Month of Thankfulness

The rest of this month is going to be about what I am thankful for . . . this is going to help me get past these next few weeks as there are a million things I am thankful for.  Since I have missed a few days I will fill those in . . .

November 1st - Will.  He is means the world to me and makes me laugh 24/7 - even when he is being naughty he still makes me laugh.  I had the easiest pregnancy/labor with Will and I now am more than thankful for that.  I now realize how lucky I am to have a perfectly healthy baby, so many things can go wrong during pregnancy and every healthy baby is now a miracle to me.  Watching him grow into his personality and learn new things is absolutely amazing.  I get excited/smile every morning when I hear his chattering voice over the monitor and can't wait to get into his room to see that big smile on his face!  Everything about him is amazing and I am by far the most thankful that God put him in my life.  He is perfect in every way.

November 2nd.  My Husband.  He is an amazing father and loves his son more than life.  He makes me less stubborn (which I didn't know was possible).  He doesn't care that I put my comfy clothes on as soon as I get home, that I don't shower on Sundays, that I am not perfect and have my flaws and the list goes on and on.  We have very many things in common and very many things not in common, which I think evens us out and makes us work.  And most importantly he remained strong for the both of us when I broke down this past week.  Life is not always easy but he helps me realize that it will go on.

November 3rd.  My family and friends.  I don't what know what I do without them.  They have cried with me, been there for me, made me laugh when I don't want to and the list goes on and on.  I have the best family and friends in the world and I thank GOD every day for them.

November 4th.  (HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER SONYA!!!!!!)!!!!!  Today I am thankful for Baby Gap.  I see those clothes and just get so excited to buy them and see them on Will.  Tom always complains about how much of our paycheck goes to this store and says Will would look cute in a cheap pair of jeans and a t-shirt which  is true. . . but once he sees how dang cute Will looks in the clothes, he can't help but smile as well.  Today I looked at the new clothes and I saw the cutest little vest, paired with a white button up and dark jeans . . . then add in his CUTE boots, maybe a tie and his grumpy old men hat and you have the best dressed little boy that looks absolutely adorable and you just want to squeeze him to pieces.  Now that is an instant smile on my face!  So maybe to put it better - I am thankful for the simple things in life that make me happy.  :)

Knocked Down

We weren't trying to get pregnant . . . but sometimes the unexpected ends up being the best thing that happens to you.  And that's what we were expecting with this little baby!  When we first found out we pregnant we were definitely surprised, but excited.  I changed my annual appt to a prenatal appt and we went in for our first US.   My OB seemed a little concerned as the dates weren't matching up so he wanted me to come back in 2 weeks for another US.  He made sure to tell me not to tell anybody because I could still have a miscarriage.  Of course panic set in.  Those 2 weeks went by very slow and the day before my US I came down with some kind of flu and was sicker than I have been in my life.  I was very fearful as to what this could have done to baby #2.  I went into the US and baby looked great.  So, come back in 4 weeks for your 13 week US and tests . . .

I asked my Mom to come with us as she has never seen a grandbaby until it was born so thought this would be fun for her.  The US took about an hour as she couldn't get good enough measurements.  I now know she saw something and she wanted to confirm what she saw.  After the US we went to the waiting room to meet with my OB . . . he said the babies lengths, NT all look good but he did see something that is very concerning - your babies bladder is enlarged.  I think at this point I shut him off and was in a total state of shock.  I asked him how big a bladder is supposed to be and he said you shouldn't see the bladder at this point . . . our babies bladder at this point looked like it was taking up half of it's body. 

Once I got my blood drawn I lost it.  There are no words to describe how I felt in knowing there was something extremely wrong with my baby.  Devastated doesn't even come close.  I thought I could go into work and pretend that just didn't happen but I was wrong . . . I lost it and had to tell my boss's what was going on.  Thank GOD they were so understanding.  I went home that day and cried and cried and cried.  After doing research I started to give up faith and hope . . . but then I saw some cases where the bladder issue just went away - so at that point I started to become more hopeful and positive.  Everything could just go away . . .

We went to the specialist on Thursday and met with the Genetic counselor to go over history, etc.  We then had our US and the US machine they used is a level 2 meaning it can see a lot more than a level 1 and it is pretty much as clear as you can get.  There was our baby . . . everything was perfect except his bladder.  It measured at 16mm thus our doctor told us this is an extreme case and wouldn't go away on it's own.  There went my faith and positivity in a matter of a second.

