Just a little update as of Wednesday, March 25 ...
Abby seems to be rebounding nicely coming in at 19 # 11oz. That appears to be a 11 oz gain in 8 days. I don't know,. I'm having a hard time believing that. I guess it's possible though.
Natalie is still struggling. Her weight definately fell with her illness. She's at 18# 10oz. They are now a pound apart again.
The good news is they have eaten well the last few days and their little bellies are poking out once again. Hopefully, our next weigh-in will be better.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Ben The Tool Man!
Look what Daddy built!Really, he did - he built it all by himself. I am so proud of him. And, the Natalie and Abby just love their new swing set. They had so much fun swinging. Their little faces just light up.
What you see is Phase I of the swing set. Phase II involves building the fort platform that will hold the slide. I can't wait for that. The girls love going down slides. They even do the big slides at the park. It's going to be great when it's all finished. Our backyard will be considerably more crowded, but it will be worth it.
I have to thank our friend, Steve, for the inspiration and the play equipment. He generously gave us the equipment left behind by the previous owners of his new house. It's absolutely wonderful. We are so grateful and blessed to have such a generous friend. Thanks Steve!
Here are a few more pics from our afternoon at our "park":-)
<---- Natalie
<--- Nat and Abby (below) Abby and Nat
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A few cute pics
I was labeling recent pics and just had to post these.
Abby has been really into coloring lately. Yesterday, she found her crayon and paper and sat down to do some serious scribing....
Today, Natalie was ready to hit the beach with her styling sunglasses!
I have many more, but it's late....more next time.
Abby has been really into coloring lately. Yesterday, she found her crayon and paper and sat down to do some serious scribing....
Today, Natalie was ready to hit the beach with her styling sunglasses!
I have many more, but it's late....more next time.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Medical Moment
I took Natalie back to the doctor yesterday to check her pulse ox. At first it was only 93% again, but the doctor tried two fingers and it finally showed 94-96% (blood oxygenation, by the way). Nonetheless, we left with two more prescriptions for meds for the nebulizer so we can do some breathing treatments twice a day. And, I have to take her back in Monday for another pulse ox check.
At the same time, we happened to notice the Abby had some nasty drainage coming from her right ear. Since we were there, the doctor checked her ears. Ear infections. We're not clear if they are both infected or just the right one, but either way, we now have an antibiotic for Abby as well.
Yesterday was also the first time I heard any doctor suggest that their illnesses were due to their prematurity. She said that Natalie's reoccurring pneumonias were from their lung issues as preemies. It makes sense, but honestly, I'm not so sure. They really never had significant lung issues. Plus, they've never had problems until now. It seems to me that if her lungs were weak or "whatever", she would have had issues before 22 months old. Personally, I think it's just that they are now more exposed to germs than they were before. We've been hanging out with school- age kids and all the germs they harbor and we've been visiting more parks and in contact with all the kids there. I really think it's just a matter of exposure.
The matter of exposure actually causes quite a conundrum. At what point does the risk of illness outweigh their need to socialize, run, play and discover new things. They have loved playing at the parks and going down slides and discovering the different kinds of play equipment. They love playing with our little neighbor and actually engage in some interactive play with him. (He loves them too - even made them Valentines - it's so cute!) But, when they are sick, they can't/don't eat and now we are losing weight again. Natalie was below 19# again at the doctor. I need to weigh them at home to really know where we stand. We just can't afford to go backwards - or even stand still. And we were doing so well....
I'm not sure what we are going to do exactly. We are building a playset in the beackyard this weekend. W and B's dad let us have this amazing play equipment that the people had left at his new house. There are two swings, a pull-up rings/bar thingy, a two-person glider, an army climbing thingy, a great slide and I sent the tire swing to my dad's. It's great stuff. At least we can play in our own little park if we decide to become hermits.
..................................
I'm working on a language update so keep checking back. The girls are making great strides - especially Abby. But, Natalie has really come along in the last two weeks or so. I'll try to finish it soon.
At the same time, we happened to notice the Abby had some nasty drainage coming from her right ear. Since we were there, the doctor checked her ears. Ear infections. We're not clear if they are both infected or just the right one, but either way, we now have an antibiotic for Abby as well.
Yesterday was also the first time I heard any doctor suggest that their illnesses were due to their prematurity. She said that Natalie's reoccurring pneumonias were from their lung issues as preemies. It makes sense, but honestly, I'm not so sure. They really never had significant lung issues. Plus, they've never had problems until now. It seems to me that if her lungs were weak or "whatever", she would have had issues before 22 months old. Personally, I think it's just that they are now more exposed to germs than they were before. We've been hanging out with school- age kids and all the germs they harbor and we've been visiting more parks and in contact with all the kids there. I really think it's just a matter of exposure.
The matter of exposure actually causes quite a conundrum. At what point does the risk of illness outweigh their need to socialize, run, play and discover new things. They have loved playing at the parks and going down slides and discovering the different kinds of play equipment. They love playing with our little neighbor and actually engage in some interactive play with him. (He loves them too - even made them Valentines - it's so cute!) But, when they are sick, they can't/don't eat and now we are losing weight again. Natalie was below 19# again at the doctor. I need to weigh them at home to really know where we stand. We just can't afford to go backwards - or even stand still. And we were doing so well....
I'm not sure what we are going to do exactly. We are building a playset in the beackyard this weekend. W and B's dad let us have this amazing play equipment that the people had left at his new house. There are two swings, a pull-up rings/bar thingy, a two-person glider, an army climbing thingy, a great slide and I sent the tire swing to my dad's. It's great stuff. At least we can play in our own little park if we decide to become hermits.
..................................
I'm working on a language update so keep checking back. The girls are making great strides - especially Abby. But, Natalie has really come along in the last two weeks or so. I'll try to finish it soon.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Oh, what a day...
It's been one of those days. Last week, about this time, Abby spiked a fever and a cold. She also woke up late at night and would cough and then cry, as if her throat hurt. I took her to the doctor last Friday because I was afraid she could have strep. (W - the little boy I watch had it earlier in the week.)
Turned out she was fine - just something viral she would get over. Which she did in a few days - at least her fever went away. Of course, the runny nose takes longer. But, since Abby didn't have anything big, I didn't think much of it when Natalie started getting sick on Sunday. She was out of sorts until Monday afternoon and then seemed better. Yesterday, however, she started spiking a fever again and woke up this morning about 4am with a horrible cough. We were up about 2 hours.
