Pool Party

On Wednesday, the Bucks and Lassahn's came over to my parents house for a pool party and BBQ. It was so nice to hang out with such amazing friends and laugh at little kiddos playing in the pool. Noah loved being held by Jennifer and though her two kids, Ethan and Ella, were too funny.

After fun in the sun, we all got to sit down to Kc's famous BBQ chicken and vegetables. Noah sat in the highchair that his Mama sat in when she was a baby. Notice that all three pictures of Noah look the same - dazed look with rattle in mouth. He's still not feeling like his happy self, but the antibiotics are definitely working.
Unfortunately, because of Noah's pneumonia, we had to postpone the colostomy reversal that was scheduled for next week to the middle of September. While I am quite disappointed and am not looking forward to ANOTHER seven weeks of dealing with colostomy bags that don't stay on, I know it's the best thing for Noah. Anesthesia and pneumonia just don't mix!

Busy Week

The Jackson family has had a very busy week...sorry I haven't had time to blog.

Last Wednesday Katy McIlhargey and her two month old son, Jackson (isn't that the greatest name), came over for lunch. Well, actually they picked up In-n-Out on the way over. It was so nice to spend some time with another mother who is in the "thick of things". We had a wonderful time, but of course I forgot to take my camera out and snap any pictures of the two boys.

On Friday, Noah and I headed over for a fantastic lunch with Mary Akina and her 22 month old daughter Lizzie. Lizzie was quite fascinated by Noah and LOVED to pet his head and share her toys with him. Notice all the toys she has placed next to him in his bouncer.Lizzie was so very gentle and Noah was quite fascinated with how quickly she moved around him while he was lounging.

Later that afternoon, Susan and Diane stopped by the condo. I have known these ladies since junior high and it was so nice to connect again. Diane's husband, Jeff, was kind enough to take our picture and listen patiently to all of our gabbing.

On Saturday, Kc and I had a wedding to attend so Nana and Papa watched Noah. After the touching wedding ceremony - congratulations Katie & Pete Torstensen - we headed over to the Memorial Building for an elegant reception. Soon after we had finished dinner, Nana called us to let us know that Noah was "very unhappy". He had been a bit crabby that day and was coughing a bit, but it had gotten dramatically worse. Kc and I left the reception as quickly as we could, we didn't even get to dance, and ran into the arms of our crying little man. With a quick call to the pediatrician, it was determined that Noah had pneumonia...for the third time. He was quickly put on antibiotics but after four very uncomfortable days, we headed to the doctor's office yesterday for a chest x-ray. Noah is now on a different antibiotic and we hope it is "the one". He is definitely a trooper and manages to smile through this whole ordeal. Sleeping is the hardest, for both Noah and his parents. He coughs while sleeping and then wakes himself up. It takes a lot to get him quieted down and back to sleep but then he coughs again and the cycle starts all over. He's taking a nap right now and has been down for a little over an hour...Yeah! His little body needs as much rest as possible.

Nebulizer Treatments

Because of Noah's asthma, he requires two nebulizer treatments every day. The nebulizer takes a liquid medication and turns it into a mist that Noah then inhales directly into his lungs. You would think that with all the uncomfortable, annoying and painful procedures that Mr. Man has to endure, this would be a piece of cake, but OH NO! Noah HATES his nebulizer treatments. They usually only take five - ten minutes and all he has to do is breathe. For some reason, however, Noah cannot stand them. He usually cries the entire time and works up a sweat kicking his feet and flailing his arms. Poor guy!

Here is Daddy giving Mr. Man his treatment. Daddy is trying to distract him with a rattle and soothe him with loving words. But, alas, nothing seems to work.

No Words

There are no words to describe the love I feel for my son! He is truly a gift from God and I cannot imagine my life without him. Every day is an adventure that I try not to take for granted. I know this precious time will go by so quickly so I try to savor every moment.

Trip to Huntington

On Monday, Nana, Noah and I headed up to Huntington Lake to spend some time with dear friends who are visiting from Pennsylvania. Omi, Jana, Ellie and Brody opened their cabin to us and we had a lovely day in the mountains. After a delicious lunch, and a bit of a nap, we decided to take a cruise around the lake in their boat. Here we are fitting Noah in a life jacket. Ellie is looking on and making sure he's all zipped up correctly.The lake is absolutely GORGEOUS and unfortunately Noah slept through the entire ride. I suppose the rocking of the boat, hum of the motor, and warmth of the sun just did him in. Ellie did an excellent job "driving" the boat (with Omi's help of course) and I wish we could have stayed there much longer, but alas Daddy and Sierra would have missed us too much.

The blue lump under the hat is Noah.