Lobster anyone? - November 10, 2007

Jake’s first Halloween has come and gone.  The Moms decided that dressing him up as a lobster would be a GREAT idea even though there really wasn’t much trick-or-treating.  He was ADORABLE!!! 

It’s been a couple weeks now since the casts came off.  Finally the splints are going on without causing too much pain.  And, much to our delight, he’s tolerating the full body splint much better at night.  We have the cleft palate surgery scheduled for Dec. 14th and the clubfoot surgery is scheduled for Feb. 14th.  Gonna be a busy winter!!!  Jake now has therapy sessions four days a week.  Talk about a busy schedule, sometimes it’s hard to keep up!

Today, Jake helped us rake leaves in the yard...see the pictures! I think he enjoyed himself.

We’re still unpacking and in the midst of that decided to brew Jake’s first honorary beer.  It’s being appropriately named JT’s Maple Harvest Brew...under the Drea’s Draught line.  Look for it on the Thanksgiving table!

cha

You guys are so goofy!  Gotta love the moms who brew together...

Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 05:52 PM

Judy

Hey you guys,
Could Jake get any cuter?!!?!!  I'm printing a picture of "Lobster Boy" for
Frank.  Maybe he could be the new "spokes-lobster for Supreme.

So glad to hear the splints are getting more comfortable for the little
man.  And it sounds like he leads a busy life, what with the therapy,
gardening & charming everyone he meets. 

Thanks for posting those great pics.  Give him a kiss for me & lots of
love for him & the mommies!

Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 10:23 PM

Anonymous

Hey Betz, Drea and Jake!  Long time no chat, but I'm very happy to keep up with you all through the blog, so thanks for posting when you get the chance.  Jake looks like he was MADE for that lobster outfit... well, maybe 2-3 of him were made for it... LOL.  Glad you're getting settled in from the move.  Wishing you all the best!

Tyson

Monday, November 12, 2007 - 01:46 AM

Scarry Aunt Terri

Oh my gosh, he gets more adorable every time I see him.
It would be so hard not to spoil him.

Love ya

Monday, November 12, 2007 - 07:50 AM

Auntie Michelle and Auntie Dot

Well, nothing goes better with lobster than a good brew! 

I love the pictures of Jake in the leaves!  He looks like he's totally in his element out there in the fall foliage.  What a sweetie! 

Thanks for the update.  You three are always in our thoughts.  We love you.

Monday, November 12, 2007 - 09:30 AM

A Busy Month...or six weeks - October 17, 2007

Yes, I know, you all think the Gates-Ehlers fell off the face of the earth.  In fact, we finally moved and are trying to get settled in!  I can honestly say that making to move to Palatine was one of the best decisions we’ve made!  Other than the commute being about twice as long...or longer if traffic’s bad...we LOVE it.  While we still have boxes and boxes to unpack, we’re slowly getting things unpacked and where they belong.  Of course, Jake’s room was the first to be done and looks great.

Jake has really made some wonderful progress over the last 6 weeks or so.  We’re into the final week of the serial casting for his legs.  They’re practically straight.  He’s a fairly long little boy!  Next week when we go to get these casts off, he’ll get new splints for his legs to help keep them extended.  Speaking of splints, he’s got a new full body splint that looks like some kind of ancient torture device.  The idea behind it is that it will hopefully eliminate the need for tendon release surgery on his hips.  Dr. Dias doesn’t think he’ll need the tendon release surgery on his legs either!  Any surgeries we can avoid, the happier we are!

We’ll be scheduling his cleft palate surgery for December - most likely to coincide with the end of the semester so Andrea won’t have to juggle surgery with finals.  Then, in late January-early February, we’ll schedule his clubfoot surgery.  That of course will end with a bit more casting but nothing like the last 11-12 weeks of casts!

I know I’d mentioned jaw surgery which he’ll absolutely need before the trach comes out.  Dr. Vicari, his plastic surgeon, said he’d like to wait until after the palate surgery.  Really, we’re hoping Jake gets some teeth really soon.  The concern is that if during surgery the tooth buds get damaged, his teeth could be damaged.  And who wants that to happen?!?  You only get one shot at good teeth, right!!!  Anyway, since he has the trach and isn’t really experiencing any problems with it, the doc would like to wait.

Whew, lots to catch up on!  As of Friday, Jake will be six months old!  Where did the time go?  I feel like it was just yesterday that I was draggin’ myself to the NICU everyday.  As always, I’ve posted more pictures.  Thanks for all the well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers!  They seem to be paying off!!!  

Anonymous

Thanks for keeping me in the loop.  I love the picture of him sitting in the blue chair.  He really is a little prince on his thrown.  Hope therapy is going well. Is he still tolerating hand splints?  Any thought on elbow splints?  Keep communicating at he is a work in progress.