Today, I had to pick W and B up early - at 9am (no school). Ben stayed with the girls but when I got back, I discovered Natalie still had her little cough and had a fever. So, I decided to take her in for a quick visit. Here's where the day goes all wrong.
Keep in mind that sick visits are usually about 30 minutes. I'm usually in and out. No big deal. We had big plans today to go to "Jumping Beans", a nearby inflatable play place. I was doubting whether we'd make that, but I figured we could at least take in some parks and Natalie could swing. Well. So much for all that.
Here are the days events:
9:45ish - arrive back at my house with W and B
call dr. dress girls, leave
10:40 arrive at dr.
one med student, one resident, one attending, one nurse with pulse ox reading (sating at only 93%), one x-ray, more waiting for x-ray to be read and a total of 2 hours later, we leave with our prescription and a diagnosis of probably pneumonia - unless it's just left over from a month ago, but we should treat it anyway.
The kids were spent - all of them. Me too. I have to say that W (almost 8) and B(almost 6) were absolutely amazing. They truly are the best kids ever. They never whined or cried or threw a fit. A few times they asked if we would be done soon and said they wanted to go home (I replied, I did too!). This was NOT how they had planned to spend a fun-packed day with JoJo. I felt SO bad for them.
By this point, I was not above bribing/rewarding/compensating their incredible behavior with promises of lunch and toys from Target.
By 1:00pm, we were at a favorite spot - Mellow Mushroom - for pizza. By 2ish, we were hitting Target for well-earned toys. At 3pm, we were rescued by their dear aunt who agreed to watch the kids while they played with their cousins.
By the time I dropped them off with full-bellies and new toys, I don't think they hated me too much. Then I took poor little Natalie and Abby home for naps and relief. Abby didn't really sleep much, so we played a little.
All in all, it was a pretty awful day. I felt bad on every account: as a mommy because my babies were sick; as a nanny for dragging the kids through all that and ruining their day; as a mommy for trying to balance my kids needs and my charges needs to try to make everyone happy; as a babysitter for failing to provide an enjoyable day. As far as I'm concerned I failed on both accounts: mommy and babysitter.
Oh, did I mention I have a horrible cold and can't breathe when I lay down?
*big sigh*
To top it all off, my sister is coming tomorrow and we were supposed to go to my mom and mema's for the weekend. Needless to say, we won't be doing that. The babies need to rest, recuperate and not infect anyone.
I really hope tomorrow is a better day. It has to be, right?
edited at 10:30pm to add: Abby just spiked another 102 temp and threw up. Ahh, the glamor of spit-up on your face and down your shirt....
Turned out she was fine - just something viral she would get over. Which she did in a few days - at least her fever went away. Of course, the runny nose takes longer. But, since Abby didn't have anything big, I didn't think much of it when Natalie started getting sick on Sunday. She was out of sorts until Monday afternoon and then seemed better. Yesterday, however, she started spiking a fever again and woke up this morning about 4am with a horrible cough. We were up about 2 hours.
Today, I had to pick W and B up early - at 9am (no school). Ben stayed with the girls but when I got back, I discovered Natalie still had her little cough and had a fever. So, I decided to take her in for a quick visit. Here's where the day goes all wrong.
Keep in mind that sick visits are usually about 30 minutes. I'm usually in and out. No big deal. We had big plans today to go to "Jumping Beans", a nearby inflatable play place. I was doubting whether we'd make that, but I figured we could at least take in some parks and Natalie could swing. Well. So much for all that.
Here are the days events:
9:45ish - arrive back at my house with W and B
call dr. dress girls, leave
10:40 arrive at dr.
one med student, one resident, one attending, one nurse with pulse ox reading (sating at only 93%), one x-ray, more waiting for x-ray to be read and a total of 2 hours later, we leave with our prescription and a diagnosis of probably pneumonia - unless it's just left over from a month ago, but we should treat it anyway.
The kids were spent - all of them. Me too. I have to say that W (almost 8) and B(almost 6) were absolutely amazing. They truly are the best kids ever. They never whined or cried or threw a fit. A few times they asked if we would be done soon and said they wanted to go home (I replied, I did too!). This was NOT how they had planned to spend a fun-packed day with JoJo. I felt SO bad for them.
By this point, I was not above bribing/rewarding/compensating their incredible behavior with promises of lunch and toys from Target.
By 1:00pm, we were at a favorite spot - Mellow Mushroom - for pizza. By 2ish, we were hitting Target for well-earned toys. At 3pm, we were rescued by their dear aunt who agreed to watch the kids while they played with their cousins.
By the time I dropped them off with full-bellies and new toys, I don't think they hated me too much. Then I took poor little Natalie and Abby home for naps and relief. Abby didn't really sleep much, so we played a little.
All in all, it was a pretty awful day. I felt bad on every account: as a mommy because my babies were sick; as a nanny for dragging the kids through all that and ruining their day; as a mommy for trying to balance my kids needs and my charges needs to try to make everyone happy; as a babysitter for failing to provide an enjoyable day. As far as I'm concerned I failed on both accounts: mommy and babysitter.
Oh, did I mention I have a horrible cold and can't breathe when I lay down?
*big sigh*
To top it all off, my sister is coming tomorrow and we were supposed to go to my mom and mema's for the weekend. Needless to say, we won't be doing that. The babies need to rest, recuperate and not infect anyone.
I really hope tomorrow is a better day. It has to be, right?
edited at 10:30pm to add: Abby just spiked another 102 temp and threw up. Ahh, the glamor of spit-up on your face and down your shirt....
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I know, I know...
I've been bad. It's not that I've been busy really. I've had plenty of time in the evenings to blog to my heart's content. Instead, I've obsessively surfed the Internet for stories on the Octomom and spent countless hours bemoaning Jon and Kate Plus 8 on gosselinswithoutpity.com.
In my defense, since the above do not help my case at all, when it comes to the blog, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I like to write, and when I do, I want to do it well. So, sometimes I'm tired and don't feel like putting my thinking brain on. Other times, there is so much to report that I'm overwhelmed into paralysis.
So, I'm behind. Very, very behind. It's dawned on me that blogging while the girls eat is a perfect time, so that's what they - and I are doing. The next few days of posts will likely be disjointed and random, but, hey, beggars can't be choosy:-)
Where to start....since they are currently eating, we will start there.
