_YjfuJ8/U0KrWYb4ZNI/AAAAAAAAAvs/_8nItdwRmaw/s1600/IMG_2136a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 30, 2013 Jacob's 2nd Birthday Gathering :) Content in the arms of Marije!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Cm2xJ-gMI/U0KrbMnI_gI/AAAAAAAAAv0/uWC00p-NO9Y/s1600/IMG_2307a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Cm2xJ-gMI/U0KrbMnI_gI/AAAAAAAAAv0/uWC00p-NO9Y/s1600/IMG_2307a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The love these 2 share is beyond special. So thankful to have a spunky boy who loves his 'baby' brother! Caleb looks at Jacob as a baby, not one who has a disease and a host of problems.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECvcfruGiJk/U0KrjKf77aI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ZlPQC4a2fO8/s1600/Boesterd-70a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECvcfruGiJk/U0KrjKf77aI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ZlPQC4a2fO8/s1600/Boesterd-70a.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the precious poses from the photo shoot from Simply Said Photography. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyh5O1UhKq4/U0Krm_6qNjI/AAAAAAAAAwE/pA_GWgyYb-s/s1600/Boesterd-55a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyh5O1UhKq4/U0Krm_6qNjI/AAAAAAAAAwE/pA_GWgyYb-s/s1600/Boesterd-55a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another pose </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc_DX9rZLB4/U0Krtv090EI/AAAAAAAAAwM/0XiARRbQpBs/s1600/IMG_2456a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc_DX9rZLB4/U0Krtv090EI/AAAAAAAAAwM/0XiARRbQpBs/s1600/IMG_2456a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring belly time and enjoying it so much, he fell asleep :) Little did we know that in the months to come, he would adapt so well to sleeping on his sides and stomach that his sleeping would greatly improve in the months ahead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feKwLUQ6FGc/U0KsOl-uRJI/AAAAAAAAAwU/idyf8PLOAYA/s1600/IMG_2834a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feKwLUQ6FGc/U0KsOl-uRJI/AAAAAAAAAwU/idyf8PLOAYA/s1600/IMG_2834a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting like a big boy :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RS9USmTElg8/U0KsUX_E-bI/AAAAAAAAAwc/E8mQbcYnMh0/s1600/IMG_2643a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RS9USmTElg8/U0KsUX_E-bI/AAAAAAAAAwc/E8mQbcYnMh0/s1600/IMG_2643a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first 'slight smiles' in many months!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwSVPWWKg_g/U0KsjjGoOCI/AAAAAAAAAwo/pBTP3sVd_Go/s1600/IMG_3808a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwSVPWWKg_g/U0KsjjGoOCI/AAAAAAAAAwo/pBTP3sVd_Go/s1600/IMG_3808a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying his snoezelen room at home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RyWMk8XFUg/U0Ks7wBwWHI/AAAAAAAAAws/J--vMiZ_SxQ/s1600/IMG_4384a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RyWMk8XFUg/U0Ks7wBwWHI/AAAAAAAAAws/J--vMiZ_SxQ/s1600/IMG_4384a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the generosity of PC Children's Charity!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq3pXa3UC5s/U0KtDIB_KxI/AAAAAAAAAw0/UDDeou0dpkI/s1600/IMG_4417a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq3pXa3UC5s/U0KtDIB_KxI/AAAAAAAAAw0/UDDeou0dpkI/s1600/IMG_4417a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There it is!! Finally, the smiles reappeared!!! - October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6wATv0JUxw/U0K12XSY_KI/AAAAAAAAAy8/TFBrknNUdm8/s1600/IMG_4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6wATv0JUxw/U0K12XSY_KI/AAAAAAAAAy8/TFBrknNUdm8/s1600/IMG_4397.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheryl getting some cuddles in. Enthusiasm sums her up :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2L-AX_84VU/U0Kt0eL6UlI/AAAAAAAAAxE/C4UnxlaWT10/s1600/IMG_4679a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2L-AX_84VU/U0Kt0eL6UlI/AAAAAAAAAxE/C4UnxlaWT10/s1600/IMG_4679a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking hard about his play. He's not so sure. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmeuy2dDDEY/U0Kt47bAyOI/AAAAAAAAAxM/zY_IbwcjqA8/s1600/IMG_4510a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmeuy2dDDEY/U0Kt47bAyOI/AAAAAAAAAxM/zY_IbwcjqA8/s1600/IMG_4510a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying massage time with Marije. Oh, those smiles!! We savor every one!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjyvBWwCm8Q/U0Kt_wKGnnI/AAAAAAAAAxU/8hd8PU65BCg/s1600/DSC_0033a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjyvBWwCm8Q/U0Kt_wKGnnI/AAAAAAAAAxU/8hd8PU65BCg/s1600/DSC_0033a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time with Oma is always good! He was happy to share his smiles with her too. By this point, we were seeing them regularly, in response!