Miss Cynthia Returns

In case anyone was wondering if we miss our EI therapists, the answer is YES. We were treated with a visit from Miss Cynthia and her son today. For the half an hour before she arrived the girls were going nuts. Opening and shutting the door, Adeline was growling, "I play Cynthia" and Lila was in time out for some form of inappropriate behavior. I had to pull out the video camera once Adeline started to hang out of the door. She is hard to understand but her enthusiasm isn't. I was lucky to get her reaction to seeing Cynthia drive by on video. I had no idea she was going to drive by at that moment.

During the visit the girls were thrilled to sit on and love Cynthia. They even got disgruntled when the other one was on her lap.

Oh how we miss her!!

One Last Birthday Sundae

While on the way to drop the grandparents at the airport, we took the girls to lunch at Ruby's. We surprised Savannah with another round of signing and ice cream. After the waitstaff sang to her, she told me that she thought they were coming for someone else since today isn't her real birthday. She was as sweet as ever and enjoyed her ice cream. I must admit that the birthday celebrations have worn our big girl out and crankiness was starting to set in before I forced her to take a much needed nap this afternoon.

Here are a few pictures of Savannah with her ice cream and some farewell pics with the grandparents. I am also including some pictures of Lila Grace who has finally learned to smile with her eyes open and on command. I still have to remind her to open her eyes but once she does it, she looks pretty darn cute!
I guess Kindergarten has extracted Savannah from her shell. . .

Happy Birthday Savannah Mae

Savannah woke up this morning and begged to open just one gift. Of course, I obliged. Next she was off to school where she got to bake cupcakes one on one with her teacher. While baking, the other students were outside playing (supervised by someone else). Savannah felt honored to have the time with T. Michelle. Savannah came home with a plate full of cupcakes, a personalized apron (courtesy of her classmates), and the most fantastic smile. After arriving home, Savannah was able to have a quiet gift opening with mommy and daddy, just the way she likes it. Next, her sisters gave her some presents and then we were off to Red Robin. Savannah enjoyed the singing, clapping, and the birthday sundae.

After a birthday snuggle, Savannah is tucked in bed. While snuggling, we talked about how much I love her. She then wondered if everyone loves her the same. I said, "Mommy and Daddy love you the most." Well, that didn't go over well so I had to pretend I was joking. She likes to think that all of her family, friends, and teachers love her with every fiber of their being. I know I certainly do. I asked her, "Who needs you the most?" She looked at me and hugged me saying, "You do Mommy." That I do. She is my rock, my encouragement, and my first born. Savannah made me a Mommy and I have never been the same since!


By far the best six years of my life...

In All Her Glory

A Chat With a Soon To Be Six Year Old

Savannah was particularly sentimental tonight when going to bed. She has convinced herself that she turns six tomorrow because we are having her birthday party one day early. All day long she mentioned that her routines were being done for the last time as a five year old. Her last nap, last dinner, last story etc. I laid down with her tonight and she asked for extra loves, one last five year old hug, and snuggle. She is excited to turn six but seems to understand that I am not thrilled about my girls getting older.

Before she fell asleep, I decided to interview her about her likes, dislikes, and life in general.

M: What is your favorite toy?
S: Thumbelina Barbie, Cars, Stuffed Animals, and, of course, Bunny.

M: What is your favorite story?
S: Cesar (thanks Aunt Amy)

M: What is your favorite thing to do when you are by yourself?
S: Play in my room with my toys.

M: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
S: Ride my bike.

M: What type of clothing do you like to wear the most?
S: A dress.

M: What do you want to be when you grow up?
S: A mommy.

M: Do you want to have kids?
S: Yes, one girl and a husband like daddy.

M: What do you love most about Lila Grace?
S: That she hugs me all of the time and likes to hold my hand.

M: What do you love most about Adeline?
S: Her sweet little voice and when she says, "Hi, Nana."

M:What is your favorite meal?
S: Biscuit, chicken, and fries.