Eating. Eating is better. This morning we are having diced pears(which they do not seem to favor), sliced grapes (which they do like) and one half a chicken nugget dipped in ketchup (which they love - at least the dipping part.) Usually, they have sausage for breakfast, which they LOVE, but I didn't feel like cooking. They tend to like spicier things better including mild curry and their favorite, Brunswick Stew with a kick of pepper. They are not interested in mild flavors or anything that resembles baby food including yogurt. They love to take bites of Daddy's apples and love diced peaches. Tonight (hours after this post started), grilled pork chops were a hit as well. We have also discovered that Natalie loves pizza. Their likes and dislikes seem to come and go though. One day they will love something, and the next - not so much.
As far as their bottles - we are in the process of weeding out the midnight one. It's not so much that I mind it, since I'm up anyway, but they are almost two. At some point, they need to give up the bottles and sleep a straight 10 hours without eating. The can't go to kindergarten with bottles which is only is *GASP* three more years! We are hoping they will start drinking more from their straw cups during the day. That's the hope. The last few days have been hit or miss. Since Thursday the girls have been trading fevers and colds and haven't been eating as well. They've also been waking up crying in the night. In other words, they are are acting normal for once. I'm not a fan. On the other hand, they have been sleeping very late - at least til 10 each morning. Of this, I am a fan. This morning, I had the same cold and was very happy to be able to sleep late.
Their weights are holding steady. We had some huge gains at the first of the month, but have lost since then. Today, Natalie only weighed 19#1 oz and Abby 19# even. I'm a little confused by this. They certainly haven't cut their intake enough to warrant such losses. I'm beginning to think that the results on Mar 2, were a bit inflated, especially for Abby who was 19# 11oz. Maybe she had a big poop inside....
All in all we are making progress, I think, on the eating front. They are working with their spoons and forks and doing quite well. They love to scoop with the spoon. Interestingly, Abby seems to be favoring her left-hand when it comes to eating. She may take after her Auntie Kimmy.
I have much more to share so stay tuned...and be patient. I still need to get some mindless surfing in....
In my defense, since the above do not help my case at all, when it comes to the blog, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I like to write, and when I do, I want to do it well. So, sometimes I'm tired and don't feel like putting my thinking brain on. Other times, there is so much to report that I'm overwhelmed into paralysis.
So, I'm behind. Very, very behind. It's dawned on me that blogging while the girls eat is a perfect time, so that's what they - and I are doing. The next few days of posts will likely be disjointed and random, but, hey, beggars can't be choosy:-)
Where to start....since they are currently eating, we will start there.
Eating. Eating is better. This morning we are having diced pears(which they do not seem to favor), sliced grapes (which they do like) and one half a chicken nugget dipped in ketchup (which they love - at least the dipping part.) Usually, they have sausage for breakfast, which they LOVE, but I didn't feel like cooking. They tend to like spicier things better including mild curry and their favorite, Brunswick Stew with a kick of pepper. They are not interested in mild flavors or anything that resembles baby food including yogurt. They love to take bites of Daddy's apples and love diced peaches. Tonight (hours after this post started), grilled pork chops were a hit as well. We have also discovered that Natalie loves pizza. Their likes and dislikes seem to come and go though. One day they will love something, and the next - not so much.
As far as their bottles - we are in the process of weeding out the midnight one. It's not so much that I mind it, since I'm up anyway, but they are almost two. At some point, they need to give up the bottles and sleep a straight 10 hours without eating. The can't go to kindergarten with bottles which is only is *GASP* three more years! We are hoping they will start drinking more from their straw cups during the day. That's the hope. The last few days have been hit or miss. Since Thursday the girls have been trading fevers and colds and haven't been eating as well. They've also been waking up crying in the night. In other words, they are are acting normal for once. I'm not a fan. On the other hand, they have been sleeping very late - at least til 10 each morning. Of this, I am a fan. This morning, I had the same cold and was very happy to be able to sleep late.
Their weights are holding steady. We had some huge gains at the first of the month, but have lost since then. Today, Natalie only weighed 19#1 oz and Abby 19# even. I'm a little confused by this. They certainly haven't cut their intake enough to warrant such losses. I'm beginning to think that the results on Mar 2, were a bit inflated, especially for Abby who was 19# 11oz. Maybe she had a big poop inside....
All in all we are making progress, I think, on the eating front. They are working with their spoons and forks and doing quite well. They love to scoop with the spoon. Interestingly, Abby seems to be favoring her left-hand when it comes to eating. She may take after her Auntie Kimmy.
I have much more to share so stay tuned...and be patient. I still need to get some mindless surfing in....
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
One of the blogs I follow does something called "Wordless Wednesday". On Wednesdays, she just posts pictures. I love the idea. Of course, I've already blown it by writing this much. That, and who really believes I'll be able to keep my mouth/keyboard shut and say absolutely nothing. Ha!
So, maybe we'll have Nearly Wordless Wednesdays (like nearly Headless Nick in Harry Potter).
So, to start...a few recent pics
.
So, maybe we'll have Nearly Wordless Wednesdays (like nearly Headless Nick in Harry Potter).
So, to start...a few recent pics
.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fun with Poppy at the Park
Poppy's here! Poppy arrived late last night and the girls were so happy to see him this morning. After a little breakfast and play therapy (more on this later), we packed things up for the park. NC weather being what it is, it was a beautiful 61 degrees today (I haven't mentioned we had 2 inches of snow Monday).
The park was great. Natalie just wanted to explore. She was particularly interested in heading to the large mud/water puddles. Poppy had to keep chasing her and reigning her back in. Abby was interested in climbing, but not as much usual. They both went down the slides a few times, but mostly they wanted to wander.
The park has a little hiking path and a bridge that takes you there. We headed out over the bridge to see where it would go. Mostly it lead to very wet ground, so we just stayed on the bridge. Natalie and Abby were so cute - running across the bridge and peering into the water. Abby even added a new word to her vocabulary = "wahwah"! She just said it all on her own. Natalie didn't say it, but she did sign it. This is also new for her. They were watching Baby Signing Time earlier today and every time they seem to pick up a new word. I guess today it's "water".
The girls also really enjoyed the swings. They just smiled and laughed. They had so much fun!
We had a little lunch at Chick-Fil-A and were slightly disappointed to find that the girls are too little for the play area there. It would have been a great additional indoor play space. Oh, well, maybe in a few years.
The girls napped late, although I think I use the term nap lightly. It sounded more like a lot of laughing and playing to me. I took a little snooze myself, so I'm not sure if they ever actually went to sleep.
Tonight was also Daddy Date Night - this time with Natalie. They went to the mall for play time and then had burgers at the food court. Ben said she ate them quite well.
