Our Family

Well here we have the most recent family picture, taken November 1, 2006.


What can I say about us??? Starting with the oldest: Rob is a currently a full-time 2nd year university student working on getting his B.A. in Classics (or languages), with the long-term intent of heading off to the Theological College. Stephanie is a full-time homemaker - with a part-time job of visiting doctors :). Marietta is a full-time Grade 1 student and Rebecca is enjoying her last year full-time at home with mom.

And then there’s James. James is a story all in himself, and hence the blog. James too is full-time at home with mom, although he also has a part-time home at the hospital or doctors offices. Here’s is how I described James in my e-mail dated January 24, 2006 - before we had any idea there was something seriously wrong with him:

"Our little guy is 13 months old already. I sure don't miss those crying, nursing, crying, nursing, etc ... days. Thankfully we're past those days. He's finally crawling. Around 11 1/2 months he decided to give it a real try (we had seen him do it a few times before that, but then he wouldn't do it again). He gets up behind things and pushes them, but isn't overly fond of trying to walk. It will probably be a few more months before he's into that, but that's just fine. He's still a laid back little fellow, everything at his own pace. He plays fairly well, but not as good as he used to; he's more into the exploring stage now! For the rest, James is James. He still doesn't eat the greatest, although we've seen much improvement from before. It's a game to feed him. We call him Bear. He eats for a few days then goes into hiberation for a week or so and we battle away trying to figure out the next trick to getting him to eat. Each time it's something completely different that works. One time he has nothing to do with fruit, the next that's all he'll eat. Won't take pablum, then he likes pablum. Yogurt and soup used to always work, but lately those aren't doing so well either. One things he's consistent on: he doesn't like bread or pototoes and he loves ice cream, pudding, jello and all those yummy desserts. Lots of fun! We don't waste too much time on the whole thing anymore; force a small amount into him and be happy if he eats more then you expected. Somehow he's a fat little porker, growing and healthy so no use sweating over it!!! "

James’ first year had some rough moments, but not at all in comparison to his second. He was not always a content baby, and did not nurse well. Once weaned we thought we had solved the problem, but they had only begun. James was considered layed back, but time showed it was because he lacked the energy to do more then was necessary to function. Time would tell the reason why James continued to refuse to eat as well...

And so I will start my blog with the history of how James was diagnosed. You will soon learn that my fingers do not know how to keep things short.