Hey Hey Looks who's 8 Months!

 Happy Fall!! Where does the time go! Our little frog prince is now eight and a half months old, and as we roll into October he will be 9 months! What?!?  Jack Jack still has just his two bottom teeth, but from the way he is acting I am thinking we will have another break through any time now. He has experienced his second cold, along with seasonal allergies. Due to those he is now sleeping with a humidifier in the room, an occasional allergy med (rare), and baby vicks (rare). He officially hates the nasal suction bulb though. LOL. Can't say I blame him.  He is sitting up independently like a champ! In order to get around to his toys, or to chase Bogey, he is doing a roll/sit up move, and attempting to stand by straightening out his legs ending up in that downward dog yoga pose. He loves to do it because he can put his head upside down and he thinks that is just hilarious. He is trying more solids each week, soft veggies, pasta, and fruits. We are constantly having to keep him up with the water, and he is a pro at the sippy cup.  As of his appointment, he weights 20 lbs!  He is talking so much more, utilizing multiple consonant sounds/strings...which made this mama happy because he has be quiet too long! His sleep pattern is about the same, obviously is disrupted when he is sick or the whole teething process.

 Jack continues to go on runs with both JR and myself, he is keeping track of his miles as he is "training" for the Disney Marathon Weekend Diaper Dash around his birthday.  He loves to interact with the people we run with, and of course loves to be outside...definitely gets that from his dad and both his dad's side! The Logan's, and the Harris' all LOVE being OUTSIDE.

Jack-Jack has also become a pro at sitting in his high chair to help me cook or clean the kitchen, then of course to eat. Granted, he has taken to lifting the RIGHT leg/foot up over the tray....hmmm what hip problem? So we are currently trying to correct that. He is picking up the Gerber puffs, and small solids by himself, and self-feeding which is exciting. He has FINALLY started to hold the bottle independently. Not quite attempting to spoon feed himself yet, but with cueing he does.

 Jack accompanied us on our first wedding, and apparently all of our first times on a cruise ship. Eric and Cata got married earlier this month on the Carnival Paradise. Jack in good form almost slept through the ceremony, and of course had too much to drink and fell asleep during the reception. He is a light weight like his mother. J/K, Jack didn't drink for those of you who didn't know I was kidding! Jack does continue to prove to us though, that he is a good baby, and we can pretty much take him anywhere and he will flirt with the girls, and then fall asleep promptly 30 minutes into it.

We have discovered that our little man LOVES the swings, and that is his favorite part at gym class. This was at our playground, thought a little Jack laughter was called for. 

 Another first we recently got to experience was Jack's first Scooter the DJ/The Villages Square. Jack got to "wobble" with the seniors in the Villages while our favorite DJ kept the Villagers moving. Jack was a little tired so didn't react as much as I think he will eventually, but below is a video of him wobbling with JR. Can't hear the music though, I was laughing to hard.

 Jack celebrated his favorite hospital during the Miracle Miles 5K in downtown Orlando with both the PRC and the MRTT running groups. JR was able to come and run with us that day, which made it that much better. The profits benefited the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, and the Center for Neonatology and the NICU there.
 Then he cheered on the other groups as they all finished their 15K! Of course, true to form, fell asleep with loud music playing for a good half hour. Seriously, kid can sleep anywhere.

 Then of course we had our follow-up with Dr. Knapp and the ortho team at Arnold Palmer Center for Pediatric Orthopedics.  Here are a few awesome pictures of Jack waiting for his x-rays to get done.  Standing in front of the big window of the new building. He was in awe.

 

 Annette, Jack's nurse, couldn't believe how big he has gotten! 20 lbs to be exact, and of course he was 6 lbs when he saw her the first time right before surgery. And, again true to form, he flirted with all his girls. I'm in so much trouble later in life!

To date Jack has had some 13 xrays, 4 CT, 1 MRI, and 5 US...that is a TON!

