family camping, at last

Since the Bear incident of last summer, I have not spent a night in our tent.  Between pregnancy and just plain being too busy it has just not happened.  This past weekend I finally got my chance.  We spent the weekend with a three other families who are dear to us at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.  It was a wonderful time!

All the kids at the beach!

Little E was not so sure about the cold water on his toes.

Little E loved the tent.  It took him forever to stop watching the bugs on the ceiling and actually go to sleep!

There's nothing like time with Dad.

a new daily task

We have met with a physical therapist to get help with Seth's diagnosis for Perthes.  She was great and located close by which is handy too.  She believes that Seth's range of motion is still very good so for now we have exercises to do two times each day. 

Unfortunately it's those things you always "have" to do that are the most frustrating for Seth.  You know, like brushing teeth or getting dressed.  We are trying to find ways to make it fun for Seth and help him to understand how important they are for his healing process too. 

Do you have any ideas for making these "must do" items more fun?!  I'd love to hear...

the diagnosis

Weeks ago we noticed Seth walking with a limp.  He was unable to point to any pain or injury so we let it ride a week.  You know how active boys are - he could have fallen from the top of the playground and we never knew it.  He's tough!  After the week however it was not better so we got him in to see our regular Dr.  After x-rays we were sent to see an orthopedic specialist - where we were August 17th. 

 

The appointment itself went very well.  The Dr. had no trouble with the diagnosis so at least we know what we are dealing with, for the most part.  Seth was diagnosed with Perthes Disease.  Here is a semi-comprehensive link for your reading pleasure: Medline Plus.  Every site will tell you a bit different story but you get the main drift from this one.

 

Basically, we are at the beginning of what could be a long journey.  Some children take six months to heal, some take two years.  There is no proof as to what causes this disease, only much speculation, but the current theory of treatment is less is better.  For now we will allow Seth to move as he is able and give him ibuprofen when the pain is too much to bare.  At the end of September we go in for round two of x-rays and see where things are going.  We are going to pray for much better than much worse! 

 

In six weeks the x-rays will tell us if Seth is continuing to worsen and at what rate.  Possibly an MRI if needed.  The unfortunate thing here is that things often get much worse before getting better.  The bone is dying and will degenerate to a point in which the body kicks in and starts to recreate the bone needed.  If Seth is much worse a cast and crutches may be necessary to help protect from damage to the area.   We pray against this possibility! Surgery is rarely recommended or necessary which is of some relief.

 

Right now Seth is still somewhat active.  His run is more of a quick hobble but has not slowed him down as much as you might think.  To slow down for him is unthinkable.  At our last soccer practice on Monday he was in tears and not be able to "catch the coach".  Something a month ago was no issue at all!  He does feel pain, it even wakes him at night, and he is most stiff in the morning or after prolonged sitting.  We have noticed that he no longer wants to go for walks to the park/library but will ride his bike as he can favor one leg and still be "fast" enough.  It is very hard to watch our once overly active boy stumble and trip his way through the day!

 

We need your prayers that Seth will heal quickly.  That his bone will get the signal to start rebuilding.  That physical therapy will keep him moving and active, as much as possible in his current state, and protect him for further injury.  We are praying that this will not be a long journey but a short one that is defined by God's touch of healing.  You all know how active our boy loves to be.  This is hard on him and changing his behavior some too.  Thus patience for all of us would also be a great prayer need!

 

what a combination

Seth's Littlest Fan

This summer Seth had his first experience with Summer Parks and Recreation. We signed him up, alongside a number of his friends, for T-ball /Soccer Combo.  I wish I could say that he loved every minute of it and learned an amazing number of skills, but I can't.  However I am glad that we gave it a try and he does throw and kick a ball much better now! 

Always the eager beaver.

My t-ball player.

Seth (kneeling) in front of his best friend and then his favorite Coach Ken.

Nailed it to...the pitcher. 

one last trip

Life is never dull in the J mom house.  We were once again uprooted the first week of August to drive to see family, this time in Nebraska.  The drive went rather well considering there was a baby in the car and a four year old.  However we left our doorstep at 6 am and did not arrive to our NE destination until 6:30 pm that evening.  That is a LONG day of traveling, even considering the stops and breaks along the way!

Our time was spent mostly hiding from the outrageous NE heat.  (Not that us Minnesotans don't know what that feels like lately.)  Little E and I enjoyed the air conditioning at home while Seth and Jason ventured out the most.  Our favorite spot to venture out to was of course the pool!  Everyone got some sun regardless of the layers of sunscreen but it did feel invigorating to get wet and play in the water.

Seth and Nanny going down the water slide at the pool.

The Great Grands and Grands!

Little E amazed at his first sight of the farm. 

Our little Jumping Bean thought this was great!

 On our way home we stopped to see our friends the Smiths.  It was so fun to see them prepare for the little girl they are expecting this winter.  Pink and ruffles, now there are things you do not find in the J mom home.  I have to say it was fun! 

Our upcoming adventures include camping and of course, back to preschool.  Stay tuned...

feeding frenzy

I love that cheesy grin.

Lunch can be very interesting in our house, especially now that Eli is eating some solid foods. Well, solid foods as in stuff that is mostly pureed! We find that E also likes to gnaw on anything he can grab whether that be a spoon or a random food item such as a carrot stick or cucumber bite. So far the only thing that E has specifically disliked was an asparagus spear. After trying it in his mouth a few times just looking at it caused his face to prune up in disgust. What a riot!

Happily mushing up some cucumber.

boys only camping

The campsite...

