I find myself with just enough brain power and motivation to write a blog post. I am fully aware that we are more than halfway through 202 and it has been well over a year since my last post. Just a few minor updates have caused the delay, most notably the birth of our third baby, Mr. Matthew James Rabold.

Matthew came a month early, just weeks after Elliott started Kindergarten and Nathan started a new job. It was full-blown survival mode, only made possible by our incredible support system. Matthew was a tiny little guy, weighing in at less than 6 lbs, and was instantly smothered by kisses and love from his big brother and big sister. The enormity of their love has only grown, and Matty is absolutely smitten with both of them. He tries his best to keep up, crawling (soon to be walking) all over the house. Time is flying by as we quickly approach his first birthday in August.

Our second-born, Harper, completed pre-school this year. We decided in the spring to keep her where she was for an additional year. She will start Kindergarten in the Fall of 2026. Harper keeps up with all the boys in our lives and is absolutely rocking the gymnastics and dance world. We are constantly in awe of her humor, confidence, natural athletic ability, and compassion for others. She is my mini-me, and I couldn't be prouder.

Finally, Elliott. He has officially finished his first year of Elementary school and absolutely thrived in Kindergarten. When Elliott was 5 and eligible for kindergarten, we decided that, given some of his delays, it would be in his best interest to start him as a 6-year-old. I don't think Nathan or I realized just HOW much of a difference it would make to hold him back one year. He went into the year confident, made new friends right away, handled the transition of a new baby amazingly, loved his teachers, excelled at learning to read and write, and was tested for advanced Math.

We love the school and community we picked for him, especially the teachers and therapists. The lead-up to get him ready for kindergarten was quite exhaustive. He required an IEP, "Individualized Education Plan." Children must qualify for an IEP, and every plan is unique to each child. Elliott had to undergo a series of tests in fine motor, gross motor, and speech. They then devised the best course of action to meet his needs and ensure he received the right level of help throughout the year.

From the beginning, a team of therapists, social workers, and teachers has worked collaboratively with us to develop goals for Elliott. During one of our first meetings in the spring of 2024, I ended the call in absolute hysterics because I felt like this group of strangers already knew my kid and his needs SO WELL. I was beyond impressed and totally overcome with emotions. I will also blame the amount of tears on the third trimester pregnancy at the time, but I digress...

The way this school system is set up includes a mix of therapy both in and outside of the classroom. OT and Speech were the two main focuses of the year, and the therapists who saw him most often were OT and Speech. There was a clear plan in place leading up to the first day. We knew who he would be meeting with, which days, how many hours/week, and the goals. The therapists and school team checked in at the end of each semester, halfway through, and at the year's end.

By and large, the takeaway from Nathan and me at the end of the year was basically us picking our jaw up off the floor in amazement. Elliott met all his goals; he excelled in every capacity; he LOVED everyone he worked with; and the communication between the teams, teachers & parents was next-level good. We feel very blessed to be in such a strong school district, where this is true for the kids who need help. It is a joy and a privilege to watch him thrive.

For the rest of the year, regarding CP, we are in a pattern with bracing, casting, and additional therapies, which is all starting to feel pretty normal to us. Typically, around September, we get fitted for a new brace, and then in November/December, Elliott gets Serial Casting. The casting process stretches the muscles in his ankle, improving his tone to an optimal position. This casting process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 months. After casting, we follow up with a Physical Therapy intensive that is basically a CrossFit workout for kids. This intensive rebuilds muscle in his leg and keeps eyes on his tone. We check how the brace works in his everyday life during this process and adjust as needed.

In the spring, the therapies slow, and the sports kick into high gear. This year, Nathan ended up coaching Elliott's soccer team, and they loved it so much that they are signed up to do it again this fall.

Summer was spent enjoying our first vacation together as a family of 5. We went to Mexico, and it was beautiful. But I was also reminded just what it is like to travel with a baby, let alone two more kids. As a bonus, Harper got very sick and required a doctor and some antibiotics. I can safely say the trip was not the least bit relaxing for me, but it was 100% worth it for the memories. The kids had an absolute blast (especially after those antibiotics kicked in ;), and they loved swimming 10+ hours a day.

We have also taken a couple of different weekend trips to the mountains around Colorado this summer, including the bike race that Nathan participates in for the Children's Hospital. He and our good friend, Colin, rode 80 miles together in one day, a personal record for both. When they crossed the finish line, there were a lot of tears, and this time, I am not going to blame any pregnancy hormones. We were so proud of them, and it was a beautiful celebration for all, especially for a good cause.

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and we are getting ready to embark on another school year with 7-, 5-, and 1-year-olds. I am really starting to grasp what people say when they tell you not to blink. It is all going by too fast.

As for what's next, we have some new doctor’s appointments on the horizon, and we feel like we are constantly dealing with something. I am trying to remember that the only constant in life is change. When we have updates, I hope to have a little more sleep under my belt and a bit more consistency in my schedule, so I can keep this blog up on a more regular basis.

We are always grateful for the immeasurable love, support, prayers, laughter, and strength sent our way. We are happy, healthy, a bit tired, but overall really good. I hope that whatever season you find yourself in, you are also well. Below are a random smattering of pics from the last 12 months. Enjoy.

Love,

The Fab 5

...2025...

Follow me- @Jacy_Rabold

...2025...

Empowerment > Embarrassment

ARCH

Follow me- @Jacy_Rabold