I know, I know! It's been a LONG time since I have blogged, but I do have 3 kids, a business and am trying to get Jacobs Ladder off the ground so I am just a little busy!
Of course, much has happened since my last post. Jacob had his surgery to get his tubes put in, his ear pit pocket removed and his ABR (hearing test). All went well, except the hearing test. We now have a hearing loss of 45 in his left ear and 75 in his right, which translates to mild to moderate in his left and severe in his right. We were directed to get a hearing aid for his left side and leave the right side for now since his loss is so significant in that ear. We were able to get his hearing aid in mid December and after much help from his audiologist have FINALLY been able to turn it on for short periods throughout the day (he did not take to the aid too well for quite a while). What a difference it has made in his desire to "voice"! He has really started to make more sounds and "babble" and has actually started saying a few (very few) words in context ("uh oh" being a favorite). I hope this trend continues! We have (very slowly) been trying to learn ASL since we are unsure if his hearing loss will continue to progress. Alexis and Aiden have been very involved in learning and Jacob has been doing well with it too.
Two more huge accomplishments have been his ability to finally eat most table foods with ease and even using a fork and spoon on his own (which is the cutest thing ever). He is also very interested in pulling to standing and wants to be "walked" around everywhere. I have high hopes that he takes his first independent step by his 3rd Birthday. He is making huge strides and I love watching him advance!
Jacobs Ladder Foundation is official and has a website! We are working hard to get it off the ground and thanks to some dedicated people, I hope it will really get going by the end of the summer!
Stay tuned for updates!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Thinking about this a lot lately..
I wanted to write this as a separate entry since it is a reflection on my thoughts lately...as Jacob gets older, I am starting to think about how this all affects Alexis and Aiden. How do they feel about Jacob? Are they jealous? sad? indifferent? Do they even understand that he has special needs? How will this affect them as they(and he) grow older?
I have been researching a little about siblings of special needs children and some of the things I have come across really make me think about the way that Alexis and Aiden are affected too. Sometimes the siblings get overlooked since it only indirectly affects them, but it really can take a toll on them as well and I want to make sure that we understand and try to help them through dealing with all of this too.
On the same note, I wonder how this will affect our marriage in the future..that might be a post for another day..
I have been researching a little about siblings of special needs children and some of the things I have come across really make me think about the way that Alexis and Aiden are affected too. Sometimes the siblings get overlooked since it only indirectly affects them, but it really can take a toll on them as well and I want to make sure that we understand and try to help them through dealing with all of this too.
On the same note, I wonder how this will affect our marriage in the future..that might be a post for another day..
Fall is Here..
So, it is now the end of October and we are getting ready for Halloween, and all the fall fun that goes with October and November!
A lot has happened in the last few months that I want to share! Jacob has continued to improve in his large motor skills and has perfected his "tall kneeling" which allows him to reach pretty much anything on that level! He is really trying to pull to standing and although he can't do it yet, just seeing the drive in him to "want" to do it is a huge success! He is also really starting to imitate and learn signs that help him communicate with others. This is huge for us, since he can't say any words yet. I am so happy is able to communicate through other methods.
He started Lee Ann Britain and what a hue difference it has made in his life! We really love the therapists, the teachers and the families there. I am so thankful that they were able to get him in!
On the medical side, he will be having a minor surgery on November 1st to put tubes in, remove his left ear pit pocket, scope, and hearing test. Hopefully we will get a few answers to some things that we have been wondering (can he hear well? Does he have an anatomical abnormality that is causing him to aspirate? Is his language delay partially due to hearing problems?).
Finally, I am soooo happy to say that we have finally gotten a domain name and website purchased for Jacob's Ladder! I really hope we can get it all up and going by December 1st, so we can really start going on this. Thanks to Stacie, Mom and Dad for taking the initiative to get this going and a lot of thanks again to Jennie for donating her time to help us out.
