Never Give Up

Yesterday we were outside enjoying the beautiful weather. I've been trying to teach Olivia how to pump her legs and swing by herself. She's almost got it! She just needs to give it a little more umph and keep going. But, she gets frustrated and mad and says she can't do it. So, standing outside in the backyard I told her that she gives up too easily.

Olivia gives up too easily?

My mind drifted back to the NICU where I watched a 1 lb 1.5 oz little baby fight harder than anyone I'd ever seen. Her entire life tells the story of someone who doesn't give up. No matter what the odds, no matter how hard. . .she doesn't give up. She does things on her own timetable and in her own way. But, never does she give up. Keep doing what you're doing baby girl. You're amazing!

Sisters Are. . .

Different flowers


From the same garden.



Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Oddie

Well, three posts in one day. LOL! Oh, Oddie. Olivia is in love with Oddie, a Moshi monster. She found him on an iPad app and for some reason has latched on to him. Certain things just really tug at her heart. She filled up her sticker chart and as her prize, she got a plush Oddie. He came today and you would have thought it was Christmas. Not many things inspire her to draw and she even has a picture of him that she drew in her room. Could this be the next in line of her favorite toys? Gogum, Lily, Newt, Peacock, Mr Bean, Oddie?

Not Gonna Smile

Because you want me to smile, I'm not going to smile.


Seriously, I'm not going to smile.


I'm gonna cry if you don't put the camera down.


Consider yourself warned.



Abigail hates the camera. She will smile until I get the camera out. Total opposite of Olivia as a baby. LOL!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mother Of The Year

Wow, if anyone DOESN'T deserve that title today, it's me. I got done feeding Abigail and noticed her nails were getting long. So, I cut her nails and it was uneventful. Then, I laid her down in her crib to go get her Zantac. I came back in and there was blood everywhere ( at least it seemed like it.) I freaked out and finally discovered it was coming from her finger. I had snipped her finger when I was cutting her nails!! I have never done that before! But, she wasn't crying and was smiling and bleeding everywhere. So, I tried to apply pressure while she's moving her arms everywhere. She seriously bled a lot!! Then, I realized that Olivia's band aids were too big for her little finger, so I desperately found some paper tape/bandages to use. Then, Olivia walked in and asked what was going on. Olivia cried for years when we cut her nails until we convinced her that it wouldn't hurt. So, I couldn't tell her what happened. She would be horrified! I just said that Abigail's finger was bleeding, but didn't tell her why. Luckily, she didn't ask questions. Sheesh. What a way to start the day! At least Abigail didn't cry or seem upset over it. That would have been even worse. I feel like the worst mom in the world right now though. I think I'll have Ryan cut her nails from now on.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

As a micro preemie parent, it's the little things that make me jump for joy. Olivia finally learned how to spit her toothpaste out. This is something we've worked on for a really long time. Last night she even tried mouthwash! She will also go to the bathroom in public over 50% of the time. She just doesn't like those horse shoe shaped seats and only wants the "circle potties." Every time I see that they are the wrong ones, I just grumble to myself. LOL! And I pray that the bathrooms don't have automatic flushing or hand dryers!

And, of course, she loves her piano. She sits now with a book at the piano and "reads" the music. I asked her how she knew the right notes and she explained that some are high notes and some are low notes and pointed them out. She comes up with some really great songs.

Upper GI Results

Well, results are pretty much inconclusive from Olivia's upper GI. While we were standing there, we had to wait awhile for her stomach to empty. She has a lot of symptoms of gastroparesis ( or delayed stomach emptying) yet they didn't even mention it on the report. So, I'm guessing it wasn't significant? As of right now, we are still dealing with constipation, but it has improved greatly over the past few months. She doesn't purposely hold it anymore. And reflux could be a culprit and she's on Prevacid for that. So I don't know why she eats two bites and is full or why her tummy hurts after eating or why she isn't gaining any weight whatsoever. But, please keep her in your prayers.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Abigail just loves other kids. Her cousin, Izzy, got the biggest smile out of her today. Izzy also got to feed her a bottle. Abigail is also starting to hold her own bottle which is something Olivia never did. So, I just look at both of my children in awe because of it. Not only did Olivia not use her hands much as a baby, but she almost never willingly took a bottle. I think of the early struggles that Olivia had and I'm so amazed at her now. It may have taken her longer to do things, but she got it.

Olivia also has her upper GI X-ray tomorrow morning. I'd appreciate prayers because I know Olivia is pretty nervous about it. I should know the results by tomorrow night too. Thanks.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Abigail adores Olivia! Seriously, I walk into the room and I get a smile from Abigail. Olivia walks into the room and Abigail's entire face lights up. And Abigail will start crying in her crib and Olivia asks if she can take care of her. A few minutes later, she walks out of the room and Abigail is back to sleep. Huh? I ask how she did that and Olivia just laughs. Those two are going to be so close, I just know it. Olivia has thoroughly enjoyed getting out her old baby toys from storage and, wow, they've brought back memories. Funny how you can still remember the songs. LOL!