We are supposed to be in Hershey, PA right now enjoying a holiday getaway. Unfortunately, Adeline woke up last night with a pronounced cough and an unknown source of pain. We were up and down with her all night. She eventually, vomitted numerous times.
As she was laying on Alex's chest crying in our bed, all I could think of was our canceled vacation. How disappointed Savannah would be! I wondered, "Will she perk up in the morning? She didn't have a fever." But then her prematurity snuck in and brought everything into focus. No we weren't going to go because she has compromised lungs that can go from bad to worse in a heartbeat. Just because she is happy one minute doesn't mean she won't have a 105 fever and satting 87 the next. It is cold and rainy and no matter how much I bundle this child, I can't bundle her lungs. Heat comes from the inside and child must be active if going to stay warm. Hanging in a stroller listless isn't going do it. If she were a "normal" kid I think we would have considered going a little more strongly. Regardless, sick kids need to be in their home. This was one of those times when I wasn't just thinking about the sick kid but all the team members involved. It was hard to unpack the freshly packed car and suitcases.
Everything ended up working out. Adeline stayed asleep in our bed until much after 9:00 a.m. which proved she need the rest. The weather was really bad and all Savannah wanted to do, after getting over the initial disappointment, was decorate the tree. Decorate we did!
Adeline seems to be fine, of course. It took her until after her nap to perk up but this evening she was back to her old self. Let's hope she doesn't wake up again tonight.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Kickin' off the Holiday Season
It is officially Christmas around here. Our lights are hung, decorations up and Christmas PJ's on. In case you haven't quiet gotten into the spirit. . .
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Images from our Thanksgiving
Here are few pictures of our quiet day at home. Savannah made her first pumpkin pie and the girls really enjoyed eating it - even the Belle. The girls also had fun making a turkey on the front door. Savannah is always begging for a craft and cutting feathers was about all I could come up with. Finally, here is a slide show of Thanksgiving through Savannah's lens.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
We are spending a quiet day at home. Although we would like to be surrounded by family, we are happy to enjoy the calm and quiet that this day brings our family. We have never done the big Thanksgiving but instead use the day to take a deep breath before the madness of the holidays begins. Because we don't have a "to do list" a mile long, we are able to reflect on this year's blessings. We hope that you are able to do the same no matter where you are.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Videos of Miss Grace
This video catches Lila's first observation of the snow. Although her speech is hard to understand I was able to glean "Snow, Uh-Oh, Daddy." She is looking at the BBQ which she mostly likely associates with daddy. Clearly, she thinks that Daddy isn't going to be pleased with a snow covered BBQ.
Just so you know, Savannah wasn't putting on a concerned and comforting act for the camera. You can hear her throughout the video telling Lila that it is okay. She is so sweet with her sisters.
Here is a video of Lila doing her routine climbing into the high chair. She didn't have shoes on which makes it harder for her. If you listen carefully, she says, "Yaya eat." Yaya is what she calls Adeline and I think she telling me that she is going to eat in Adeline's high chair since that is the one she crawled into. At the end of the video you can hear her say, "Yaya" as she points to her high chair indicating that Adeline should sit in hers.
Just so you know, Savannah wasn't putting on a concerned and comforting act for the camera. You can hear her throughout the video telling Lila that it is okay. She is so sweet with her sisters.
Here is a video of Lila doing her routine climbing into the high chair. She didn't have shoes on which makes it harder for her. If you listen carefully, she says, "Yaya eat." Yaya is what she calls Adeline and I think she telling me that she is going to eat in Adeline's high chair since that is the one she crawled into. At the end of the video you can hear her say, "Yaya" as she points to her high chair indicating that Adeline should sit in hers.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Adeline's Developmental Evaluation
Our week came to a close with Adeline's appointment with Dr. Bernbaum. We woke up yesterday to a few inches of snow which I found enjoyable and uplifting. Was it a sign for good things to come? There was no denying that this day was enveloped by mixed emotions. I should have been putting together the girls' second birthday party instead of taking Adeline to a doctor who is supposedly going to tell me if she is going to be normal. It was, in fact, their due date.