They did the CVS (which was painful) which led to more waiting.  The first part of the results came back late Monday afternoon and they normal and we are having a boy.  This leads us in the right direction as we are now considered a candidate for the shunt procedure.  The shunt procedure would place a shunt in the babies bladder to drain the urine which in turn creates amniotic fluid which allows the lungs to develop . . . the down fall is that this will only mask whatever problem is causing the enlarged bladder.  It doesn't guarantee that my baby will survive, it will basically help get it to survive until he can be delivered.  After that who knows what issues he may have, he may need a kidney transplant, he may never be able to pee on his own, he may be born but die within minutes and the list goes on.

Our next step is to wait until November 18th.  At that time the doctor will be able to do an amnio and abstract urine from our little boys bladder.  They will run tests to determine how well the kidneys, lungs and heart are functioning.  If all are functioning well, then we will be able to do the shunt procedure.  If they are not functioning well then we will have to decide to terminate the pregnancy or wait for the baby to pass on his own.  All are horrible decisions and I don't want to have to make that decision.  I have seen my baby boy move his arms, legs, turn side to side, seen his face, profile . . . it's not fair, why God are you doing this to our sweet, innocent little boy????  Every part of this situation is horrible . . . I just want my baby to be healthy and live a normal life.  I don't want to see him suffer.

I have lost my positivity, I have lost faith, I have lost the excitement of being pregnant.  I see my weekly updates on how my baby is growing and had to shut them off because I don't want to know how much of a baby he is becoming because at any second I could lose him.  One thing I have not lost is support.  Tom and I are very lucky to have such an amazing family and great friends and we can't thank them enough for their kind words and for their prayers.  We need all the prayers we can get.  I haven't given up and I will keep praying for a miracle!!!!

Now that I got all of this out, I am going to try my hardest to be more positive and have faith in God and know that he has his reasons . . . even though I don't understand them now, I hope to some day understand.  There are so many things to be thankful for and these things are what is going to get me through this next month.  Starting with me having a supportive/loving husband who has seen the worst of me this past week and the cutest, loving toddler boy who lights me up at my darkest moment.  Without these two I don't know how I would get through this.

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger and I certainly want to believe this.

15 Month Checkup

Will had his 15 month check up and all is great!  He was 35 1/4 inches tall (off the charts for %) and was 25.2 lbs (60th % . . . he actually lost a pound which doesn't surprise me as that child is non-stop go).  Will had shots today which must have knocked him out as fell asleep in the car - he NEVER falls asleep in the car.  When his doctor and intern came in, Will gave each of them hugs . . . he of course went for the intern first as she is a female.  He is just such a sweetie and just loves everybody!  We even saw Will's bff - cousin Jenna at the doctor!  :)

A few other things to report . . .

*Will is now in the "testing us" stage.  He knows when he is being naughty and he thinks it's funny and tries to

push his limits.  We try so hard not to laugh because that smile just does it for us! 

*Will's new favorite word is HI and he even says HI to toddlers on the TV.

*He is getting 4 new teeth - his I teeth so with his cold he is one snotty mess.

*He got his first pair of Nike Shocks and thinks they are pretty cool (so do his Mommy and Daddy).

*Took his first trip to the Apple Orchard and loves Apple Cider (Deals is the BEST).

*Loves to climb on the furniture and thinks it's a game.

*He is BUSY . . . who needs the gym when you have a crazy toddler on the loose?

*He is still deathly afraid of this moving hippo we have by our wine rack (yes, we put it there so he would stay away from it) and if he is being naughty we say "Will . . . watch out for the hippo" and that kid flies to us.  Kind of mean, I know, but hey, whatever works.

*Can say Park . . . well it's actually Hark to him, but again, whatever works.

We had Polking Thanksgiving 1 of 2 this past Sunday (see pics below).  It was more like a get together as it was 85 that day!  My parents are ditching us for the warm weather and heading to FL for the whole month of November and some of December . . . am I jealous - heck yes!  In the morning we hit the Deal's Orchard Fall festival and had a great time.  They have the best Apple Cider.  After that we went to my parents house for food, drinks and football.

 Enjoy the pics!



Polking Cousins on the hayride.

Jackovin Family at the Pumpkin Patch.

  

Will going for the ducks!



At first he was quite so sure . . .

 


GO STATE

 


Cousins Ben, Ali, Will and Kayla at the Frick's.





My little Cycone Fan.



 








At Leslie's Wedding.



Wedding!!!!

