The Case of the Missing Turkey Book

This might look like an ordinary collection of farm animal books, but it's not. It's one of the greatest toys of all time. . .well, according to Olivia. My parents gave them to Olivia on her first Christmas and they've been sitting on her bookshelf, collecting dust, for almost two years. Then, a few weeks ago. . .she found them and fell in love. It's the first thing she talks about when she wakes up. She takes the books out and counts them. . .1, 2, 3, FIVE! (That's her favorite number.) She tells you what each animal is and what sound they make. She carries them one by one to the couch, then to the floor, then to her room. She is crazy about them! Well, when I put the books up last night, I noticed that one was missing. Uh oh! I didn't know which one, but Olivia quickly noticed this morning that turkey was gone. We looked all over the house for the turkey book. Olivia kept saying "Turkey book? Weh are you? Gobble Gobble!" It just broke my heart and I wish I could find it for her, but it's nowhere to be seen. I find it interesting that the turkey is the one missing, ya know, with Thanksgiving around the corner.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 - Update

Our little tornado. . .Even when sick, she can destroy a room in 5 seconds flat.

I have been determined to help Olivia gain weight. I had started her on Pediasure to help bulk her up, but then she got sick and threw up. She always throws up when taking Pediasure and I never know if is truly the Pediasure or just a coincidence. There always seems to be another possible reason. So, I stopped it earlier this week. When I weighed her tonight, she was 20.3 lbs. So, she lost weight. I'm starting to worry that she has some growth hormone deficiencies. I just want her to be 23-24 lbs or at least be in the 5th percentile because she just isn't growing. She's very active, however, and learning new things every day so that tells me I shouldn't be TOO worried. Anyway, I'm thrilled to have my husband back home! He's thrilled to be home (and never wants to be sick while out of town again.) I just wish Olivia and I were feeling better. . .

Weighted Stuffed Animal

Our sunshine

Okay, so I started looking for weighted stuffed animals and found this one for only $19.99. I'm thinking about trying it because 1) it's a giraffe and 2) if it doesn't provide much benefit, it can be just a cute stuffed animal and 3) it's a giraffe. Olivia is seen by an OT, but not very often. I'm not sure why because that is the area that she is most behind in. Her speech pathologist is wonderful, however, and has a lot of insight. We had to reschedule due to our illnesses, but that is something I will ask her about. Thanks for your insight. Well, now I'm off to do a bit of online Christmas shopping. I have had awful sinus pressure, but I took one of those "behind the counter" Sudafeds and I feel great right now. Better hurry before it wears off. . .

Weighted Blankets

I have been researching weighted blankets and lap pads for children with sensory processing disorders. I think it would really help soothe Olivia during eye exams, hair cuts, nail trimmings, etc. I'm thinking it would also help Olivia sit and focus better. I actually think it would be very soothing to even me as I love the feel of a heavy blanket on me (or those weighted vests they put on you at the dentist for your x-ray. . .is that weird?) Anyway, just wanted some input on them. Do they work? Have you seen improvement with them? I've noticed that they are very expensive. Would I (with minimal sewing knowledge) be able to make them? I see great benefits for Olivia and would love to have one for her. I thought the lap ones (or about the size of a pillow case) would work well to take with us to appointments and such. Could I make one out of a pillow case? Lots of questions. . .please let me know if you have experience with them.

Thursday, November 19, 2009 - Update

Sorry that I haven't written lately. Olivia is sick, I am sick and Ryan (who is out of town in a hotel room) is sick. At least we're not throwing up like Ryan. I just have a really bad sore throat and Olivia still has a low grade fever and lots of snot. :) Poor thing is running around saying "nose, nose." We're doing okay. . my mom and Shelley are taking care of us. Autumn is taking good care of me also. She was cuddled up by my side all night. She's more comforting to me than a teddy bear is to a child. I just wish Olivia would sit in bed with me and watch a movie or something. . .She is just as active when sick as she is when well.

Hope all of you are staying well!

Outside Fun

Olivia LOVES to be outside.

She still pretends that she is falling into leaves.

Look at Izzy's beautiful blue eyes!

Olivia and Aunt Shelley

A Girl And Her Kitty

Monday, November 16, 2009 - Update

What? I needed a tissue!

Don't get mad mommy. . .I don't feel good.

But, my Elmo jammies make me feel some better.

Well, Olivia is sick. Last night, she threw up and then woke up this morning with a runny nose, congestion and fever. Hopefully, it's just another upper respiratory infection that doesn't turn into anything else.

Favorite Christmas Song?

After Thanksgiving, I'm going to play some Christmas songs on the blog. If you have a favorite, let me know. Please leave me the title and artist (if applicable) and I'll try to get it on here.

Workin the runway