It was a busy day, but fun. The girls will have more special time with Poppy tomorrow. It's going to be even nicer - 69 degrees. Oh, this weekend - 74. Crazy NC weather!
(I'll try to add pictures later)
The park was great. Natalie just wanted to explore. She was particularly interested in heading to the large mud/water puddles. Poppy had to keep chasing her and reigning her back in. Abby was interested in climbing, but not as much usual. They both went down the slides a few times, but mostly they wanted to wander.
The park has a little hiking path and a bridge that takes you there. We headed out over the bridge to see where it would go. Mostly it lead to very wet ground, so we just stayed on the bridge. Natalie and Abby were so cute - running across the bridge and peering into the water. Abby even added a new word to her vocabulary = "wahwah"! She just said it all on her own. Natalie didn't say it, but she did sign it. This is also new for her. They were watching Baby Signing Time earlier today and every time they seem to pick up a new word. I guess today it's "water".
The girls also really enjoyed the swings. They just smiled and laughed. They had so much fun!
We had a little lunch at Chick-Fil-A and were slightly disappointed to find that the girls are too little for the play area there. It would have been a great additional indoor play space. Oh, well, maybe in a few years.
The girls napped late, although I think I use the term nap lightly. It sounded more like a lot of laughing and playing to me. I took a little snooze myself, so I'm not sure if they ever actually went to sleep.
Tonight was also Daddy Date Night - this time with Natalie. They went to the mall for play time and then had burgers at the food court. Ben said she ate them quite well.
It was a busy day, but fun. The girls will have more special time with Poppy tomorrow. It's going to be even nicer - 69 degrees. Oh, this weekend - 74. Crazy NC weather!
(I'll try to add pictures later)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Daddy Date Night
In lieu of Little Gym, we have decided to start Daddy Date Night. We really want the girls to spend some time one on one with us as well as have some time apart to find and develop their own selves. So, every Thursday, Ben will take one girl out while I stay in to spend time with the other. Tonight was the first night, and we started with Abby.
Ben took her to the mall for a little mall food and some play time at the play area. He said she was a little timid at first but eventually started climbing and playing. All the equipment is this rubbery stuff which is perfect for kids. There is a giant lighthouse with steps that lead to a slide. I think he said she enjoyed that. Dinner was Chick-Fil-A nuggets - about 2. Abby has become a big fan of dipping things though and Ben said she had quite a blast sticking her fingers in the sauce and sucking it off.
Meanwhile back at the homestead...I discovered that the house is VERY quiet without Abby. It is very apparent that she is the noise maker. Natalie said almost nothing while she was gone. She talks when Abby is with her (although not as much as Abby), but without her sister, she's just mum. It's kind of strange. I guess they are talking to each other so she has more to say.
The experience actually proved to me how important it is that we have them spend some time apart from each other. I want Natalie to find her own voice - in all ways literal and symbolic. They need our individual attention as well and not grow up feeling that they are just a package deal.
Natalie did enjoy her time without Abby - however quiet. Although, then again, maybe she enjoyed that too. She took a bath and was able to have all the toys and bubbles to herself as well as the prime seat in front of the spigot. Abby has recently come to dislike the bath and cries and tries to climb out. As a result, they are often shortened. Today, Natalie got to stay in as long as she wanted and laugh and splash. It was really cute.
We also attempted to color (which mostly involves trying to keep her from eating the crayons) and read some books together. It was nice to be able to focus on just one little girl.
I hope the girls had as much fun as mommy and daddy. I'm excited about getting to know Natalie and Abby individually. It's the beginning of a beautiful tradition.
Ben took her to the mall for a little mall food and some play time at the play area. He said she was a little timid at first but eventually started climbing and playing. All the equipment is this rubbery stuff which is perfect for kids. There is a giant lighthouse with steps that lead to a slide. I think he said she enjoyed that. Dinner was Chick-Fil-A nuggets - about 2. Abby has become a big fan of dipping things though and Ben said she had quite a blast sticking her fingers in the sauce and sucking it off.
Meanwhile back at the homestead...I discovered that the house is VERY quiet without Abby. It is very apparent that she is the noise maker. Natalie said almost nothing while she was gone. She talks when Abby is with her (although not as much as Abby), but without her sister, she's just mum. It's kind of strange. I guess they are talking to each other so she has more to say.
The experience actually proved to me how important it is that we have them spend some time apart from each other. I want Natalie to find her own voice - in all ways literal and symbolic. They need our individual attention as well and not grow up feeling that they are just a package deal.
Natalie did enjoy her time without Abby - however quiet. Although, then again, maybe she enjoyed that too. She took a bath and was able to have all the toys and bubbles to herself as well as the prime seat in front of the spigot. Abby has recently come to dislike the bath and cries and tries to climb out. As a result, they are often shortened. Today, Natalie got to stay in as long as she wanted and laugh and splash. It was really cute.
We also attempted to color (which mostly involves trying to keep her from eating the crayons) and read some books together. It was nice to be able to focus on just one little girl.
I hope the girls had as much fun as mommy and daddy. I'm excited about getting to know Natalie and Abby individually. It's the beginning of a beautiful tradition.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oh my goodness!
I am so happy I can hardly stand it. After a week at Ya-Ya and Grandpa's and 4 days with me at Grammy and Mema's, we are finally home and I have weighed the girls. Are you ready for this....
Natalie - 19# 2 oz!!!!!
Abby - 19# 3.5 oz!!!!!
I am so excited. Remember, they lost over a pound each when they were sick. Two weeks ago Natalie weighed only 17# 10oz and Abby only 17# 11oz. They have gained 1# and 8/9 oz in two weeks. We are finally back on track.
That's the good news, of course. If I want to look at it realistically, it means they are just back at the weights they were over a month ago. January 20, they were 18$14oz and 18#11oz (Abby). So if you look at it that way, they have only gained 4 oz and 8.5 oz in a month. But, hey, that's WAY better than losing a pound in a month, so we'll take it. They are only a few ounces behind their monthly average. And they have finally officially hit 19 pounds! The big 20 is just around the corner. We can finally change the car seats around. Actually, I may do it anyway. The poor babies are tall for their 19 pounds. Last check, they were 33 inches. Their poor little legs are so squished in the rear facing seats. They have to sit in a V with their legs to the side. It can't be comfortable.
