My Abigail

I am so in love with my baby girl. Seriously, like I want to go in and wake her up just to love on her. LOL! She is laughing all the time now. She laughed so hard tonight that she started snorting! Now THAT is some funny stuff. And she is sitting up on her own for about 5 seconds before she falls forward. Thank you, God, for blessing me with another miracle. I cannot say that she fills the void of Logan. He can never be replaced. But, I have not been this happy in a really long time.

Swimming Lessons

Olivia started swimming lessons today for the first time. She was really excited until she found out it wasn't going to be outside in her kiddie pool. She thought I was going to teach her out in the front yard. I guess I should have been more clear.




We showed up at the Y and she was excited again until mom and dad left to go watch her behind the glass.



She sat on the edge of the pool and just sobbed. Olivia really struggles with new situations when she doesn't know what to expect. Her swimming instructor was really good with her, though, and by the end of the 45 minutes she was in the water, smiling and waving at us. She ended up loving it.



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Firefighters and Parks

What a fun day! It was firefighter day at preschool and I got to come along. They had separate presentations for the kids and parents (lots of good info that I'll have to remember to share.) Then, we got to go outside and view the fire trucks.



One of the firefighters climbed to the top of the ladder and waved. It was really windy and the ladder swayed back and forth. I think the parents were in awe just like the kids.



First time in a fire truck.




She got done about an hour early and so we decided to do something fun just the two of us. Olivia had been wanting to see where I went to preschool and kindergarten for some time. So we drove to the town where I went to school from K-7th grade (then we moved to where my parents live today.) On the way home, she spotted a really cool park. It WAS really cool. I hadn't seen it in years. So, we stopped and played for awhile.






This purple slide was her favorite.




I promised we would come back really soon. Luckily, I know the family that lives across the street so we could play all day and have a great place for potty breaks and great conversation. LOL!


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My Amazing Olivia

My amazing Olivia. I keep thinking back to her preschool program. She was the most happy, expressive, excited, energetic child on stage. I was so proud to say she is MY child and my miracle. She takes on every challenge. . . .every opportunity with such gusto! Sometimes it's exhausting to this mama, but i wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm sure she was noticed by everyone at the program (she was in the front row after all.) Little did the audience members know that she was born at 1 lb 1.5 oz. She wasn't even considered "viable." She faced extraordinary challenges and the odds were not in her favor. And yet she thrives! She lives every moment to the fullest! The first person who tries to squelch her spirit. . .goodness, I will have words for them. Her dream is to one day become a butterfly. Not sure exactly what she has in mind. For two years now she has said that and how can I not be supportive? LOL! Whatever she wants to do, she finds a way to do it. I still remember the words of her NICU doctor when Olivia really turned a corner.

"She has decided to fly!!"


So proud of my Olivia Paige. May she never stop trying, never give up, never get discouraged and never stop flying!
Please share when you started reading this blog about Olivia and how you came upon it. We are so blessed to have you following our journey.




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Squinkies

The only thing Olivia loves almost as much as stuffed animals are Squinkies.  She has been crazy about them for over 2 years.  Of course, she only likes the animal ones.  She gives the people Squinkies away.  LOL!

After countless hours of playing with Squinkies, I’ve learned some different ways to play with them and use them as teaching tools.  Olivia does not respond well to “let’s sit down and learn.” I have to sneak it in whenever possible.

The small size of Squinkies make them great for improving fine motor skills.  They come with many fun houses, cars and play sets.

We tell stories with them.  We also categorize them by animal or by color or by habitat, etc.  We guestimate as to which group will be the biggest.  For example, do you think there are more pink or yellow Squinkies?  Then we count them.

We practice writing our letters with them.

Sometimes we choose letters and place Squinkies on them that start with that letter.  The possibilities are endless.

Now, the true challenge will be to keep them out of Abigail’s hands until she’s old enough to learn with them as well. 

