Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I shouldn't laugh, but...
I was hanging with the two kids in the living room before bedtime and Emma asked to take her clothes off to put her PJs on. I helped her take her shirt off and she did the rest.
I didn't notice when Toby, who was kneeling up, tried to put the shirt on over his head. I guess he got tangled up in it and ended up free-falling face first on to the floor. It was quite a thud!
My heart went out to him, but as far as face-plants go, it was very funny!
Earlier today though he was so cute as he waved bye-bye for the first time, to Nanna and Josiah as we left their house.
A less-endearing habit is changing the cable channel when I leave the room to something like MTV or the History Channel! Emma usually calls me immediately and earlier found them watching some documentary about prison life. I'm going to get one of those plastic guards to try and stop him!
I didn't notice when Toby, who was kneeling up, tried to put the shirt on over his head. I guess he got tangled up in it and ended up free-falling face first on to the floor. It was quite a thud!
My heart went out to him, but as far as face-plants go, it was very funny!
Earlier today though he was so cute as he waved bye-bye for the first time, to Nanna and Josiah as we left their house.
A less-endearing habit is changing the cable channel when I leave the room to something like MTV or the History Channel! Emma usually calls me immediately and earlier found them watching some documentary about prison life. I'm going to get one of those plastic guards to try and stop him!
Toby Trouble
I lose track of how many times throughout the day we look at Toby and say "he's SO your kid!" It could be when he bulldozes through things, works his way around the room leaving a trail of destruction, or eats something - anything! Just today he tore some cardboard of a box and started to chew it!
Despite his bullishness (relative to Emma at this age) he knows exactly what's up!
Here in this video I had put on Baby Signing Time, which I have not really begun in earnest. You can see how quick he is...
And of course mealtimes - equally as frustrating as with Emma, only messier! Unless he actually wants to eat it and then, well you can see for yourself...
Despite his bullishness (relative to Emma at this age) he knows exactly what's up!
Here in this video I had put on Baby Signing Time, which I have not really begun in earnest. You can see how quick he is...
And of course mealtimes - equally as frustrating as with Emma, only messier! Unless he actually wants to eat it and then, well you can see for yourself...
Potty Perfection
Potty training is probably the hardest part of parenting a toddler, for a perfectionist. So much grace, patience and patience is required! Not to mention patience and grace.
For some reason (probably the looming 3rd birthday and crazy money) I decided to give potty training a go at 4pm this afternoon, after her nap. I sat her on the potty every 15 minutes, assuming she'd pee at some point. She did, at 5.10PM, on the floor in front of the TV. No diaper.
I almost lost it, but remembered who she is and what we're doing!! Not quite the loving encouragement to lose it on her the first time. It seems I may not have disguised my feelings well, because both times she peed after that it was in the pull-up I put on her. When asked why she didn't tell me she needed to be she said "because I peed on the floor."
I figured that persistence was the key and have kept going with the 15 minute thing, but already feel overwhelmed (Toby cries every time we go into the kitchen and he's shut out!) and want to quit. Emma tells me she does not want to use the potty because she likes her Dora diapers!
I think I may need more grace and patience with myself.
I hate dealing with this because I get so frustrated, unreasonably so. We otherwise had a great day.
We headed to the Intermediate Unit for an additional evaluation for therapy - feeding this time. I brought a plethora of snacks with me and had Emma skip breakfast so she'd be hungry.
Of course she did not want to eat when we got there! We read a book and she agreed to a bite here and there, enough to show the therapist her oral motor capabilities. Her evaluation is based on Emma being able to function independently in a school environment. She will likely qualify for around 15 minutes a month!!
Based on what the therapist said to me, I'm not sure what more they can suggest. She eats anything, and fatigues after a while so there's not much else I can do there. she did say to keep meal times to 30 minutes, but of course I'm also trying to balance calories with progress so it's a fine line.
As for drinking, not sure really what they can help with, I guess we'll have to wait and see. When I see Toby swigging down any drink he can find, I wonder if we'll ever get there with Emma. 50% of the times she swigs it is prompted and because she refuses an open cup, the amount is really tiny.
It could come down to prompting her to drink constantly, but I'm wondering how long it would take her to drink 1000ml if each swig is 1ml or less. We are already doing tube feeds of water or formula 7 times during the day. (And that makes potty training all the more interesting!!)
