Since there is a lot going on in our family, I have decided that we should start our own blog and that way our family and friends can keep tabs on what is happening. First off, the picture may not be the best quality, because I bought a new camera and had it on the wrong setting. This picture was taken Christmas Eve and Jacob was not happy! He wasn't feeling very well. He ended up having an ear infection.
What an year it had been for our family. We have been through some low valleys and ended up on a high note. We have been blessed tremendously this past year. We appreciate all the prayers, and fasting that has taken place for Jacob. Our family has grown close together during all of the uncertainty of his birth. It was really difficult to hear that your child may not survive. I have never felt so much sadness and then. Then to find out he will survive; you become elated. Then the news of he will have physical abnormalities. That brings concern about how he will be treated in this life. But through it all the Spirit whispered peace to our hearts and through the power of the priesthood, we have been blessed with a healthy boy that does still have problems.
We have learned that Jacob has "Sacral Agenesis". Basically to put in layman terms; Jacobs lower half didn't form correctly. He doesn't have any hip sockets. and he doesn't have all the nerve connections to his leg muscles. So, in the specialist opinion, Jacob will never be able to support his weight. And will be in a wheelchair for his life. What news for a parent to hear? We are still trying to cope with the news, but again the sweet whispers of the Spirit have touched our hearts and he will be able to have a productive and full life.
There is so much that is going on with him I could spend days talking about everything, but i will post information about his condition through out our posts. But other news and family doings.
Anne is almost 11. I can't believe it. She is growing up so fast. She is such a beautiful girl, we are going to be beating the boys back. A father's nightmare. She is in 5th grade and is really doing awesome in school. She loves to sing and dance.
Michael is 9 now and growing big and tall. His is only 4 inches shorter than his mom. He is into Harry Potter, Spy stuff, and loves science. He loves to watch Myths Busters and How it is Made. Plus you can almost always find him on the computer playing some game.
Sydnee, curly Syd. She is now 7 1/2 and will be baptized this September, possibly August; all depends on when they hold the baptisms for August. She is now 2nd grade and loves it. She is into High School Musical. She loves to sign and dance as well.
Coleson has finally started school. He is the oldest in his class, since his birthday is only a few days after we start school here. He is a computer player as well. He loves Jacob so much, he is always giving him kisses. I swear Jacob doesn't go by an 30 minutes without getting a kiss from Coleson. Coleson has drawn the short straw of the family, he is officially the shortest member of the family.
Joshua on the other had is taller that Coleson and Sydnee. Josh is our big boy. He is another computer player in the family. The boys fight about whose turn it is to be on the computer. Josh is really smart, but it is a quiet smart. So you forget about it, until he pipes up about something. Joshua is our builder. He love to help daddy build or put things together. Some times he is too independent and we discover that he has undid a light switch or put a hole in a wall some where.
Well, the kids are doing really well. RaChel is doing good. We both are learning to deal with a high needs baby. Which is difficult and draining at times. But seeing his smile when he wakes up is precious. RaChel is busy with doctor appointments and visits here at the house. She always seem to be running up to Portland for an appointment. She loves the new house we are renting, and especially having an upstairs for the kids to go and play.
I am working as an Assistant Controller for a local seed grass company here in the Albany area. Well it is about 2o miles from Albany, but it is in the middle of nowhere. I keep busy with work and helping with the kids when i get home. I usually take Jacob so RaChel can have some time to do something.
Well that is everything for now. We hope all is well with all our friends and family.
Marshall
