Jake is 3 weeks old

We had a real quick visit with Joel, Wendy and Jake this weekend. He's really growing and is such a sweet little guy. I sure wish they lived closer so we could watch him grow up and be a real part of his life.

This has been such a busy week! I saw the back surgeon at the first of the week. I can't have surgery now because I would have to be off work for 6 weeks to 3 months! I didn't think it would be that long to recover and rehabilitate. I wouldn't have enough time off accumulated at work so I asked what I could do instead of surgery. He said I could try another type of epidural injection...so that's what I'm going to do. I know it's just a band-aid on the problem but I don't want to lose my job after I just got promoted. So I hope this injection will help the pain and swelling in my spine for awhile.
We had great fun with Molly and Betsy here part of the weekend. It's been tough for them having Myron in Cincinnati working and only seeing him on weekends. We're all still praying that their house will sell soon and they'll be able to make the move to Cincy. Our new grandson, Jake, is doing well. He's already gained weight and growing fast! I can't wait to see him again...and his Momma and Papa too!

Doctor's appointment

I had to see my back doctor today. He gave me an MRI last week since I've been having increasing pain down my legs and numbness in my feet. He said that the stenosis is 50% to 60% worse compared to my MRI results in 2004. I've had 3 epidural cortisone injections that helped for awhile. But now I'm looking at the need for surgery and probably fusion of the discs in the lumbar area. He said another injection might offer temporary relief but the surgery would probably get rid of most of my pain and isn't too invasive. So I see the surgeon next Tuesday to find out more. I hoped to put it off as long as I could, especially since starting my new job. But it looks like I've been putting off the inevitable. On a happier note, I get to babysit for Betsy this Saturday night! Molly and Myron are house-hunting in Cincinnati so they're leaving Betsy here for the night...then Molly will come back and stay for a couple of days. It's always fun having them here! So I'm really looking forward to that!

Isn't he beautiful!

Jake pictures

Jake William Smith

Our beautiful grandson, Jake William, was born 9-8-07 at 8:40 a.m. I was privileged to get to witness his birth along with his daddy, Joel, and Nana Linda, Wendy's mom. What an exciting day! We got the call from Joel at 3:00 a.m. and rushed to Lansing. We arrived about 8:00 a.m. and Jake was born 40 minutes later! He's a beautiful little guy, with light auburn hair. He weighed 8 pounds and 14 1/4 ounces and was 22 inches long. We visited with him Sunday at the hospital and again today when he got to go home. Mama, Papa and baby are all doing great! Wendy is a natural mother and Joel has taken to fatherhood with great enthusiasm. Our thanks to the Lord for His wonderful mercies...all are well, healthy and very grateful to God.

http://www.myheritage.com

Betsy at Grandma's

Betsy stayed with us a couple of weekends ago while Molly and Myron did some househunting in Cincinnati. We had so much fun with her. She's a real talker and seemed to really enjoy the time with Grandma and Grandpa! We are still waiting on news from Joel and Wendy...we're going to head up there as soon as she lets us know she's in labor. Jake was due yesterday, so we know it won't be long!