Just writing this I feel my blood pressure rising. I know we are not moving backwards, but I had allowed myself to think things would continue to get easier with time.
LOL, I just realized it's like the stock market!! (I spoke to someone about my 401K this week!!) It goes up and down throughout the year, but over the course of several years you should see positive growth. I'm all in!!
For some reason (probably the looming 3rd birthday and crazy money) I decided to give potty training a go at 4pm this afternoon, after her nap. I sat her on the potty every 15 minutes, assuming she'd pee at some point. She did, at 5.10PM, on the floor in front of the TV. No diaper.
I almost lost it, but remembered who she is and what we're doing!! Not quite the loving encouragement to lose it on her the first time. It seems I may not have disguised my feelings well, because both times she peed after that it was in the pull-up I put on her. When asked why she didn't tell me she needed to be she said "because I peed on the floor."
I figured that persistence was the key and have kept going with the 15 minute thing, but already feel overwhelmed (Toby cries every time we go into the kitchen and he's shut out!) and want to quit. Emma tells me she does not want to use the potty because she likes her Dora diapers!
I think I may need more grace and patience with myself.
I hate dealing with this because I get so frustrated, unreasonably so. We otherwise had a great day.
We headed to the Intermediate Unit for an additional evaluation for therapy - feeding this time. I brought a plethora of snacks with me and had Emma skip breakfast so she'd be hungry.
Of course she did not want to eat when we got there! We read a book and she agreed to a bite here and there, enough to show the therapist her oral motor capabilities. Her evaluation is based on Emma being able to function independently in a school environment. She will likely qualify for around 15 minutes a month!!
Based on what the therapist said to me, I'm not sure what more they can suggest. She eats anything, and fatigues after a while so there's not much else I can do there. she did say to keep meal times to 30 minutes, but of course I'm also trying to balance calories with progress so it's a fine line.
As for drinking, not sure really what they can help with, I guess we'll have to wait and see. When I see Toby swigging down any drink he can find, I wonder if we'll ever get there with Emma. 50% of the times she swigs it is prompted and because she refuses an open cup, the amount is really tiny.
It could come down to prompting her to drink constantly, but I'm wondering how long it would take her to drink 1000ml if each swig is 1ml or less. We are already doing tube feeds of water or formula 7 times during the day. (And that makes potty training all the more interesting!!)
Just writing this I feel my blood pressure rising. I know we are not moving backwards, but I had allowed myself to think things would continue to get easier with time.
LOL, I just realized it's like the stock market!! (I spoke to someone about my 401K this week!!) It goes up and down throughout the year, but over the course of several years you should see positive growth. I'm all in!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Silver Lining
Last night Scott told me he would start working a bit later and get up with the kids today until 8am. So when the alarm went off at 6am I turned it off right away. The next thing we know we hear Emma calling me - just before 8am!!
I got to sleep in, and so did Scott!!
Proof, I believe, that it is him that wakes them up when he gets ready for work!
I got to sleep in, and so did Scott!!
Proof, I believe, that it is him that wakes them up when he gets ready for work!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Baby steps
I don't know if you're following the story of our friend Ashley and baby Rafael as closely as us, but the parallels with Emma's story are so compelling to me I want to share it!
Anyway, today was a huge day as Ashley got to hold Rafi for the very first time! His surgery went well last week and after being extubated today the delayed gratification came.
The best things are worth waiting for.
Playing catch-up
I was reminded this week that I have been a little infrequent on my postings lately! It is one of my frustrations - lack of time to sit down and write, especially with so many things going round my head. Let me bring you up to speed, starting with the stars of the show - the kids!!
Toby had his 12 month check-up this week and he is doing great. 22 lbs and 32" tall. Since his birthday I have been doing my best to bring him into the toddler realm, gently. He now uses a sippy cup 50% of the time, and can kill a whole cup of juice (diluted!) in a matter of seconds. I'm also adding whole cows milk in with the breast milk, slowly increasing the ratio to allow his belly to adjust.
While Toby shows no interest in walking holding our hands, he will push anything to walk around. The dining room chairs are rarely in their positions. In fact yesterday I found he had pushed on of the chairs aside so he could open the drawer with all my computer accessories in. Not the first time!
