Family Update:

Ron's dad: Joel was admitted to the hospital on Thursday of last week. He seems to have a number of problems affecting his health and the hospital staff is doing what they can to get him back on track. Last night was a scary one and it looked as though we could lose him, but he has pulled back out with the help of some medicine and kidney dialysis. We are hoping for the best.

Jackson's allergies: A couple of weeks ago we gave eggs a try again with success. He didn't have any reaction at all, so we've completely incorporated them back into his diet. We've been kicking around the idea of trying dairy, we just haven't gotten to it quite yet. We won't try any nuts until next year at the earliest, but will probably do a skin test before even attempting that road. He's due for an appointment with the allergist, so we'll see what she thinks. He is still having problems with eczema on his face that we treat nightly with Eucerin Cream. He has a persistent spot under his chin that we battle. He has reactions to lotions and sunscreen with any fragrance or dyes in them, so we stay clear. And so far only Tide Free works for washing his laundry.

Jackson's vocal talents: Jackson has really taken to sing lately, and in key, believe it or not. He's taken to a few songs in particular:

Alice
Twinkle, Twinkle
Take me Out to the Ballgame
Monkeys Teasing Alligator
If You're Happy and You Know It
ABC's
The Wheels on the Bus

Ron's world: In addition to spending some time at the hospital, Ron is managing to have some fun. His softball season is in full swing, and he's trying to improve his game. On Saturday morning he woke up at the crack of dawn to head to Mora, MN where is friend Russ is building a cabin. He spent the day with the guys building and putting up walls. Cutting wood and using power tools for the day was followed up with racing Go Karts with a bunch of other friends for a bachelor party. After coming in third on the race track he and the guys headed to Hooters for food and beer! Ron's current project around the house is fencing in the backyard to keep a little 2.5 year old contained!

Sara's agenda: Sara's time is still greatly consumed by school these days. She spends most evenings working on a simulated business for her Marketing on the Internet course or writing essays for English Comp. However, she does make time for a few dates with the MN Twins and the couch. She is looking forward to a scrapbooking evening this weekend with girlfriends and a much needed haircut.

The garden: The herb garden is planted. The soil is ready for our vegetable garden and the vegetable plants are basking in the sun from our porch, just waiting for the weekend to be put into the ground!

Baby Addie: Baby Addie is 27 weeks along and kicking like crazy. It's actually been difficult to sleep through her pokes and prods. She's going to be an active one if this keeps up. We have a closet filled with clothes for her. We were lucky enough to have a friend with a girl Jackson's age and a boy on the way. What better way to gain a wardrobe? Swap! We also have plenty of family members who adore buying pink. Though I'd like to incorporate other colors in her wardrobe too... purple, red, green, yellow perhaps?