After dropping my other kids with good friends, Adeline and I headed out. When we arrived we were told that one of the doctors was late and were asked to get the physical exam out of the way while we waited. Immediately upon entering the exam room Adeline started crying. Yes, she knows all too well that nothing good is going to come from her getting up on that table. I requested that we leave the room to keep her fresh and happy for the multiple tasks she would soon be requested to perform for the developmental assessment.
Soon, Adeline was in the testing chair and pointing to pictures and body parts, taking pegs in and out, stringing beads and stacking blocks. She was just as feisty as Lila Grace was two weeks before. Often she shoved things back at the doctor saying, "Thank you," and "All done." She put her head off to the side and said, "night night." (good pretend play I might add). Anyway, she did really well when she wanted to and was very frustrating at other times. She refused to say and point to objects that she knows and was obsessed with the clock on the wall saying, "Clock, tick tock" every two minutes. I was sweaty and tired by the end of it and Adeline was too. We waited a long twenty minutes while the test was scored.
I was pleasantly surprised when the doctor said she was very pleased with Adeline and surprised by her "successful outcome." That is about as positive as this doctor appears. There is no, "Wow, she was a one pound baby and shows no signs of anything but a "normal" outcome." She proceeded to tell us that Adeline can be looked at two different ways. If her age is adjusted she is exactly two and falls under the "normal umbrella" but is at the low end of the range. If her age is not adjusted she is "mildly delayed." I was shocked that it wasn't a moderate delay. Mild is not something I often hear when referring to the Belle. I was more than pleased and proceeded to asked questions about the future based upon these results. The doctor was reluctant to give predictions but saw no reason why she wouldn't continue to thrive in a mainstream environment. She specifically said that Adeline belongs in a mainstream classroom now and most likely forever. Her rate of closing the gap has accelerated and is expected to continue to do so. Who knows when it will close but it looks like there is an expectation for it close which is a comfort. I had previously envisioned her in a special needs preschool and mainstreamed into Kindergarten with plenty of additional learning support. Come to find out, she should continue preschool in mainstream environment and all of the services we have now and all that I thought we would need in the future is likely to decrease significantly.
I can't quite put into words how wonderful it was to hear this positive evaluation of Adeline. I was prepared for much worse. I must say, I recognize that this doctor does not have the final say on Adeline and doesn't have a clear picture of all of her issues. I am still prepared for anything on down the road. I do, however, believe that it was an accurate evaluation of the here and now. I went in thinking that Adeline was about six months behind. When looking at all of the domains of development, Adeline presented anywhere from 19 months to 21 months old. I'll take it with a smile. I am also pleased that her delays are global. I feel that as long as she continues to develop as a whole at the same rate, she is less likely to have large deficits later on. Specifically, as long as things are developing together, she is less likely to receive a diagnosis or be cognitively impaired on down the road. That is just my own take on the situation. IQ testing begins at five that is when we will know for sure is she is out of the woods for mental retardation. According this doctor, she shows no signs right now.
It impossible to express how much I love this girl. She is pure, wise and determined. She has made me ten times the person I was before I carried her for a mere 27 weeks. She teaches me that faith, hope and love are what enriches your everyday.
She is my stress yet she is my peace.
She is my worry yet she is my comfort.
She is still so small yet she is larger than life.
She is a miracle!
I captured some synchronized dancing last night and thought it would be appropriate to post. This is what the girls look like on what should have been their second birthday.
After dropping my other kids with good friends, Adeline and I headed out. When we arrived we were told that one of the doctors was late and were asked to get the physical exam out of the way while we waited. Immediately upon entering the exam room Adeline started crying. Yes, she knows all too well that nothing good is going to come from her getting up on that table. I requested that we leave the room to keep her fresh and happy for the multiple tasks she would soon be requested to perform for the developmental assessment.
Soon, Adeline was in the testing chair and pointing to pictures and body parts, taking pegs in and out, stringing beads and stacking blocks. She was just as feisty as Lila Grace was two weeks before. Often she shoved things back at the doctor saying, "Thank you," and "All done." She put her head off to the side and said, "night night." (good pretend play I might add). Anyway, she did really well when she wanted to and was very frustrating at other times. She refused to say and point to objects that she knows and was obsessed with the clock on the wall saying, "Clock, tick tock" every two minutes. I was sweaty and tired by the end of it and Adeline was too. We waited a long twenty minutes while the test was scored.
