Starting to Fade: Day 4

GI JUDE

Day 2 Day 2 Day 2

Don't you even worry, Jude remains the happiest (and cutest) boy in the world.

Support Systems

It is in time like these that you realize the importance of support systems. I am so grateful to live close so to mine. Last night it was like Jude's birth all over again, he had visitors all night. We all sat around and were entertained by Judakins. Jude is so loved and last night he was so happy to have people around, he knew he was the center of attention. I have received so many calls and messages in regards to Jude's well being and it is so comforting. I do not know what we would do without our support system. They make times like these seem so much easier.

Round One: Jude vs. Pulse Dye Laser

My heart is officially broken, today we went in again for Jude's 1st "real" laser treatment and it was awful. Jude did really good and the surgery went perfect but it was so hard for us. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for me and Trevan. We know we are doing the best thing for him but we find ourselves asking "Why Jude?", he is so amazing and innocent. Yet, in the midst of turmoil for my family and their reproductive issues we are just glad we have Jude and know that it could be so much worse.

We had to be at the hospital at 7:30 this morning so Jude could get prepped for surgery at 9:00. He was so sweet and happy this morning and had no idea what he was in for. My Mom, Terri, and Rog were there for support and we really needed it. I am well read on Port Wine Stains and their treatment but I don't think you can ever be prepared for how bad it looks (and it does look worse than it is). He was only in surgery for about 35 minutes and was under GA so he didn't feel anything. We decided with Dr. Vanderhooft's suggestion to also laser Jude's "stork-bites" on his eyes and forehead. The "stork-bites" typically fade but she noticed they haven't faded yet and sometimes when they are in relation to PWS they sometimes don't fade. So that is also why it looks worse, his eye is swollen from the metal shield they put underneath his eyelid so his eye would not be in danger of being lasered.

After the surgery Trevan and I were able to be in recovery with him and he was really freaked out after waking up from GA but was extra cuddly which is a plus for us. The nurses were so wonderful and helpful and couldn't get over how cute and sweet Jude was. After he was done being monitored they discharged him and we got to take him home. They put him on some Lortab so he is still really loopy but is doing well. He moans a lot because I think he is in pain but we just hold him and continue to give him Tylenol and Motrin.

I will continue to update with Jude's healing progression. It will look worse before it will get better but at least we know what to expect. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I know Jude feels the love that everyone has for him.

I HEART JUDE

Jude trying out his new mode of transportation.

After being left alone for only a few minutes Jude decided to roll underneath the couch

Jude & Nannie

Poor Baby Jude :(

I may actually be a bad Mom. Jude has been being fussy for the past week or two but I was sure it was just teething because I can see his teeth rearing their nasty heads on his lower gums. But when he was waking up in the middle of the night and not eating I thought I would call Dr. Lamoreaux (robyn) and she said to call the Doctor. So, we went and as it turns out Jude has double ear infections.....so sad. I felt really REALLY bad, I should have known because he is always so happy and eats well and sleeps through the night. Unfourtantley for Jude he is the 1st child and I am just learning. Oh well, right?

JUDE's 1st EASTER!

Oh the joys of having a baby. Having a Judakins brings a whole new meaning to holidays. Jude even enjoyed his Easter basket. It's great because since he is only 5 months old he really can't have a say in what the Easter Bunny brings him. It was good because we could get him things he needs like new baby wash, sunscreen, and a teething ring. He looked so adorable in his Easter duds that Grammy Terri gave him, she can't help but buy him everything she see's which is fantastic for us.

Uncle Cam goes to Sacramento

Cam finally went to Sacramento last week and even though it is suggested that you don't go see your missionary off at the airport Trevan, Jude, Rog, and I went and saw Cammy off. He seemed good but a little disoriented. OH by the way, Cam is not speaking Cambodian anymore, the mission president decided that it wasn't needed in Sacramento at this time. I think Cam was a little relieved.

picnic at sugarhouse park

We went on a picnic last week with Nannie, Paige, and her beau Nate. I finally found Jude some flip-flops and they are our new favorite thing. He likes to look at them and grab his toes. You will also see that there are 2 pictures that are similar but Jude is too cute for just one. He also wears his sunglasses and Grandpa Rog calls him "Hollywood". I love my son and being a Mom is the greatest thing ever.

Visiting the St. Georgian's

Last weekend Jude, my Mom, and I went to St. George to visit Bob & Robyn (sister). It is always so fun to be with my favorite babies besides Jude (even though Tucker and Abe aren't quite babies anymore). We went down because it was Abe's 5th Birthday and Tucker entered into the Science Fair and won 1st place. Robyn is 4 months pregnant and is juggling it all. I don't know how she does it. I think she should move back here so Jude could have cousins near by but, as my Dad says "it aint gonna happen".

It was also nice because although St. George is blazing hot in the summer, spring time is beautiful. We were welcomed with 80 degree weather and the color green was re-introduced into our vision. I was able to put Jude into some of his summer outfits, well at least they were intended to be summer outfits but with his growth and chubbiness he is in them a little ahead of schedule. I decided I never wanted to put him in pants again after squeezing his "thunder thighs" and looking at his big ole feet. But to my dismay it snowed again in Salt Lake today so alas we are back in pants. :(

Jude in his seat in route to St. George, he is a great road tripper.

Tucker(6) and Abe(5) love their new cousin and treat him like a little brother.

Jude in springies!

A picnic in the park.

Nannie and the Princess of Dixie, Gwyn(10 mo).

Judakins adoring Nannie.

Happy Birthday ABRAHAM!!!! (5)

Princess Gwynnie and her new GloWorm

Abe at Blue Bunny donning the Ice Cream Scoop Birthday Hat.

Tucker and his Science Fair awards

BBQ w/ the Jackson's

Brooke and Dustin moved to Draper last week and invited the whole fam over over a BBQ. Dustin finally has a place where he can BBQ and park his car.

Brooke & Jude (wearing Ricky Garvis' hat)

Brad & Vanessa (3 months pregnant)

Everyone's favorite Nannie!!

and don't forget my wonderful Dad Mike.