Sara

Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 07:04 PM

Anonymous

Hi Betsy, Andrea and Jake,
That is great news.  We keep you in our prayers all the time.  It's hard enough being new parent's (and new baby) without thinking about the next surgery,
Your doing great, God bless you all.
Love
Scary Aunt Terry

Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 07:05 PM

Anonymous

Jake is a tough little guy!  He has gone thru more than most people will experience in a lifetime but always seems content. He is a special little boy and we look forward to his growing up.

Grandpa Gates

Friday, October 19, 2007 - 04:07 PM

Anonymous

Betz,
It's great to finally meet Jake. Thanks for the updates. It will be great to see him more now that I'm home.
Later,
Fuzzy Monkey

Friday, October 19, 2007 - 10:27 PM

Anonymous

Jake looks GREAT!  You"re both doing a terrific job being Moms juggling 100 million diffirent things  I'm here in Palatine, so call anytime if you need an extra hand.   Love, Deb

Saturday, October 20, 2007 - 10:19 AM

Anonymous

Hey sisters and Baby Jake,

It's so wonderful to see all the support and blessings and thoughts and prayers and well wishes that are always being sent your way. It touches me so much to know how much you all are loved. I love all of you very much and you can call on me to be there. I love my nephew more than words can say. He has touched my heart in a very special way, one that I wasn't expecting. Being an Aunt is a wonderful thing.


Love to All,
Chrissy

Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 11:57 PM

Great Progress - July 31, 2007

Went to the ortho doc today for a new set of casts.  The doc was really happy with the progress so far.  He said that in just a week Jake’s legs have straightened out about 20 degrees.  It’ll be a gradual change but he’s starting to look tall!

Last Saturday, Aunt Karen & Uncle Dirk invited us all to the Sox game (thanks so much) to celebrate Sarah’s birthday.  Jake had a GREAT time and looked really cute in his little Sox outfit and the hat that the mom’s bought him.  Of course the hat was WAY too big but that leaves lots of growing room.  Jake really enjoyed the game but the fireworks scared him a little bit!

We are starting to pack up the house for the big move.  We did indeed find a house in Palatine and we’ll be moving in at the end of August.  This will be a very busy month!  With the weekly doctors appointments, Betsy getting ready to teach 2 courses in the Fall, Andrea taking several classes, on top of moving we’ll be a busy little family.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t have time for family & friends though.  If you’d like to get in a visit with Jake before we move, please let us know!  We love to have folks over to meet him.

As always, thanks for all the love, support, well wishes and prayers!

chacha

Little man Jake looks so cute in his sox gear!  Can't believe how much he's grown in just a couple of weeks.  I want to schedule a visit with our favorite little sox fan...

Saturday, August 4, 2007 - 08:52 AM

Poor Jake...forced into Sox gear!!

I feel so bad for Jake...I was really hoping the mom's wouldn't put him in that outfit!!  I will see if I can find some Cubs gear and bring it over before the big move!  Glad to hear that things are progressing well, and thanks for the updates.

Michael

Saturday, August 4, 2007 - 11:00 AM

Anonymous

Jake is sooooo cute. Can I borrow his beautiful eyelashes!!  What a beautiful child! Glad things are going well!
Lisa Gates

Saturday, August 4, 2007 - 11:18 AM

Serial Casting - July 27, 2007

Sounds interesting doesn’t it?!?  On Tuesday, Jake got his first round of casts on his legs.  They go from his upper thighs to his ankles (just check out the photos).  The ortho doc wants to work from the hips down, thus leaving his clubfoot surgery for later.  He’ll get new casts each week with the purpose being to slowly stretch out his legs.  At some point he’ll probably need surgery to get the legs as straight as they should be.  Lemme tell ya, this little guy has abs & hip flexors of steel!  The casts have to weigh a pound or two a piece and he lifts his legs up like nothing’s there. 

Things are busy as always.  Jake has some type of appointment just about every day.  The moms are doing well and just enjoying being moms!

Pam Goff

Ok, this little guy is either going to have the patience of a saint and just sit there and smile and not have a care in the world or be  one of those guys that says, "bring it on!!! What else have you got for me!  I can handle anything!"  You all are such troopers!  This is such exciting stuff I can even explain how happy I am to see all the progress.
Lots of Hugs!

Friday, July 27, 2007 - 09:56 PM

Judy Bianco

Ohmigod!, Jake has put me into cute overload!.  I just love those expressive big eyes.  I can see the difference in his legs from the picture with the dino to the one with the casts.  What a sweetie to put up with all this so cheerfully.  He's
making such wonderful  progress, you must be thrilled.  I am sure all the love and comfort he receives from both Mommies (not to mention family & friends) helps
him handle whatever comes his way.  "Way to go, King Jake!"

