Jack had a great week with Mom and Dad in Long Beach, also known as "The Compound". Jack really seems to like the fresh air of the beach and of course the trees. He continues to be fascinated and content to look out the window and see all the trees blowing in the wind. Jack took his first walk on the beach this week with Mom and Dad, although he slept most of the time he still seemed to enjoy the warm breezes off the lake. The beach is getting busier each day with vacationers and friends of Mom. Mom and Jack have been very busy entertaining all who stop by and say hello.
On Monday Jack made his first trip to Redamak's in New Buffalo, one of Mom's favorite places to eat, I'm sure Jack will enjoy a delicious cheeseburger of his own soon. Speaking of eating we feel Jack is nearing the ten pound mark. He is increasing his feedings and is outgrowing some of his newborn clothes. He's really been doing well and Mom and Dad are seeing daily progress and growth. He has been smiling with great regularity much to the enjoyment of everyone that meets him.
On Wednesday Dad had to go into work and Jack and Mom hung out together for the day, walking along LSD and lunching in New Buffalo.
On Thursday Dad took Jack in to see Grandma Smith and Grand Aunt Gert. We all went to visit Uncle Joe, who really enjoyed meeting and holding Jack. We went for a ride to the "old neighborhood" where Grandma treated everyone to a Rainbow Cone. It was a delicious treat on a hot day in the city. Grand Aunt Gert reminded us that she remembered when Rainbow's were only on a quarter, times sure have changed. Although well worth the price a Rainbow is nearly approaching the sam price as a gallon of gas. Once done with our Rainbow cones we dropped Uncle Joe back home and stopped at Field's(Macy's) where Grandma Smith bought Jack some wonderful additions to his summer wardrobe. After a long day out we met Aunt Susan back at Grandma's house for dinner. That evening Grandma Smith enjoying giving Jack a wonderful bath. Dad headed back to the beach that evening to see Mom.
On Friday Aunt Molly and Uncle Peter came up for the weekend, we all went to Bridges restaurant in Michigan City. Since we couldn't have the real Bridge we had to settle for a restaurant named after her, Jack sure misses Aunt Bridge. We are all very excited for Molly and Peter in anticipation of the newest addition to the family. It seems there is split down the middle as to whether the new McDermott will be a Red Wing, Tiger or future star of the LPGA Tour. Either way we are all excited for the arrival in August.
On Saturday we all went to Flint Lake to visit Aunt Cathy and the Loftus Clan. Grandma Houlihan was also on hand for a wonderful cookout, thanks to Uncle Chuck for a great meal. Aunt Cathy has a beautiful home on Flint Lake surrounded by many great friends, the Hickey's, McCarythy's, Tracy's, Hosty's and many more. It was a great day to hang out and catch up with all the family. Everyone was glad to see and spend time with Jack. On Sunday, Mom, Dad and Grandma Houlihan went to Rosie's in New Buffalo for breakfast and then took a leisurely drive through Grand Beach. Last nite a storm rolled in and the winds were blowing hard, a great nite to stay in and watch some baseball. A great weekend for the Sox, hopefully we'll see the Cubs again on October.
We want to wish Uncle Mike a Happy 30th Birthday, we look forward to sseing him soon to celebrate.
As we approach this week we look forward to Wednesday, which marks Jack's four month arrival. We are ever thankful for the good fortune we have been blessed with. With the difficulties of the first two months these last two have been amazing, watching Jack's continuous growth and good health. We continue to be encouraged with Jack's progress and will be meeting with physical therapists this month to monitor Jack's motor skills and progress.
Thanks again for checking in, we promise to have new pictures up shortly.
JMJ
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Yesterday marked Jack's two month arrival home. It's hard to believe it's been two months since we left all our friends at Northwestern Hospital. Jack sure has been busy since being home, with many visits to the various doctors, many visits of family and friends, and of course his many adventures out in his escalade stroller. We continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support all our family and friends have bestowed on us, we only hope someday we can return the favor. It's turning out to be a great summer and Jack sure seems to enjoy his time outside seeing the sights with Mom, Dad or one of his aunts, uncles or cousins who stop in for a visit. Jack has become well known at the local grocery store, the girls call him "little man" , they all gather around to see how has grown each time he visits.
Jack had a great weekend at the lake, Aunt Molly was on hand with Jack's future cousin, sex and name to be determined later. Aunt Molly looks wonderful and can't wait to join Mom strolling down Lake Shore Drive and visiting with everyone and showing off the newest addition to the McDermott clan.
It was a long weekend for Jack and Dad as the White Sox were swept by the Cubs, congrats to the Cubbies, this really may be the year, I hope the city is ready. We look forward to hopefully getting back in the winners column this weekend. Hope everyone has a great week.
Jack wants to send Happy Birthday wishes to Uncle John, a diehard Sox fan stuck on the northside. Enjoy your day Uncle John and don't worry about the landscaping today.
Take Care,
JMJ
Jack had a great weekend at the lake, Aunt Molly was on hand with Jack's future cousin, sex and name to be determined later. Aunt Molly looks wonderful and can't wait to join Mom strolling down Lake Shore Drive and visiting with everyone and showing off the newest addition to the McDermott clan.
