Ribbon In The Sky

Tonight as I was cleaning up dinner, Olivia found a roll of ribbon. She started running around the house with it (or as Olivia said. . .she was tying up the house.)  Tobey quickly joined in and chased the string of ribbon around.  He gave it an honest effort, but tired out pretty quickly.  To be fair, it’s hard to keep up with Olivia.  Kelsey then discovered the awesome red ribbon flying across the house and joined in.  Olivia and Kelsey had a blast and ran around for nearly an hour!!  Olivia showed no signs of tiring, but poor Kelsey was panting and breathing heavily when I finally called it quits.  You know, sometimes I question the decision of getting a third cat (even as sweet as Kelsey is.)  But, Olivia absolutely adores Kelsey and reminds me every day that Kelsey is her baby kitty. 

 

Olivia even shares her elephant with Kelsey.

But anyway. . .who knew a ribbon could provide hours of endless fun for kids and cats?  They should all sleep soundly tonight!

Moro Reflex

We had Olivia’s parent teacher conference tonight and she got glowing reviews.  I was thrilled to learn that she was participating so well in class.  She has come so very far.  The main thing that we discussed is that her physical therapist noticed that Olivia has retained many of her infant/primitive reflexes.  These are normally inhibited in infancy.  The first one that we are addressing is the Moro reflex, or the infant startle reflex that is usually integrated by 6 months of age.  Olivia is now 4 1/2 years of age.  Symptoms of a retained Moro reflex can mimic ADHD and autism and include poor coordination, sensitivity to light, sound, movement, touch, trouble with transitions, hyperactivity, etc.  It makes sense given how atypical her early development was.  It answers many of the questions that I have searched for in trying to better understand my daughter.  I’m thrilled to have another piece of the puzzle!!  We start doing exercises with her every day and she will also continue them at school.  I stumbled across a website that addresses primitive reflexes.  Unfortunately, there are no rhythmic movement instructors in our state. 

http://www.rhythmicmovement.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11&Itemid=18

Here is another website that addresses integrating the Moro reflex.

http://penny-arcos.hubpages.com/hub/Integrate-the-Moro-Reflex-to-Stop-ADHD-Behavior

After this reflex is (hopefully) integrated, we move on to at least 4 more reflexes with exercises that get more complex.  Please continue praying for Olivia’s development and that she will be open to these exercises.  Like any parent, I want to see Olivia grow and learn and thrive.  I don’t want anything to stand in her way!  She is amazing. . .that girl. . .my sweet Olivia Paige.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

My day started off with a certain sweet girl calmly walking into my room and saying, “Mommy, I need a bowl.  I’m going to throw up.”  I jumped up, ran, got a bowl and she did just that.  Honestly, I was so proud of the maturity she showed.  And, it was nice that for the first time it didn’t go all over the place.  Poor girl, though, it just broke my heart.  I was hoping that it was just caused by her congestion since she only threw up once, but my stomach is feeling quite queasy right now.  I managed to dig up some of my old expired Zofran and it seems to help.  Hoping all of us feel better soon. . .

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

We got notification that chicken pox is in Olivia’s classroom and that she was exposed.  Because she’s only had one varicella vaccination (her 2nd one would be before kindergarten) they recommended that she receive the 2nd one as soon as possible.  So, I called and got her pediatrician’s recommendation and they thought she should come in.  When I told Olivia that we were going to the doctor, she cried and cried and cried (and I didn’t even tell her about the shot!)  I finally told her when we got there and she was a trooper.  After the shot was over, I told her it was time to go and she said, “That’s it?  They don’t even have to look in my mouth and nose?”  So, apparently that was what she was worried about.  Sheesh. . .I should have just told her it was ONLY a shot.  That’s Olivia though. . .a shot is nothing, but an x-ray at the dentist is pure torture. 

Afterwards, we went out for ice cream with Shelley and Izzy.  Olivia had the blue birthday cake ice cream that Izzy recommended and thought it was so funny that her tongue turned blue. 

Daddy came to the rescue tonight.  He super glued Peacock back together along with one of its wings AND got her a new Peacock with the same big eyes.  She is in heaven!

Yep, old Peacock is not looking too good these days.  Maybe he’ll retire soon.  Isn’t this the third post on Peacock in a week?  I promise this is the last one. . .he’s just a pretty big deal in our house right now.  LOL!  In fact, Olivia can’t decide between a Squinkies party for her 5th birthday or a peacock party.  Thankfully, we still have 6 months to decide. 

Poor Peacock

We have a very heartbroken little girl.  For one, she doesn’t feel very well.  And, after she went to bed last night, she came out of her room with huge tears . . .like she lost her best friend.  A big chunk of Peacock (her most favorite toy in the whole world) broke off.  Seriously, I had tears in my eyes because of the love and concern she has for Peacock.  It has got to be the most loved Squinkie in the entire world.  She does everything with Peacock.  You should have seen me last night going through her Squinkie box trying to convince her of the “potential” of her other Squinkies.  I don’t know what is so special about Peacock, but it sure means a lot to her. 

March for Babies

After much thought and consideration, Ryan and I have decided that we will NOT be participating in the March for Babies this year.  Don’t worry. . .we plan on having the Olivia and Logan Team back next year.  Hopefully, we’ll be back bigger and better than ever!  I wanted to let you all know before any money was donated to our team.  Of course, you’re still welcome to donate online to our team as the March of Dimes is a very worthy cause.  But, we will not be walking this year.  Thanks for all of your support in the past!