A lot has happened in the last few months that I want to share! Jacob has continued to improve in his large motor skills and has perfected his "tall kneeling" which allows him to reach pretty much anything on that level! He is really trying to pull to standing and although he can't do it yet, just seeing the drive in him to "want" to do it is a huge success! He is also really starting to imitate and learn signs that help him communicate with others. This is huge for us, since he can't say any words yet. I am so happy is able to communicate through other methods.
He started Lee Ann Britain and what a hue difference it has made in his life! We really love the therapists, the teachers and the families there. I am so thankful that they were able to get him in!
On the medical side, he will be having a minor surgery on November 1st to put tubes in, remove his left ear pit pocket, scope, and hearing test. Hopefully we will get a few answers to some things that we have been wondering (can he hear well? Does he have an anatomical abnormality that is causing him to aspirate? Is his language delay partially due to hearing problems?).
Finally, I am soooo happy to say that we have finally gotten a domain name and website purchased for Jacob's Ladder! I really hope we can get it all up and going by December 1st, so we can really start going on this. Thanks to Stacie, Mom and Dad for taking the initiative to get this going and a lot of thanks again to Jennie for donating her time to help us out.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Summer Updates!
So it has been quite awhile since I have written...again and I want to update on everything that has happened in the last 3 months!
On development: Jacob is still "booty scooting" everywhere and we are still working on standing (we did finally get a stander recently). He has started interacting a little bit on his knees, so I am hoping that transitions to crawling or pulling up. He has figured out how to go down stairs on his bottom as well and is a little too fast for my liking :)! His fine motor skills continue to improve and he points at EVERYTHING! He is still not verbal, but he experiments with noises and has figured out he can laugh pretty loud when he wants to.
On Weight gain: We are still not gaining quite like we should, and I think actually lost some weight after a short time in the hospital (see below), so we will continue to monitor and push his caloric intake. He also had some bloodwork done a few weeks ago that revealed extremely low zinc levels so he will be on a zinc supplement daily as well.
On Medical updates: We had a short stay at the hospital after one of his ear pits became extremely infected and IV antibiotics were needed to get rid of the infection. We are trying to get into an ENT to get that pit checked out since it is still slightly swollen, and I want to get him evaluated for his swallowing difficulties and make sure it is nothing anatomical. We also went and had hip/pelvic xrays done yesterday as recommended by his PT to make sure everything was ok in that department and nothing is preventing him from standing/walking.
On Therapy: Jacob will get to start at the Lee Ann Britain Center at the end of August which we are very excited about. He will get Speech, OT, and PT once a week as well as a class setting once a week. I am hoping for some aquatic therapy in there as well since he loves the water. I also would like to look into hippotherapy (horse therapy) since I have heard Great things about it!
On Jacob's Ladder Updates: We are still working on getting the ball rolling here, but we do have our initial web design layout for the website thanks to Jennie and we all have so many ideas that we just need to implement! I still see a huge need for something like this that will really be able to help direct parents to everything from therapists, to great doctors, to childcare as well as other families that are dealing with the same issues and so much more!! It would really be a dream of mine to be able to get another Center up and running that would implement therapy, classrooms, and perhaps even a childcare aspect to it. So, I hope everyone will stay tuned for the next chapter..
On development: Jacob is still "booty scooting" everywhere and we are still working on standing (we did finally get a stander recently). He has started interacting a little bit on his knees, so I am hoping that transitions to crawling or pulling up. He has figured out how to go down stairs on his bottom as well and is a little too fast for my liking :)! His fine motor skills continue to improve and he points at EVERYTHING! He is still not verbal, but he experiments with noises and has figured out he can laugh pretty loud when he wants to.
On Weight gain: We are still not gaining quite like we should, and I think actually lost some weight after a short time in the hospital (see below), so we will continue to monitor and push his caloric intake. He also had some bloodwork done a few weeks ago that revealed extremely low zinc levels so he will be on a zinc supplement daily as well.