Toby does understand "no" and will either obey, drop to the floor and cry, or smile and carry on doing it! I have never seen so many facial expressions in one person! He cracks us up all the time. He's holding back on actual words, but he's still very verbal.
As for Emma, our "princess" as she titles herself every time she spins around the living room, She is now 27.6lbs and 34" tall. While her weight may seem low, it's a full pound more than 6 weeks ago. If she continues to gain weight like this then we can reduce her formula calories again. If her addiction to string cheese continues unabated then I expect we'll see that! I'm not kidding - Emma will eat string cheese at every meal AND snack times.
Unfortunately progress on her drinking is non-existent. Like most kids her age, she can't handle an open container and gets really anxious if we offer her one. But without traditional sippy cups or straws it's really a difficult task. We keep on with it though!
We've been so busy because I'm trying to do more with the kids in the mornings, so I feel less guilty about doing housework and stuff! We've been to the playground twice recently (more than all summer!) and of course the library. Emma continues to amaze me with her intelligence, picking up songs and concepts almost immediately.
Rocking the wagon!
Loving the swing!
Emma and Aaron
Getting stronger all the time
Can you say static?!!
Loving the swing!
Emma and Aaron
Getting stronger all the time
Can you say static?!!
Unfortunately Scott has been laid off again, and while we are hopeful it will be very short term it is also an opportunity for us to see how we have learned from the previous experiences. Gone is the panic and worry, replaced by a quiet confidence in God's provision and purposes.
Interestingly we have both been reading about the importance of setting goals, especially financial goals. This seems like a divinely appointed time to take stock and make a plan for the future. The scripture I posted earlier is just one of God's promises.
And the next few weeks don't look like they will be any quieter. Lot's of church things going on and Emma's birthday is coming up fast, I can't believe she will be turning 3. It's bittersweet to see the adorably precocious girl she's become, but slowly lose my baby girl. Ahh, she'll always be my baby girl and she knows it - that's probably why her favorite story is "I'll love you forever" or, as she calls it "baby you'll be"!
Stay tuned - coming soon:
Emma's birthday
Tobys' first words
Toby's first steps
Words to live by
"These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will sure come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Party on!
We figured that having a party for Toby on a day different than his birthday, if we also celebrated on the actual day, might mislead Emma into thinking that you get two birthdays! As a Wednesday evening is not optimal party scheduling we postponed all birthday festivities until Saturday, and what a great day it was for a party!
Nathan takes Emma for a ride in Toby's birthday gift!
Abby and Emma enjoy some lunch in the playhouse
Josiah too!
Toby perked up after nap and did not want Emma to sleep!
But all the new toys were even better than waking up his sister
Happy Birthday Toby!
Good food! (If I do say so myself!!)
Beautiful weather - we brought the food outside!
A tired, slightly under-the-weather birthday boy
Nathan takes Emma for a ride in Toby's birthday gift!
Abby and Emma enjoy some lunch in the playhouse
Josiah too!
We put Toby down for a nap while the party continued. He wasn't feeling great and didn't sleep well the night before. We let Emma stay up and play with her friends while they were still there, but once they left she was wiped out...
Toby perked up after nap and did not want Emma to sleep!
But all the new toys were even better than waking up his sister
Happy Birthday Toby!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Baby boy
This evening we finally made it to the hospital to visit Ashley's baby!! (Thanks to Christina watching the kids!)
Baby Rafael was born on Tuesday afternoon weighing a grand old 4lbs 4oz! He was 4 weeks early, and despite his small size he apparently let out a hearty cry on appearance.
Unfortunately, as doctors attempted to close his bowels in that night (which would have been awesome) they discovered part of it was damaged and they had to remove part of his intestines. Right now he is very stable and we are praying for his continued strength and healing.
Remembering all to well the craziness of those first few days I took my camera to the hospital with me and took a few pictures of the baby for Ashley. Check them out - he's a cute little fella...
I don't remember how tiny Emma was back then, but at 5lbs 12 oz, she was 2lbs bigger than Rafael is now, as he has lost some weight. He is a little peanut, but a fighter. It was great to be there and not have the same alarms ringing that Emma had, since he does not have any of the breathing issues Emma faced.
