Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis!

So, Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl this year...
The town rocked it!
We made the genious (my idea) decision to experience "Super Bowl Village" on a Tuesday Night prior to the weekend of the big game...over a million visitors walked the streets in those 7 days prior and on game day - but as far as I was concerned, we picked the best night!

It was crowded, but not insane.  We pushed a stroller, went right after we ate dinner (at 5pm) and spent a total of $20 for parking (which also was a deal and in a great location!)

We had a super fun night "experiencing" all that our family needed to...there were lots of activities, even a whole facility for the super huge football fans (that was $20 a ticket), a zip line that ran 400 yards down Capitol Street...but we just SAW the sites...

I know the weekends were SUPER busy and as the game drew closer, out of towners arrived to experience everything too...so we (thankfully) missed the true chaos and just gingerly walked around downtown that night.  We were even home in time for very easy bedtimes too!

It was also our gift to my brother Ryan, who was staying with us for the week, so we were heading down for everyone to make memories.  It was an awesome night.

It was phenomenal for our city and we're so proud of how well the Super Bowl went!  We love Indy!

Valentine's Day Fun!

Valentine's Day - a day to use Pinterest to the fullest! How cute are these photos of the boys? (Morgan wanted Hello Kitty) You can see what came of these photos as you scroll down - LOTS of compliments and smiles from this year's cards!

And heart shaped pancakes for dinner...

And of course, heart shaped sugar cookies - YUM!

The gifts our kids gave this year:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  You are loved!

Jameson's Birthday!

It has been a few months since I have able to upload photos to our computer, so forgive me for the delay....we now have a new, FAST, computer that allows for uploading and saving photos at a much faster pace (like better than 1 photo per hour...poor 10 year old computer, RIP)

Jameson turned 3 on February 3rd.  He is a happy, chatty, fun loving boy.  He is potty trained and (finally) Paci Free - yes, we waited WAY too long...but on HIS terms, he lost his paci in the woods and now, as he'll tell you, "A Silly Squirel took it".

My family came down for his birthday and so we celebrated Thomas the Tank Engine style!

We had a Friday Night Pizza and Movie Night Birthday Party where we invited some of J's closest buddies (and their siblings) and let their parents have a Night Out!
We had a great time eating, playing and watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (or Bang Bang, per JJ's request).

The movie was a big hit and the kids had a super fun time!  Happy 3rd Birthday Jameson!  We love you!

Answers, but more questions

Well, today was the follow-up doctors appointment with the GI Specialist for Jackson.  As we sat and waited (and waited, and waited) for the doctor to come in, I must admit...I was ready.  I was confident that whatever the diagnosis, we could handle it...we HAVE been handling it.

You wouldn't believe how much more I have seen, heard about, met someone with CELIACS DISEASE.  I have uploaded free ebooks to my phone that are for Gluten-Free Recipes.  I have been given articles.  I have subscribed to GF blogs. 
I was ready.

Then, the doctor came in and asked how Jackson was doing.
"He's doing great," I said.  "Being gluten free has been a huge benefit to him. He is eating so well, gained 2 lbs since the last visit 3 weeks ago, is sleeping better at night, having NO issues with diaper rash, his diapers are solid, he's finally started walking, he's just much better all around."

The doctor was pleased.  He has a kind smile.

Joe asked "What did you find out about the lab results?"
The doctor, flipping through papers in his folder, replied, "Oh, you didn't get those in the mail?  Hmmm, well, let me go check and make sure I have all the paperwork, I'll be right back."

Well, that didn't ease my mind much.  Luckily, Jackjack was playfully toddling all about the room to keep us smiling.  While the doctor was out of the room, Joe asked me "what if he doesn't have it, then what?"

The doctor entered.  Standing proudly at the door, he said, "It's negative.  Your son does not have Celiacs Disease."  There's that kind smile again.

We asked questions, chatted for a bit, Jackson took things out of my purse and walked them over to the doctor, who then handed them to Joe.  It was the total OPPOSITE of our last time there! 

Well, pretty much....we said our thank yous and good-byes to the Doc and then left.

No more Riley Children's Hospital, no more "Disease" in the back of our minds.

But what now?  What's wrong with Jackson?  Those results really didn't give us any answers, except to keep searching and to keep asking questions.....but this time, to an Allergist.

We have an appointment on March 22nd.

Until then, we are sticking with this Game Plan - GLUTEN FREE.
It is working.  It is best.  It is necessary.

We are so thankful this sweet boy is comfortable, content and healthy.
I am smiling too.