It takes a village

On Monday, I returned to work for for the 2009 - 2010 school year. Although the first day of school for the students was Monday, the staff actually reported back a few days prior for meetings and in-services. It was a very sad day for me but I know that Noah will be well cared for.

It truly takes a village to raise a child, especially one with special needs. Because of Noah's trach and G-tube, he cannot go to an average daycare but there is a daycare center for medically fragile children that is opening up in Fresno. We are in the process of filling out all the paperwork - and boy is there a lot of paperwork - and getting the funding squared away, but are hopeful that Noah will start attending Loretta's Little Miracles on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays belong to Nana. She has graciously agreed to watch Mr. Man two days a week and Noah couldn't be happier. On Fridays, Noah gets to hang out at home with our good friend Lindsay. She is trach and g-tube trained and will soon be studying to become a nurse.

There are so many people in Noah's life who love and care for him. Although I would much rather be the one taking care of him full time, I am confident that those around him will do an awesome job.

Bootless...well almost

On Monday, Noah saw his Orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Gerardi was very pleased with Noah's feet and told us that he only has to wear his boots 12 hours a day. We are all SO happy... but Noah especially. He has spent the last few days laying on his back, putting his feet high in the air and grabbing on to them. He is quite fascinated with his own feet and loves to grab and hold them. His parents are quite fascinated with them as well and love to tickle them. Here's to our bootless boy!

Sleeping

Apparently Noah is afraid of the possibility of an earthquake in the Central Valley, because he always holds on to his Pack-n-Play while sleeping.This is the position you will find him in during most naps. Too cute!!

Tacos with the Horns

On Sunday, the Jackson family headed out to spend some time with a small part of the large Horn Family. Colleen and Gary welcomed us into their house with open arms and prepared a gorgeous taco feast for us. Amy, David, Micah and Claire came over and brought their beautiful lab Daisy over.Sierra had such a great time playing with Daisy. They ran after balls, ran after each other, swam in the pool and generally just tired themselves out. Amy and I agree that a tired dog is a happy dog.After dinner, Gary took Noah over to their swing set and gave Mr. Man his first push. Noah LOVED the swing and thought he'd like to spend forever there. Gary was so gentle and patient while he pushed and pushed and pushed and pushed Noah. After tacos, brownies and ice cream, swimming, playing, swinging and talking, the evening had to come to an end. Little Miss Spencer came around to say good-night to everyone before she left with her parents, Colleen and Ross.All in all, it was a great evening and I enjoyed getting to know the Horns a bit better. Thanks so much!

Cousins...Part Two

Before Drew, Vanessa and Jonah left for Iowa, we got a picture of the two cousins together. Jonah was a bit tired and having some difficulty falling asleep, so "Mr. Grumpy" was rearing it's ugly head. When he was set down on the chair, the wailing began. Noah does not like to hear other babies crying and once he was placed on the chair, his crying began also. I think it was so cute that both cousins were screaming for their first picture together.Hopefully the next picture together will be a bit happier.