M: Favorite snack?
S: CHOCOLATE

M: Why are you lucky?
S: Because I have such a sweet mommy and daddy.

M: What do you want others to think about you?
S: That I am sweet.

M: If you had $100 what would you do with it?
S: Buy all the toys I want.

M: If you could change one thing about what mommy and daddy don't let you do what would it be?
S: I would make it so I can get money whenever I want.

It ended with the request that we take her last five year old picture.
I just love this girl!!!

Gearing Up For Her Big Day

Adeline's Preschool Dilema

My littlest girl is trying preschool five days this week. She attends her developmental class two days, mainstream two days, and stays home on Thursdays with the exception of popping into her developmental school for a half hour of occupational therapy. After talking to her developmental teacher, I noticed that Adeline is pulled out for different therapies during much of her class time. Ms. Lois pointed out that at age three, they work hard to keep the group dynamics a factor in their students' days. With Adeline missing two of her designated days (we opt for the mainstream class one of those days and home the other) she is not as exposed to the group as much as they would like. Thus, she is continuing down the one on one therapy road which does not set her up for a classroom environment later on. Some of our greatest concerns about Adeline stem from attention and processing, both of which are drastically altered by the number or children she is around. In order to increase her group exposure, I sent her to school today instead of leaving her home.

This weights heavily on me. I feel like I don't have any down time with Adeline. One of her therapists was surprised to see her today and mentioned that she thought it was a great idea. I countered with the fact that it is in lieu of mommy time. Her therapists said we were lucky because by the time her school day is over, there is much of the day left. Well, when I pick Adeline up at 11:15 and then we have to head to Savannah's school that is twenty minutes away to get her. The twins and I wait while Savannah takes piano a couple blocks from her school and then we all arrive home around 12:45. Once lunch is done, we are racing to bed for naps because we have to leave for Hippotherapy at 4:50. No time for play, just rush, rush, rush. This schedule is hard for anyone to appreciate unless they watch it is action. So here I am, stuck with how much is too much.

On the flip side of things, I am thrilled with Adeline's mainstream classroom schedule. Mrs. Stueve was Adeline's teacher last year and knows her and her needs well. I got a call from Mrs. Stueve last Friday and was very nervous to pick up the phone. It occurred to me that she was going to tell me that Adeline can't hang in her mainstream classroom. It was the opposite! Mrs. Stueve was thrilled with Adeline's behavior, attention, and willingness to participate. Adeline sits for circle time and appears to be engaged and know what is going on. Last year, it was a chore to get her to sit and forget asking her to pay attention. Just last week Mrs. Stueve said out loud, "Alright class, we are going to paint our hands today." Guess who was the first child at the table asking, "Paint hands please." Yes, Miss Belle. The same girl who used to scream and cringe at the paintbrush. I picked her up yesterday from school and Adeline pointed out her hands hanging on the art cable (something she did four days earlier) and her name hanging from the ceiling. I couldn't believe it. I can't believe she sits for circle time, drinks her apple juice for snack (won't touch it at home), and isn't a scattered mess needing one on one direction. Gotta love Mrs. Stueve!!!

All in all, I am positive on Adeline but realize I have to find a balance for her therapy, peer, and family time. Adeline is still my peace and calm. She can kick and scream and throw a real temper tantrum but her smile, head on my shoulder, or better yet, "I love you mommy," heals my soul. I just want to make sure that I give her every opportunity to help her shine her light on the rest of the world.

You know that your child is doing well when you get a phone call home AND pictures from their teacher.