It was a long weekend for Jack and Dad as the White Sox were swept by the Cubs, congrats to the Cubbies, this really may be the year, I hope the city is ready. We look forward to hopefully getting back in the winners column this weekend. Hope everyone has a great week.
Jack wants to send Happy Birthday wishes to Uncle John, a diehard Sox fan stuck on the northside. Enjoy your day Uncle John and don't worry about the landscaping today.
Take Care,
JMJ
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Sorry we haven't posted in awhile, Jack has been busy little guy the last couple of weeks, from doctor visits to Long Beach, to Grandma's house to Nick and Vito's, you name it he's been there.
Things have been great, Jack is growing like a weed, he's weighing in at around 8lbs, 4ounces at last check. His doctor visits have been going well, we visited the cardiologist last week to check on Jack's heart murmur. As you recall from our NICU days, the doctors determined Jack had a small hole in one of the ventricles of his heart. The cardiologist can still detect a murmur but the good news is that they are taking a wait and see approach, meaning, we will return every three months in hope the ventricle will close on it's own. The doctor was hopeful that within a year the hole will close and no further attention will be needed.
Everyday Jack seems to change, he no longer needs preemie clothes and is quickly moving through his newborn wardrobe. The most amazing thing is when we have Jack out on one of his many trips in the South Loop how people react when they see him. It goes from, "did you just come from the hospital", to "he's so small". We, of course, get a kick out of it and think Jack is huge and seems like he's been with us forever. Even Grandma Smith got into the act recently at Marshal Field's, whoops, I mean Macy's, the check out person was commenting on how small Jack was and Grandma corrected her and said, "this baby is a miracle baby, he was 2lbs, 2ounces at birth and now weighs over eight pounds. Needless to say we didn't receive any extra discount but it was worth a try.
Jack was recently in Long Beach an had a wonderful time walking Lake Shore Drive with Mom and seeing all the great sights. Jack has become especially fascinated at trees, wherever we go he simply stares at the leaves blowing in the wind. There has to be a money making idea in there somewhere.
Special thanks to Grandma Houlihan for being Jack's number one South Loop visitor, she always has something special for Jack when she visits.
Last Saturday Jack had a busy day, he had a great visit with his cousin Julia and that evening he spent with Uncle Mike, Aunt "The Bridge", and Aunt Molly. Jack was very appreciative to have such great family to look after him. Jack commented that nite, "Aunt Bridge was great but she sure likes to eat alot, just kidding, "where's the butter". Mom and Dad were extremely thankful for Molly, Bridge and Mike for their help.
As of this posting the Crosstown Series has begun, Cubbies up 1-0, what a great start, good luck to both teams.
We can't express to you enough the great joy we are experiencing with Jack, he truly has been remarkable. We will see you soon and don't forget if you're in the South Loop give us a shout and stop in.
Go SOX, couldn't resist.
Things have been great, Jack is growing like a weed, he's weighing in at around 8lbs, 4ounces at last check. His doctor visits have been going well, we visited the cardiologist last week to check on Jack's heart murmur. As you recall from our NICU days, the doctors determined Jack had a small hole in one of the ventricles of his heart. The cardiologist can still detect a murmur but the good news is that they are taking a wait and see approach, meaning, we will return every three months in hope the ventricle will close on it's own. The doctor was hopeful that within a year the hole will close and no further attention will be needed.
Everyday Jack seems to change, he no longer needs preemie clothes and is quickly moving through his newborn wardrobe. The most amazing thing is when we have Jack out on one of his many trips in the South Loop how people react when they see him. It goes from, "did you just come from the hospital", to "he's so small". We, of course, get a kick out of it and think Jack is huge and seems like he's been with us forever. Even Grandma Smith got into the act recently at Marshal Field's, whoops, I mean Macy's, the check out person was commenting on how small Jack was and Grandma corrected her and said, "this baby is a miracle baby, he was 2lbs, 2ounces at birth and now weighs over eight pounds. Needless to say we didn't receive any extra discount but it was worth a try.
Jack was recently in Long Beach an had a wonderful time walking Lake Shore Drive with Mom and seeing all the great sights. Jack has become especially fascinated at trees, wherever we go he simply stares at the leaves blowing in the wind. There has to be a money making idea in there somewhere.
Special thanks to Grandma Houlihan for being Jack's number one South Loop visitor, she always has something special for Jack when she visits.
Last Saturday Jack had a busy day, he had a great visit with his cousin Julia and that evening he spent with Uncle Mike, Aunt "The Bridge", and Aunt Molly. Jack was very appreciative to have such great family to look after him. Jack commented that nite, "Aunt Bridge was great but she sure likes to eat alot, just kidding, "where's the butter". Mom and Dad were extremely thankful for Molly, Bridge and Mike for their help.
As of this posting the Crosstown Series has begun, Cubbies up 1-0, what a great start, good luck to both teams.
We can't express to you enough the great joy we are experiencing with Jack, he truly has been remarkable. We will see you soon and don't forget if you're in the South Loop give us a shout and stop in.