I was pleasantly surprised when the doctor said she was very pleased with Adeline and surprised by her "successful outcome." That is about as positive as this doctor appears. There is no, "Wow, she was a one pound baby and shows no signs of anything but a "normal" outcome." She proceeded to tell us that Adeline can be looked at two different ways. If her age is adjusted she is exactly two and falls under the "normal umbrella" but is at the low end of the range. If her age is not adjusted she is "mildly delayed." I was shocked that it wasn't a moderate delay. Mild is not something I often hear when referring to the Belle. I was more than pleased and proceeded to asked questions about the future based upon these results. The doctor was reluctant to give predictions but saw no reason why she wouldn't continue to thrive in a mainstream environment. She specifically said that Adeline belongs in a mainstream classroom now and most likely forever. Her rate of closing the gap has accelerated and is expected to continue to do so. Who knows when it will close but it looks like there is an expectation for it close which is a comfort. I had previously envisioned her in a special needs preschool and mainstreamed into Kindergarten with plenty of additional learning support. Come to find out, she should continue preschool in mainstream environment and all of the services we have now and all that I thought we would need in the future is likely to decrease significantly.
I can't quite put into words how wonderful it was to hear this positive evaluation of Adeline. I was prepared for much worse. I must say, I recognize that this doctor does not have the final say on Adeline and doesn't have a clear picture of all of her issues. I am still prepared for anything on down the road. I do, however, believe that it was an accurate evaluation of the here and now. I went in thinking that Adeline was about six months behind. When looking at all of the domains of development, Adeline presented anywhere from 19 months to 21 months old. I'll take it with a smile. I am also pleased that her delays are global. I feel that as long as she continues to develop as a whole at the same rate, she is less likely to have large deficits later on. Specifically, as long as things are developing together, she is less likely to receive a diagnosis or be cognitively impaired on down the road. That is just my own take on the situation. IQ testing begins at five that is when we will know for sure is she is out of the woods for mental retardation. According this doctor, she shows no signs right now.
It impossible to express how much I love this girl. She is pure, wise and determined. She has made me ten times the person I was before I carried her for a mere 27 weeks. She teaches me that faith, hope and love are what enriches your everyday.
She is my stress yet she is my peace.
She is my worry yet she is my comfort.
She is still so small yet she is larger than life.
She is a miracle!
I captured some synchronized dancing last night and thought it would be appropriate to post. This is what the girls look like on what should have been their second birthday.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Better, Thank Goodness
I just want to say thank you for all of the well wishes and support from many of you. I was terrified that this virus would hold on for days and that I would eventually get it. Good news! All my girls are on the mend and I am still going strong. Appetites are still off but mine would be too if I puked nonstop for a day. 
I went downstairs to get Adeline's bottle before bedtime and found this. I raced to get the camera and ended up taking blurry pictures. The "idea" was captured. Savannah was sitting on the floor and both sisters and joined her for Savannah's version of "The Very Lonely Firefly." It was quite sweet. She then proceeded to put "her" baby to bed. I guess I get Adeline while she takes Lila Grace. I find it amusing that Lila will do just about anything when Savannah is pretending to take care of her. When I take care of her she is very contrary.
We are on the eve of Dr. Bernbaum and I am nervous. I pray that Adeline is full strength tomorrow and shows them what she can do. My nerves were lessened when I got a wonderful report from her physical therapist today. Her physical therapist went to school with her and was astounded at how well Adeline "hung" with the rest of the class. She is doing so well. She stands up for herself when someone takes her toy, she assesses her environment before acting and, most surprisingly, sat in her chair for snack and tried to do the motions to their "grace." This was only her second day there and she was already catching on to the snack routine. I am so proud of her.
I went downstairs to get Adeline's bottle before bedtime and found this. I raced to get the camera and ended up taking blurry pictures. The "idea" was captured. Savannah was sitting on the floor and both sisters and joined her for Savannah's version of "The Very Lonely Firefly." It was quite sweet. She then proceeded to put "her" baby to bed. I guess I get Adeline while she takes Lila Grace. I find it amusing that Lila will do just about anything when Savannah is pretending to take care of her. When I take care of her she is very contrary.