Lila Grace vs. Mommy

My way




Her way

Ahh, A Family Unit for a Day

The five of us headed out on a beautiful sunny day this weekend. We decided to visit Springton Manor farm which is a quiet but large farm. The fewer people the better in my book. Some how Adeline smelled animal in the air because the moment I unbuckled her she was yelling, "No, no no." Other parents were quite perplexed because most children take one look at the place and see that there is endless space to run and explore. Adeline sees, tall and wiggly grass, animals that move outside of her control, and a whole host of activities that her mommy and daddy are sure to subject her to. Thus, Adeline embedded her fingers into Alex's back for the first thirty minutes while Savannah and Lila played like inseparable sisters. Luckily, Alex and I were both there so Adeline could have some quiet, warm up time with a parent. Most would think this takes a couple of minutes, with Adeline it is a very long process. But it is a process that ultimately results in the desired outcome so it is well worth the patience. Eventually, Adeline was asking to see the animals, poking her fingers in the bunny cage and (blowing me over here) feeding goats and sheep!!

Here are some pictures of the girls stamping their animal books, exploring the grounds and enjoying all the farm had to offer. It was such a fantastic day and on top of it, I was able to get some great fall pictures that I posted previously. What more could a parent ask for?
Here is a clip of the girls feeding the goats. Turn up your volume and you will hear Adeline telling me that the goat is funny. I was really surprised that she didn't melt down when the goat jumps up. It is proof she is getting better in the sensory department.

Jumping

Somebody found her legs!! Adeline has been a jumping queen lately. Tonight, she told us that she was going to, "jump fire." Once up on the hearth she requested a hand. After bribing with M and M's Adeline took her first solo jump off of the hearth. She was pretty proud of herself.

Here is a video of her jumping once she figured out she could do it on her own. It is pretty dark and quiet. Turn up your volume if you want to hear her cute commentary.

Phone in Her Room

In the middle of Savannah's playdate with her BFF Jillian, Savannah comes down stairs to tell me she has put a phone in her room.

"Mommy do you remember when you told me to call 911 if there is a fire?" (Don't remember this being high on the list because I am pretty sure my advice was get out, get out, get out.)

"Well Mommy, if the fire is right outside my door, I need a phone in my room so I can call 911."

She is always thinking. I, on the other hand, will lose sleep tonight. Fires are my biggest fear and thinking of my child trapped in her room is unimaginable. I just wonder what prompts these thoughts in Savannah's head.

Big Sister???

Today while trying to get some of these posts up on our blog, Adeline and Lila were playing around in the office. I asked Adeline if she had pooped and she said, "No way." Then Lila chimed in. . .

L: Mommy, change Adeline

M: Did she poop?

L: Yes, it's stinky.

M: Adeline, we need to change your diaper (still working on the computer and pretty unenthusiastic).

L: No, Mommy, I do.

M: You do what?

L: I change Adeline.

M: Okay, you can help if you go get the wipes.

L: O-tay Mommy.

I head to get a diaper while Lila already has the wipes in her hand. I lay Adeline down and Lila tries to get in the diaper changing position.

L: No Mommy, I change Adeline.

M: You will get yucky. Just wait.

Pull down diaper.

L: Ewwwww stinky.

Adeline: Yuck!

I wipe and Lila takes a wipe and gets right in there. Don't know what this says about her but I am assuming that she thinks she is the big sister. Hmmm, maybe I could have her change Adeline's diapers for me. . .

Miss Grace

Lila Grace and I were able to enjoy a night to ourselves in Philly. It was the first time I had Lila by herself over night. We had a great time. She was so sweet and loving in the morning. We went to breakfast at the hotel. She was such a big girl sitting nicely and eating while I was running around getting my food and waffle cooked. Lila greeted many of the people with her beautiful smile and sparkly eyes.

Later that morning, we took a walk down Chestnut and Walnut streets. Miss Grace would tell me not to stop at the street corner, "Go, Mommy Go." As we walked down the sidewalk, Lila was signing at the top of her lungs for at least 15 minutes. She got many looks, most were pleasant.

I am including a pumpkin she painted. This wasn't done on our trip but worth reporting. I drew a pumpkin and Lila carefully painted it in with no help. Almost perfect! I then asked her what shapes she wanted the eyes and nose and cut them out for her. She glued them on by herself.

In addition to painting, Lila has enjoyed some quality fairy time. Aunt Amy and Morgan made these skirts and wands for the girls. Right down Lila's alley.