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr_GrK8BS9w/U0KuTdAstmI/AAAAAAAAAxc/i-yrIYKxfkI/s1600/IMG_4904a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr_GrK8BS9w/U0KuTdAstmI/AAAAAAAAAxc/i-yrIYKxfkI/s1600/IMG_4904a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The broken leg :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7T3kf5THMAM/U0Kua7fsGhI/AAAAAAAAAxk/dBm4G1t4FxI/s1600/DSC_0063a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7T3kf5THMAM/U0Kua7fsGhI/AAAAAAAAAxk/dBm4G1t4FxI/s1600/DSC_0063a.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though this is one of the cutest casts out there, he despised it. It only lasted one week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kU1e_g4Vqw/U0KugasB9xI/AAAAAAAAAxs/4qJgPiyuQos/s1600/DSC_0099a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kU1e_g4Vqw/U0KugasB9xI/AAAAAAAAAxs/4qJgPiyuQos/s1600/DSC_0099a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He would sport this cast/splint for the next 6 weeks. At least he didn't mind it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkZYplaan0c/U0Kuq52WgjI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OPnJ0Ryk_mQ/s1600/IMG_5015a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkZYplaan0c/U0Kuq52WgjI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OPnJ0Ryk_mQ/s1600/IMG_5015a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December - this is the night that Jacob started his apnea spells in earnest. What an unsettled road since!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjT3Xl6JL2s/U0KuyZ-sgOI/AAAAAAAAAx8/lIkxG-nXMuE/s1600/IMG_5246a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjT3Xl6JL2s/U0KuyZ-sgOI/AAAAAAAAAx8/lIkxG-nXMuE/s1600/IMG_5246a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to put this one in. This shows a real picture of our kids. They aren't always sweet - they wanted a picture with the four of them, but little did I know they didn't mean a 'nice' picture. It's now wonder Jacob can sleep through so much commotion!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rTOS2G-WGU/U0Ku6WV7HuI/AAAAAAAAAyE/TNT_1tiYj98/s1600/IMG_5408a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rTOS2G-WGU/U0Ku6WV7HuI/AAAAAAAAAyE/TNT_1tiYj98/s1600/IMG_5408a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EEG testing and loving it! This is one of my all time favourites. Even though he's wearing hospital clothes and the background is nothing fancy, he is smiling from his heart - and that's what matters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mne71j-S3Y/U0KvDOjrYbI/AAAAAAAAAyM/4wzbcRdVnR0/s1600/IMG_5396a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mne71j-S3Y/U0KvDOjrYbI/AAAAAAAAAyM/4wzbcRdVnR0/s1600/IMG_5396a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love his expression here. He's not sure about the electrodes going back on. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvEplwiRaqY/U0KvJWHVLLI/AAAAAAAAAyU/eEYoqnkzqBY/s1600/IMG_5308a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvEplwiRaqY/U0KvJWHVLLI/AAAAAAAAAyU/eEYoqnkzqBY/s1600/IMG_5308a.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breanne has really grown in the last year regarding Jacob's care. What an enormous blessing it is for us to have her. She loves to care for her brother and so willingly does anything we need help with.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-72270018666005787312014-03-13T18:03:00.000-04:002014-03-13T18:03:20.631-04:00Living on the Edge Last evening I had a couple people at church ask how Jacob's doing. Well, that question is becoming increasingly difficult to answer, considering what's transpiring with our little man. Overall he is content, which we are extremely thankful for. His apnea spells reappeared last week, so that brings along much concern. It feels like we always are living on the edge - waiting for the last breath. He can be so content, then suddenly he won't breathe. Last week Thursday he had 3 apnea spells, with 2 of them being quite severe. It's so tough to see him completely lifeless. Typically he picks up again quickly, but once it took a while for his breathing to become normal (for him!) <br />
<br />
His feeding is still a concern, as he's not tolerating a proper amount of calories. He's going to continue to lose weight at this rate, which took so long for him to put on. <br />
<br />