Finally getting pictures up from Leslie and Ben's wedding.  It was such a fun and BEAUTIFUL wedding!  Everything about it . . . except the stomach ache I got from eating all the candy at the candy bar.  Oops. 

Will did a great job at the wedding and reception.  He was loving on my Mom but then once my good friend Diann came up to say hi - he of course flew into her arms.  Diann is definitely one of  his favorites - she doesn't even have to hold her hands out to him - he just flies to her!

Enjoy the pics!  I stole all of these from friends as I rarely get on my computer at home to upload pics.

My Buddy(s)

Last Friday night we watched Jenna and Cole and let me tell ya - Will had fun with his Cousins.  Will always wants to do everything Cole is doing and Cole might not think it's cute, but I think it is!  Jenna and Will are really starting to play together and I LOVE IT!  They are just too cute to watch.  Right when we got to their house Jenna was running around the house and Will was chasing after her and they were both giggling away!  Once it was time for bed we were walking (well crawling) up the stairs and they were just giggling again and since Will gets a little distracted by the railing, Jenna would hold out her hand to Will so he would get a move on.  :) 

Will is now a little monkey and will climb on anything.  The other day Tom and I were both in the living room and one second Will is playing with his laugh and learn table and the next second he is standing on top of it trying to get to the cord for the blinds.  He was even trying to climb his b-ball hoop that is not even as tall as him!  What a goof ball!

I bought Will's winter gear and while I dislike winter weather I can't wait to see him all bundled up looking like a little marshmallow and watching him sled with his Daddy while I watch from inside drinking hot chocolate (I don't do cold weather :))!

Will's still doing good at daycare although he can't seem to shake this cold . . . which makes me a little nervous for the cold weather as it's still pretty warm and he has had this cold for a few weeks!  Ugh!

Hope you are all having a great week!

Summer turns to FALL!

Well not quite yet, but I LOVE FALL . . . so thought I better get a head start on the fall design! :)

Lots of new things in the Jackovin house to report . . . (sorry, very long)

* Will is no longer called little Bubber - he is now BUSY Bubber. He is full time walking and likes to try to go as fast as he can which when he does this, he definitely hasn't quite got the balance to do so thus he looks like he has had a few beers.

* If he doesn't like his food or is finished - he throws it and I must say that kid has an arm on him. As most would, I get frustrated and use my stern voice and say NO Will - what does he do? Busts out laughing . . . I have to turn around and laugh and then go back to my "stern" voice . . . as you can guess, nothing works, if it doesn't go in his mouth it's on the floor. Thank goodness for the dyson handi-vac.

* Will started Daycare! We all definitely miss Lauren but so far daycare is going well. On the 2nd day he wanted to get down right away and play with the toys - he is toy HEAVEN. He even took a nap the first day which I was worried about as he has gotten used to sleeping in his crib 95% of the time. He definitely isn't getting his 4 - 5 hours of sleep during the day, but hopefully he will start getting 3 hours. That child needs his sleep. Heis such a social little guy and loves to play with kids and goes to any adult that holds their hands out to him. I still think he has a thing for brunettes. When he was at my sister's house the other day she said he kept reaching out for her good friend Michelle, who is a very pretty brunette and is also very nice . . . stay on that track Will, Mama is VERY nervous about having a crazy daughter-in-law. :)

* LOVES the pool and park! Thanks to the Fricks/Meiers we had 2 pools to go to this summer and we sure did just that. He loves to go to the pool and loves the attention he gets from his Aunts and Counins. He also loves the park and cries or gets a sad puppy face when we leave. Great, he is only 1, can't wait to see what he will be like next year.

* New favorite word is Mama. The other day Grandpa Jackovin was babysitting and when Will heard the door open he said MAMA . . . Tom wasn't amused, I however LOVE It.

*Will is going to his first wedding this weekend! My good friend from college is getting married on Sunday and I am in the wedding. VERY much looking forward to her wedding and standing up for her as she has been such a great friend to me for the past 8 years (has it really been that long?)! Will will be looking handsome in a tux that Cole wore to my wedding (thanks sis for the hand-me-down). I'll be sure to post some pics. :)

* New favorite (and only) show he watches is Sid the Science Kid. And I must say I like it as well . . . the songs stick in my head ALL day at work. It's my favorite time because he snuggles on my shoulder and I just LOVE it. He RARELY snuggles with me anymore so I will take advantage of anytime he will snuggle with me.

