A Month of Firsts

I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus. Between being sick, once with the stomach flu, then with a nasty respiratory virus, the words have just been sucked out of me.

We enjoyed our time in California - spent some quality time with family and good friends, hung out in some of our favorite Central Coast spots, celebrated my cousin's wedding, and even had our first overnight since Jackson was born (much needed)! We had a gift certificate for a night at the Cottage Inn in Pismo Beach and we were finally able to use it. We thoroughly enjoyed a mellow night away from our little man and were able to reconnect a bit (thanks Nana and Granddad)!

Someone takes after his Daddy a bit...



Jackson and Stew...



We've been settling back into our schedule since we got back to Austin and are enjoying getting to explore our new home a bit. Jackson is doing so well in therapy that he may only need occupational therapy and physical therapy for a couple more months! He is progressing rapidly and learning so much these days. Speech therapy will be ongoing till he is much older, due to being born with a cleft. But he is learning to sign and even has a couple words under his belt ("more" and "go"). He nods in response to questions, waves "goodbye", blows kisses and gives hugs upon request. He is getting more and more fun these days - he is so social and independent.

Jackson's most recent thing is that he is standing up by himself and learning to walk. In fact, he did both for the first time on the same day! Crazy enough we were able to catch it all on video...

Jackson's First Time Standing and First Steps from Halle Whittington on Vimeo.

And yes, I am a tiny bit embarrassed about my laugh in this video... Oh well.

Tomorrow, Jackson is scheduled for another surgery. Originally he was scheduled for surgery on May 18th, but he woke up with a fever of 102.7 and a nasty cough. We called in and they said to bring him in anyway, and they would determine what to do. Because of the cough, the anesthesiologist decided to postpone surgery. He was able to get his new Mic-Key button G-tube in (because it didn't require anesthesia), and we're loving the convenience of it. He is also now able to wear two-piece outfits instead of onesies all the time - a total luxury. Because the Mic-Key has already been put in, Jackson will be getting his inguinal hernias repaired and will be getting circumcised. We aren't entirely sure what the recovery will be like, but we have been told to expect a rough first week. This little guy has been through so many surgeries for his age, he's pretty tough, but it's still hard every time to hand him over... and then get him back in a totally different condition. It's hard not being able to explain to him what is about to happen and prepare him for how he'll feel when he gets out.

We have so appreciated the loving support we have received from so many of you. And we are so grateful to those of you who have supported us through Jackson's Smile - you are truly making a difference in our life and in the lives of other children like Jackson.