All things considering, we've been blessed to see many many smiles and giggles lately :) How a smile or a giggle can cheer our day! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyjs43Lc7rA/UyIY0dKZqcI/AAAAAAAAAvU/QCyt7F_r3f0/s1600/IMG_5403a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vyjs43Lc7rA/UyIY0dKZqcI/AAAAAAAAAvU/QCyt7F_r3f0/s1600/IMG_5403a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQuS6bWBxDQ/UyIY6P0zfvI/AAAAAAAAAvc/qZEBwp8tlKc/s1600/IMG_5408a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQuS6bWBxDQ/UyIY6P0zfvI/AAAAAAAAAvc/qZEBwp8tlKc/s1600/IMG_5408a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How he loved his hat!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were even able to capture part of his happy time on video :)<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzhuZLdHFpxV5UnJ1W8JiBwqJKo99EBN6ReeTSs7atcT37Y-GbANRdPd2PTvIt4kf8NaH_AxHCbKpkr34Dh6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-61249806766249826452014-02-26T17:23:00.001-05:002014-02-26T17:23:25.047-05:00Lengthy EEG StayWell, Monday we arrived at the hospital for Jacob to undergo a 48 hour video EEG. They place the electrodes on his head like a normal EEG, but this time a video captures every movement. Also, at night he's been monitored for his oxygen. After 48 hours, we are no wiser :( He hasn't had one apnea spell yet. They've now reduced his one seizure med hoping that he'll show us something. I'm not hopeful. It reminds me of a vehicle that is having issues, you bring it to the mechanic and it works perfectly! <br />
<br />
Jacob seems to enjoy all the attention because he's been giving the nurses plenty of smiles and giggles. At least there is something positive going on. Paul or I are called to be with Jacob all day and night, so it makes for an extremely tiring stay! I long to be at home. We originally told our kids they could come home on Wednesday after school, but they had the news that that wouldn't be the case. That hurts the mother heart, even though I know they are very well cared for!! <br />
<br />
Hopefully something is revealed tonight, so we can head home tomorrow!!! Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-21888742307080185562014-02-11T21:27:00.003-05:002014-02-11T21:27:30.173-05:00Smiles, Smiles and more SmilesLast October we were privileged to get a few smiles one afternoon, but overall, it's been A LONG time since we've seen consistent smiles...until now. A couple weeks ago we reduced his calories in his formula and it seemed to make a world of difference for his overall demeanour. He's happy much more often, more settled and giving us plenty of smiles and giggles. Oh what joy that brings to this house hold!! To hear giggles instead of crying. It's been very uplifting for everyone here!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htHucTWLOAs/UvrTCHhN_vI/AAAAAAAAAu8/OPgwyxthL2Q/s1600/IMG_5327a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htHucTWLOAs/UvrTCHhN_vI/AAAAAAAAAu8/OPgwyxthL2Q/s1600/IMG_5327a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giVvd6uZQ7U/UvrTD55LjUI/AAAAAAAAAvE/Eb8JC3CYBLc/s1600/IMG_5328a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-giVvd6uZQ7U/UvrTD55LjUI/AAAAAAAAAvE/Eb8JC3CYBLc/s1600/IMG_5328a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuCO6-fPeg8/UvrS_-Pwn2I/AAAAAAAAAu0/n9cthVNHiJM/s1600/IMG_5319a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuCO6-fPeg8/UvrS_-Pwn2I/AAAAAAAAAu0/n9cthVNHiJM/s1600/IMG_5319a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though this picture is blurry, I can hear his little squeal when I look at that face :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even though it's GREAT that we are seeing all these smiles, it comes along with a large concern. With the reduced calories he can't sustain his weight. With no sustaining weight gain, his organs are put under stress, which leads to even more complications. So, we are going to have to make a decision in the coming week or so what direction we want to travel. Increase his calories so he'll at least maintain his weight, but have him much more irritable (and a host of other issues,) or do we allow him to be happy with reduced calories?<br />
<br />
It is such a blessing to have God's word applied personally in a sweet way. Several weeks ago in church we sang several verses from Psalter 383. While I was singing verse 2, my thoughts wondered over to Jacob's life. It brought so much comfort that day and many times since. His life is in God's perfect plan. Even in these trials and tough decisions, God is present, a very present help!! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalter 383:2</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt;">Ere
into being I was brought,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt;">Thy
eye did see, and in Thy thought</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt;">My
life in all its perfect plan</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt;">Was
ordered ere my days began.</span></i></div>
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-49202298787406184312014-02-05T21:45:00.003-05:002014-02-05T21:45:59.480-05:00Some Thoughts It's been a while, once again, since I've blogged. It has been a time of so many thoughts and experiences that it's hard to find the words. I'll try to accurately write what's been going on.<br />
<br />