Dr. Knapp took a look at our man, ranged his legs/hips, and looked at the films. He said that the hip is in place, the legs are even in size/length. He does not see bone growth on the right yet, and a little on the left, however that isn't uncommon with what he has been through. He said from what he can tell the "ball" of the hip seems to be in place and rounded based on how the socket looks right now, and the range of motion. However, because so much of it is cartilage he is unable to say for sure. He did, for the first time mention walking, "He should walk on time."  Also that we would be following up with him for a few years because we are going to watch that hip very closely. So, pray for bone growth on the follow-up in 6 months. That will tell us whether the growth plate was indeed effected or whether we got lucky and it wasn't. I'm not sure what will happen if it was effected but I'm thinking we are not going to think like that...and just say his hip/leg are awesome!  He continues to grow so much each week, and I can hardly keep up with him now...we pray continuously for his continued good health, and recovery from this bad start. He shows us each day that God is so good, and that no matter what the out come, he will be mobile in some way, and he isn't the kind of kid that lets a rough start ruin or stereotype is life or character. He is loving, and manipulative, smart, and funny. He shows his love to everyone he comes in contact with that gorgeous smile, and tolerates his crazy mom's running, and his dad's dancing.  We are so grateful for our little frog prince...and he continues to show us how strong  not only he is, but how strong WE are both as parents, and as husband and wife.

We want to continue to thank our friends and our families for supporting us every day that we embark on this crazy journey into life.  We continue to ask for your prayers for Jack's recovery and path to being the awesome kid we know he will be anyway.  We have a 9 month check up with Dr. O next month, a long with many more adventures. We will update then.  Of course it goes without saying that Jack has the best family out there grandparents, aunts, and extended family, thank you!
Special shout out to the mamas from WTE...you have been awesome! Sammy S, Amy W, Desai, Tracy, Nikole, and other colleagues TY for always asking about Jack and his progress. Tanna, Linsey, Teresa, Brandon same thing. And SO MANY MORE I can't begin to thank you for your love and support. God has been so good to us to bless us with such a great foundation of friends/family near and far. God bless you all, enjoy the next month and check back soon!

7 months--Standing man???

Happy Labor Day weekend!!! We hope that this update finds you all rested, and happy as we enter my favorite season of the year. 

Jack has been very busy! We have suspected that he has been teething for quite a while. Well now our little man has not 1 but 2 teeth with a suspected 3rd on the way. Given the pain he must be in, he is still pretty chilled out. These things just seem to keep him awake and wake him up. 

He is also continuing to move forward with foods, eating solids 3 times a day in addition to his bottles. He has tried the Gerber puffs and is starting to do very well. He is lazy when it comes to picking things up, but the good thing is we all challenge him to do it! He has also tried a few real food items including a orange which he immediately vomited back out along with his formula. **note to mom do not try new foods in public**thank goodness we were the only table. 

We also are finally old enough to use the MyGym gift card jack got me for Mothers Day. On Saturdays we travel to Orlando and join about 10 other babies (ages 7 mon-13 mon). There they sing and play which is helping with our cognitive, and physical development. He isn't quite crawling yet but he's consistently in quadruped, and rocking so any time now. He loves other kids and people!

 I am continuing to train for my next full marathon, it is in December. Jack has been right there along with me. We attempted our first long run together since JR's schedule didn't quite work out that day. Jack and I traveled over to the Disney board walk, where there are lots of things to look at, places to stop and eat/change, and its Disney. He did 9/6 miles with me!!! What a great kid! Didn't complain once! Jack Jack has decided since he is going to be logging in so many hours with me during training runs, and runs/walks with Dad he might as well make it official...so here it is ladies and gents
http://www.dailymile.com/people/JackJackL#ref=tophd










We had our very first experience with a natural springs with the PRC gang a few weeks back. We headed to Kelly Park on the Rock Springs. Jack wasn't allowed to swim yet, but he loved getting his feet wet.  JR was able to take a day away from the hotel and relax...I am telling you if this man could be in the water at all times he would! But you will never see him more peaceful (yes, even more so than on a golf course) than when he is swimming, or in this case floating.


 We also want to shout out to our friends in the PRC, thank you for giving us lots of love week after week with get togethers, runs, and generally being our non-related family. We love how you have welcomed us into your group, and embraced our little man, and the likes of the Logans.

Ever wonder who is behind the awesome pictures of Jack Jack??? Here is Uncle Paul R., he is firefighter by day, and photographer every other part of the day! He takes amazing pictures, and we love it that we finally got a shot with him in it!!!