The other good news is that they have been eating really, really well. Obviously. Every time they go to Ya-Ya's it seems to jump start their eating. I don't know WHAT she does, but it works. It's like eating boot-camp. (as an aside - right now the girls are looking at a photo book. They are on a page with Ya-Ya and Grandpa and just pointing at it and laughing and smiling. It's so cute:-)) They have been doing incredibly well with their solids lately - actually since they were sick. They love sausage and any kind of fruit. Spaghetti was also a hit along with broccoli. They loved the Brunswick Stew my uncle's family made. They actually seem to enjoy foods with a lot of taste and spice. No more boring purred foods for them! On the way home yesterday, we stopped at Wendy's. I showed Abby how to dip her chicken nuggets into the honey mustard sauce. She loved it. It was funny to watch. She's take the tiniest piece of chicken and dip it, then eat it. She also enjoyed dipping the kidney beans from the chili.
They have become very independent in their eating. Natalie will still let us feed her sometimes, but Abby is very insistent on doing it herself. We are trying to work more with the fork and spoon. If you spear something, they will take the fork and eat it, but they have a hard time spearing anything themselves.
They have gotten better with their milk too. We do about 4 bottles a day, sometimes only 3 if they miss their nap on the days I babysit. But, they drink their straw cups throughout the day so I figure they get at least 24 ounces of pediasure a day now. I'm SO proud of them.
I much more to report about the girls travels and pictures to post, but I just had to share the news about their weight. Tune in soon for the Adventures of Plumpy and Pudgy!
Natalie - 19# 2 oz!!!!!
Abby - 19# 3.5 oz!!!!!
I am so excited. Remember, they lost over a pound each when they were sick. Two weeks ago Natalie weighed only 17# 10oz and Abby only 17# 11oz. They have gained 1# and 8/9 oz in two weeks. We are finally back on track.
That's the good news, of course. If I want to look at it realistically, it means they are just back at the weights they were over a month ago. January 20, they were 18$14oz and 18#11oz (Abby). So if you look at it that way, they have only gained 4 oz and 8.5 oz in a month. But, hey, that's WAY better than losing a pound in a month, so we'll take it. They are only a few ounces behind their monthly average. And they have finally officially hit 19 pounds! The big 20 is just around the corner. We can finally change the car seats around. Actually, I may do it anyway. The poor babies are tall for their 19 pounds. Last check, they were 33 inches. Their poor little legs are so squished in the rear facing seats. They have to sit in a V with their legs to the side. It can't be comfortable.
The other good news is that they have been eating really, really well. Obviously. Every time they go to Ya-Ya's it seems to jump start their eating. I don't know WHAT she does, but it works. It's like eating boot-camp. (as an aside - right now the girls are looking at a photo book. They are on a page with Ya-Ya and Grandpa and just pointing at it and laughing and smiling. It's so cute:-)) They have been doing incredibly well with their solids lately - actually since they were sick. They love sausage and any kind of fruit. Spaghetti was also a hit along with broccoli. They loved the Brunswick Stew my uncle's family made. They actually seem to enjoy foods with a lot of taste and spice. No more boring purred foods for them! On the way home yesterday, we stopped at Wendy's. I showed Abby how to dip her chicken nuggets into the honey mustard sauce. She loved it. It was funny to watch. She's take the tiniest piece of chicken and dip it, then eat it. She also enjoyed dipping the kidney beans from the chili.
They have become very independent in their eating. Natalie will still let us feed her sometimes, but Abby is very insistent on doing it herself. We are trying to work more with the fork and spoon. If you spear something, they will take the fork and eat it, but they have a hard time spearing anything themselves.
They have gotten better with their milk too. We do about 4 bottles a day, sometimes only 3 if they miss their nap on the days I babysit. But, they drink their straw cups throughout the day so I figure they get at least 24 ounces of pediasure a day now. I'm SO proud of them.
I much more to report about the girls travels and pictures to post, but I just had to share the news about their weight. Tune in soon for the Adventures of Plumpy and Pudgy!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Much, much better
The girls are back to normal! They are eating again and playing like normal. In fact, they are feeling so good that they are at Ya-Ya and Grandpa's!
We are making up for their missed trip two weeks ago. Ben's grandma is still there, so we wanted her to be able to spend some time with them. Plus, we needed to work on our kitchen.
From what I hear, the girls are having a blast at the grandparents. We'll have pictures and tales when they return!
We are making up for their missed trip two weeks ago. Ben's grandma is still there, so we wanted her to be able to spend some time with them. Plus, we needed to work on our kitchen.
From what I hear, the girls are having a blast at the grandparents. We'll have pictures and tales when they return!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
I have to confess, we aren't much on romantic mushiness. In 11 years, I think Ben and I have given each other 2 cards. So, instead of longing glances across a candlelit table, we tore apart our kitchen. And since the kids are at their grandparents and I have nothing to report, you'll get to hear all about it!
We started Saturday and really got a lot done. I was pretty proud of ourselves. Our contractor arrived at 1 and worked with us until 5:30. We tore down tore down the kitchen counter bar, tore out drywall, removed studs, took a trip to Lowe's, and put up new headers so the ceiling won't fall down.
We were proud, but very tired at the end of the day. And sore, oh so sore. Ibuprofen is a life saver.
Sunday, Ben got an early start. Well, earlier than me. I slept until noon. Ben cut down some more drywall and put up another header all by himself! I was very proud. Our contractor arrived at 1pm, and we finished framing a wall. The big issue was trying to create a corner from an oddly shaped intersection so the dry wall would do on flush. That took a good bit of discussion, figuring, and trial and error. We didn't have much to do though, so we were finished by 3:30.
In the end, we have everything ready for the electrician to come this week and move outlets, light fixtures, and light switches. Once that is done, the inspector comes to okay it. Then we can re-dry wall, fix the counter and Phase I will be complete. Hopefully, all this will be complete when the girls return on Sunday or Monday. (I am going down Wednesday to spend the night and then leaving Thursday to go all the way to my dad's. we will return either Sunday night or Monday early afternoon.)
Phase II will involve choosing the cabinets and counter tops and new floors.
Phase III will involve new carpet - hopefully.
I'm actually pretty pleased with ourselves. Ben and I aren't really that great on our follow-through-ness. We have great ideas, but frankly, sometimes we can be a little lazy. But we did it! We actually did it. We are really happy too. We love the way things look so far and are so excited about the upcoming finished project.
Here are a few pictures so you can visualize what we have been up to!
So - the fridge has now been moved next the the sink counter (where a wall used to be). The wall will be drywalled behind it.
The new cabinets and counters will now run from where the fridge was to where the bookshelf is. The bookshelf represents where another cabinet and bar will be.