We are on the eve of Dr. Bernbaum and I am nervous. I pray that Adeline is full strength tomorrow and shows them what she can do. My nerves were lessened when I got a wonderful report from her physical therapist today. Her physical therapist went to school with her and was astounded at how well Adeline "hung" with the rest of the class. She is doing so well. She stands up for herself when someone takes her toy, she assesses her environment before acting and, most surprisingly, sat in her chair for snack and tried to do the motions to their "grace." This was only her second day there and she was already catching on to the snack routine. I am so proud of her.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Adding it up
Three girls puking in one day
One girl blowing out her diaper twice
Three beds stripped and washed
Two re-made bed(thank goodness the Belle slept in our room and spared her own crib)
Two Baths
Six loads of puked on bedding and clothes
Two wonderful friends delivered Pedialite
At least 20 rounds of puke
Lots of tears
I am exhausted, my girls are exhausted and we all need relief.
One girl blowing out her diaper twice
Three beds stripped and washed
Two re-made bed(thank goodness the Belle slept in our room and spared her own crib)
Two Baths
Six loads of puked on bedding and clothes
Two wonderful friends delivered Pedialite
At least 20 rounds of puke
Lots of tears
I am exhausted, my girls are exhausted and we all need relief.
Sick Round One
This is our first official sickness of the season. By the looks of the weather, it is appropriate. I don't count runny noses because having the twins in the babysitting room at the YMCA and Savannah at preschool is a guarantee that all girls will be congested from time to time.
Last night, Adeline started vomiting at 8:00 p.m. and didn't stop until 10:30. She most likely threw up 10 times during that time period. What was odd, is that she was in a spectacular mood and so happy to have her mommy and daddy all to herself. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case this morning. She has continued to puke and is fussy and needy.
Alex left for TX this morning at 3:30 a.m. and Savannah was in my bathroom puking by 4:15. Not a great way to start the morning. She was pretty steady, every hour on the hour. The only positive I can find in this, is that she has graduated to independent puking. She has made it to the toilet every time except once. So much better than having to clean the bed, couch and carpet.
The timing of this really stinks. I guess there is never a good time to be sick but why can't the girls do it while daddy is around? Yes, he was elbow deep in puke last night and was bit cranky about it but I stepped back knowing that I would be doing it all on my own for the next few days. Weighting more heavily on me, is Adeline's developmental follow up appointment with Dr. Bernbaum on Friday. Last time she was seen she had a 102 fever and this appointment looks like it might be in the midst of a sickness too. I really want her to be 100% during this visit.
For now, I am going to assume the girls have Rotavirus. They have had it before and it is nasty. Without going into too much detail, Lila's diaper seals the deal for me. Looks like Rotavirus, smells like Rotavirus - must be Rotavirus. Although it is usually accompanied by just diarrhea, my girls like to violently puke when they have it. I am sure Lila will start puking at any minute. Hopefully, now that they older they will be able to power through and turn the corner much quicker than they did when they were one.
Just for the record, I give it up to single moms. I don't know how they deal with multiple sick kids and the fear that they themselves will get the illness and be out of commission.
Savannah tried hard to rally and play with her Fisher Price Nativity Scene. It didn't last long as she fell asleep on the office floor.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Braces at Night
Adeline has been fitted for her nighttime braces. She is expected to wear them each night. The idea is that they will hold her foot in a position that will stretch her calves during her sleep. Over time her calves have become tight and her heal cords have tightened as well. All are a sign of Cerebral Palsy but we are forging ahead in hopes of escaping the diagnosis.
For her first night wearing her braces we were expecting a fit, lots of crying and restless night of sleep. I even plugged in the monitor so that her soft cry would wake us should she wake up during the night. Surprisingly, she let me put them on her awake and went down without much of a fight. She was up pretty late that night which helped in her willingness to go down without fighting her braces. Even more surprising was that she slept through the night and even later than usual into the morning.
She still has some learning to do. She doesn't think she can walk in these or get up to a standing position. They aren't made to wear outside of the crib but at age two, there is a lot of activity that goes on in the crib. I felt a bit sorry for her when I went into get her. She usually greets me standing up and jumping and instead was laying flat on her back waiting for me to pick her up.