Well ladies and gentlemen, until next time. We will be embarking on month #8! Mom is going to turn 32, Eric and Cata are getting married (and I get to go), I will continue to go to My Gym to work on my crawling and hopefully walking. I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Knapp and Co. on September 23, Mom says hold tight for that update...Thank you for your continued love and support! I am growing so fast, and each day I get to spend with my mom and dad, along with the friends and family that surround me I feel more and more loved.  Special shout out to Rachel D...thank you for keeping up with me :)

Love Jack Jack, Kat, and JR

Happy 1/2 Birthday

It's hard to believe our little Jack Jack is already 6 months old (well lets be honest, he's almost 7 months old, I've just slacked a little on the updates)! Since we last updated, Jack has seen his first fireworks, started sitting up independently, and a load of other fun things...

Happy 4th of July! We hope that you all enjoyed your Independence Day with BBQ, parades, and fireworks! Jack Jack and I got up SUPER early and headed to downtown Orlando for the Watermelon 5K with the Moms RUN this town group (MRTT). Jack did great, somehow he finished a second in front of me! That kid is fast...didn't even break a sweat! The day before the race we actually had a group run with the MRTT's, and Jack made the Orlando Sentinel with all the beautiful moms!

That evening, we traveled to Winter Garden with JR, Grandma Stevie, Aunt Pat, and Uncle Tom to see the fireworks. Headphones in place, and with a little rain...Jack Jack experienced his first firework show. He smiled at the lights, and had a great time. Can't wait to see the reaction next year.

Milestones:
Jack has started eating solids more consistently. We have tried all the vegetables, and fruits, so far (thankfully) no allergies. He eats about 2-4 oz per seating (3 meals with us each day) and then takes a bottle if he's still hungry. We've tried watermelon, mango, and sweet potato in a mesh bag for chewing practice. He loves the mess!

In addition to him rolling over consistently in the last blog, Jack is now rolling ACROSS the living room to chase the cats! Watch out mamas!  He can sit up by himself for quite a bit of time, but we have to get him into the seated position. He also scoots with his head down a few inches. We expect some crawling anytime now. He still loves his bouncer chair after the long car ride home, he is interacting with those toys so much more now its fun to watch!  Loads of babbling, occasionally we have a double syllable in there, but still mostly vowels, and working with his pitches.  He loves to explore other people's faces, often grabbing your face when you get close and taking a taste of that wonderful nose you have there...because who knows what that tastes like? :) He is picking up toys a little more gracefully now, but not always holding on long. He is much better at grabbing with his toes...my little frog prince has turned into a MONKEY!

As of yesterday 8/4/13, he has officially popped a tooth! Its on the lower jaw, left front. He is being so good considering the pain he must be in.

We continue to do our runs with friends during the weekend, and runs just he and I on the weekday. He is staying awake more and we are able to talk about what we are seeing. He usually gets to swim once a week with JR or I, sometimes both. He goes to church every Saturday evening, and we are giving thanks for the strong, healthy boy we have!

Grandma Stevie visits often, or we get to go visit her...in addition to all that...Jack Jack got a visit from Memaw, and Papa Cowboy (AKA, my mom, and Brady). It was so nice to see mom interact with Jack and see him do the same. It is much different 6 months old, versus 2 weeks old :)  I can't wait for him to meet my dad, and see everyone again.



Jack had his 6 month check up with Dr. Otero earlier in the month. He is 18 lbs 14 oz, 27 in long, and growing fast! She did have some concerns with his head, it is a little flat still in the back on the right side. She was concerned with it for a few reasons and sent us to a neurosurgeon for a helmet orthodic consultation. At the appointment, the surgeon basically told us that we could go either way. It isn't effecting his brain development, or anything medically serious. However, if we did want to do it, we needed to do it now. After discussing it, JR and I decided to go without. Jack would have to wear the Starband for 23 hours a day for 4 months. The doctor said it would most likely round out on its own in a few years. Because it isn't too serious, even cosmetically speaking, we are going to let it ride. No reason to put our little man through any more than he has already had to endure.

He is growing so fast it is incredible! We continue to send our thanks to everyone who continues to support us with all of this that we have gone through.  Jack is definitely one loved baby! He has a follow up with ortho at the end of September, we should see some bone growth in the hip at that point, and have a better idea what walking status will be...I hope that he is walking on that table with Dr. Knapp walks in! Happy Birthday Uncle Phil, Aunt Felicia, and talk to you soon!

