grace led in life: 5 years in WA - J's Anniversary at Boeing Co. // Zeke Update

Wow...time truly does fly. Feels like just yesterday we were moving into our new home and surroundings here in Washington. We cannot believe it, but we have now been in WA for 5 years. We miss Minnesota so much, but are grateful for these last 5 years in Washington. So much has happened in 5 years! Our "big move" was brought on by a job opportunity for Justin at the Boeing Company.

We were sad to be leaving MN (literally I was shedding some tears in this pic ;) but we were so excited for the adventure God was taking us on, in moving to Washington!

Our first drive into our new "homeland" in WA

This time also marks the 5 year anniversary for Justin working at Boeing. I am so extremely proud of him. His drive to learn, grow, work with integrity, and bless others has been so fun to watch here in WA and in his career at Boeing. He works so hard for our family...he takes care of us so well. He loves to share with Zeke about his job and ALL the airplanes he gets to work on. Justin sees his job as a blessing, and always is looking for the positive in situations and opportunities to learn and grow in his field. He has had a few job changes at Boeing, but just now is headed in another direction. Today was Justin's last day working on the 787 Dreamliner. He will now be headed over to do electrical work on the 767 Tanker. As of now, this will be a temporary change as he eventually will be moved to another Boeing "campus" here in WA to work on the 737. Zeke and I are so blessed to have such a hard working Dada and husband! We are proud of you J! Go get 'em! Happy 5 years at Boeing! We love you!

Justin's first days at Boeing Oct. 2010

Justin's first days at Boeing, Oct. 2010

Justin's 787 team had a small celebration for him yesterday...potluck and cake ;)

Oct. 2015

Happy 5 years to our favorite Aviation Mechanic!

We couldn't be more proud of you, Babe!
Thanks for working hard for us!
Love, your biggest fans! :)

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We wanted to update you all on little Zeke!
He is doing well...still playin' with those trains or any vehicle, finding sticks and rocks when we take walks, loves doing his alphabet, numbers, and colors flash cards, is Justin's little shadow - loves to do anything Dada is doing...

We still are so amazed at how much of a "trooper" he is!

We met with Zeke's sleep doctor to go over Zeke's sleep study results.
Zeke had a sleep study back in August.

Little buddy did so well...it was a rough night, but he did amazing considering his age and circumstances!

The sleep study showed "absolute breathing issues" - poor buddy! I'll keep all the details to a minimum...but Z needs more consults with his ENT and craniofacial team, and solutions on how to help him breath better. Zeke rarely can sleep well. The breathing issues are a huge factor in that. This takes a toll on him, and also Dad and Mom. It is just not a good situation for Zeke. Little ones need sleep for SO many reasons. We have a consult set up now with his ENT, who will go over those results and help us in coming up with the best plan for Zeke ahead. With all that said...because of lack of sleep, some days can be so tough to get through. Honestly though, the word "trooper" could not be more true for Zeke. He really is a joyful kiddo and we are amazed at how he gets through the days so well. Please pray for Zeke with these breathing difficulties - for him to be safe! Also please pray for us as parents and for the doctors to make the best decisions for Zeke! There is a great possibility more surgery is ahead, and while we are so sad for Z to have to do more at this time...breathing is so necessary!
In about a week, we will begin some speech therapy for Zeke at Children's Seattle. These sessions will be focused on helping Zeke learn how to use his soft palate that he gained in his palate closure back in Feb. Zeke is doing great in forming words, so this therapy will help him in gaining the sounds from the soft palate.

Every day we are seeing more and more bonding taking place with Zeke toward us. We are so very grateful and love to soak up family time with him! Many times a day, he is saying Dada, Mama, and Zeke in everything we are doing. He seeks out confirmation that we will all be together. He has been having a hard time when Justin leaves for work each day, but we remind him that Dada will always be back. The fact that Dada works on airplanes really aids in us finding a great conversation topic about Dada when he is away at work. We often get out all our airplanes and he will point to each one and ask, Dada? He is pretty excited about his Dada getting to work on airplanes! "1 - 2 - 3 - FLY"

We are carefully entering some social situations, but take it a day at a time. He continues to have some anxiety surrounding people and not understanding situations, so we are cautious in what we do, and being around people. Being completely honest...we've had many people not understand this and question our decisions. All we can say, is that Zeke comes first. Like we have said before, we are so grateful to have worked with an agency that really teaches about many situations and the best way to help your child feel safe, secure, and loved. Since coming home from China with our little guy, we've seen how much people want him to be integrated into "life" here. While many people mean well, there is also sometimes a lack of empathy that is very discouraging. We are seeing victories happening every day for Zeke. We are amazed at how BRAVE he is and the challenges he overcomes. He is feeling so safe at home and it is so very fun to see him relaxed and be able to be silly! He giggles many times in a day...and oh, is that a joy to hear! Zeke is extremely detailed and so you can imagine how much his little brain tries to learn and retain in a day.
We will continue on the path we are on...to grow in bonding as a family and to help Z in any way we can. To help him feel more and more at ease every day. We adore this little fella...he is the best gift we have EVER been given!