Dressed up for the nurse...gotta love the sweater!

Fixated on the mobile on top...I had to distract him because he was mad about me putting on that outfit on him...hehee

The nurse testing his neck muscles to see if he can lift it up...sure enough he lifted and moved it side to side following a mirror she held up...he is incredible!

A nurse from Mountain Valley Regional came to do an assessment on Jacob today. She was stunned at how much strength he had and how chunky he was for a 26 weeker! I was so proud of Jacob.

From the assessment...we learned that he is now 10.2 lbs. and 20 inches long. He passed his vision and hearing assessment and fell into the 1-2 month for his developmental range such as gross motor, cognitive, self-help, health, language & comunication, fine motor, social & emotional, vision, and hearing. He's right where he should be since he is about 1 month adjusted age (almost 4 months chronological age). Jacob will also be seen for 5 hours a month through the early start program. In 6 months, they'll do another assessment and determine how much therapy he'll need. I really like this program...I learned quite a bit about positioning him when he's upset and how to stimulate his brain and motor skills. I'm really excited to learn more from them!

This morning, I worked with Jacob on some massaging techniques and motor skills. He liked it a lot...so did I. I love the bonding time and watching his expressions as so many things were so strange to him. I just absolutely love being a mom. To me, it's a sacred duty. When I look at Jacob everyday, I have so much love to give...it's immeasureable. He's the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have him as part of my eternal family. I definitely have a different outlook on "trials" in life...it's an opportunity for me to learn and grow...to witness the hands of the Lord in time of need through sincere prayer and obedience. Through trials, in particular, this time in my life, I have grown closer to my husband, my son, my family, and my Father in Heaven. It's truly a blessing.