It's apparent we don't update our blog often and since we haven't, it's been decided to just update all at once instead of several mini updates. Hopefully it won't be too painful to read since it will be much longer than normal – our apologies in advance!

Since our last blog entry was during Christmas, it also went hand in hand with Jacob's surgery. We are a few months post-surgery now and are happy to say his most recent follow up was very delightful! Okay, it was painful for him but the results were great! The ureter implant and all the other minor details that took place during surgery are all fully healed and everything is working as it should. After about 7 months of antibiotics, he no longer needs those, and after 8 weeks of no running, climbing, bending, etc…, he has officially resumed all normal activities! We do still have more medical issues to face in the near future but for now, we are letting his body rest and letting him be himself again. It's so nice to able to see that after so long!

Speaking of medical, Brianna will soon be the proud owner of braces. I say proud because for some unknown reason, she wants them. Why?! It doesn't seem to be just her either; I've spoken with other parents and they report that their child was/is the same way. I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would want braces. Granted, she also has to have a MARA device. Needless to say, she isn't quite so happy about that ordeal. She will wear the MARA device for the first year and braces for two. I'm guessing sometime between now and before school starts again for the 2010-2011 school year, we will take a good portion of a day back to the orthodontist so everything can be put on and so we can become thousands of dollars poorer. I didn't realize just how much braces were. Thank goodness it's a onetime deal. Or at least, I think so. If not, spare me and don't say any different. To be honest though, I don't think it's really so much the braces as it is the MARA device. If I can remember what the Orthodontist said correctly (trust me, I'm sure about to get this completely wrong!), it's main purpose is because her lower jaw isn't growing like the top jaw is so the device will force her jaw to grow out as it should be, allowing room for her permanent teeth.

The home repairs from all the damages were finally completed and we are back in the process of the usual projects here and there. Our most recent mission was to find Brianna and Jacob new bedroom furniture. We have succeeded in Brianna's as her furniture was delivered today, with the exception of her chest which is on back order. She wanted white furniture since her room tends to be dark and I must admit, she picked out a really cute suite. Now to find Jacob's furniture…Other than buying furniture for his room, we are continuing to replace the windows throughout the house but the next major project will be remodeling our master bathroom. Ugh. I have a funny feeling that will be a nightmare.

(Stock photo of Brianna's furniture– we opted not to get the trundle and got the chest instead of the dresser, her choice)

After all the very stressful and long days/hours Isaac and I have both worked for many months now, we are both looking forward to a vacation. One has been booked but it seems so far away. Perhaps a few mini weekend trips until then will do?