First off, Jacob's EEG results have come back with somewhat negative results. His seizures are occurring in a part of his brain which have never seized before. According to our paediatrician, this makes sense for his condition, but it's not a positive one. We are once again faced with signs of regression. Where we go from here is an unknown. We are to meet with the neurologist soon to discuss our options. One difficult point regarding Jacob's seizure activity is that a typical EEG won't pick up any seizure activity from the brain stem. So, many of Jacob's abnormalities could be seizures but we have no way of concretely knowing. It takes a surgery to place a prod by the brain stem to read brain stem seizures. Considering surgery is basically not in Jacob's dictionary, this is not an avenue we are willing to travel. Once again we are called to live a life of uncertainty, from a medical stand point. It's a good thing we know that God has all things in His control and that nothing is hid from Him. What He wants us to know, we will know. <br />
<br />
Jacob's had an increase in apnea (not breathing) spells. Yesterday alone he had 6. This comes as an enormous concern. They last for up to a minute, with his oxygen saturation levels plummeting to an extreme low! These spells also make sense considering the part of his brain which is so compromised, regulates breathing. If only there was something we could do about it.<br />
<br />
His concentration of feeds have been greatly reduced to alleviate constant vomiting and retching. So far so good, but...his body needs more calories than we're currently giving him, so it feels like we are truly between a rock and a hard place. The plan is to slowly increase his feeds to find out when the intolerance kicks in. This step comes as a painful one because his smiles have returned. We believe he feels much better with a lower calorie intake. Time will only tell. <br />
<br />
Yesterday marked Jacob's one year mark since his last pneumonia. Last year we had said our good-byes to him, we were watching him slip away from our grip, yet, one year later we are still able to love and care for him. What a blessing! What a gracious and merciful God, to supply us far beyond what we ever thought possible. <br />
<br />
It's also been a tough winter with so many night nurses cancelling due to weather. This makes for long tiring nights and exhausting days. We just get our feet under us and then we get a call that the nurse isn't coming. Some nights we've been thankful she didn't come because driving was truly treacherous. It's sure been a long, cold, snowy winter! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2lPpNauXiQ/UvL0JS7x5GI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MXsJ2qJiiho/s1600/IMG_5231a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2lPpNauXiQ/UvL0JS7x5GI/AAAAAAAAAuc/MXsJ2qJiiho/s1600/IMG_5231a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The relationship these two boys have, truly melts my heart. This picture was taken before Jacob's smiles returned, but you can see how content and happy he is with his brother right at his side. Caleb goes out of his way to give Jacob toys, especially if Jacob's sitting in his chair. Caleb wants Jacob to 'feel' things. That's something we've never taught Caleb, it's just in him :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nskODetPQyA/UvL0MO47McI/AAAAAAAAAuk/UOyW9IsHXLw/s1600/IMG_5283a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nskODetPQyA/UvL0MO47McI/AAAAAAAAAuk/UOyW9IsHXLw/s1600/IMG_5283a.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may just look like a sleeping Jacob, but there's more to this picture. We've been blessed to have a couple of fantastic nurses in Jacob's care now. The one will often go the extra mile (or two.) This particular morning, she left and I discovered Jacob was hugging one of his teddies. To most people that token of love would mean something, but for us, it means tons. Here's why...every different position Jacob's in, benefits his muscles/bones. Even a slightly different position gets his muscles working in a different way. The saying goes, 'it's the little things that count.' It's so true!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-5426870399578859652014-01-15T20:43:00.004-05:002014-01-15T20:43:53.832-05:00Off and Away AgainToday marked the day that Jacob went to the respite home. As much as I love the extra time with my hubby and our other children, it sure leaves an empty place in our home. <br />
<br />
At the home they ask for new developments and things of concern that we want them to watch/monitor for. Most months this is a fairly simple process. Usually there is one (the odd time two) item(s) that we discuss. The doctor and nurses are a huge help in the sense of having skilled eyes on him for several days in a row. <br />
<br />
This month there were several serious things to discuss, so admission took way longer than normal. They want to make sure they understand 100% before I leave. <br />
<br />