Much love to all,
Judy

Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 01:23 PM

cha

What a beautiful baby boy.  How do you ever put him down.  He has grown so much and aparently is eating well.  I look forward to the updates and share them with noel and the kids.  You mommies are the bomb!

cha

Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 03:48 AM

Auntie Jo-Ann

Hi Guys
Boy Jake as really grown since I saw him last.  He is just a little trooper.  He probably is saying enough is enough.  But what ever you got bring it on.  I am tough.  Congradulations on the house....
Thanks for keeping us all up to date on Jake's progress.  He is doing so great.
Love
Auntie Jo-Ann

Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 10:53 AM

Anonymous

He's Beautiful! Absolutely Beautiful! Sorry we missed you over the weekend little guy. I'm going to try and see you soon. Way to go Moms!  You must be proud.  Love you all.

Aunt Chrissy and Family

Monday, July 30, 2007 - 08:26 PM

Grandma Gates

OK he is toooo cute!  I am lucky enough to see him often, so I forget to check out the blog.  The pictures are great - what a cutie.  It is hard to believe that he is even cuter in person where you can see his sweet little personality developing.  What a wonderful additon to our family.  We are truly blessed.

Love

Grandma Gates

Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - 06:29 AM

What's next? - July 18, 2007

Jake got the sutures removed from his lip yesterday.  He looks fantastic!!!  See the pictures page for proof!!!  The doc said that when we go back to visit him in a month, he’ll take a look at Jake’s jaw and consider doing the jaw distraction. 

If we haven’t explained it already, Jake’s jaw is too far back thus causing his tongue to block his airway when he sleeps (probably when he’s awake too).  There’s a procedure they can do called a jaw distraction in which the jaw is reconfigured to allow more space for the tongue.  It’s another surgery with the potential for an exterior appliance for the duration of the distraction.  Given that it won’t necessarily be pleasant, we’d prefer to get this done sooner rather than later.  And, once it’s successfully completed, we can begin the process to remove the trach!  That’s the ultimate goal!

Next week Jake begins the process of serial casting on his legs.  This will be a weekly casting event to move his legs to a straighter and more relaxed position.  The ortho doc said he’ll start from the hips and work down with surgery on his clubfeet being one of the last things addressed - from the orthopedic perspective anyway. 

Between all of Jake’s therapies (physical, occupational, speech, and developmental) and the doctors appointments, the mom’s keep up a pretty crazy calendar!  All that being said, we’ve FINALLY sold our house!!!  As of August 31st, we’ll be moving to Palatine.  So, now we have to find a place to live out there.  We’re looking forward to a bigger house where Jake can have his own room and not have to share it with Betsy’s computer.  So, those of you in the Oak Park area looking to visit Jake without having to drive an extra 20 miles or so let us know when you can swing by for a visit!!!  We always love visitors and Jake like seeing new faces!!!

As always, thanks for all the good thoughts, wishes, prayers, and support.  It truly does take a village and we’ve got a great one to lean on! 

Grandpa Gates

Jake's smile comes shining thru!  Especially with the dinosaur.  I cannot wait to see him when we go house hunting this afternoon.  Jake and I will chill out in the Scion whie you look at new homes for him.

By the way, for those of us already in the Boondocks, this move puts you 20 miles closer.  So We can see him more and he can play with his cousins in Alqonquin.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 09:49 AM

Nurse Sarah

King Jake looks fantastic! I am so excited to hear about his progress. Thank you so much for all the updates. Just look at that killer smile! Hopefully Kevin and I can make a visit before you guys move. Congrats on selling the house too!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 10:12 AM

Mary & Leslie

Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful updates and pictures!  Whether it's in Oak Park or Palatine, we look forward to seeing Jake and Moms' soon!  Much love, hugs and kisses!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 02:35 PM

A whole new look - July 11, 2007

The proof is in the pictures!!!  Check out Jake’s new look on his photo page.  And, by the way, King Jake is now accepting visitors!!!  Ask the mom’s about his availability.

mike and pam

Beautiful!  Can't wait  to meet you!!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 09:46 PM

Auntie Jo-Ann

Hi Guys!!!
I didn't think he could be any cuter but i guess I was wrong.  He is.......Wow what a change......Miss you all.
Love
Auntie
Jo-Ann

Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 09:52 PM

Anonymous

Way to go Baby Jake. Beautiful and Precious. I LOVE YOU. We all do very very much. You take my breath away and I'm sure your mommies agree.

Love you,
Aunt Chrissy

Thursday, July 12, 2007 - 10:44 PM

Dot and Michelle

Wow!  Plastic surgery is so amazing! 