It might sound crazy, but I was looking forward to going to the NICU and visiting the nurses too. Although it was a very difficult time, as Scott pointed out, we had a positive outcome and very many blessings throughout.
It was nice to see that everyone remembered us, even after 2 1/2 years, with fondness too! Taryn, my girl, was there which was awesome and I made sure to tell them all to take care of Ashley for me! The nurses are such a huge part of the experience and I know they will love Ashley.
Funny story - one of the nurse practitioners went to Rafael's room when Scott was back there with Ashley, and having seen him with me and Emma recently remembered him. She also thought it odd he was there with another woman and thought she had some great gossip for the nurses!! Thankfully Ashley spoke up and she learned I was there too and came to say hi!
It will be a long road for this little guy, and if you would, please pray for him and his parents, as you did for Emma and us. They make a world of difference.
Baby Rafael was born on Tuesday afternoon weighing a grand old 4lbs 4oz! He was 4 weeks early, and despite his small size he apparently let out a hearty cry on appearance.
Unfortunately, as doctors attempted to close his bowels in that night (which would have been awesome) they discovered part of it was damaged and they had to remove part of his intestines. Right now he is very stable and we are praying for his continued strength and healing.
Remembering all to well the craziness of those first few days I took my camera to the hospital with me and took a few pictures of the baby for Ashley. Check them out - he's a cute little fella...
I don't remember how tiny Emma was back then, but at 5lbs 12 oz, she was 2lbs bigger than Rafael is now, as he has lost some weight. He is a little peanut, but a fighter. It was great to be there and not have the same alarms ringing that Emma had, since he does not have any of the breathing issues Emma faced.
It might sound crazy, but I was looking forward to going to the NICU and visiting the nurses too. Although it was a very difficult time, as Scott pointed out, we had a positive outcome and very many blessings throughout.
It was nice to see that everyone remembered us, even after 2 1/2 years, with fondness too! Taryn, my girl, was there which was awesome and I made sure to tell them all to take care of Ashley for me! The nurses are such a huge part of the experience and I know they will love Ashley.
Funny story - one of the nurse practitioners went to Rafael's room when Scott was back there with Ashley, and having seen him with me and Emma recently remembered him. She also thought it odd he was there with another woman and thought she had some great gossip for the nurses!! Thankfully Ashley spoke up and she learned I was there too and came to say hi!
It will be a long road for this little guy, and if you would, please pray for him and his parents, as you did for Emma and us. They make a world of difference.
A friend emailed this to me and I thought it was worth sharing...
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees... I don't feel threatened.. I don't feel discriminated against.. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu .. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay..
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben S
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees... I don't feel threatened.. I don't feel discriminated against.. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu .. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay..
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben S
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Toby Turns 1
The past year has gone really fast. Our family grew and so did the fun, love and mess!!! We are so thankful to have little Toby and today we celebrate his first birthday.
Happy Birthday Toby!
Looking back...
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Thank you Lord for this precious little boy.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Winter wardrobe
a birthday gift last year - I never thought most of her clothes would
still fit.
Full circle
My friend Ashley is in labor right now, or at least she was a few hours ago! You may recall I met Ashley just a few weeks ago through a series of divine appointments that brought our paths together. Ashley's baby boy has gastroschisis, just like Emma had, so it has been incredible that we found each other.
I can't believe it's only been a few weeks, but Ashley and I have become great friends. I have done everything I can think of to help her be ready for this next phase. And that includes being there for her while the baby is in the NICU - that endless length of time only God knows.
It was quite a strange "coincidence" that today we would also be thinking of the NICU. Emma went for an evaluation for Emma to continue therapy from 3-5 years old. (The 0-2 services end on her birthday and a different agency qualifies kids for the preschool years.) Thankfully Melissa works at the center we will go to for the next level!!
Todays evaluation was to assess her need for speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Melissa had already prepared the OT guy, and she will continue to be Emma's therapist! Emma will likely get speech too, to help her with the clarity of her speech.
Then there's PT. If you recall, she stopped having PT back in the spring. Since then I haven't given it much thought, and didn't really think about the few areas she was still struggling with, like climbing the stairs using alternating legs, or stepping up and down small steps - she puts her hands down on the floor for just a 1-2" step.