Kidslink Preschool

Olivia has anxiety about a lot of things, but preschool ( and being on stage ) is not one of them. She had her last preschool program tonight. Boy, she did good. I told her to sing from her heart and did she ever! Then, she clapped and pointed at us after every song. Hilarious! I cannot say enough good things about her preschool and her teacher. On the way to school today, she asked how many days she has left. So, we counted them on the calendar after school. Seven. Seven days left of preschool and Olivia cried.

"I'll always remember Kidslink in my heart. I can't believe I'll never go to Kidslink again!" And more tears.

Kindergarten has A LOT to live up to. I think the bar has been set pretty high.










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Opinionated Abigail

This girl. . .love her to pieces.




I can't say that she is a "difficult" baby, but she's not really easy either. She has her opinions and when she's not happy, she lets you know. She does not like to ride in her stroller. So, say I have to run into Target really quick and I need two hands. She screams bloody murder!! People look at me like there is something horribly wrong with my baby. . .like I've neglected to feed her or change her, etc. Have they never heard a baby cry before? Ok, maybe not quite like Abigail. Nothing is truly wrong. I pick her up and she's all smiles again. Unless, maybe, she wants to swing in her swing? Then, she wont stop crying until I put her in her swing. Or, maybe she wants to sit in her Bumbo and play with her Sing A Long Stage?




She will scream and cry until I go through the list of everything she could possibly need. And finally I choose the right one. Except baths. Those will always make her smile.




No pictures right now, mom.

Haha! I think she is going to be very stubborn like her daddy (which used to be cute, but after almost 10 years of marriage? Not so cute anymore. :-) One thing I've learned is that their personality as a baby is pretty close to what it is when they are older. I remember Olivia being wiggly and active and loving music in the NICU. Ha! Logan would desat when we sang to him, but Olivia's numbers would always improve!

We have Olivia's preschool program tonight at Abigail's bedtime. She must be laying down in her crib by that time or she is not happy. So, this should be fun. Yikes!

But, she really is a doll baby. Great eater, great sleeper, cute as a button. Love her to pieces! Love to see her personality blossom!!




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Zoo Day

Eighty degrees here today so the four of us went to the zoo. Olivia even complained about being a little hot. Abigail did great for awhile and then she did not. LOL! But, it was a great time!

A Line In The Sand

You sometimes get to a point in your life where you draw that proverbial line in the sand and say THIS is when my life is going to change.  THIS is when it is going to get better.

In my case I am talking about the health and happiness of me and my family.  It takes a lot to get to that line, unfortunately, and a lot of time and effort and money is wasted in the process.  I am 35 years old.  I’m not overweight and yet I have type II diabetes.  I’m the most fatigued person I know.  My husband is probably a close second.  I’ve suffered with restless legs for over 3 years now and I’m unable to sleep without medication for it.  I have headaches. . .a lot.  I’ve suffered many bouts of depression over the years.  I have had faith that SOMEDAY a doctor would “figure it out” and I would be given a magical pill and no longer feel imprisoned by these things.  Many, many years and many, many thousands of dollars and prayers later. . .they all still negatively affect my life.  And I’m done. 

My husband and I are starting on a journey.  I have high hopes as I have seen the changes in my own friends and people on a similar journey.  Pounds being lost, confidence being built, energy being increased, restless legs improving, prescription meds (including high cholesterol meds and insulin) being discontinued.  I’m skeptical, but very very hopeful.  My energy has already increased and I don’t find myself napping with Abigail when Olivia is at preschool.  And, a few nights ago, for the first time in 3 years, I slept without medication for my legs.  I seriously cried when I woke up the next morning.  And this is just the beginning.  I’ll keep you updated on our progress.  Who knows. . .someday someone might say, “That Jodi. . .she just doesn’t stop!” LOL! Please please pray for me and my husband. Please pray that we start living again instead of letting our health negatively affect our life.  And, if you too find yourself at “that line” I am always here to help.