So for the only problem has been a blister that developed on the outside of her heel. These braces are meant to go over PJ's but I sleep her in a footed pair which makes it hard. We might have to play around a bit to find the right combination of warmth and comfort when it comes to pajamas.
Let's hope night number two goes as well as the first night did.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
First Day of School for Miss Belle
I use the term "school" VERY loosely as I don't believe two year olds belong in a structured school setting. This certainly isn't a classroom but a playgroup with a few structured activities. When it comes to the Belle school seems appropriate. Why? Her therapists, along with myself have many question marks when it comes to Adeline. Does she really understand? Is processing and sensory issues getting in her way of carrying out a request? Does she process peer pressure (following along the other children)? Is she listening and not processing or does she just not listen?
In order to shake some of these issues out, we collectively decided to put her in a group setting one day week. When Savannah was asked by a neighbor why Adeline is going to school and not Lila, she responded, "We are trying to see if she will become a better listener? (Lila can listen just fine when she wants too.) We are hoping that Adeline will become familiar with the group and listen to her teacher's requests, follow the group and fit in nicely. It is a tall order but a great environment for her to either sink or swim. Let's pray she swims.
About her class:
Adeline is by far the youngest in her class. Her birthday of August (which is really November by skill levels and adjusted age) doesn't make the June cut off. There are many kids getting ready to turn three in a few months while she is just getting used to two. She is by far the smallest but she doesn't standout that way. I just did a quick scan of the room and noted it. I don't think anyone else would see it. She is not as physically able as the other kids. However, she is social with both the children and the teachers (we did a trial run a few weeks ago). There are six other children in the class and two teachers. A great ratio.
Today she dropped off nicely and told me goodbye. She went with the teacher happily. Upon pickup I was told she did great and that she likes to climb. I am not sure what that means but from my experience, she likes to climb up my legs and onto chairs. I was told she imitated the other kids at snack time by banging on the table and that she ate her goldfish but wouldn't drink out of a cup. I realized that she is probably the only kid in there still on a bottle. Adeline still won't take the cup. There are lots of things I will need to explain as time goes on.
The moment she saw me at pickup she said in very loud voice, "Bye Bye," and ran to me. She seemed happy. Let's just hope she swims!!
In order to shake some of these issues out, we collectively decided to put her in a group setting one day week. When Savannah was asked by a neighbor why Adeline is going to school and not Lila, she responded, "We are trying to see if she will become a better listener? (Lila can listen just fine when she wants too.) We are hoping that Adeline will become familiar with the group and listen to her teacher's requests, follow the group and fit in nicely. It is a tall order but a great environment for her to either sink or swim. Let's pray she swims.
About her class:
Adeline is by far the youngest in her class. Her birthday of August (which is really November by skill levels and adjusted age) doesn't make the June cut off. There are many kids getting ready to turn three in a few months while she is just getting used to two. She is by far the smallest but she doesn't standout that way. I just did a quick scan of the room and noted it. I don't think anyone else would see it. She is not as physically able as the other kids. However, she is social with both the children and the teachers (we did a trial run a few weeks ago). There are six other children in the class and two teachers. A great ratio.
Today she dropped off nicely and told me goodbye. She went with the teacher happily. Upon pickup I was told she did great and that she likes to climb. I am not sure what that means but from my experience, she likes to climb up my legs and onto chairs. I was told she imitated the other kids at snack time by banging on the table and that she ate her goldfish but wouldn't drink out of a cup. I realized that she is probably the only kid in there still on a bottle. Adeline still won't take the cup. There are lots of things I will need to explain as time goes on.
The moment she saw me at pickup she said in very loud voice, "Bye Bye," and ran to me. She seemed happy. Let's just hope she swims!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
National Prematurity Awareness Day
I had hopes of writing something profound that would give a new found spin on prematurity so that others might see that it is widespread and serious. There seems to be a spotlight on various types of cancers but prematurity still sits in the shadows. It is real. I have lived it. My girls fought through it and one is still fighting. Prematurity is not a simple NICU stay. It doesn't necessarily go away. Some babies are lucky and leave it behind. Some have to factor their prematurity into their everyday lives. Some babies never even get the chance. Regardless of the outcome, the families are forever changed.