The PT evaluator was Linda. As soon as I heard the name a spark went off in the back of my head. Sure enough it was the woman who had treated Emma for PT in the NICU! I remembered she said she worked out here, and I recognized her right away.
Emma cooperated for over 90 minutes, with questions, tasks and tests. I think she actually had a great time. This was her favorite thing
The car ride home finished her off!!
It was a clearly a day to take stock of how far Emma has come since that Tuesday in November 2007. It doesn't take an expert to see how far she has come.
Just the other day I took this picture,
remembering one we took one 18 months ago...
I can't believe it's only been a few weeks, but Ashley and I have become great friends. I have done everything I can think of to help her be ready for this next phase. And that includes being there for her while the baby is in the NICU - that endless length of time only God knows.
It was quite a strange "coincidence" that today we would also be thinking of the NICU. Emma went for an evaluation for Emma to continue therapy from 3-5 years old. (The 0-2 services end on her birthday and a different agency qualifies kids for the preschool years.) Thankfully Melissa works at the center we will go to for the next level!!
Todays evaluation was to assess her need for speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Melissa had already prepared the OT guy, and she will continue to be Emma's therapist! Emma will likely get speech too, to help her with the clarity of her speech.
Then there's PT. If you recall, she stopped having PT back in the spring. Since then I haven't given it much thought, and didn't really think about the few areas she was still struggling with, like climbing the stairs using alternating legs, or stepping up and down small steps - she puts her hands down on the floor for just a 1-2" step.
The PT evaluator was Linda. As soon as I heard the name a spark went off in the back of my head. Sure enough it was the woman who had treated Emma for PT in the NICU! I remembered she said she worked out here, and I recognized her right away.
Emma cooperated for over 90 minutes, with questions, tasks and tests. I think she actually had a great time. This was her favorite thing
The car ride home finished her off!!
It was a clearly a day to take stock of how far Emma has come since that Tuesday in November 2007. It doesn't take an expert to see how far she has come.
Just the other day I took this picture,
remembering one we took one 18 months ago...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Don't ask
The other night someone from Home Depot called us and offered us a store gift card if we allowed them to come out and test the quality of our water. The condition - we both had to be there, for around an hour. I thought it would be nice to get a giftcard for Scott to his favorite store and agreed.
The guy came this afternoon. I was already regretting my decision before that, when I realized that if he told us our water was bad, I'd have a tough time using it!
One of the first things he did was have us look in the cistern at the back of the toilet and pointed out that it is the same water that comes out of our taps, and the funky stuff in there is probably lining the water pipes to our faucets. Awesome!
It was clearly a sales pitch, and we had expected that. He set up some little chemistry tests with our tap water and some of our tap water he ran through the filter system that he sells. It was as you might expect, the plain tap water was really cloudy compared to the filteredt water (mineral and rock content), had no significant amount of chlorine (explaining the orange marks from the metal content getting through) and actually an acceptable level of nitrates.
Apparently our town has a score of 5/100 for water quality, and we use no filters or bottled water.
One of the experiments showed that it took 3 drops of soap in the filtered water and a quick shake to get a head of soapy bubble and clear water. With 30 drops of soap our tap water produced almost as many bubbles, but water completely clouded with soap.
He also pitched this pH water or 'structured water' that can apparently almost eliminate free-radicals (disease-causing cells) in your body. He gave some anecdote about someone with MRSA drinking the water and healing in 3 days. (He did point out that it can not restore the pH balance in your boday after drinking one soda because it is so acidic and only one notch above battery acid - good to know!)
You'll be pleased to hear that he left without a hard sell at all and we didn't buy! I did get info and will do some research - clearly health properties are if interest when you have to pay out of pocket for doctors visits!! I was thankful Scott didn't miss work for it though, because in the two hours the guy was here Scott could have earned twice the gift card value!!
Scott's not really bothered about it, but if you know him that won't come as a surprise - not much phases him. I'm intrigued and would value any feedback from reputable sources! The company is RainSoft, and there is a bunch of complaints on line, but I'd like to hear from anyone who I can trust.
The moral to this story - be sure you are prepared to hear something you don't like if you delve to deep!! although, I don't really believe ignorance is bliss either. I could always get the water tested independently I suppose. But given all the junk we eat, why should we just worry about our water!!
The guy came this afternoon. I was already regretting my decision before that, when I realized that if he told us our water was bad, I'd have a tough time using it!