The first annual boys camping weekend has commenced. My boys were gone for three days! It was pretty quiet in my home without them. I enjoyed my clean house but the guys I love were gone! It was not the same. They survived the severe weather but did have about three inches of rain to combat. Fortunately the tent held up with no trouble! I am sure that there will be many years to come. One day Eli will get to join them too. Fun for us all!

The boys ate the fish they caught for lunch on Saturday. Seth was pretty excited about that. When I got a phone call from the wilderness it went something like this:

Seth: "I caught a big fish. Well, dad reeled it in. Oh, he cast it too. But...it was my rod!"

Boys get to swim in their clothes when Dad's are in charge.

Jason's favorite moment...watching our son sit by the fire in the morning.

it's more than a zoo for animals

I swear that turtle shrunk! Okay, so maybe my son is just that much bigger...

This morning I told Seth we would go see the Polar Bears at the Como Zoo. They have a newly remodeled exhibit that we have been waiting to see. We tried to push our way through the throng but really could not see a thing. It was an overwhelming disaster. I hate crowds and my son likes them even less than I do. It's called a zoo not just because the animals live there, but due to the crowds too. We hung onto each other as if our lives depended on it!

Seth declined to be in the photo so that is his hand that Eli is staring at suspiciously.

After a short walk around and learning the tiger was gone, Seth proclaimed it too hot and time to go home. I couldn't complain so we left after what seemed a long hour and a half. At least we could enjoy the butterflies...they only let so many people in at once. Maybe next time we will actually get to see the polar bears...if we are lucky...or bring dad to help us through the crowds...

My "pirate" identifying butterflies. (We actually got a few gang related comments concerning the dude rag. I may not be allowing it in public again for fear of being shot at.)

I am not a huge fan of caged animals but I LOVE to sit among the butterflies. They are such a reflection of creation's beauty!

the famous fertile fair

J and I had our photo taken by this exact sign when we visited the Fair together before we had kids. This photo...not so easy to take and not so happy for the tired, hot kids either...

Yes friends we traveled to the Fertile County Fair and shared the weekend with friends and family too. The weather was horribly hot but the long awaited fair food and time with good friends made it all worth it.

My boys got the four-wheeler stuck in the ditch. Too cute waiting for a tow!

Oh and why you are out in the middle of nowhere why not get some shooting practice?! This gun was awesome and I actually hit the target 100 plus feet out there! (No photos of me shooting the Bereta but that was really fun too!)

Seth was old enough to go on the Fair rides this year. He pulled this off all by himself and love it.

Hold on tight! A little nervous of the first ride on the carousel.

Family adventures have been going on the whole month of June and now into July too. It's time for a much needed break from traveling for this mother of two. Hopefully we can relax for a few weeks now...

more family vacation action

Our second vacation of the month took us to a cabin in Iowa on Silver Lake. It turned out to be a family adventure of "firsts" for Seth. There was fishing, jet-skiing, tubing behind the boat, a four-wheeler and much more!

Seth loved the jet-ski. Yes, he went with mom or dad.

My child turned into a water baby! Here he is with Dad on the tube. They went slow enough but did go under water once. However the fall didn't slow Seth down any, much to my surprise!

The four wheeler was another fun thing to drive. He had to talk dad into taking him on that though...

It wouldn't be a vacation without a s'more by the fire. The downside was this one happened around 10 pm - way too late for our little guy!

Little E was a great traveler once again. He has mastered the art of going with the flow. That ought to be very helpful since our summer is mostly about keeping up with his big brother!

Little E and his Papa.

Little E and Great Grandma Una. Eli's middle name, Richard, was her husband's name. Boy do we miss Grandpa!

Getting the worms ready for fishing! These worms came from our backyard in MN and made the trip thanks to Seth and Jason.

Catching a fish with Papa - still a little unsure of those fish.

Catching fish? No problem - we've got a pro!

The little guy learned from the bigger one. Here's Jason with his 28 in Northern!

Three generations of fishermen waiting for the catch of the day!

vacations are in season

June has been a month of travel for the J mom family. It all started with a trip to my home town to visit my parents and sister...

Seth loved running around the back yard. Funny, I remember when I was taller than that tree...

Eli loved trying out Grandma's high chair, or my old high chair for that matter. Now we just need to start some solid foods.

After a few days together we all went to my Aunt and Uncle's Lake cabin. Well, if you could call it that. They live there year round now that they have retired and it is a beautiful home...

Check out that sunset!

Seth and J mom driving the pontoon. This would be how I got my worst sunburn in years. Good thing the kid was covered in a third layer of sunscreen and better protected!

My favorite spot to relax - Eli loved it too!

The storms that cost three people their lives came just around us at the lake. The weather was scary but we were safe - praise the Lord.

The cutest boys ever!

Practicing a little casting for the BIG fishing trip.

We also went into Battle Lake and memory lane for J mom. We made a quick stop at Granny's Pantry. It's this old fashioned ice cream and candy store. I have fond memories of it as a child. Bringing Seth there to pick out candy was a bit nostalgic.

How can you not love that outfit!?! I heart you too Eli!

Traveling with kids is always an adventure, especially in summer road construction season. Seth and Eli were real troopers. In hopes of getting out some wiggles we spent some play time at a rest stop. It always feels good to get out and walk around a bit!

Seth and Grandma playing at the rest stop play structure.

Eli has to look around and get some relief from the car seat before nursing. It requires stops to be a bit longer...

Then it was back home for a few short days before we got back in the car for another adventure. More vacation photos to come...