I revisited our NICU stay by watching our You Tube video. I am in awe that both of my girls lived. The odds were stacked against them. Two years later, I am still trying to digest the magnitude of this miracle. I am also trying to digest what I would be like today if the outcome had been less favorable. Too many parents are sitting at home grieving for their babies that didn't win the fight.
For more information about prematurity on a national level you can visit the March of Dimes website. They ask for you to sign their petition in support of their many efforts to save premature babies and prevent early births. Please take a moment and sign your name. I know my girls wouldn't be here had it not been for the efforts of the March of Dimes.
I revisited our NICU stay by watching our You Tube video. I am in awe that both of my girls lived. The odds were stacked against them. Two years later, I am still trying to digest the magnitude of this miracle. I am also trying to digest what I would be like today if the outcome had been less favorable. Too many parents are sitting at home grieving for their babies that didn't win the fight.
For more information about prematurity on a national level you can visit the March of Dimes website. They ask for you to sign their petition in support of their many efforts to save premature babies and prevent early births. Please take a moment and sign your name. I know my girls wouldn't be here had it not been for the efforts of the March of Dimes.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Naps No More
Of course that only applies to my oldest. I would be beside myself if the twins didn't take their 3 hours nap in the afternoon.
Instead of napping, Savannah tries hard to entertain herself during the our quiet afternoons. I am usally working on photography of sorts while she roams around in her make believe world. Today, she stolled into the office looking like this.
I must mention that there are days that she naps. They just must include a napping mommy as well. We call it our "Napping house, where everyone is sleeping." (a must have book for kids 4 and under)
Instead of napping, Savannah tries hard to entertain herself during the our quiet afternoons. I am usally working on photography of sorts while she roams around in her make believe world. Today, she stolled into the office looking like this.
I must mention that there are days that she naps. They just must include a napping mommy as well. We call it our "Napping house, where everyone is sleeping." (a must have book for kids 4 and under)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Couple of New Experiences
The girls wanted to have a sleepover this weekend. I guess I should say, the big girl did. She seems to think that the twins have a sleepover without her because they are in the same room. She has asked over and over again to join them in their room. Surprisingly, Daddy gave in on a night when I was working. He had put the girls down and after reading Savannah stories, gave in to her request of a sleepover. Out the blowup bed came down Savannah went on her sister's floor.
They slept fine and the twins didn't wake up to the commotion of getting Savannah settled. Unfortunately, I had someone at my bedside at 6:50 a.m. stating, "Lila's thirsty Mommy." No one in this house is awake at 6:50, let alone thirsty. I think Savannah woke up early and decided to have her sisters join her. She claims she didn't wake them though. We ended up pulling Savannah in our bed and told the girls to lay back down. Thankfully, we were able to squeak another hour of sleep out them. Not sure if any of the girls slept, but the parents did.
On a completely different note, I let the girls try a lollipop last night after dinner. Many of therapist have wanted to start this. It helps oral motor development and brings down the oversensitivity in their mouths. I am not a fan of giving small kids candy, chips, and soda etc. They have the rest of their lives to dive into the junk foods. I gave in last night in hopes that Adeline would start to move her mouth around in new ways.
The verdict, Lila loved her lollipop but tried to bite it. My biggest fear. Adeline didn't really like hers. She tried it out for awhile but than began touching it with her fingers etc. which completely grosses me out. Way too much stick for me. In the end, she decided eating the wrapper was better than the eating the lollipop anyway. I think I am going to stick with my gut and keep them off of candy until at least three.
They slept fine and the twins didn't wake up to the commotion of getting Savannah settled. Unfortunately, I had someone at my bedside at 6:50 a.m. stating, "Lila's thirsty Mommy." No one in this house is awake at 6:50, let alone thirsty. I think Savannah woke up early and decided to have her sisters join her. She claims she didn't wake them though. We ended up pulling Savannah in our bed and told the girls to lay back down. Thankfully, we were able to squeak another hour of sleep out them. Not sure if any of the girls slept, but the parents did.