One of the first things he did was have us look in the cistern at the back of the toilet and pointed out that it is the same water that comes out of our taps, and the funky stuff in there is probably lining the water pipes to our faucets. Awesome!
It was clearly a sales pitch, and we had expected that. He set up some little chemistry tests with our tap water and some of our tap water he ran through the filter system that he sells. It was as you might expect, the plain tap water was really cloudy compared to the filteredt water (mineral and rock content), had no significant amount of chlorine (explaining the orange marks from the metal content getting through) and actually an acceptable level of nitrates.
Apparently our town has a score of 5/100 for water quality, and we use no filters or bottled water.
One of the experiments showed that it took 3 drops of soap in the filtered water and a quick shake to get a head of soapy bubble and clear water. With 30 drops of soap our tap water produced almost as many bubbles, but water completely clouded with soap.
He also pitched this pH water or 'structured water' that can apparently almost eliminate free-radicals (disease-causing cells) in your body. He gave some anecdote about someone with MRSA drinking the water and healing in 3 days. (He did point out that it can not restore the pH balance in your boday after drinking one soda because it is so acidic and only one notch above battery acid - good to know!)
You'll be pleased to hear that he left without a hard sell at all and we didn't buy! I did get info and will do some research - clearly health properties are if interest when you have to pay out of pocket for doctors visits!! I was thankful Scott didn't miss work for it though, because in the two hours the guy was here Scott could have earned twice the gift card value!!
Scott's not really bothered about it, but if you know him that won't come as a surprise - not much phases him. I'm intrigued and would value any feedback from reputable sources! The company is RainSoft, and there is a bunch of complaints on line, but I'd like to hear from anyone who I can trust.
The moral to this story - be sure you are prepared to hear something you don't like if you delve to deep!! although, I don't really believe ignorance is bliss either. I could always get the water tested independently I suppose. But given all the junk we eat, why should we just worry about our water!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Picture time
Yesterday I planned to take the kids to get their pictures done (expiring coupon!!) and invited Nanna Ellen to bring cousin Josiah too. We've never had a picture of the three of them together so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
I'm not sure what happens on the days I plan to get pictures, but for some reason Emma seems to end up with a nose issue. Last time she had this weird red mark on her nose when we got to the mall. This time after spinning in circles in the living room she fell into the [padded] ottoman and came away with a nose bleed - having found the only hard surface on it!
Despite the swollen bridge, her nose looked okay and after maniacally trying to find something appropriate for the kids to wear we left the house. Late!
All was well and we sat the 3 rambunctious children down to play on the white background. This is the first picture the photographer took:
"What? We didn't do it!"Thankfully it was a good picture because Toby promptly started crying and would not cooperate the entire rest of the session! We carried on though and got this great shot of Emma and Josiah (or Jo-si-si as Emma calls him):
I had wanted to get one of Emma and Toby together as well, but Toby was not interested!
While we waited for the ones we chose to be printed we walked around the mall. We went into the Disney Store and, being Halloween season, there was princess costumes everywhere. Emma was so excited and I am so thankful that she really doesn't object to "put it back!"
I think I'm going to get her a princess dress to wear on her birthday (which will be the day of her party, so's not to confuse the issue!) and let her be a princess for at least one day!
I think I'm going to get her a princess dress to wear on her birthday (which will be the day of her party, so's not to confuse the issue!) and let her be a princess for at least one day!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Quote of the day
Me: look Em, Toby ate all his food! (sibling rivalry is a tool to be
used as necessary!)
used as necessary!)
Emma: wow, good job Toby. You're the
(turns to me)
What is he? The best?
Me: sure.
Emma: you're the best Toby!
I forgot this one from Saturday:
Emma (to Scott): some day Daddy, I'd like to be a mermaid.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Video time
Toby takes a bottle, in the most interesting of positions...
On Monday nurse Nichole came to visit Emma since she missed her last shift. She bought Emma a Dora coloring book and a set of Dora jewelery (modeled here). Emma, and Toby enjoy it - Toby for the taste!!
We're not sure where she learned it so well!
On Monday nurse Nichole came to visit Emma since she missed her last shift. She bought Emma a Dora coloring book and a set of Dora jewelery (modeled here). Emma, and Toby enjoy it - Toby for the taste!!
