Railroad Days 2013

Finally ... my long overdue (which seems to be becoming a trend) post about our second year at "Railroad Days" in West Virginia!  On June 22nd, we took the boys on the out-and-back excursion though the beautiful mountains.  It's hard to believe that when we took this trip last year, Oliver was only a few weeks old!  This year, he really enjoyed himself.  The weather and scenery were just breath taking!

I would highly recommend this annual excursion aboard the Potomac Eagle out of Romney, WV.  It only happens one weekend each year, and the prices are unbelievable!  Kids under age 6 are FREE ... older kids are $5 ... and adults are just $10.  They allow you to bring your own food aboard and to take photographs.  You can walk about the cabins, and all the windows are open for a lovely summer breeze.  It is simply a great experience!

Enjoy a few clips from our fun day.

Potty Time

Hands down ... I doubt potty training is easy for anyone.

However, with Jackson, we had a few extra challenges ... or just one very big, heavy, plaster challenge.

So, despite the disproval of some ... Justin and I (and Jackson's pediatrician) thought it was best to postpone toilet training until Jackson was out of his non-removable Mehta cast and into a plastic brace.  

So ... on "Independence Day" we chose to step up to the plate and accept the challenge of potty training Jax.

And ... I am blown away ... and pleased to announce ... that Jackson is officially a potty training ROCKSTAR!

Seriously ... I am beyond happy that we waited ... because he is READY to learn!

Today is day 5 of potty training ... and Jackson has only had a few accidents.  Only ONE peepee accident to be more specific!  :)  We are SO proud of him!!!

And ... he's pretty proud of himself too!

He loves using his potty ... is usually very successful ... and is having a blast eating M&Ms, earning stickers, and choosing prizes!

Stay tuned for more adventures in potty training!

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For those of you wondering ... the trainers you see in the photos are called Super Undies and they were recommended to me by a fellow PIS/Mehta casting mama.  They would also be GREAT for any parents who are a bit Type-A (like me).  They work as regular trainers if you desire (think cloth, Gerber training pants) but can be "stuffed" like a cloth diaper when away from home.  Therefore, the child still feels wetness and operates as if he/she is in underwear ... however, the will NOT leak everywhere in public!  So far, they have been fantastic ... just be prepared that you must care for them as you would cloth diapers!

Jackson's Second Brace (redone)

I apologize for being so far behind on blogging.

Let's see ... sheesh ... back on June 26th we traveled back to Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC to pick up Jackson's replacement TLSO brace.  It was a looooong appointment.  Unfortunately, the orthotist did not follow Dr. Stasikelis' directions exactly, and had already trimmed the brace before we arrived.  Therefore, I had additional concerns about the fit of Jackson's second brace.  Dr. Pete came over to the orthotics area twice to review the brace, and eventually "okay'ed" us to take it home.  While it is still not exactly how I would like it to look/fit (exactly like a Mehta cast) ... it is a huge improvement over the first brace.  This one sits lower on this hips, has a large belly hole, and has back velcro closure.

Jackson is SO much more comfortable with the belly hole (with less 'spilling')!  He says this brace is his "favorite."  :)  Makes me smile every time!  Justin and I are also enjoying being able to tickle him again.

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This was our first time traveling to Greenville, SC without Justin.  Instead, my dad came along to check out the beautiful scenery.  Therefore, we couldn't leave without taking him to the breathtaking Greenville Riverwalk!  Seriously ... we ALL want to move down there!

And Jax was even able to partake in some much-earned water pla (spontaneously, can't you tell?) ... while Mommy enjoyed a bubble tea (seriously ... this place has it all)!

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Now, the next chapter of our PIS journey has officially begun.  And ... drum roll please ... we do not have to return to Shriners Hospital until September 25th, 2013!!!

That is the LONGEST we have gone without a hospital visit/stay since Jackson's BIRTH in May of 2010.

Thank you, Jesus!