The table will be on the other side of the bar in the new "eat-in" kitchen area.
We started Saturday and really got a lot done. I was pretty proud of ourselves. Our contractor arrived at 1 and worked with us until 5:30. We tore down tore down the kitchen counter bar, tore out drywall, removed studs, took a trip to Lowe's, and put up new headers so the ceiling won't fall down.
We were proud, but very tired at the end of the day. And sore, oh so sore. Ibuprofen is a life saver.
Sunday, Ben got an early start. Well, earlier than me. I slept until noon. Ben cut down some more drywall and put up another header all by himself! I was very proud. Our contractor arrived at 1pm, and we finished framing a wall. The big issue was trying to create a corner from an oddly shaped intersection so the dry wall would do on flush. That took a good bit of discussion, figuring, and trial and error. We didn't have much to do though, so we were finished by 3:30.
In the end, we have everything ready for the electrician to come this week and move outlets, light fixtures, and light switches. Once that is done, the inspector comes to okay it. Then we can re-dry wall, fix the counter and Phase I will be complete. Hopefully, all this will be complete when the girls return on Sunday or Monday. (I am going down Wednesday to spend the night and then leaving Thursday to go all the way to my dad's. we will return either Sunday night or Monday early afternoon.)
Phase II will involve choosing the cabinets and counter tops and new floors.
Phase III will involve new carpet - hopefully.
I'm actually pretty pleased with ourselves. Ben and I aren't really that great on our follow-through-ness. We have great ideas, but frankly, sometimes we can be a little lazy. But we did it! We actually did it. We are really happy too. We love the way things look so far and are so excited about the upcoming finished project.
Here are a few pictures so you can visualize what we have been up to!
So - the fridge has now been moved next the the sink counter (where a wall used to be). The wall will be drywalled behind it.
The new cabinets and counters will now run from where the fridge was to where the bookshelf is. The bookshelf represents where another cabinet and bar will be.
The table will be on the other side of the bar in the new "eat-in" kitchen area.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
On the mend...
I think we are on the mend. Well, Natalie and Abby seem to be. Ben and I feel like crap.
Saturday was the first day in a week the girls don't have a fever. This is a very good thing. It should mean the new antibiotic is working.
Speaking of the new antibiotic...I actually went to the ER with Natalie Saturday because she had what appeared to be blood in her stool. Of course, after we arrived, Ben called and said Abby had the same thing. We figured immediately it had to be the new medicine. So, I told the doctor who looked it up and it turns out a red discolored stool is a rare side effect on 1-2% of patients. Figures.
So, $75 and 2 hours later, we are back home. Natalie ate 3 or 4 oz of her milk - and immediately through it up. This is happening with both of them and I can't quite figure it out.
Monday went pretty well. They still have runny noses and coughs, but they have energy back and are playing. I went back to work Monday and took all the kids to the park since it was a balmy 65-70 degrees here. Natalie and Abby had a great time. They ran all around, climbed up everything and went down the big slides - all by themselves!
Unfortunately, they still aren't eating very well. I weighed them yesterday. Oh my. It wasn't good at all. In fact it was far worse than I imagined. Abby weighed only 17#11oz. Natalie was 17#10oz. Staggering - in a bad way. Well over a pound lost. They now weigh less than they did two months ago. I'm pretty bummed about it. They were doing so well. We have an appointment with the Duke SICC sometime in February or March. I was so excited to go in and show how much they've gained. Now, I'll get the bad looks and concerned faces.
At least we are on the mend. Ben and I are doing slightly better. I can breathe now, which is nice. Ben felt pretty bad last night, but hopefully today is better.
Let's hope the girls go on an eating spree.
Saturday was the first day in a week the girls don't have a fever. This is a very good thing. It should mean the new antibiotic is working.
Speaking of the new antibiotic...I actually went to the ER with Natalie Saturday because she had what appeared to be blood in her stool. Of course, after we arrived, Ben called and said Abby had the same thing. We figured immediately it had to be the new medicine. So, I told the doctor who looked it up and it turns out a red discolored stool is a rare side effect on 1-2% of patients. Figures.
So, $75 and 2 hours later, we are back home. Natalie ate 3 or 4 oz of her milk - and immediately through it up. This is happening with both of them and I can't quite figure it out.
Monday went pretty well. They still have runny noses and coughs, but they have energy back and are playing. I went back to work Monday and took all the kids to the park since it was a balmy 65-70 degrees here. Natalie and Abby had a great time. They ran all around, climbed up everything and went down the big slides - all by themselves!
Unfortunately, they still aren't eating very well. I weighed them yesterday. Oh my. It wasn't good at all. In fact it was far worse than I imagined. Abby weighed only 17#11oz. Natalie was 17#10oz. Staggering - in a bad way. Well over a pound lost. They now weigh less than they did two months ago. I'm pretty bummed about it. They were doing so well. We have an appointment with the Duke SICC sometime in February or March. I was so excited to go in and show how much they've gained. Now, I'll get the bad looks and concerned faces.
At least we are on the mend. Ben and I are doing slightly better. I can breathe now, which is nice. Ben felt pretty bad last night, but hopefully today is better.
Let's hope the girls go on an eating spree.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Big "P"
Well, it was back to the doctor for the girls. After nearly 3 days on antibiotics with no improvement, we had to go back.
The results: Natalie has Pneumonia - in her left lung, I think. Abby still has no discernible source of infection, but she sure feels down right icky.
I was actually expecting the pneunomia diagnosis for Abby since she appears to feel worse. She was just pitiful today, sleeping almost all day and then moaning and only wanting to be held when awake.
We have a new, stronger antibiotic which only has to be given once a day (shew) and in a lesser dose. Hopefully, we will have better luck getting it in them. Unfortunately, it is not a yummy, bubble gum flavor. It's sort of a brown, yucky, nasty color. There's no telling what it tastes like.
So, the babies are still sick, Daddy is starting to feel bad, and I think I'm taking a cold. The girls haven't been able to go stay with their grandparents, great-grandma, and aunt Susie for a week as planned, and we won't be able to start our kitchen project this weekend. I haven't been able to work all week, so Walker and Blaire's mom had been shuffling around with fill-in child-care. (You can't know how bad this makes me feel. In the over three years I worked for them before, I think I may have missed 3 days when I was sick. I feel so awful leaving a parent in a learch.)
All in all, it's been an interesting week.
The results: Natalie has Pneumonia - in her left lung, I think. Abby still has no discernible source of infection, but she sure feels down right icky.