On a completely different note, I let the girls try a lollipop last night after dinner. Many of therapist have wanted to start this. It helps oral motor development and brings down the oversensitivity in their mouths. I am not a fan of giving small kids candy, chips, and soda etc. They have the rest of their lives to dive into the junk foods. I gave in last night in hopes that Adeline would start to move her mouth around in new ways.
The verdict, Lila loved her lollipop but tried to bite it. My biggest fear. Adeline didn't really like hers. She tried it out for awhile but than began touching it with her fingers etc. which completely grosses me out. Way too much stick for me. In the end, she decided eating the wrapper was better than the eating the lollipop anyway. I think I am going to stick with my gut and keep them off of candy until at least three.
Developmental Follow Up (again)
We have our developmental follow up appointments for the girls this month. When we began going to these appointments, we were desperate for the doctors to look at our girls and say, "Yes, they are going to be normal." Of course they didn't say that because it was way too early to tell. I have finally come to terms with that answer as I know that many things are still to early or to really assess or diagnose. At this point in time, we go to these appointments and recognize that it is a snapshot in time, the girls are two (terrible and terrific wrapped up in one) and the doctors don't know our girls and can't get a full read on them seeing them once every six months. It doesn't mean that we don't receive an educated assessment but I recognize that there are so many variables that come into play when the girls are being assessed and the tool being used does not account for these factors. It goes back to the qualitative vs. quantitative data argument. Which produces stronger data in this situation is up to the eye of the beholder. I believe in a little bit of both.
We chose for the girls to have separate appointments and Lila's was first. Adeline doesn't go for another two weeks. For this appointment, Lila sat at a table for two hours and was asked to point to pictures, hand blue ducks, feed babies, stack blocks, point out body parts etc. for the entire time. She isn't one to do things that aren't on her terms and the second hour was extremely challenging. She would hand things back to the doctor and say, "Thank you, all done." Unfortunately, she didn't get a say and I had to beg and plead with her to do some of the tasks. Many times I wasn't successful and just cringed, knowing that she could complete the task perfectly if she wanted to. After the two hours was over, we waited for 15 minutes for an evaluation of her cognition, speech and fine motor skills. I was really scared that she was going to score low because of her behavior. The verdict: NORMAL!! Ahead of her adjusted age (no need to adjust any longer and we haven't been for awhile anyway) and on target for two and two months. She was even ahead in some areas. I didn't get a detailed analysis which is different from times in the past. Basically, they were impressed with her skills and communciation and couldn't believe she would sit in timeout. How many times did I hear about that which was kind of odd due to the fact that it wasn't an assessment of my parenting skills. (Is it really that abnormal for kids to sit in timeout at two.) After debriefing the aforementioned skills, Lila had to move on to her physical exam and gross motor assessment. This meant people were going to touch her and that puts her into hysterics. Scream she did and jump she did not. This is a girl that mastered gross motor movements early on but wouldn't demonstrate her skills. I guess it was okay because she checked out normal anyway.
We are proud of Miss Grace and realize her road hasn't been easy but has always been perceived that way because of her twin. Many babies born without steroids and under two pounds don't survive. Survive she did and normal she is!! Call it mother's intuition or a sixth sense but I have always thought she was on target and moving onto to being a regular toddler. She has quickly left the road of prematurity behind. There hasn't been a hospitalization, an illness other than cold or ear infection or significant delay in development. Oddly enough, she is ahead of where Savannah was at this age in some areas and has been more healthy than Savannah was at two.
Way to go Miss Grace. I love you and admire your strength and determination.
Lila's homecoming - November 2006
Miss Grace now - as feisty as any other two year old around!