Fe Fi Fo Fum...guess who's 5 months?

Hello friends and family! Our baby boy is on his 5th month (almost 6 months cause mom has been having a hard time getting to this blog over the last few weeks) and boy oh boy are we going to have our hands full!!! 

Jack Jack is sleeping beautifully through the night most of the time, but due to some teething (we think) he has been waking after 4-6. But he takes a small bottle or a change a then falls back to sleep.  He spends most of that time in his own crib. I have to tell you it is hard to fall into a deep sleep with a baby monitor next to your head. Every breath sometimes wakes me. 

Jack is showing great cognitive development. He is so observant! Wants to take in everything he can see and everything he can hear. He babbles like crazy and boy does he laugh. For the most part he only cries when something is wrong which includes being sleepy. He is looking at books trying to turn pages, he is grabbing and mouthing everything! He loves to grab your face and pull you close to him. 

Physically he is holding out on a second roll! Not even for his sitter (xoxo Mel) or grandma!!! But that kid gets his butt so high in the air I'm not sure how gravity doesn't take him down! He hates lying down and can do an awesome half boat pose...he's destined for yoga. He also loves to stand and sit up supported. He is moving his legs like he wants to walk. I have high hopes!!!

(UPDATE as of 6/27/13) In the  meantime, Jack has become a professional roller over night, going from back to tummy, and from tummy to back. He hates both! He wants to be sitting upright...so we are putting him in his high chair, and bouncy toy between allowing him to sit supported or unsupported on the floor. He can sit up to a minute unsupported (with his mommy's cautious hands close by) right now. Which means...mom needs to start baby proofing cause I feel crawling will happen in the next few months, Praise God!

He is taking bottles still, oatmeal by spoon once a day, and we have been trying sweet potato, green bean, and prunes purée. He's doing well with these things. He even got his high chair! Check out our big guy. 

He has been coming to runs now as well. He seems to tolerate them well. He loves to look around and smile for our running friends.  Especially his God Brother Carter (Picture below). He smiles and laughs every time he sees him.

Jack Jack also had his first bout of being sick. Running a high temp not sleeping and crying in pain. Don't like sick babies I will have to tell you. Dr.

Otero said it was probably viral and we were to keep him on Tylenol as monitor that temp. He is now getting prune juice twice a day (he didn't like the baby food prunes) to help with that end. He's teething so we are able to do a few things to help with that, and just trying to get him rest/fluids. Today he seems to be doing much better. 

Wednesday (last week) was also our ortho follow up. It had been two months since we were seen by Dr Knapp and company. They have a swanky new office at the Orlando Heart Institute in downtown Orlando. Our favorite people and familiar faces were all there, Annette, Dr Knapp's medical assistant who literally gave us her cell phone the day we went into surgery so we could call  if we needed anything at all! The techs who adjusted and removed Jacks cast. And of course the fabulous women that take our money ;) Dr. Knapp is back to his doom and gloom self! But we appreciate at that all in the end. He basically said that the new xray looks good still. The hip is still in place despite all the movement we are allowing him, and things like bouncy toys. He is starting to see some calcification (that's what the bones start to do when the are turning to bone from cartilage) and at the next appointment we should get a better idea of whether or not we will be going back in to, worst case scenario, build Jack a new hip.  He did say that the left does look better than the right, but still looks good.  To be honest, with all the movement this kid is doing, I would be SHOCKED if we have to go back in for something as serious as that. He may need PT, or bracing of some sort, but I am not convinced we will need something as big as hardware.

Jack Jack also had FINALLY gone swimming for the first time. He didn't like it too much right at first, but after a few minutes, and playing with his daddy (who, lets be honest, makes everything fun) he started to smile and have a good time. So we are going to try to take him a couple times a week, especially since he spends so much time in the car with his mom!

In addition, the running group went to a professional soccer game last weekend. Baby Jack got to tag along sporting his dad's ear protection, cause lets be honest, his mom's a Speech Pathologist! He did amazing!!! He actually fell asleep at the end (our home team was losing anywho). He loved watching the crowd, the balloons, and everything...it was so exciting to see him interact! I can't believe how big he is getting.