I was actually expecting the pneunomia diagnosis for Abby since she appears to feel worse. She was just pitiful today, sleeping almost all day and then moaning and only wanting to be held when awake.
We have a new, stronger antibiotic which only has to be given once a day (shew) and in a lesser dose. Hopefully, we will have better luck getting it in them. Unfortunately, it is not a yummy, bubble gum flavor. It's sort of a brown, yucky, nasty color. There's no telling what it tastes like.
So, the babies are still sick, Daddy is starting to feel bad, and I think I'm taking a cold. The girls haven't been able to go stay with their grandparents, great-grandma, and aunt Susie for a week as planned, and we won't be able to start our kitchen project this weekend. I haven't been able to work all week, so Walker and Blaire's mom had been shuffling around with fill-in child-care. (You can't know how bad this makes me feel. In the over three years I worked for them before, I think I may have missed 3 days when I was sick. I feel so awful leaving a parent in a learch.)
All in all, it's been an interesting week.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Little Gym
Last Thursday (Jan 29), Natalie and Abby had their first organized class - at The Little Gym. For those who might not know, The Little Gym is a gymnastics-based activity gym that introduces kids to gymnastics and other sports-based activities. They start with 10 month olds and go up to 12 years. They have classes in gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, karate, and sports skills. It's a great place and kids love it.
The classes for the youngest kids are "parent and me" classes. The plan was for Daddy to have some special time with the girls every Saturday night. I went to the first class to watch (and record) and jump in if needed. I was needed. Two girls and one daddy are too much.
The class started with the kids ringing little bells to music. They then introduced themselves (well, the parents did) and were encouraged to go up and give the teacher a high five. Natalie had no fear! She walked right across the mat and high-fived the teacher! Abby was a little more timid.
Walking, running, bouncing, and dancing in a circle were next and the girls were eager participants. Daddy had a hard time keeping up.
The beloved Parachute was next. Kids love these things. Again, Natalie immediately ran out on to it not at all flustered by the movement and rattling of the chute. She loved it. After walking on the chute, all the kids and parents got to get UNDER it. They raise it up and it creates a balloon, then quickly duck under and sit on the edges. The kids can then run around under it. (We did parachute games at Johns River Camp, and this really IS fun).
After the parachute, I stepped in to help since it was time to play on the different apparatus. They have balance beams, uneven bars, and lots of cushy mattress of different sizes to go up, over and jump off. The girls had a wonderful time exploring everything and testing things out. It was really fun.
The only downside was that little miss Abby didn't take kindly to having to stop playing to sit in a circle or watch the other kids. She was very fussy and whiny when we tried to get her off the equipment. So, we have a little behavior modification to work on.
It's not surprising, really. They've not been in large group setting like that before. Actually considering this was their first interaction with lots of kids (probably 15 kids plus adults - so a lot of people), they did amazingly well. The didn't fall apart or break down or even get clingy. Abby was a little in the beginning, but once let loose on the equipment, we could barely keep up!
All in all, we had a great experience and will definitely sign them up (this was a trial class). I think we have decided to only register one kid, and switch them off every other week. Ben will do Little Gym, and I'll play at home. We will have some special one-on-one time with each girl. That is something we haven't done enough. Now that they are getting older, we really need to spend more time with them separately and foster more of their individuality.
I guess we will have to miss our second class due to the sickies. But, they should be back to normal by next week. I'll have to try to get more pictures of them trying out the balance beam and actual equipment!
A little video montage...
ps: Our success at Little Gym was followed on Friday by another successful mingling at Bible Study. The girls played happily for nearly two hours with a host of other kids and a few caregivers while we mingled with adults upstairs. They didn't cry at all (except when we tried to check on them and they saw us).
Also, my sister has pointed out the coincidence between the girls first real introduction to kids en masse and the fact that they have been sick for going on five days. It's not a pretty conclusion. Hopefully, interacting with other kids won't result in being out of commission for a week every single time!
Poor Babies - update update
Day 4 of Sick Babies. Yesterday, with Abby's temperature climbing towards 103/104, I took her to the doctor as well. Despite a raging temp, the doctor couldn't find anything obvious wrong with her. No ear infections and clear lungs.
Amoxicillian was prescribed (just in case), so now we get to try to force Abby's medicine down as well as Natalie's. This is a very sad process and usually results in copious vomiting.
Speaking of vomiting, if we didn't need new carpet before...we do now. And a new couch. Good thing our furniture is dark brown. I think the main problem is that they are coughing SO much and so hard that they are just throwing up every time. Unfortunately, not every instance is coughing related, which makes me wonder what kind of bug they really have. Often, within ten minutes or so after eating, they will throw up - even without coughing.
It's a good thing the girls gained a pound in January, because it's all gone now, I'm sure. They haven't been able to eat more than about 4 ounces a few times a day since Sunday. And as I said, that gets thrown up. It's sad really. They actually get quite hungry. They start to fuss and whine. We finally realize they are hungry (it's not a usual child's screaming and carrying on), and they eat (either pediasure or pedialyte) like they are starving...and then throw up ten minutes later. My only hope is that when they are better they will eat like crazy people to make up for their weight loss.
So, the update is...everything is the same. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.
Amoxicillian was prescribed (just in case), so now we get to try to force Abby's medicine down as well as Natalie's. This is a very sad process and usually results in copious vomiting.
Speaking of vomiting, if we didn't need new carpet before...we do now. And a new couch. Good thing our furniture is dark brown. I think the main problem is that they are coughing SO much and so hard that they are just throwing up every time. Unfortunately, not every instance is coughing related, which makes me wonder what kind of bug they really have. Often, within ten minutes or so after eating, they will throw up - even without coughing.
It's a good thing the girls gained a pound in January, because it's all gone now, I'm sure. They haven't been able to eat more than about 4 ounces a few times a day since Sunday. And as I said, that gets thrown up. It's sad really. They actually get quite hungry. They start to fuss and whine. We finally realize they are hungry (it's not a usual child's screaming and carrying on), and they eat (either pediasure or pedialyte) like they are starving...and then throw up ten minutes later. My only hope is that when they are better they will eat like crazy people to make up for their weight loss.
So, the update is...everything is the same. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Poor Babies - update
Natalie wasn't any better this morning so it was off to the doctor. Poor little girl has an ear infection in her left ear. That explains the fever, but not the cough and throwing up. I think she just has a bug as well. Abby seems to have the coughing/throw-up bug, but not as much fever. Although, Abby seems to feel worse today than yesterday, so it may mean another trip to the doctor tomorrow for her.
