My little guy's MRI's

When Jax was an infant we received a letter in the mail to participate in an UC Davis Infant Sibling Autism Study.

1 year old brain scan

I called & we decided to go forward in the research study. Jax does not have autism. The point of the study is to detect signs in the brain & behavior of infants as young as 6 months old. They told me that this has not yet been done. So for the first 3 years of Jax's life we will go in for behavioral analysis & MRI's.

Getting ready for his 1st MRI

6 month MRI

Starting when Jax was 6 months old we started going in for behavioral analysis (we've done 3 up to now). These appointments usually last about 1-2 hours. During this time Reagan gets to hang out with a sitter out in the AWESOME play room & go outside on their fun play ground. Jax & I are taken to a small room where lots of little behavioral tests are done (ie how he plays with different toys, spoon feeding him, how he responds to words & his name, his reaction to a video they have him watch,etc.).

Every 6 months we go in for an MRI. His first one was when he was 6 months old & it was quite an experience! It is the weirdest abnormal feeling to see your little baby go inside that BIG MRI machine & knowing this is for research, nothing is wrong with him. I can't even explain how I felt that first time, a little upset.

Our MRI's happen to be in the evening. It is necessary that he be asleep during the scanning process. There is a rocking chair, crib, a bed so that I can lay next to him, blankets, sheets (blue with white stars) over the machines, & rhythmic music all to help him ease into night night time. It is a HUGE process to get him to go to sleep. This last time it took almost 2 HOURS!

There are so many details that I am leaving out (due to being tired). If you have any questions feel free to ask. This has been an interesting journey. And, oddly enough quite a blessing in disguise. If you remember, Jax had a nasty fall at around 4 months old. They didn't decide to do an MRI at that time, but now that we are a part of this STUDY it gives this Momma peace of mind to see how his little brain is developing & knowing that everything is right on track.

These photos had to be taken outside of the room due to the BIG MAGNET.

Jax's favorite book.

The B-I-B-L-E... Yes, that's the book for me!

Little stinker sneaking into the desk drawer

Trying to get Daddy's reading BIBLE out

SCORE!

Jax's One Year Stats.

Weight: 19lbs 8.8oz
Height: 2' 4.75"

Tall & Skinny :)

We were waiting for the Doc to come in the room...

Really getting the hang of it.

I just love his sweet smiles at the end.

He's on the MOVE!

Little guy is OFFICIALLY walking! GO JACKSON BOY!!

Jackson Eli.

 Oh how I LOVE this little boy.

 You, my Jackson Boy, are just about ready to walk. You have taken many (3-5) steps on your own, BUT when it comes to actual walking you'd rather 3-legged dog crawl. And, you know what!? That is mighty alright by your Momma. Once you get going, I know there will be NO turning back. I'll be running all over the place to keep up with you.

 You are full of giggles & lots of laughter. You can't get enough playing with Daddy, Mommy, & your sissy girl. And when you smile your eyes twinkle. I.JUST.LOVE.IT!

 You refuse to say any words. When you get hurt or are whiny Maaaaa-MA comes out of your mouth. I'm not quite sure if you know what you're saying, but I will pretend you do {because I'm your ma-ma}.

 You are most definitely a BOY. You enjoy crawling & rummaging through the dirt & grass. You throw a ball better than your sister ever could.

 On the other hand, you are STILL very sensitive. It is more effective to give you a stern look than it is to spank you. You also are not a fan of loud sounds, which can set off your sensitivity.

 You have disheveled {beautiful} blonde hair that I can not bear to get cut. I'm thinking we will have to take you in soon to avoid a mullet.

 You love to wrestle & roll on the ground with your sister.

 You are good about putting things {ie blocks} from one place to another in groups.

 You are STILL attached to your pacifier. I keep using the excuse that you are teething so you NEED it :)

This pic CRACKS me up!!

 You're a BA-BA & will not be done with them by ONE YEAR like Reago. And, THAT.IS.OKAY.

 You have 8 teeth with some currently on the way.

 You EAT food now. Like REAL FOOD & baby food.

 You sleep in your crib all night (with the exception of bottles when you wake up & cry)

 You go to bed at 7:00pm unlike your sister who always went to bed sometime between 9-10pm.

 You are ADORABLE!!!

Happy that the Lord blessed us with you & the joy we get to spend with your sweet smiles :)

Can't bear to cut the hair.