We chose for the girls to have separate appointments and Lila's was first. Adeline doesn't go for another two weeks. For this appointment, Lila sat at a table for two hours and was asked to point to pictures, hand blue ducks, feed babies, stack blocks, point out body parts etc. for the entire time. She isn't one to do things that aren't on her terms and the second hour was extremely challenging. She would hand things back to the doctor and say, "Thank you, all done." Unfortunately, she didn't get a say and I had to beg and plead with her to do some of the tasks. Many times I wasn't successful and just cringed, knowing that she could complete the task perfectly if she wanted to. After the two hours was over, we waited for 15 minutes for an evaluation of her cognition, speech and fine motor skills. I was really scared that she was going to score low because of her behavior. The verdict: NORMAL!! Ahead of her adjusted age (no need to adjust any longer and we haven't been for awhile anyway) and on target for two and two months. She was even ahead in some areas. I didn't get a detailed analysis which is different from times in the past. Basically, they were impressed with her skills and communciation and couldn't believe she would sit in timeout. How many times did I hear about that which was kind of odd due to the fact that it wasn't an assessment of my parenting skills. (Is it really that abnormal for kids to sit in timeout at two.) After debriefing the aforementioned skills, Lila had to move on to her physical exam and gross motor assessment. This meant people were going to touch her and that puts her into hysterics. Scream she did and jump she did not. This is a girl that mastered gross motor movements early on but wouldn't demonstrate her skills. I guess it was okay because she checked out normal anyway.
We are proud of Miss Grace and realize her road hasn't been easy but has always been perceived that way because of her twin. Many babies born without steroids and under two pounds don't survive. Survive she did and normal she is!! Call it mother's intuition or a sixth sense but I have always thought she was on target and moving onto to being a regular toddler. She has quickly left the road of prematurity behind. There hasn't been a hospitalization, an illness other than cold or ear infection or significant delay in development. Oddly enough, she is ahead of where Savannah was at this age in some areas and has been more healthy than Savannah was at two.
Way to go Miss Grace. I love you and admire your strength and determination.
Lila's homecoming - November 2006
Miss Grace now - as feisty as any other two year old around!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I Cast My Vote
After standing in the rain for 1.5 hours (they eventually moved us inside) and running around after three very good, yet active girls, I cast my vote. I knew the lines were going to be long but I didn't expect that I would wait well over an hour. Luckily, I scheduled Adeline's speech therapist to join us which provided me with another set of hands and Adeline with lots to keep her busy. All girls ate a good lunch in the stroller and then seemed to occupy themselves while we stood and waited. Lila Grace was on her best behavior and come nap time, hopped in her stroller and snuggled Bunny. Savannah was lucky and joined me in the actual polling room. I left the large stroller and twins with Miss Ruby in the lobby. The polling room was quite warm and very small. Leaving the girls with Ruby was an excellent choice.
I planned to bring a camera and take a picture of the line (I knew it would be long and that Savannah will remember it next year and so forth) but of course I forgot it. I enjoyed carrying out my civic duty with my three girls in tow. It is nice to be in a swing state where I really feel my vote counts. Can't say Texas has any swinging in its future.
I planned to bring a camera and take a picture of the line (I knew it would be long and that Savannah will remember it next year and so forth) but of course I forgot it. I enjoyed carrying out my civic duty with my three girls in tow. It is nice to be in a swing state where I really feel my vote counts. Can't say Texas has any swinging in its future.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Twin Speak
I have often heard mothers of twins say that their twins developed a sort of twin speak. I am pretty sure we aren't mirroring that development because of the girls and their very different levels of development, especially when it comes to speech. It is only recently that Adeline is acquiring words by the day and trying to spontaneously repeat what is said.
I have noticed that the girls are developing their own sort of twin speak. Today, Adeline grabbed my glasses off of my night stand and handed them to me saying, "tank ooo ga ga." Translation - thank you. Well, it is Lila's version of "thank you." Ever since Lila Grace could hand us something and verbalize she would say, "tank ooo ga ga." I realize that I am the one who should be saying, "thank you" but it has always been mixed up with the girls. It was interesting to hear Adeline spontaneously use her twin's version of thank you. She also uses Lila's version of "open please" and "no." Not quite twin speak but something pretty close. It makes me smile for many reasons but mainly because it is indicative of their twinship.
I have noticed that the girls are developing their own sort of twin speak. Today, Adeline grabbed my glasses off of my night stand and handed them to me saying, "tank ooo ga ga." Translation - thank you. Well, it is Lila's version of "thank you." Ever since Lila Grace could hand us something and verbalize she would say, "tank ooo ga ga." I realize that I am the one who should be saying, "thank you" but it has always been mixed up with the girls. It was interesting to hear Adeline spontaneously use her twin's version of thank you. She also uses Lila's version of "open please" and "no." Not quite twin speak but something pretty close. It makes me smile for many reasons but mainly because it is indicative of their twinship.
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