Early Decorating

I am one of those people who never decorates for Christmas until after Thanksgiving but sometimes its okay to break your own rules.  Junior loves all things Christmas and gets so excited when the decorations start going up.  Last Christmas season he spent several days in the hospital and has had some rough moments this past year.  So when he started requesting the decorations go up last week I just couldn't say no.  With Junior's health we live life not knowing what the next moment may hold, health crisis, hospital stays, uncertainty, are all part of  life.  But joy, hope, love for life, and finding ways to live life to the fullest are what makes this life amazing.  Deciding its okay to say yes when your child is begging you to put up those Christmas decorations because you know it will put a smile on his face and sparkle in his eyes.  Life is all about those moments.

Junior loves the Grinch

 Watching the Santa Clause movies

 

 

 

 A little time in his swing.

 

 

 chatting

 Yonder was helping put his hand splints away.

 

 Story time

 When Junior isn't in his recliner Yonder decides its his turn

 Now lets have a talk about this Christmas thing, please tell Heidi I am not a reindeer. 

  

I thought you were going to talk to her Junior, "not a reindeer, not a reindeer".

 

2 Years

This past Sunday  marked the 2 year anniversary of when we graduated from team training and started our journey with this awesome pup.  He and Junior are an amazing team and are best buds.  This pup has been life changing for Junior, a bridge to the world helping others see past the medical issues and equipment.  The disabled boy becomes the kid with the cool dog and suddenly the medical stuff isn't so scary.  Junior is much more confident with far less anxiety now that his buddy is by his side. Doctors appointments are  easier for him now and panic episodes have become rare. Yonder is his hands and gives him a sense of independence that was previously impossible.  We are so thankful to all those connected with CCI who made Team Junior possible. 

 Bringing or picking up a dropped toy for his favorite human

 

 He learned to paint with Junior so he could be Junior's hands.  They now love to paint together with Junior directing and Yonder wielding the brush. 

  

Holding a special treat from the pet store on his birthday.

 

 Hanging out with his boy, he quickly started picking up on how Junior feels and if he needs help.  He will even come get me if Juniors movie goes off and I need to put on something else for them to watch.

 Last December we had an unexpected week in the hospital and Yonder was there doing his job and helping his boy feel better.

 Of course there is always plenty of silliness at our house

 Doctor Yonder is on the job(look close he has a stethoscope )

 JAF camp this past summer.  All dressed up for the square dance.

 Hiking in Big Trees park

 Sharks in the house

 Yonder loves his snuggles and belly rubs.

 

Our Week

The last couple weeks have been busy and Junior's AD (autonomic dysfunction) has been worse then usual because his body is trying to recover from being sick and then dealing with the weather changes this time of year. 
Last week he saw his favorite GI for his regular checkup.  She was pleased with how he is doing and if he continues to do well with the g tube feeds for another few months we can take out the GJ and put in a regular g tube.  Such a blessing that she will continue to see him even though he is now adult(she is a peds GI). 

 After the GI appointment we headed to Roseville to meet Junior's new Pulmonologist.  I was very concerned about this appointment because a good pulmo doctor is so very important for Junior's complex  needs.  We ended up really liking him and hopefully he will be a wonderful addition to the team. 

This week the weather has been changing so the AD has been causing random fevers and asthma issues. 
This is Junior busy watching the new Disney streaming channel.  His parents ordered it for him for Christmas and he was super excited to get it now.  He is totally loving it and it has lots of the old stuff but also the new stuff and plenty of Star Wars and Marvel movies as well.

 Treatment time(this is actually from last week)

 Pumpkin time, Junior was adding to his thankful pumpkin.

 This guy loves decorating gingerbread houses at Christmas so was very pleased when I found this gingerbread turkey for him. 

 This week he saw his neurologist and all is well.  He chose his "Jaws" shirt for this appointment.  If you look back at pics usually when he is off to appointments(or just going out other places) he has chosen his funky dress shirts to wear.  He is Mr. Style and loves his funky  shirts.

 

Getting outside for some sunshine and a walk.