On Medical updates: We had a short stay at the hospital after one of his ear pits became extremely infected and IV antibiotics were needed to get rid of the infection. We are trying to get into an ENT to get that pit checked out since it is still slightly swollen, and I want to get him evaluated for his swallowing difficulties and make sure it is nothing anatomical. We also went and had hip/pelvic xrays done yesterday as recommended by his PT to make sure everything was ok in that department and nothing is preventing him from standing/walking.
On Therapy: Jacob will get to start at the Lee Ann Britain Center at the end of August which we are very excited about. He will get Speech, OT, and PT once a week as well as a class setting once a week. I am hoping for some aquatic therapy in there as well since he loves the water. I also would like to look into hippotherapy (horse therapy) since I have heard Great things about it!
On Jacob's Ladder Updates: We are still working on getting the ball rolling here, but we do have our initial web design layout for the website thanks to Jennie and we all have so many ideas that we just need to implement! I still see a huge need for something like this that will really be able to help direct parents to everything from therapists, to great doctors, to childcare as well as other families that are dealing with the same issues and so much more!! It would really be a dream of mine to be able to get another Center up and running that would implement therapy, classrooms, and perhaps even a childcare aspect to it. So, I hope everyone will stay tuned for the next chapter..
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
We are getting close to 2..and a few updates
Jacob had his swallow study about 3 weeks ago, and the result is increased thickener. They were unable to get great results, since he figured out their barium trick and refused to drink more than a few sips each time. However they did find a few penetrations during the time he was drinking the nectar thickened bottle (which is the consistency he was on). Based on that and the fact that he has had increased respiratory infections, they decided it was a good idea to increase the consistency to honey.
We also saw a nutritionist due to his low weight (20lbs) and the fact that his caloric intake will be decreased even more by the new thickener consistency. She was able to (finally) show me the growth chart they use, based on his height and not comparing him to the regular growth chart. According to his height he is still only at 7% for weight and they like them to be at at least 10% for health reasons. So, together we have built a nutritional plan of action that includes 6 meals a day, his usual 20oz of milk mixed with carnation, and some ideas to add more protein rich foods as well as fat to his diet (ie. eggs, olive oil, butter, avocado, etc). I feel like we are constantly feeding the little stinker!
An yet another note, his Physical therapist suggested we look into getting a stander to start helping him stand for longer periods of time. So, here we go with the search to find a stander that is used or borrowed or cheap since our insurance seems to find a way to get out of covering anything he needs. I am excited to actually get one for him, just not looking forward to the process of getting it (or the financial implications of getting one).
Yes, we are STILL working on Jacob's Ladder Foundation and we finally have started to make some progress thanks to my dad and a wonderful volunteer named Jennifer who are both working hard to make it all come together. We are hoping to have most of the basics done by the end of June with a kickoff event sometime this fall!
On a final note, the end of May and Jacob's second birthday is quickly approaching. I can't believe it has been almost 2 years already, but on the other hand I can't believe it's only been 2 years! So much has happened and I feel very thankful for all the good that has come from Jacob's birth. He holds a very special place in my heart and I know he was brought here to touch many lives including ours!
We also saw a nutritionist due to his low weight (20lbs) and the fact that his caloric intake will be decreased even more by the new thickener consistency. She was able to (finally) show me the growth chart they use, based on his height and not comparing him to the regular growth chart. According to his height he is still only at 7% for weight and they like them to be at at least 10% for health reasons. So, together we have built a nutritional plan of action that includes 6 meals a day, his usual 20oz of milk mixed with carnation, and some ideas to add more protein rich foods as well as fat to his diet (ie. eggs, olive oil, butter, avocado, etc). I feel like we are constantly feeding the little stinker!
An yet another note, his Physical therapist suggested we look into getting a stander to start helping him stand for longer periods of time. So, here we go with the search to find a stander that is used or borrowed or cheap since our insurance seems to find a way to get out of covering anything he needs. I am excited to actually get one for him, just not looking forward to the process of getting it (or the financial implications of getting one).