I was finally able to get Natalie to drink some pedialyte with her mixed with her antibiotic and Tylenol. At the doctor, she weighed 18# 4oz. Not so good. I'm also worried about her dehydrating.
As of 7:30pm, Abby's fever is up as well - to 102ish. They are both pretty miserable. Even sick though, I have the best babies ever. They just want to sleep -which they've been doing pretty much all day. I don't think Abby has even been down her slide:-(
Hopefully, the night will be uneventful and the babies will sleep well and let their bodies heal and they will feel better tomorrow.
I was finally able to get Natalie to drink some pedialyte with her mixed with her antibiotic and Tylenol. At the doctor, she weighed 18# 4oz. Not so good. I'm also worried about her dehydrating.
As of 7:30pm, Abby's fever is up as well - to 102ish. They are both pretty miserable. Even sick though, I have the best babies ever. They just want to sleep -which they've been doing pretty much all day. I don't think Abby has even been down her slide:-(
Hopefully, the night will be uneventful and the babies will sleep well and let their bodies heal and they will feel better tomorrow.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Poor Babies
The babies have the sickies:-(
When I got Natalie up last night about 1am to feed her, she was burning up. She had a fever of about 103. She also kept throwing up and was breathing fast. Poor little thing felt so bad. After some Tylenol and a breathing treatment, she finally fell off to sleep.
In the mean time, Ben had to get up to deal with Abby who woke up, but refused to eat at first. After a few tries and a few throw-ups, Abby also finally ate and went to sleep.
I finally got in the bed about 3:30, I think. At some point, Natalie woke up fussing and she was hungry, which was good.
The rest of the night is a blur. I think Ben got up and fed the girls around 6:30am. They went back to sleep which was great since we both got some more sleep. Ben let me sleep much later.
Abby hasn't been as sick as Natalie. She's thrown up some but her fever isn't as high. They both played around a bit this afternoon, but then Natalie fever came back and she went back to bed. At last check around 9:30pm is was about 102.
I suspect it will be a late night. I'm going to have to try and get some more Tylenol in her. It's tough when she spits it out and then throws up. If she's not better tomorrow, it's off to the doctor for us. Hopefully, they will feel much better in the morning and this isn't the beginning of anything serious.
on a lighter note: Ben was fixing Abby a bottle today. He could hear her on the other side of the bar say, "uh-oh". He looked around, and she had thrown-up and was saying, "uh-oh, uh-oh". She's still cute, even when she is sick:-)
When I got Natalie up last night about 1am to feed her, she was burning up. She had a fever of about 103. She also kept throwing up and was breathing fast. Poor little thing felt so bad. After some Tylenol and a breathing treatment, she finally fell off to sleep.
In the mean time, Ben had to get up to deal with Abby who woke up, but refused to eat at first. After a few tries and a few throw-ups, Abby also finally ate and went to sleep.
I finally got in the bed about 3:30, I think. At some point, Natalie woke up fussing and she was hungry, which was good.
The rest of the night is a blur. I think Ben got up and fed the girls around 6:30am. They went back to sleep which was great since we both got some more sleep. Ben let me sleep much later.
Abby hasn't been as sick as Natalie. She's thrown up some but her fever isn't as high. They both played around a bit this afternoon, but then Natalie fever came back and she went back to bed. At last check around 9:30pm is was about 102.
I suspect it will be a late night. I'm going to have to try and get some more Tylenol in her. It's tough when she spits it out and then throws up. If she's not better tomorrow, it's off to the doctor for us. Hopefully, they will feel much better in the morning and this isn't the beginning of anything serious.
on a lighter note: Ben was fixing Abby a bottle today. He could hear her on the other side of the bar say, "uh-oh". He looked around, and she had thrown-up and was saying, "uh-oh, uh-oh". She's still cute, even when she is sick:-)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Grab The Popcorn!
I'm going video crazy!
Abby has learned to say her name! It is just the most precious thing. Yesterday, I was cuddling with her and just talking to her before her nap bottle. I said, "say Ab-be", and to my great surprise, she did! This video is from today.
Isn't that darling? Today, I could hear her saying "Abby, abby, abby" during her nap. She also repeated it several times while in the car and while playing. It's her new favorite word:-)
This next video stars Natalie, who is becoming very creative. We are playing at Steve's (Walker and Blaire's dad), and Natalie was making good use of a large squishy firetruck. Listen for the noises...
I heard her doing this for the first time a few days ago. I'm not fully sure how she learned it. I have to remind myself to play with the cars they have and make little noises. We've only done it a few times. Unless Ben is playing cars with them on Saturday morning, Natalie just picked it up somewhere along the way. It's just amazing what they soak in!
Also, at Steve's...he made the most amazing cardboard playhouse. Complete with a door, windows (both round and square) and a fire escape out the back (like a doggy door), it's amazing. I told Walker today that if they ever get tired of it to let me know! The girls have really enjoyed it. Abby has been in and out a few times prior to today, but today, Natalie seemed to finally really notice it.
Isn't that cute?
Videos take a while to post so I'm going to stop for now. I'll do some more tomorrow.
I hope you enjoyed:-)
Abby has learned to say her name! It is just the most precious thing. Yesterday, I was cuddling with her and just talking to her before her nap bottle. I said, "say Ab-be", and to my great surprise, she did! This video is from today.
Isn't that darling? Today, I could hear her saying "Abby, abby, abby" during her nap. She also repeated it several times while in the car and while playing. It's her new favorite word:-)
This next video stars Natalie, who is becoming very creative. We are playing at Steve's (Walker and Blaire's dad), and Natalie was making good use of a large squishy firetruck. Listen for the noises...
I heard her doing this for the first time a few days ago. I'm not fully sure how she learned it. I have to remind myself to play with the cars they have and make little noises. We've only done it a few times. Unless Ben is playing cars with them on Saturday morning, Natalie just picked it up somewhere along the way. It's just amazing what they soak in!
Also, at Steve's...he made the most amazing cardboard playhouse. Complete with a door, windows (both round and square) and a fire escape out the back (like a doggy door), it's amazing. I told Walker today that if they ever get tired of it to let me know! The girls have really enjoyed it. Abby has been in and out a few times prior to today, but today, Natalie seemed to finally really notice it.
Isn't that cute?
Videos take a while to post so I'm going to stop for now. I'll do some more tomorrow.
I hope you enjoyed:-)
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