Jacob: UIHC Check-Up

We were in Iowa City today for a check-up with both of Jacob's surgeons. It has been 20 months since his surgery. Neither surgeon could believe just how awesome he looks and healed...or how much he has grown and matured.

He had a skull x-ray and Dr. Menezes confirmed that the bone is fully blended. When showing us today's images, Dr. Menezes also took some time to flip back through the original CT images. He pointed out things that he purposefully omitted prior to surgery as to not "freak" us out. He used software to approximately measure the size of the hole in Jacob's skull-base: .75 inches!!

Today's appointments also confirmed that:
1) Jacob's plates (forehead and nose) are fully dissolved.
2) After this much time, we shouldn't have to worry about regrowth of any dermoid cells.
3) We were very, very fortunate that the surgeons were able to save Jacob's sense of smell. We were able to assure them that it is stronger than before surgery.
4) We don't have to go back for another 24 months. They will want another x-ray to ensure the bone-flap is still blending after he has grown more.

Both surgeons had giant smiles on their faces as they said goodbye. They are so very pleased with the outcome of Jacob's case.

Below are my two favorite quotes from Dr. Menezes. These are probably much funnier to Scott and I because you really have to understand this man's personality to appreciate these statements:

"I think he handsome and I say that even after I have had my fingers in his brain."
"You should let his hair grow longer to cover (motioning at the scar on the side of Jacob's head). I'm vain like that."

After we left the hospital, we finished the trip with our post-UIHC tradition: lunch at the mall and a carousel ride. It is definitely a day to celebrate!! Love you, Jacob Michael!!

 

Giant cookie after lunch

NSB Gen 3

New Spirit Band 3rd Generation: Featuring Lord of the Dance

I was playing the first NSB CD in my car the other night and Jenna immediately took to a certain song. She has been asking for it since:

First Snow

The kids were so happy to see snowflakes falling. They were even happier to see snowflakes sticking to the grass. Jacob was anxious to build a snowman. We did the best we could with what we had.

 

 

 

Not quite enough for a snowman

Around the House

No rhyme or reason, just cuteness.


Believe it or not, Jacob offered her a ride

 

 

 

 

Super-Girl!

In our house, superheroes don't need pants 

Trick-or-Treat

Here are pictures from our town's trick-or-treating. Jacob did very well. He approached everyone, said "trick-or-treat" and "thank you". Jenna, on the other hand, was very interested in candy, but not so interested in talking to people, especially if that person was wearing a costume.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween

Trick-or-Treat from my handsome Wild Kratt Animal Rescuer and adorable Otter

 

Trick-or-Treating at Uncle Verne's

We Read...A lot

While Scott and I were cleaning up from dinner, the kids cuddled up and started reading books to each other. It was a very precious moment that I just had to share.

Current Favorite Song

One night, Jenna and I were out for a walk. She saw a jet in the sky and pointed it out. So I started singing "Leaving on a Jet Plane" though I only knew part of the chorus.

A couple of days later, I decided to download the song. Jenna was immediately hooked. It is now her favorite song. The first video was taken only 24 hours after downloading the song. The second video gave her about a week to practice.

Fishy or Shark?

Chores at Grandpa's

There are always plenty of things to be done at Grandpa's. Thankfully, there are always plenty of willing little hands. And we always manage to find time to play along the way.

 

 

Jenna found a caterpillar

 

Playing in the corn field

Splitting wood...Jacob is running the lever

 

 

 

Sassy cat break

 

Pure joy

 

 

Jenna's new haircut...accidentally short...cute on purpose!