Robin's Nest

Robin's Nest is a childrens home that sits on top of a beautiful mountain outside of Montego Bay, Jamaica. It happens to be the place where Ian spent most of the first 8 years of his life. Several families recently took a mission trip to Robin's Nest and built a new playground for the children and it's not your average playground! I wish we could have been there to see the children as they got to play on it for the first time. If you care to watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgs4Wv4T2-w&feature=related it shows lots of pictures from "the Nest." The lady in the first part is Michelle, the founder and recently retired director. She took Ian in when he was 18 mos. old and has made it her mission to make sure he was cared for and loved and still prays for him daily. The group who built the playground went with an organization called the Z Foundation which started after the tragic death of a young boy. He had been to Robin's Nest and fell in love with the children. This video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsdOWgnOhXM&feature=channel tells his story. This one has a short news story about the mision trip that these families participated in: http://www.wbir.com/life/programming/local/liveatfive/story.aspx?storyid=110335&catid=8 and shows the finished playground.
We also took several pictures so Ian would have them to remember the place and people he left behind.

This is the entrance into the main building.

This is Clover, cooking in the kitchen.

This is where the kids get to swim most every day.

Go Colts!

Two of Lindsay and Troy's dogs came to visit for a few days and Ian thinks they are the next best thing to Jack. He giggles hysterically at their antics and loves that they can sit on his lap (although he's a little more protective of the lap and tummy right now.) Lucy insists on being cuddled up to any warm body that is near a couch and Ian was happy to oblige while we watched the Colts crush the Jets!

Lucy and Ian

Jack is feeling a little left out.

Actually, all 3 dogs stayed pretty close.

We're home

Thank you all for your prayers! They were answered! Ian came through all the procedures just fine and was charming all the nurses this morning (while the pain meds were still in effect.) He's not quite so chipper now but is feeling well enough to watch one of his favorite videos about trucks, if you can imagine that! Now, the challenge for mom and dad arrives and we have to give him his next "meal" through the feeding tube, which is a bit intimidating because the opening is still so sore and sensitive. However, he's a trooper so I'm sure we'll all get through it and it will be "old hat" in no time at all. We praise God for protecting him and guiding the surgeon's hands and so appreciate all the prayers!!! Please don't stop now, as I'm sure the next few days will be a little rough for him.

This was before the pain meds wore off. :-)

Surgery

Ian, Tom and I would all appreciate your prayers tomorrow and for the next few days. Ian is having surgery at Riley Children's Hospital at 2:00 tomorrow afternoon. Part of the surgery is, as Tom puts it, on his "little boy plumbing" and won't be very pleasant for him. The other part is to put a feeding tube in place. This is happening very reluctantly on our part but something we've become convinced is necessary. On Dec. 28, Ian had a video feeding study which showed that he is aspirating. Although we both saw it for ourselves, we had to ask (and I'm still asking) how in the world he has managed to stay so healthy for 10 years if he has been aspirating food and/or liquid into his lungs every time he eats. No one has been able to answer that for me. However, after talking to at least 4 doctors, therapists, other parents, and after lots of prayer and tears, we have come to the conclusion that this is the best course of action. There is research out there that shows that it is possible for safe eating to be aquired through oral motor therapy, so my prayer is that this will be a temporary "fix" and might be able to be removed later in his life. For now, it will allow him to get enough fluids to stay fully hydrated which should help in every facet of his life, which is a 2nd reason for the tube. This one I can't argue because I am doing well if I can get him to "drink" 16 oz. of thickened liquid in a 24 hour period. So, while this might be more information than you need or want, we do appreciate your prayers for him (and for us) tomorrow. And, while I am still asking doctors how he has been so healthy for 10 years if he is aspirating, I actually do know the answer: the mighty, powerful, awesome God who created this special boy for a purpose has been protecting his little body.

