Wish Us Luck

Our family will be sleeping in the friendly skies tonight. . . or at least trying to.

August 1, 2006

August 1, 2006 was our first glimpse of NICU life. We were trying grapple with Adeline's struggle to survive while at the same time trying to decide whether or not to deliver the twins at the precariously early age of 24 weeks gestation. Three years ago today, Dr. Kaplan discussed our options/outcomes and took us on an intimate tour of the NICU. One baby stuck in our minds. She was so little, vibrating away on the oscillating ventilator and certainly not easy on a pregnant mother's eyes. She was said to be a 24 weeker. Right then we knew that 24 weeks wasn't an option for our girls. For how could a baby so small and fragile every make it out of the NICU?

The mother of that baby wrote in her journal on that same day. . .


"Dr. Kaplan told me he showed you to a mom who is pregnant with 24-week twins. She may have to deliver as one of her babies isn't doing well. I told Dr. Kaplan to please use our situation to help other families."

That baby was Charlotte, our NICU sorority sister and beloved friend.


We feel very blessed to have watched the girls have fun in the sun today. It takes my breath away to think about where we were three years ago today.

Occupational Therapy

Our girls are transitioning out of their Early Intervention therapies and entering the Intermediate Unit therapies that start at age three. We are very sad to see our therapists leave. They have become a part of our family. Each week they travel to our home and work with the girls. In the process they have gotten to know the girls, Savannah and myself very well. We all seem to light up when they come!

Adeline spends more time with her OT than any other therapist at moment (1.5hr x week). Dot (her OT) does an amazing job addressing Adeline's fine motor and sensory needs. She works on motor planning, visually scanning the environment, messy play and the use of both hands together. All though the above sounds simple, they are all areas in which Adeline needs much help.

The way in which Dot works with Adeline is simply impossible for me to replicate when by myself. Typically, I have to take Lila out of the room because she interferes with Adeline's activities. In the video below, I was shocked that both Savannah and Lila sat quietly and watched. I also don't have the knowledge base that Dot has with regard to sensory integration and motor planning. She is a fantastic OT and has helped Adeline tremendously. It took us a long time to find someone who could address Adeline's unique needs and I am very hesitant to start with a new OT with our transition to the IU. We will deeply miss her.

I rarely take pictures during a therapy session because it is all I can do to keep the other child from interfering. Because Savannah and Lila were "sitting it out" nicely, I was able to grab the video camera. The video below shows Adeline putting pieces of Mr. Potato head together. She had to work on the dexterity in her finger tips to pull her along the floor, use both hands to put the pieces in all while visually scanning her environment in order to form a motor plan. The activity is great for Adeline's weak core. It is just a sample of what Dot does in order to push Adeline in her development.

Infant Carrier

We pulled out Adeline's old car seat for baby Lucy today. Wow, did that thing ever get some wear. I was trying to remember when Adeline actually gave it up. I looked back through all of the pictures but couldn't figure it out. I am pretty sure it was around 18 months though. The last picture I could find was on her first birthday. Keep in mind that Savannah gave up the infant carrier LATE at 8 months old.

5 pounds

8 pounds

10 pounds



about 26 pounds

Our First Philly Friends

We were lucky to visit with our "first Philly friends" today. It had been a couple of months since we last visited. I met Lori when I started teaching in Philadelphia and a couple of years later we both had babies within five months of each other. Katie and Savannah have been friends since day one and it is wonderful to watch them embrace their friendship even when they go months without seeing each other. It is funny that they both became the oldest of three.

For the Big Girl Bed Record. . .

My fear of the girls not staying in their beds appears to be irrational. To my surprise, they seem to get the "not getting out of the bed rule." Savannah never got out of her bed, I mean never. I was sure I wouldn't be that lucky a second and third time. With the exception of the Adeline's third night in her big girl bed, both girls have stayed put. During that night, Adeline didn't really get out of her bed but she did crawl over her foot board into the chair and try to fall asleep there. The novelty seems to be wearing off. I still find Adeline walking all over her bed and Lila throwing her Bunny off the bed which requires me to retrieve it for her but staying IN the bed doesn't seem to be a problem. Please God, don't let me jinx this.

All in all, I am really pleased with the transition. It has been fairly low stress and the girls have enjoyed showing off their big beds to everyone that comes to our house. The best part in all of this is that I can climb into their beds and snuggle them. One morning Lila woke up early and I slipped in bed with her and enjoyed a long snuggle. Is there any better way to start my day?

I was taking pictures of Savannah after I put the twins down when I heard a mumbled, "Picture please Mommy." It took me a minute to figure out what Lila was saying with her "binky speech" but I finally got it. These are the faces that were waiting for me. They don't necessarily look tired, do they?

Three Years Ago

Three years ago this evening, was the worst night of my entire life. I was paralyzed with hurt and fear. My unborn baby was dying inside me. My world stood still. My heart, my faith, and my hopes were broken. Little did I know that it was the first day of 29 very long, yet miraculous days. Today's date, marks the beginning of Miss Adeline Belle's journey.

I encourage you to go back and read last year's post as it gives a sense how miraculous Adeline's life truly is. Click here.

Fast forward three years!

Adeline woke up for the first time in her big girl bed. We hung out as a family in her room for about an hour this morning. Adeline was super affectionate and giving loves and laughs to all. She accompanied us to Dunkin' Donuts and later helped me work in the flower beds. After her afternoon nap, I was laying with her in her bed and she looked at my shirt. "Three bikes Mommy." I looked at Alex and he looked at me. How did she know that? We tested her with cars and sure enough, she knows her quantities up to three. Adeline ate a fantastic dinner (chicken- from fajitas, quesadilla, cantaloupe, grapes and a smoothie). We finished our evening outside where she showed off her skills on her tricycle, she even pedaled up the slope of the driveway. Finally, it was to bed. To our surprise, she went down in her big girl bed without any problems.

The day sounds like that of any other two/three year old. On the outside looking in, no one would guess that Adeline is anything other than your typical toddler. Sure, her walk is a little stiff and her words aren't in 5-7 word sentences but she is going strong!! I think what most people notice about our little Belle is her smile. She can stop a stranger in his tracks. She can light up the darkest of days. All this from a baby who was never supposed to be born alive.

Even in the middle of the terrible twos, I just can't get enough of my Belle. Adeline is full of life yet, at the same time, peace and calm. Somehow this little body can climb up into my lap with a "Hi Mommy," and give me the strength to do just about anything or erase any worry I have. She is physically little but her spirit is larger than life. I love how she still "fits" when I hold her and how her hand on my cheek or head on my shoulder instantly relaxes me and brings a smile to my face. I can't imagine who I would be had I not journeyed beside Adeline, certainly not the mother or woman I am today. I am forever changed and incredibly thankful for it.

I love you Miss Belly Belle.