Oh tree how we'll miss thee!

A pretty violent storm ripped thru our state yesterday. There were many places where a tornado touched down - yikes. We just had some very high winds. But high enough to knock down one of our 30 foot oak trees! Such a sad sight. This was one of the trees that held hubbies hammock. It also added a great deal of privacy to the new library up on the hill. But as hubby pointed out as he stood on the roof of our garage with his might chainsaw (wish I took a picture of that!) - perhaps this gives us another potential spot for our swing set!

Here are a few pics of our lovely tree...oh how we'll miss your shade, privacy and the endless nights in the hammock you provided!

And we dropped the camera while taking these..so expect a few less pictures in the near future

Weekend in Philadelphia

So I'm a little behind on my blog duties...so I'll play a little catch up and hopefully be consistent soon (HA!) I think the word "consistent" has left our vocabulary since Little Man was born!

Two weekends ago we went up to Philadelphia to spend time with Nana, Auntie D and Uncle Frankie. Then Saturday night we went over to Pappy and Rhonda's for a surprise 50th birthday party for Rhonda. Lots of fun! Although on the ride up, our little man has officially left his cocoon as the "quiet traveler" of the two. He use to love his carseat and be very content. Hmmm not so much on this trip. So mom and dad will have to devise some new "soothing tricks" before our next car ride that is for sure!

We visited a county fair and had loads of fun. We also learned that our princess has no fear of rides, like her mama! Little man enjoyed a few rides, but maybe next year he'll enjoy more.

Jimmo doesn't necessarily love this ride but doesn't hate it either I guess.

Mama and princess are in the 2nd car...by the end her hands were waving in the air like a roller coaster pro!

European bungee jumping - hysterical!

Nana and princess riding the copter, little man was too short for this ride...next year buddy!

Since we've been home, we've been immersed in the preschool diagnostics process for Child Find. I'll keep my bureaucratic system comments off-line for now....grrrrr. Jimmo's portion of the testing is finally complete and now we have our parent conference, the eligibility meeting and finally the IEP. I will be so relieved to have this completed and then ready to enjoy the summer!

One last comment, hubby and I are thinking and praying about putting Jimmo on the gluten free casein free diet (GFCF) for a few weeks this summer before he starts school. This is an entire family undertaking and no small task at that. We figured a 4 week trial period would be much easier in the summer when he is with us 24x7. We have heard a few families have tried this with their Fragile X boys and have seen improvement in attention, behavior and the autistic tendencies that tend to accompany Fragile X. We'll keep you posted.

Big hugs to everyone and happy summer!!!!!

And it's even PINK!

Isn't he just the best!

Breakfast in bed, chocolates from Georgia (she personally picked out the Whitman Sampler pack) and a PINK mixer! You might remember from What's a baker to do? the tragic loss in our household. Even though it rained all day, there were plenty of smiles in this house.

Hope all of you mom's had a wonderful day!

Quick Mother's Day shot after church in between the rain!

One Year Ago

Today is the anniversary of our diagnosis of Fragile X. I remember the feeling all too well when the news was told to us, and I'm amazed how God has worked in our lives and made this diagnosis be such a light in our lives. Little man has grown and improved so much over this year. We're walking (HUGE), have good eye contact, purposeful playing, attempting to communicate, climbing stairs, sleeping better and still gives the best hugs this side of the Mississippi.


We have so much to be thankful over this past year. Amazing family, friends and neighbors that have come by our side. Very supportive therapists that have a sincere interest in our son and truly love him. A daughter that loves her brother unconditionally and will always be there for him. An early diagnosis that enabled us to begin the most effective therapy at an early age. Amazing scientists that are working diligently on a cure for Fragile X. That is one amazing year!

The Dawn of Competitive Sports

Hubby has dreamed of his children playing soccer since he was a young lad. He could not wait for the princess to reach the age limit of 4. He was so eager he signed up to coordinate the soccer teams of age 4....interesting job to say the least. So two weekends ago, hubby and princess headed off to the local sports store to get her team jersey, shoes and shin guards. Princess had fun but wondered why they didn't come in pink.

This past Saturday was the first game. I use "game" very loosely. Basically 25 four year olds dribbling the ball around cones and then practicing goals...quite a scene. They all patiently waited for snacks, which apparently is the highlight of soccer Saturdays for these kids....we're learning! Here are a few pics of our future Mia! Little man had a blast as he had rein over the entire flat field for the full 45 minutes. Walking video - still to come - we promise!

On the MOVE!

We've been praying, wishing, hoping and begging for Jimmo to walk soon. As we might have explained before, along with Fragile X, he has Hypotonia - weak muscle tone. This actually was a blessing in disguise, because we wouldn't have started therapy or actually received the diagnosis for FXS as early as we did if the Hypotonia didn't clue us in on something being wrong.


Jimmo has had Physical Therapy since he was 8 months old! Almost 22 months later - and ladies and gents it's official- WE'RE WALKING! Friday night he took steps in between Mom and Dad, something we often try, and he actually did it this time. All weekend he's walked around like he's been doing it for a month. Stops - starts - drinks he juice as he's walking...it's amazing. I'm hoping to post a video this week...just need to put my tech savvy hat on.

Our little Frankenstein walking in between us on Friday night.

Sweet Fragile X story in the news

I ran across this article, and it warmed both our hearts. Such a sweet boy. We pray our little Jimmo grows up to have such a servant's heart and enjoy life as this young man does.

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2008/mar/23/storyteller-anderson-man-shows-others-his-definiti/