Jayden continues to grow and learn. On Wednesday we had some therapists from First Steps come and evaluate him. They were happy with his progress. Because he was born premature, they look at him from an adjusted age perspective. That means that even though he is 5 1/2 months old based on the actual day he was born, they look at him from the day he SHOULD have been born --- so to them he's 3 1/2 months old. I like that they do that since he had a rough beginning. Anyway, he is doing great developmentally for his adjusted age and he is even doing a few thing well for his "real" age. As soon as we get everything set up, he will hopefully have a physical therapist come and work him once a week.
Besides taking care of Jayden, Gerson and I are keeping busy doing other things as well. I've been working on paperwork and trying to get us caught up with things we need to do for WGM for our Homeland Ministry Assignment. Last week we got our prayer card picture taken, so be on the lookout in about 6 - 7 weeks for a new prayer letter and our prayer card!Gerson has been busy with several of his hobbies. On Wednesday nights he takes an English class at a local church. His English is getting much better! He also goes to Ballard Field in Marion several evenings a week to play soccer with whoever shows up. This has really helped him feel more connected to the community, and the Lord is opening up doors for him to minister to others. He has one Mexican soccer friend who he has invited to our church.We are hoping he'll come! Pray the the Lord will give Gerson wisdom as he reaches out to his unsaved soccer buddies.
Gerson is also enjoying spring! He went out and bought some plants yesterday and is beginning his bonsai garden. We left some 50 bonsai plants in Bolivia, and working with plants is relaxing for him. So, he's determined to begin again! He also bought some seeds for a vegetable garden. I'm looking forward to fresh produce this summer!
My brother, Andy, and his wife, Elissa, have 2 sons. They began taking pictures of their oldest son next to an object that they knew they'd never get rid of -- an oar of sentimental value. What was the point? To measure their son's growth next to that object! Well, Andy and Elissa, we stole this idea from you! Instead of using an oar, Gerson decided that Jayden's guitar was the perfect object. Now, this is not a NORMAL sized guitar, everyone. We found this at a garage sale and it's about the perfect size for a 5 year-old. Jayden will have to grow a bit before he'll be able to play it! Gerson is encouraging Jayden's musical ability with a piano and now a guitar!
While Gerson encourages Jayden in the music department, I am encouraging him in the verbal area. I have begun reading books to him, and he seems to enjoy it. He takes in all the pictures. He has begun to babble a lot --- trying to talk and communicate with us. We talk to him all the time, so it's no surprise he wants to answer us and take part in our conversations. In the last few days he has also begun to giggle. It's so cute! He giggles until he gets the hiccups and then he gets frustrated and the giggles turn to cries!
Jayden has also discovered his thumb! Most of the time he sucks on his fists if he pacifier isn't handy. However, occasionally I've seen him just find his thumb to suck on. We've also begun to prop him up in sitting positions. This is to help him work on strengthening his neck muscles. His neck continues to get stronger and he holds it up very well on his own now; he just doesn't have the full movement from side to side yet.
Jayden gets lots of snuggling time with both Gerson and me. In this picture, Dad is warming him up after a bath. Snug as a bug in a rug!
My brother, Andy, and his wife, Elissa, have 2 sons. They began taking pictures of their oldest son next to an object that they knew they'd never get rid of -- an oar of sentimental value. What was the point? To measure their son's growth next to that object! Well, Andy and Elissa, we stole this idea from you! Instead of using an oar, Gerson decided that Jayden's guitar was the perfect object. Now, this is not a NORMAL sized guitar, everyone. We found this at a garage sale and it's about the perfect size for a 5 year-old. Jayden will have to grow a bit before he'll be able to play it! Gerson is encouraging Jayden's musical ability with a piano and now a guitar!
While Gerson encourages Jayden in the music department, I am encouraging him in the verbal area. I have begun reading books to him, and he seems to enjoy it. He takes in all the pictures. He has begun to babble a lot --- trying to talk and communicate with us. We talk to him all the time, so it's no surprise he wants to answer us and take part in our conversations. In the last few days he has also begun to giggle. It's so cute! He giggles until he gets the hiccups and then he gets frustrated and the giggles turn to cries!
Jayden has also discovered his thumb! Most of the time he sucks on his fists if he pacifier isn't handy. However, occasionally I've seen him just find his thumb to suck on. We've also begun to prop him up in sitting positions. This is to help him work on strengthening his neck muscles. His neck continues to get stronger and he holds it up very well on his own now; he just doesn't have the full movement from side to side yet. 
Jayden gets lots of snuggling time with both Gerson and me. In this picture, Dad is warming him up after a bath. Snug as a bug in a rug!
