A Bee Can't Fly

Good Morning All!

Jonathan and I are having a great time and meeting lots of parents and kiddos. Yesterday, we participated in a parent's round table. There were many a tears shed, but it was one of most uplifting activities thus far. It was an open and honest discussion among parents who truly know what we are going through.

One story that will truly stick with us is this:

Science says the bumblebee can't fly. Those little, fragile wings can not hold up

that big, fat body. But God says that bumblebees can fly and so the bumblebee flys.

In spite of what doctors and others say Jackson and children like him can't do, they do and prove all of them wrong. Meanwhile astonishing all of us!

Jackson seems to really be enjoying his time here as well, he's even meet a pretty cute girlfriend--her name is Natalee. (we will post pics when her mommy sends them, Jackson's mommy forgot to take her camera on their first date!) And guess what she's an older lady; that's right, she is almost 1!

We have learned a lot of valuable information to bring back to all of you and our medical team. Today, we have more workshops, which I am sure will be just as uplifting. We can't wait to see what today holds...

XO,

JJD

We are in the Big D and I do mean Dallas

Good Afternoon,

We arrived in Arlington yesterday and have been taking it all in. We have meet lots of parents and kids. We just finished up a parent's round table discussion. It was great to hear from several others in our situation but to also hear the uplifting stories. These kids really are "so resilent".

My Newest Tricks

When Jackson was a little over a month old, we meet another little boy, Peyton, who also has Arthrogryposis. His dad, Ryan, told me something that has stuck with me since, "This is a blessing and it makes you appreciate the milestones that much more." How true it is. Anytime Jackson does something that to others is considered "normal", we pull out the camera and snap shots to post and share with everyone.


Of course we took the first bath pics, the looking I am going to my first pedi appointment, etc. But not many parents would run to get the camera when their child sits for the first time assisted, but we did. The milestones do mean so much more. I am not sure why that is; if it's the fact that we (Jonathan and I and Jackson's caretakers) work so hard or if it is that we sorta don't expect it. But let me tell you sitting and using his arms to balance was cause for celebration at our house!

Here are some shots of the latest tricks Jackson has shown us.

Our first "real" stroller ride---it's the first time Jackson rode sitting up!

Sitting in the grass balancing himself on his arms!










And our brand new one, as of yesterday---initiating his head to see objects he wants---he is so close to sitting unassited!













We can't wait to see what other tricks Jackson has up his sleeve for us!

Jackson's First Solo

4 months

A little before Jackson's 4 month birthday, we traveled to Shriner's in Shreveport to see the doctors and therapists there. The lower extremeties doctor reaffirmed our plan in New Orleans with Dr. Accousti, so we decided we would continue the lower extremeties at Children's as it is closer for us. We did see a team of wonderful occupational therapist, who made some of the best hand splints we have ever seen. They also finally made the elbow splints mommy wanted to try so badly. And guess what, just like mommy said, they worked!

Surgery (Clubfoot)

On May 16, 2007 Jackson had a heel cord release done to completely correct his bilateral club foot. The cast did a great job, but Jackson's feet were still "tight", so his Achille's Tendon had to be clipped, to complete the correction. He was in cast for 3 weeks post op and then we moved on to KAFOs.

3 Months

At 3 months, Jackson was progressing better than any doctors or therapist had ever thought we would. Jackson had surgery for his club feet a little after his 3 month birthday. Total time Jackson was in Ponsetti cast was 6 weeks, which is "normal" for club foot with no other cause. However, when it comes to club foot with Arthrogryposis as the underlying cause, the norm is closer to 6 months. What can we say, the boy is breaking records already!

Also, at three months, Jackson is learing to sit up assisted. Which also means he is hitting "milestones" just like he should. He has also been seeing Early Steps (Physical Therapy) at home once a month and is "batting" at objects, also age appropriate.

My First Fourth of July

I spent my first 4th hanging out with my grandparents (on both sides) and my mommy and daddy! Even though mommy said it was too hot for me to go to the fireworks this year, it was so much fun!

XO,

Jackson