One Day (and almost one step) At A Time!

Hello everyone. Just wanted to give you a quick update. Jacob is really doing well and making great strides in his physical therapy. His therapists tell us he is the most mild tempered and thus most rapid improving torticolis tot they have ever seen! What an over-achiever! He's had about 5.5 weeks of total PT and already looks stronger and straighter. He has caught up on several milestones. He sits up on his own and is starting to get the hang of cruisin, although he still needs a bit of assistance standing up and keeping his balance. His siting posture is remarkably better as well. Don't we all wish we could have had abs that looked like a six-pack at that age. He hasn't learned to crawl yet. Mainly because he likes to stand rather than be in the crawl position. The family cat acts as a good lure to entice him to crawl. It won't be long before he is chasing after Aticus. However, it would not surprise any of us if he decides to skip the crawling phase and go straight to walking.

Sometimes he gets a bit grumpy with all we put him thru and scowls at us...but then everything is fine a few minutes later!!!

He just saw his Rehabilitation physician. Besides the fact she wanted to take him home due to his cute smile and flirting personality, she also said she would likely release him to return back to Japan in 4-6 weeks. Although it is a long time away, at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He and Suzy are staying busy while in the USA. For Grandpa's Day (Father's Day) he went to his first baseball game to see the Columbus Clippers. This weekend he is heading to Indiana to meet his Great Grandma and Grandpa Massengill who flew in from Florida for two weeks. Next weekend Aunt Amy is getting married. And finally, and most importantly, we are celebrating Suzy's Birthday today! Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

Well that is it for now. Enjoy the pics. Talk to you all soon.

The tired CNK (crooked neck kid), the birthday girl (Suzy), and the lone Japanese Massengill (Jason)

Daddy Dearest

Happy Father's Day!!!!

We miss you Jason! You are an amazing Daddy! All of our love and kisses, slj+j

Massengills MIA?

Wow! Where to begin. What a whirlwind 2 months its been. The three of us have been incredibly busy, separately and together. Suzy and Jacob left for the Midwest in early April. When they arrived in the US, they immediately met with the Pediatric Rehabilitation Physician who agreed that Jacob needed very intense Physical Therapy in order to correct his neck. However, it then took an entire month for him to "get into the system." He started twice weekly PT sessions in early May. Since that time, he has been making steady improvements. At home, we spend 3-4 hours a day working on stretches, strengthening exercises, ab work outs, and directed playtime. He has his own exercise ball which he thoroughly enjoys. For the last two weeks, he has been fit for a new collar he wears for several hours a day to keep his neck in the proper neutral position. He is such a trooper. The physical therapist has been pleasantly surprised with his progress. Most kids his age are resistant to therapy, however, his easy-going demeanor really has made him improve faster than expected. We hope to have him back by to Japan by the end of July, however, we are staying positive as it looks like it could go a bit longer than that.


In the interim, Jason hung out in Japan and was able to travel to Hirosaki to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival. This is one of the really big Festivals that everyone talks about. About 100,000 people come each day for 2 weeks straight. The pictures are great, but really do not give it justice. These trees are hundreds of years old and everywhere throughout the middle of the city. It was a great time, however Suzy and Jacob were missed dearly.

Jason then came to the US for his planned conference and a few days of leave (20). What a whirlwind that was. He flew into Indianapolis to meet up with Suzy and Jacob, stayed for 2 days and then flew down to New Orleans for the conference. Following the conference, the next two weeks were spent in Physical Therapy and traveling to several different cities for a few days at a time trying to meet up with as many people as possible. The two weeks culminated with Aunt Bridget's (Suzy's sister) wedding.

Finally, Suzy, Jacob and I needed a vacation from our own vacation. We drove down to Tennessee for some well needed R&R at the lake house. We spent about 8 days on the lake and had some family and friends join us over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Jacob loved the boat and the lake. Again, what a trooper! What baby will sit in a life jacket at 9 months of age for 5-6 hours a time without fussing. He just hung out, enjoyed the breeze and the shade, took naps, and soaked up a little sun while Mom and Dad skied.

Following the trip, it was back to Columbus for two appts and then back to Indy so Jason could leave for Japan. 31 hours later, Jason was back in Japan and on call 6 hours later. Whew!!!!!!! What a trip.

So, now you are caught up. Jason is living the bachelor life in Japan, trying to keep busy and not think about the time away from the family. Suzy and Jacob are busy doing neck work outs and going to appointments to expedite the healing process and get back to Japan as soon as possible. Every weekend is booked with trips to see family and friends which keeps Suzy from thinking about Japan and Jason. All in all, not an optimal way to spend 4 months, but we are making the best of it. Jacob is care-free and does not know any better. His new trick is to clap now, and he actually recognizes Dad on the webcam...which really makes it harder to be apart.

That said, we are thankful he is getting better. Thanks to everyone who has loaned us equipment, supplies, and their homes over the last 2 months. We'll try to be better with the blog and keep you abreast of his progress. Until next time.