In Ohio

Well, I haven't posted for a few days because I'm in Ohio. Many of you know my friend Amanda (or have read her many funny comments on my blog.) I met Amanda through my blog a few years ago and we have emailed and talked ever since, but have never met in person. A few weeks ago, her mom called me and asked if I wanted to fly to Ohio to surprise Amanda for her birthday. I thought about it and it sounded like a nice opportunity to get away and finally meet Amanda and her family. I will blog more about my adventures in Ohio, but I wanted to share the video of our first meeting. Her mom arranged a scavenger hunt with clues that led Amanda to a bedroom where I was waiting to surprise her. It is hilarious! I've had a great couple of days and will head back home tomorrow.

Thursday, October 7, 2010 - Update

I had a dentist appointment today. . usually I don’t have a problem going to the dentist, but when they were cleaning my teeth (scraping them, actually) I think they hit a nerve or something.  I about jumped out of my chair.  Yikes!  I’m glad that’s over.  Olivia seemed to have a great day at school today.  She didn’t cry when I dropped her off (for the second time in a row) and is talking more positively about school.  What a weight off my shoulders.  This afternoon, Olivia had fun with Grandma and Aunt Kimmy.  They enjoyed this beautiful weather by going to the park and out for ice cream.  Olivia had a great time!  Thank you, Aunt Kimmy, for getting some really cute pictures.

 

Olivia Talking

So many people have told me that they want to hear Olivia talking. This isn't the best video, but it's a little sample of the sweet, little voice we hear every day.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 - Update

I think Olivia is getting the last of her two year molars because she’s been really cranky lately and her one dirty diaper every 2 days has turned into 2-3 per day.  She seems to be doing much better today and is back to making everything into a song.  She makes up songs about everything and is constantly singing and clapping her  hands.  And jumping. . .she jumps all the time too. 

Oh, and if anyone is skilled in the art of stubborn animal pill giving, please let me know. We’ve tried everything to get Autumn to take her antibiotic. . . from hiding it in food, using pill pockets, forcing it down her throat, crushing it up, etc.  Nothing is working.  You’d think we’d get lucky at least once.  The only thing we haven’t tried is crushing it up with a liquid and syringing it down her throat.  Would that work?  Ryan and I are scratched up and exhausted.

**I finally got some medicine in Autumn.  I ended up crushing the pill and adding it to a syringe with some milk.  Then, I just squirted it down her throat.  She might not get all of it this way, but some is better than nothing. :)

Halloween Preview

Yep, she is going as a little witch. . . a good witch, of course.  Too bad the hat doesn’t fit her head.  It’s a size 3T, but it’s made to fit a round head and Olivia’s is oblong.  Dang.  I’d also love to find some black and orange striped tights to go with it.  Those are harder to find than you’d think.  We tried the costume on and she cried and told me she wanted the costume off. . .not a good sign.  She looked really cute, though, even without the hat. 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 - Update

For the first time EVER, Olivia did not cry when I dropped her off at school.  She just waved good-bye and walked to her class.  When I picked her up, I was told that there was a bit of crying towards the end, but they are seeing improvement every week.  I’m continuing to pray for this situation. . .

My poor Autumn is still sick.  As was the case last year, the steroid injection for her asthma lowered her immune system which activated a mycoplasma infection.  Mycoplasma is always there, but usually remains dormant and doesn’t cause any symptoms. . .until periods of stress, steroids, etc.  So, each year we are most likely going to have to give her a steroid shot followed by a round of antibiotics.  Good thing she’s not a stray or outdoor cat. . .she wouldn’t survive a day!  Can’t wait until my sweet kitty is back to her normal self. 

Also, it was three years ago yesterday that I was able to hold Olivia for the first time.  I meant to post this yesterday, but didn’t find the time.  I look exhausted. . .I don’t know how I made it through each day.  We had buried our son two days prior.  Holding our daughter was something we really needed that day. . .and we haven’t let go since!

Emily and the Sheep

Funny video I had to share of my cousin's wife trying to feed the sheep at the petting zoo. Good thing Olivia didn't try to feed them! They were mean!

Jumping

Olivia learned a new skill today. . .one that we have been practicing for months in gymnastics. She can jump off a platform with two feet. Until today, she would step off or jump only while holding our hands. This is something PT has been working with her on as well. . .I think it's a 30 month skill. The light bulb just went on and she hasn't stopped jumping since. Now, she's looking for bigger, better things to jump off of and I'm wondering, "Why did we need to teach this skill again?" LOL