* Favorite letter? O. Favorite shape? Circle. Whenever I get the puzzles down he gets SO excited and tries to run to get to the puzzle . . . he thens grabs the O or the circle and won't let go of it. He will give you other pieces, but don't even try to get the O or the cirlcle. So funny how kids get

attached to things.

* We FOUND a 2nd SkipIt! My Sister's MIL gave Will SkipIt buddy blanket and book when he was born and as most of you have seen - he is ATTACHED. He just loves to snuggle with that blanket so we HAD to find another one for daycare - after searching EVERYWHERE - I finally figured out what exactly it was called and then found it on Amazon. THANK GOD! Now, let's see if he likes the 2nd model of SkipIt. I have heard stories that they know the original and want that one. I think Will will be just find with the 2nd model at daycare. :)

As for Tom and me nothing too much to report. Work is going very well for both of us and Will is keeping us on our toes. We continue to argue about what Will will wear for the ISU vs IA game this year. Ridiculous, I know . . . why couldn't Tom have been a Cyclone? Life would be SOOO much easier.

I am still a little upset about Tom bringing over an IA onezie to wear at Mary's last year. I know, me hold a grudge? Shocking, right? :) With that being said, Will was SUPPOSED to wear an ISU shirt last year since it was in Ames and vice versa for IA this year . . . except Tom screwed it up. So Will is going to be wearing ISU gear for 2 years in a row. One would think Tom would know not to screw with me. It's a good thing I get all of Tara and Krista's kids hand-me-downs because they both had a TON of ISU stuff. HA!

On a side not . . . please keep this little boy Zachary in your prayers. I came across his site from a friend and although I don't know him he is one of the strongest little boys! His story amazes me and even though he is in the fight of his life he continues to fight and always has a smile on his face. Kids really do amaze me - why can't we all have his attitude???

Hope all is going great for you all! Looking forward to cool weather, jeans and sweatshirts!

Enjoy the pics! The bottom pics were pics done by my sister's good friend Andi. She does AWESOME work (as I have said in the past). Please click on the name of my sista's to see some of her work. Sonya, Krista, Will's.

The Big 1 . . . and is soon to be walking!!!

Wow - 1 year has flown by so fast! It seems like yesterday I was pushing my hardest to get this little baby out that was maxin and relaxing for as long as possible in my tummy. Man, how that has changed. The only time he relaxes is when he is in his crib with his blankie, skip it and passy. I miss the newborn stage SOOOOO much, yet I love each and everyone of his stages just as much. Even now, when he wears me out and I go to bed shortly after his 7:30 bedtime. :)

What a great year it has been, in fact, hands down our (I am speaking on behalf of Tom :)) best year ever. Will definitely has made our lives complete and we couldn't imagine life with out him. You can't help but laugh at his silly things he does and cry when he is peacefully sleeping because you can't even imagine how lucky you are that he is happy, healthy and our son. He is perfect in every way (OK, maybe not when he throws his food on the ground and thinks it's hilarious :)) and I thank GOD every day for him.

Will's first birthday party was at Lake Panorama with the Polking and Jackovin side. It was VERY fun and Will loved all the attention he got in the lake, while eating cake and opening presents. He got so many great presents from family and friends and is definitely in toy heaven and will be one stylish boy when he starts day care in August (we found an in home daycare just down the street).

A little bit about Will:

• Has more than tripled his birth weight - birth weight was 7lbs, 11 ounces and is now 24.3lbs (70%) and grown over a foot - 20 inches at birth and is now 34 inches (97%). What a year can do for a growing boy!
• Loves to play peek a boo using curtains
• Took 6 steps 1 week after his first birthday . . . I think he is going to be more of runner than a walker - he is quick!
• Is such a happy little TODDLER (gosh, a toddler already)
• Is now called busy Bubber vs lil' Bubber - he is non-stop and wears us out
• Loves the beach, pool and bath time - anything that involves water - Will is in
• Is going to miss his nanny, Lauren when she leaves in August - he just loves her (as do we)and gets so excited to see her everyday
• Can climb on furniture and loves to get to the light switches
• Gets into EVERYTHING!
• Is a wicked fast crawler
• Claps over any accomplishment
• Still loves to pull hair, stick his hands in his mouth and pat (smack) Daddy in the face
• Loves to be outside
• Is NOT shy and will love anyone he meets

Will had his 1 year pics taken my a family friend - here is a sneak peak . . . more to come . . .

http://www.andilainephotography.com/blog/baby-will-turns-1/

We hope you all are having a great summer!!!!!

Love, Laura Tom and Will