Emma loves the Fresh Beat Band and I took this video to send in for the bit where they show kids doing their dances...
On Monday night I was praying with Emma when she started singing. I thought she was starting on our nightly playlist and started to get annoyed, when I stopped to listen to what she was singing. She repeated it for us at dinner last night...
We're not sure where she learned it so well!
Then we moved on in her repertoire to 'Naptime' (Yo Gabba Gabba) and 'Brother John'...
Yo Gabba Gabba has given us great songs like 'Try it, you might like it' and 'You've got to wait in line' that really work when your kid wants to do the opposite. I'm a big fan! Last night Emma didn't want to eat the chocolate ice-cream but after she tried it she sang "I tried it, and now I like it!"
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Live with it
It was a tough decision, and it's going to take some adjusting!!
On Saturday and Sunday nights Emma slept soundly through the night - although she did wake up before 6 both mornings! Previously the nurse would be there to quiet her back to sleep, or she would pretend until they left. Not anymore.
The problem really lies with me. For a long time I was able to go to bed and not worry about Emma at all. The first couple of nights I was so anxious I couldn't sleep even when Emma did.
Last night, after a long day I went for an easy solution - I plugged the pulse-ox in!! I was a little worried as Emma was really sweaty and that was a big symptom of apnea. And it worked - I fell asleep pretty easily.
Around 1.30am I heard "MUMMY" several times at a high volume and leapt into action. The emergency - she needed her blanket pulled up! The same at 5am.
Scott reminded me this morning that she has had the nurses take care of every little detail for as long as she can remember. I'm going to have to undo all the spoiling they did. Just one thing I did not expect!
Despite that I am doing better today. Yesterday I was wound up like a coiled spring - you know the feeling, when another driver cuts in front of you or some other gross (in your mind at least) injustice! That's how i get when I am very tired.
But today, better. We went to the library and met our friends there, and Emma is really enjoying the social time we have, often joining with other kids and/or parents! Gives me chance to talk to other moms and watch my little social butterfly.
I have to figure out when in all of this I am going to start potty training - oh yes, I have let that one slide. And somehow I have to try and diet on top of it, since my primary way of burning calories (pumping) will be ending soon and I can not keep eating this much. Maybe I will be less hungry when I stop?!
For now my magic fix is a can of diet coke. Diet, so I don't add to my calories. Coke, because that is all the caffeine it takes to give me energy for several hours! I try not to abuse it though, since the only reason the caffeine works in such small doses is because I have barely touched it in 3 years.
On Saturday and Sunday nights Emma slept soundly through the night - although she did wake up before 6 both mornings! Previously the nurse would be there to quiet her back to sleep, or she would pretend until they left. Not anymore.
The problem really lies with me. For a long time I was able to go to bed and not worry about Emma at all. The first couple of nights I was so anxious I couldn't sleep even when Emma did.
Last night, after a long day I went for an easy solution - I plugged the pulse-ox in!! I was a little worried as Emma was really sweaty and that was a big symptom of apnea. And it worked - I fell asleep pretty easily.
Around 1.30am I heard "MUMMY" several times at a high volume and leapt into action. The emergency - she needed her blanket pulled up! The same at 5am.
Scott reminded me this morning that she has had the nurses take care of every little detail for as long as she can remember. I'm going to have to undo all the spoiling they did. Just one thing I did not expect!
Despite that I am doing better today. Yesterday I was wound up like a coiled spring - you know the feeling, when another driver cuts in front of you or some other gross (in your mind at least) injustice! That's how i get when I am very tired.
But today, better. We went to the library and met our friends there, and Emma is really enjoying the social time we have, often joining with other kids and/or parents! Gives me chance to talk to other moms and watch my little social butterfly.
I have to figure out when in all of this I am going to start potty training - oh yes, I have let that one slide. And somehow I have to try and diet on top of it, since my primary way of burning calories (pumping) will be ending soon and I can not keep eating this much. Maybe I will be less hungry when I stop?!
For now my magic fix is a can of diet coke. Diet, so I don't add to my calories. Coke, because that is all the caffeine it takes to give me energy for several hours! I try not to abuse it though, since the only reason the caffeine works in such small doses is because I have barely touched it in 3 years.
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