Follow-up with the Rheumatologist

A while back I posted about going to see the rheumatologist about pain I’ve had on and off for almost a year now. A week ago I went back to the rheumatologist for my follow-up appointment, and to go over all my lab work. Unfortunately and fortunately I was in a lot of pain at my visit so she was able to see my “flare” in action. Her words, “You look awful.” Well to make this post shorter than it could be I will get to the point. After almost a year of pain I was finally diagnosed with arthritis. It’s not really a surprise to me at all since I had the signs….let’s just say I am my own health advocate-actually we all should be. So I have rheumatoid arthritis and I’m glad to finally start the proper treatment plan. If you’re interested in reading about it you can find info all over the web; one well respected website is the Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org/types-what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis.php. 

Hoping to kick this into remission quickly!  
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Shawna

Jackson's 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Jackson’s birthday twice this week! His birthday was actually on Thursday but since that fell in the middle of the week we decided to have his party on Saturday. But we still took him out to eat for dinner on Thursday-we had a good time spending quality family time together and reminiscing over Jackson’s birth day a year ago…what a great day that was-gosh it seems like just yesterday, but our baby boy is now a little boy.

at the house & out to eat Mexican food!

Jackson’s birthday party was a lot fun, and I’m pretty sure he loved all the special attention he got from everyone. Aunt Summer was called to make another yummy cake for another fun celebration. I tried making cake balls with my new cake ball maker-it was fun and they were actually pretty good. I used bananas in the batter instead of eggs (MG can’t eat eggs) and they ended up tasting like banana cake…yum. Jackson’s got several new trucks that he’ll love playing with, and some new clothes that he needed.

I was quite amused at Jackson’s taste-testing techniques-he was so unsure about that cake: the texture, the sweetness, the color…I don’t know but he finally ate some and then had a burst of energy for the next 2 hours. He loved visiting with his extended family and gave everyone hugs. The only problem-I have 245 pictures from his party and it’s so hard to just pick a few to post on my blog! :-)

finally got a hold of the cake

http://summerscakeplace.blogspot.com/

Jackson loves his Aunt Summer!

pausing for a nap

Jackson with his friends Abigail and Chloe

Big sister Makayla is checking things out.

handsome smile

I think he likes it! :-)

a kiss from Grandad

fun with Nana- he looks so big here!

Jackson with Aunt Summer and Uncle Joe Joe

no party is complete without a little meltdown :-)

Jackson with Grandma and Grandpa

fun times

 

See, I told you I had a lot of pictures to share! I think Jackson had a very fun birthday party! He is the sweetest boy on the planet and I feel so truly blessed to be his mommy.

Shawna

To Jackson: A Letter from Mommy

Dear Jackson, 

A year ago today I held you in my arms for the first time, though I’ve held you in my heart longer. You have changed so much over the last year, and I’ve taken plenty of pictures to prove it. Holding you, playing with you, kissing you, and snuggling with you have been some of my favorite times over the last year. I have loved watching you grow from your first smile to your first word and to your first steps. You amaze me with your sweet and sensitive personality. You have sweet giggles and a great need for mommy and daddy. But you have also discovered some independence! You proudly reach for your toys, climb everything in sight, and discover new ways to keep our attention. You also have a bit of roughness; you like to tumble around and climb everything. I imagine you climbing trees and playing in the mud when you’re a little older. You melt my heart when you lay your head on my chest and fall asleep-the sound of you breathing is so peaceful. You are mommy’s little koala bear-you love to hold on tight to me! Sometimes you hold onto my leg so that I can’t walk far without you….but I don’t mind. You are truly a gift from above and I thank God for you…for your uniqueness, your sweetness, your roughness, your giggles, your happiness, your fussiness, your messiness…I thank God for all of you! I never thought I would be so blessed to have a son as special as you Jackson-you are mommy’s favorite little boy and I pray that I will always be the mother God intended me to be for you, and that you will love the Lord from a young age and always follow Him. I love you Jackson Ryan-you make my heart sing colors of happiness.

Happy Birthday Little Jack! :-)

Hugs & Kisses,

Mommy