Yes, we are STILL working on Jacob's Ladder Foundation and we finally have started to make some progress thanks to my dad and a wonderful volunteer named Jennifer who are both working hard to make it all come together. We are hoping to have most of the basics done by the end of June with a kickoff event sometime this fall!
On a final note, the end of May and Jacob's second birthday is quickly approaching. I can't believe it has been almost 2 years already, but on the other hand I can't believe it's only been 2 years! So much has happened and I feel very thankful for all the good that has come from Jacob's birth. He holds a very special place in my heart and I know he was brought here to touch many lives including ours!
Monday, March 21, 2011
It's been a Long Winter..
Finally, spring is heading our way! Not soon enough after this winter..I think it's been a bad one for everyone we know. Jacob has been sick almost all winter with something or another (all respiratory of course). He is sick again as I type this, and wearing me out with the constant crying this time, but I wanted to get a few updates on here!
First, he has finally mastered the art of bootie scooting. If you've seen him do this, you know it's pretty funny to watch! He can get around pretty fast to anywhere he wants to go, which includes heading towards the street, into the yard to eat grass, to stairways, and anything else that may cause a potential hazard.
Second, he has a Swallow Study this Thursday (after a very LONG wait), so we can unravel the mysteries of his gagging and see if he needs to continue thickener(which I am pretty sure will be a big fat YES). I am anxious to find out what the results of that are in relation to his eating issues...
I will have to write more later when Jacob is not screaming at the top of his lungs for me to pick him up (again)..
First, he has finally mastered the art of bootie scooting. If you've seen him do this, you know it's pretty funny to watch! He can get around pretty fast to anywhere he wants to go, which includes heading towards the street, into the yard to eat grass, to stairways, and anything else that may cause a potential hazard.
Second, he has a Swallow Study this Thursday (after a very LONG wait), so we can unravel the mysteries of his gagging and see if he needs to continue thickener(which I am pretty sure will be a big fat YES). I am anxious to find out what the results of that are in relation to his eating issues...
I will have to write more later when Jacob is not screaming at the top of his lungs for me to pick him up (again)..
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
So Busy Lately!
We have been so busy here lately that I find I have less and less time to get on here and update. I need to make this one of my priorities! A few updates about Jacob: He is starting to bear some weight on his legs finally! He is starting to put solid food in his mouth without gagging, although he still just chews and spits it right back out and he my favorite thing is that he has started playing games now (peek a boo, just being silly, etc.) and his small motor skills are improving. He can manipulate blocks and other toys more easily and even tries to stack and imitate. This is probably wishful thinking, but I am hoping he might take his first step by his 2nd birthday.That gives him 4.5 months to practice!
Once again, I am still trying to find time to work on Jacob's foundation. It seems to have gotten put on the back burner for now, but I am trying to refocus my energy on it as well as get some other people involved in trying to get it up and running!One thing that I would love to provide through the foundation is a break for all those moms of special needs kids! Sometimes the time and energy it takes to care for a special needs child is overwhelming. All the appointments, therapies, working with them at home, medications, and extra things that go into the simple day to day care is exhausting sometimes. I think I have been doing it so long now, that it has become a way of life for me. Hmmm, I could DEFINITELY use a little time for myself!
Once again, I am still trying to find time to work on Jacob's foundation. It seems to have gotten put on the back burner for now, but I am trying to refocus my energy on it as well as get some other people involved in trying to get it up and running!One thing that I would love to provide through the foundation is a break for all those moms of special needs kids! Sometimes the time and energy it takes to care for a special needs child is overwhelming. All the appointments, therapies, working with them at home, medications, and extra things that go into the simple day to day care is exhausting sometimes. I think I have been doing it so long now, that it has become a way of life for me. Hmmm, I could DEFINITELY use a little time for myself!
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