Well, that is all for now, especially since I will have to do an update soon for his 6 months. Our guy is amazing! He is such a blessing to have and we feel so honored to be his parents. He is definitely loved! Every day I feel mad, or get in a  mood..all I have to do is look at my son...and remember that we have seen FAR worse days, and that in the end, there is no use "crying over spilt milk."  Thank you for your continued prayers, and love. We feel so supported and your prayers are working in his healing as we fly through each new ortho appointment. We have a follow-up in September, and of course we will have hopefully NO news to share after that appointment.  God bless you all, and have a beautiful 4th of July!

Look Ma...I'm getting so BIG!

4 months and counting...Jack Jack went to see his PEDS doc, Dr. Otero on the 14th of May. At 4 months he weights 15 lbs 9 ounces, and was able to stretch out for measuring his length for the first time. 25 whole inches!  She says she is happy with his progress, and he just needs to do more tummy time and avoid him looking to the right because he is favoring that side.   He took his shots like a champ, and spent the rest of the day with Dad. 

We never did get to go swimming, we are waiting on a day that Dad can be there for the first swim...pictures to come. However, we have been to our first birthday party. One of Jack's buddies, Evin, celebrated her 5th birthday at a gymnastic gym and we had a great time with our PRC friends.  Jack didn't get to tumble and swing...but he enjoyed all the attention he got from his friends, and God family.





Jack Jack is also getting very used to traveling in the car with his mom...which has made it easier for us to go and visit JR on his lunch break so that not too many days go by without these two seeing each other. Both boys love it! As much as I hate to admit this, Jack Jack is a daddy's boy. When he hears JR's voice, or sees his face...he is instantly mesmerized and gets so excited.  We like to take Dad some dinner, and Jack usually eats at the same time. It's wonderful bonding. Though, we have to watch Jack, he is a stealth spitting up maniac...and can't get Dad dirty before he goes back to work.  Though our little lunch break rendezvous are short, about a half hour, it is worth every minute for all three of us.  We love seeing everyone there...big shout out to Monica, Eric, Sally, Uncle Paul of course, and every one else....you guys rock!

The day before Mother's Day, JR, and I, along with Grandma Stevie, Aunt Pat, and Jack's God family, April, Rafael, and Carter, got to dedicate Jack to a Christian childhood. Real Life Christian Church did an amazing job making the event special for all 21 babies that were dedicated to the Lord that day. Jack proves to us every time we take him out that he is a good baby...he watched the proceedings as much as we did!  We are excited to do this for Jack, he has been such a blessing and miracle in our life, that it is the least that we can do for him. Every moment I get to spend with this munchkin...is like another answered prayer.









Some more first have happened since we last updated you all. One of them being the initiation of Jack sleeping in his crib. Much to my dismay...he's doing great! We have had to elevate his head because of acid reflux, but for the most part, he has been sleeping anywhere from 6-10 hours in the crib. I hate to admit it, but JR was right, we should have gotten the video monitor! :)




Another first, introduction to solid foods. Because of his acid reflux, Dr. O. suggested we start him on oatmeal cereal. Here is a video of his first go around! As you can see, he doesn't mind it much. She suggested we start solid foods and alternate fruits/veggies as well, but we are going to wait a little while longer to start the purees.








The most recent 1st, and by far the most exciting? Our little man finally rolled over from belly to back!  Every time he reaches a physical milestone it brings me to tears (lets be honest I'm a cry baby).  Though it seems like a million years ago...it was only 1.5 months ago that this kid was strapped down by a 3 lbs cast...and 2.5 months ago that he was in the hospital. Now he's rolling!  My prayers continue for his growth and progress...I am hopeful that we will be chasing this young man around the house soon :)

Jack got me a baby gym membership that we can't quite start yet due to scheduling...but we are super excited to meet some other babies, and mom's in the area...not to mention continue to help him progress physically and mentally. Our little man is such a character!











Well, I guess that is all for now. Jack, JR, and I appreciate everyone's continued support and prayers! We are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to meet Jack's Ojisan (grandpa Wilkinson), and get a return visit from Memaw (my mom), and Obasan (Aunt Lizzy) in July. We are also getting to meet Uncle Brandon and Aunt Ashley for the first time....then travel to DC for their wedding in October (Congrats you guys!) We will be watching 4 weddings in the next year, Brandon's, Linsey and Logan's, Eric's, and Tracy's...while running 3 half marathons, 1 diaper dash, and 1 marathon. Busy, but exciting!!!  Love to you all!!!