making a SPLASH

I cannot believe that September is almost here!  I must admit that I am kind of sad to say farewell to summer.  Even though we didn't travel much, it was still a fun summer.  Thanks to Lane (and our awesome family), the backyard became the ultimate Watts vacay hotspot!!   Jude spent lots of time this summer in his little splash pool, and we enjoyed watching him have a blast.

The baby pool, or toddler pool I should say, was a fantastic Christmas present from Lane's parents.  It was a perfect summer activity for Jude, especially since the pool had a large canopy to protect our little fair redhead from the harsh Louisiana sun.  

On a side note...  I know I have mentioned this before, but I had never really wanted a redheaded child with fair skin.  But since I love Jude and all that he is SO MUCH, I also love his auburn hair and fair complexion.  I hope the rest of our children will be blessed with such beauty.

We weren't the only ones that enjoyed our favorite vacay spot.  My parents and nephew came to visit for a cookout.  With the economical purchase of a $5 slip and slide, our backyard was a happening little water park.  Jude and Seth played and splashed while we barbecued.  

Summer is a gift to us given by God...

Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
Psalms 74:17 

Jude loves the water, and I will miss watching him SPLASH and play!

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Ezekiel 36:25 

Don't worry!  I will not be sad for long.  I know that with the new seasons will come new memories and awesome experiences.  And just like I know autumn and winter are on the way, I also know that spring and summer will return because He promised!

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Genesis 8:22

Hugs and Kisses,

Angel

A VICTORY IS STILL A VICTORY... even if it's only temporary

So... back in June we were officially the home of "Happy Plates"!!  Jude went from eating absolutely NOTHING to finishing EVERYTHING!  And believe it or not, it happened overnight.  We were actually in Georgia when this event started.  Not only did Jude improve on his eating, he started eating more and even taking his sippy cup some.  

Jude went from therapeutic feedings of about a small jar of baby food every 2-3 days to at least 2 large jars three times a day!  (And every jar was mixed with at least a quarter cup of oatmeal cereal!)

Bananas seemed to be his favorite.  In fact, the eating started with banana pudding.  So we stuck with bananas for days.

Check out these empty jars and happy plates!

And the most incredible part: most of the food is in his stomach, not his hair where it usually ends up!

Feeding Jude went from being a dreaded chore full of frustration to a pure joy we looked forward to three or more times a day! Sadly, it only lasted for about ten days then Jude returned to his old habits.  This was beyond frustrating for us; it was more like heartbreaking!  Nevertheless, I will stay positive!  Now we know that Jude has the ability to eat- he just needs to gain the desire.  We actually have a theory as to why Jude began eating so well.  At the time of this great victory, Jude was on oral steroids to treat congestion.  We feel pretty strongly that the steroids amped Jude's appetite.  After doing a little digging, I have found that every child (which is only a handful) that shares Jude's diagnosis has relied on appetite stimulants at one time or another.  Well Jude has a GI appointment in the morning, and you can bet I am going to ask about it.  Maybe we can see a change in his eating habits then.  Even though Jude is no longer eating that well, I will remember that it was a victory, and A VICTORY IS STILL A VICTORY even if it is short lived!!!

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4

XOXO,

The Watts Family