We discussed Jacob's apnea (not breathing) spells. These are downright scary. They come and go with no warning, with no special triggers; he just quits breathing for up to a minute. His oxygen saturation drops dangerously low. What can we do about it? Nothing but watch him not breathe. We can move him drastically and still that won't trigger his brain to start breathing. There is nothing the medical world can do to help him. That's tough.<br />
<br />
We discussed Jacob's copious amounts of phlegm, yet his lungs are decently clear. Bizarre. It is clear that if all the phlegm was coming from his lungs, he would be having an extremely hard time breathing, but he isn't. We are hoping for some tests in the coming months to help us understand what is going on inside his little body, as the increased phlegm has almost been for 3 months. There are days that we suction out almost a litre of phlegm. This aspect of his care has caused me to be close to him at all times. We are always concerned about him swallowing his phlegm and it going into his lungs, and then causing an infection. <br />
<br />
Another discussion point was his jerky/startling behaviour. We are hoping that Jacob's EEG next week will reveal what is going on in his brain. The findings may not be pleasant, but not knowing and constantly be playing the guessing game is not fun either.<br />
<br />
The child life ladies are going to work with seating options, as he loves to sit, instead of lying down. It's also really good for his lungs to be in an upright position :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes when I look on our past, I'm amazed at how our journey with Jacob has changed. It's constantly changing, always keeping Paul and I, plus Jacob's team on their toes. <br />
<br />
Our bulletin had the following meditation, which was a huge comfort for us:<br />
<i>The infinite forethought, wisdom, and goodness which have marked each line of our new path have also <b>provided for its every necessity</b>....</i><br />
<i> each <b>exigency</b> in the new year has been anticipated;</i><br />
<i> each <b>need</b> will bring its appropriate and adequate supply;</i><br />
<i> each <b>perplexity</b> will have it's guidance;</i><br />
<i> each <b>sorrow</b> its comfort;</i><br />
<i> each <b>temptation</b> its shield;</i><br />
<i> each <b>cloud</b> its light;</i><br />
<i> each <b>affliction</b> will suggest its lesson;</i><br />
<i> each <b>correction</b> will impart its teaching;</i><br />
<i> each <b>mercy</b> will convey its message of love.</i><br />
<i>The promise will be fulfilled to the letter, "<b>as your day, so shall your strength be</b>." </i><br />
<i>Octavious Winslow</i><br />
<br />
I have some pictures to share, but they'll come later :)<br />
<br />
<br />Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293771205752154512.post-50015819552776917112013-12-17T22:14:00.001-05:002013-12-17T22:14:17.546-05:00In the Swing of Things AgainI picked up Jacob from respite yesterday with a stomach bug :( I wasn't excited, yet thankful that it wasn't a respiratory bug. He seems to be doing ok today, so hopefully it doesn't develop into anything worse. I'm remaining optimistic :) He was quite content today, which speaks loud and clear in his life!!<br />
<br />
Jacob is having more and more time with his splint off. He's been doing amazing!! His leg/knee still looks swollen, but that's a positive thing right now, so I'll take it. His body sure went into overdrive making new bone growth :) We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made! When I hear how our body works and reacts to situations, I stand in awe at God's handiwork!! <br />
<br />
Appointments have been few of late, so we've been able to spend most of our time at home. That's a good thing considering we've had some fairly snowy days around here lately, and none of our appointments are super close to home.<br />
<br />
Our case manager is off and away to another country for a couple weeks, which means she doesn't have her work phone with her :( This makes me uneasy. She's been my sounding board for 2+ years. She's often been the first one to hear my fears, joys and frustrations. I'm hoping that she has a great holiday (she deserves it) and that she comes back feeling refreshed. <br />
<br />
I've realized that I've taken on a new thinking process regarding Jacob's life. Whenever we would hit a milestone (birthday, Christmas etc,) I would think that this would be the last that we would have with him. It occurred to me that as I was thinking about Christmas time and what Christmas 2014 would mean for us, I thought <i>there is a possibility we will make it</i>! I wasn't thinking we won't make it, but the possibility is there. If God has brought us this far, who's to say, He won't bring us another year??!! He is able, and as a family, we must be in subjection to His will. <br />
<br />
Joanne Boesterdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10346974224198701127noreply@blogger.com0