Bowling Buddies

Another new experience for Ian today - bowling! My good friend, Kris, e-mailed and said that her son, Drew was out of school for MLK day and wanted to know if Ian and I wanted to go bowling. I couldn't imagine how that would work but we are up for about anything, so of course, we said Yes! Well, as you will see, Ian had a blast! We bowled 2 games and I think he would have gone on all day. He loved Drew and thought he was hilarious and didn't want to leave. So, we went to lunch and he still didn't want to leave. After our "home therapy" this afternoon and "walking" in the Pony, he was one tired boy tonight!

Waiting for Dad

Ian loves people and is always happy to see everyone. However, he absolutely adores his dad more than anyone in the whole world! He listens to every noise Tom is making; he watches everything he does; he tries to get Tom's attention to show him what he is eating, playing with, etc. Ever since we've been home from Jamaica, I've wanted to get a video of Ian when Tom comes home from work to show you (and him) how he just about jumps out of his skin when he hears Tom coming in the house. Well, since he has the "Pony," he can actually watch from the window and the video says it all..............

Budding Musician?

Another of Ian's discoveries while in the Pony has been the piano. He loves to "play" it!

Ian's Pony

Yesterday was one of the most memorable days since we brought Ian home! His therapists let him bring a gait trainer home (this particular model happens to be called a Pony.) He couldn't wait to get in it as soon as we got home, but his mean mother made him eat lunch first (it was 2:00!) I wish I had words to accurately describe what it was like to see the world through his eyes. He was so, so excited to be upright and moving around "on his own." He wanted to go in every room (even the laundry room was exciting) and turn on (and off) every light switch. He walked to the windows in every room and touched them and was "talking" the entire time. He discovered drawers and closets that he could actually reach and open. He ran his hand over the kitchen counter. I have never experienced such wonder like he expressed and it was very humbling to realize how much we take for granted. I tried to capture it on video, but it just wasn't possible. At least you can see what this device looks like and how he makes it move.

By the time I finally convinced him to take a break, he was sweating profusely. It takes so much energy for him to do something that we think nothing about.

Ian is already very opinionated about what he wears. It might get even worse now that he can see and get out his own clothes!

Shower Time

Ian absolutely loves taking a shower (I think he's part fish because he loves water of any kind!) but now that he has a special shower chair, he can do most of the rinsing himself and it's a very big deal! Normally, the shower experience contains lots of squeals but as soon as I get the camera out, he stops. However, I think you can see how much he loves it.

Snow!!

Ian has enjoyed watching the Indiana snow from inside the house, car, etc., but hasn't really been out in it. Today we decided to remedy that! The snow was so beautiful and it wasn't as cold as it's going to be later this weekend, so we bundled up and headed out to try out his new sled. He loved it except that Jack kept running circles around him and throwing snow in his face.
It probably took us longer to get all our clothes on than the amount of time we were outside. It will be much more fun when I can hold him on the sled in a sitting position and Dad can pull us, although Ian thought it was hilarious to roll off the side of the sled into the snow.

Getting a ride on the new sled!

Ian making a snow angel.

Ian's snow angel.

Mom's snow angel.

Happy boy!

More wildlife

I know - 2 posts in one day is probably more than you can bear, but since I seem to have trouble getting around to it, I'm taking advantage of the time. I just couldn't resist adding these pictures of our beautiful friends. While others are trying to kill them; we are feeding them and enjoying their company. If they eat my hostas in the spring, I will not be enjoying them then, but for now, they are awesome to watch. They are here most every day and our record is 14 at one sighting.

Another celebration....

Yesterday, we were blessed to have part of Tom's family here for our Humphrey Christmas. It was great to see everyone and get caught up. We ate too much and enjoyed our gift exchange. Ian got to meet another aunt, uncle and cousin that he had only heard about. I didn't get many good pictures, but here are a few anyway.

Mom-mom and Dad-dad, opening their gifts.

Jackson and Rachelle watch the opening.

Uncle Michael with Amelia.

Nicole and Lindsay.

James and Katie

Luke and Laura

Ian and Amelia