Go SOX, couldn't resist.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Wednesday, Jun 4, 2008
7 lbs. 7 ounces.
On Tuesday Jack visited his doctor and weighed in an at 7lbs. 7ounces, needless to say Mom and Dad were thrilled at Jack's continued progress. The doctor added that Jack's weight gain is a very positive sign of his continued good health.
Jack had a busy weekend as you can see by the pictures. On Saturday Jack had several visitors stop by and see him. The Mehaleks(Mike and Lorrie), Kelly's(Brian and Mo), stopped by after another Cubs victory to see Jack and try and persuade him to jump on the bandwagon. The Kavalauskas' (Alex, Annie and Al), the Doody's (Riley, Connie and Larry), and Aunt Lace stopped in for a cocktail and visit with Jack. It was great to have everyone stop in and visit with Jack, he really enjoys meeting all his new friends.
On Sunday Jack was christened at Misericordia by Father Jack Clair. It was a very special day for Jack and his family. Father Jack celebrated Sunday mass and included Jack's christening during the service. Aunt Nora and cousin Ryan did a wonderful job as Jack's Godparents. We enjoyed a delicious brunch at "MIS" after the service and everyone visited the wonderful gift shop and bakery. A very special thanks to Sister Rosemary, Father Jack, and all at Miseicordia for making Jack's baptismal day so special.
Please don't forget that Misericodia's Family Fest is September 7, 2008. If you have never attended Family Fest at "MIS" you are truly missing out on a very special day to help very special people. Give it a try we know you will enjoy it.
On Monday Jack was on the road again and visited the fourth grade class at St. Francs Xavier school in Wilmette, the same school as Moms siblings attended. Jack was on hand to thank the class for praying for him while in the hospital. During Jack's stay in the hospital the students wrote Jack "Get Well" letters. The letters were very sweet and Mom read all of them to Jack in the hospital. Special thanks to Courtney Gaines, friend of Aunt Nora's, who is the wonderful teacher of these children at St. Frances . During the visit Mom and Grandma Houlihan were on hand to answer all the children's questions about Jack. Thanks to Courtney and St. Xavier for taking the time to remember Jack in their thoughts and prayers.
As you have read Jack is doing well, we continue to see him accomplish new things every day, he's awake more around his feedings and his expressions are priceless. As you can imagine we're enjoying this very special time with Jack, don't forget if your in the neighborhood give us a call and stop by. Jack is also available for birthday parties and bar mitzvahas, just kidding Grandma.
See you soon, and by the way, two first place baseball teams, Jack is excited for a possible subway series.
Go Wings
JMJ
On Tuesday Jack visited his doctor and weighed in an at 7lbs. 7ounces, needless to say Mom and Dad were thrilled at Jack's continued progress. The doctor added that Jack's weight gain is a very positive sign of his continued good health.
Jack had a busy weekend as you can see by the pictures. On Saturday Jack had several visitors stop by and see him. The Mehaleks(Mike and Lorrie), Kelly's(Brian and Mo), stopped by after another Cubs victory to see Jack and try and persuade him to jump on the bandwagon. The Kavalauskas' (Alex, Annie and Al), the Doody's (Riley, Connie and Larry), and Aunt Lace stopped in for a cocktail and visit with Jack. It was great to have everyone stop in and visit with Jack, he really enjoys meeting all his new friends.
On Sunday Jack was christened at Misericordia by Father Jack Clair. It was a very special day for Jack and his family. Father Jack celebrated Sunday mass and included Jack's christening during the service. Aunt Nora and cousin Ryan did a wonderful job as Jack's Godparents. We enjoyed a delicious brunch at "MIS" after the service and everyone visited the wonderful gift shop and bakery. A very special thanks to Sister Rosemary, Father Jack, and all at Miseicordia for making Jack's baptismal day so special.
Please don't forget that Misericodia's Family Fest is September 7, 2008. If you have never attended Family Fest at "MIS" you are truly missing out on a very special day to help very special people. Give it a try we know you will enjoy it.
On Monday Jack was on the road again and visited the fourth grade class at St. Francs Xavier school in Wilmette, the same school as Moms siblings attended. Jack was on hand to thank the class for praying for him while in the hospital. During Jack's stay in the hospital the students wrote Jack "Get Well" letters. The letters were very sweet and Mom read all of them to Jack in the hospital. Special thanks to Courtney Gaines, friend of Aunt Nora's, who is the wonderful teacher of these children at St. Frances . During the visit Mom and Grandma Houlihan were on hand to answer all the children's questions about Jack. Thanks to Courtney and St. Xavier for taking the time to remember Jack in their thoughts and prayers.
As you have read Jack is doing well, we continue to see him accomplish new things every day, he's awake more around his feedings and his expressions are priceless. As you can imagine we're enjoying this very special time with Jack, don't forget if your in the neighborhood give us a call and stop by. Jack is also available for birthday parties and bar mitzvahas, just kidding Grandma.
See you soon, and by the way, two first place baseball teams, Jack is excited for a possible subway series.
Go Wings
JMJ
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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