Give Master Jake a big kiss from his aunts Michelle and Dot and tell him we'll be out to see him soon.  Oh yeah, and his moms too.

xo
Dot and Michelle

Friday, July 13, 2007 - 10:17 AM

Lip Surgery Part Deaux - July 10, 2007

Well, just we thought that Jake couldn’t get anymore handsome, he went and proved us wrong.  Jacob had surgery this morning to repair his cleft lip and the left side of his nose.  Wow!  Dr. Vicari did a fantastic job!  There is a little bit of swelling, but you can already tell what his “new” face is going to look like. 

We’ll have some pics and more details tomorrow, but just wanted to let everyone know that he’s doing great and will be home from the hospital tomorrow. 

Tune in tomorrow for more of the good stuff!!

Anonymous

That is awesome news!  I knew the little guy would come through great!  Thanks for the update -- I've been thinking about him all day. 

Love to all,
Aunt Michelle & Aunt Dot

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 05:13 PM

Judy

Good news!  Grandma Mary Anne called me to say "if you thought he was too cute before, wait till you see him now".  That's one proud Grandma,
allright.  Boy, he sure takes everything in stride.  I'm glad he's doing so well.
Looking forward to more pics and of course more great news updates.

Love to all,
Judy

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 06:24 PM

Fon's Clan

GREAT NEWS!!! That is WONDERFUL to hear!!  ;)

love,
Kim, Traci and Stef

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 06:46 PM

Julie Peters

Cheering you on wildly!  Did you ever think you could love somebody so much?

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 09:16 PM

Great Aunt Chris

We all love you and our little trooper. Aunt Chris

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 09:26 PM

Cousin Nate

Dear Baby Jake,

I said my prayers tonight. I asked baby Jesus to watch over you and I'm glad He did.

Love Your Cousin,
Nate
Mommy and Daddy are glad things went well too.
Isn't Mommy a wonderful translator? See you soon. xoxoxoxooooooo

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 11:04 PM

Aunt Lorry

Thanks for the update and I am dying for pictures!!!! I agree with you though I did not think he could get much cuter! I thought about you all, all day and of course was wishing I was there to assist your Mom with some sort of nagging!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 06:14 AM

Auntie Jo-Ann

Hi Guys
I am so proud of King Jake.  No matter what they throw in front of him, he handles it like a champ.  I just can't imagine him any cuter.  I am so glad he came through it like a champ.  I miss seeing his cute little face.  Keep up the good job.........
Love
Auntie Jo-Ann

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 07:52 AM

Anonymous

HEY BETSY & ANDREA:

      You had better practice what you will do/say when all those baby girls begin fawning over Jake.  

Love and Prayers to all!
john & marietta

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 08:52 AM

Lip surgery - July 3, 2007

We have a date for Jake’s first lip surgery!  Next Tuesday, July 10th!!!  Yea!!!!!  We’re obviously very excited.  During the surgery, the ENT (ear, nose & throat doc) will go in and do another scope to check out his airway.  She wants to check to see if his airway has improved so we can get on the road to getting the trach out.  It’ll be great with her and the plastic surgeon both there at the same time so they can talk about whether or not they need to do anything with his jaw to improve the airway.  We anticipate just an overnight stay at Children’s and the plastic surgeon said he should heal up pretty quickly.

That’s all for now!  More next week post-op!  Oh yeah, more pictures have been posted.....

Add a Comment

6 Comments

Great Aunt Chris

You all stay in my prayers each day. It will be nice to have him back home in one day. I am so glad you set all this up so we can keep up with his progress.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007 - 10:31 PM

Anonymous

We will be thinking of Jake on Tuesday!  Happy 4th!
Love,
Katie Mitchell

Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - 07:11 AM

Anonymous

This is great news, Mommies!!!
We think of you often and look forward to these updates on your little man, Jake! The three of you remain in our prayers, particularly now on Tuesday. ;)

Happy 4th to all of you!
Kim, Traci and Stef

Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - 07:48 AM

Pam Goff

What exciting news!  Things are progressing very nicely it sounds.  If I remember correctly sooner then originally planned!  Which is FANTASTIC!  He's such a cutie patootie!  I too, am so glad you have this website.  I love seeing "Another Update" !!!

Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - 07:49 AM

Anonymous

Hello to the Mommies & cuddles to Jake!
Thanks for another update.  I'm so happy that his surgery will be so soon & that his airway will be assessed.  Everything seems to be moving along at a pretty
good pace.  That's wonderful!  I'll keep you all in my prayers, as always, with some extras on Tuesday.  Jake is just too cute!!!

Love to all,
Judy

Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - 11:57 AM

Auntie Jo-Ann

Hi Betz and Andrea
My prayers are always with KING JAKE.  He is so precious.  I was glad that I was able to spend the time with you both and Jake.  He is so cute.......Miss all of you so much.
Love
Jo-Ann

Monday, July 9, 2007 - 09:29 AM