Update

I'm truly, honestly updating the blog!  Haha.  Things have been busy around here so it's nice to take a second to sit down and write.  Like I've mentioned before, Olivia is 11 and in 5th grade.  Abigail is 6 and in kindergarten.  It hasn't really been a stellar year for any of us, but we are trying to make the most of it.  I may go into details at a later date.

Olivia is still on growth hormone injections.  She is now up to 4 ft 7 in. tall and her feet are almost as big as mine!  Her hair actually turned kinky curly as well.  So, I've had to relearn how to fix her hair without it being frizzy.  She now has such thick, curly hair and hers was always very thin and straight.  She still struggles with delayed stomach emptying and there's not much to do about it.  So, even on medication, her stomach is nauseated quite often and it breaks my heart.  She has grown up to be a great eater, which is crazy considering how much she didn't eat when she was little.  Now, Abigail is the picky one.  She still plays the piano and does an amazing job.  I will have to post a video of her playing one of these days.  Pure, genuine, natural talent.  She also plays the flute, but she is not all that excited about it.  She loves being in band, loves her band teacher, but doesn't really want to take the time to learn her instrument.  I don't blame her. . .with homework and piano, it's a lot for her.  So, time will tell if she continues band.

Abigail is such a creative, out of the box thinker.  She is equally good at art and math. . so who knows where her path will lead.  I am so proud of the example she has set in kindergarten for all of the other kids.  School has caused her quite a bit of anxiety, but we are working through it.  I mean, look who her mom is. . . .I've been getting better.  I've been learning about staying in my window of tolerance and not being in hyperarousal or hypoarousal.  I spend most of my life outside my window.  It is really fascinating to learn about and if you are someone who struggles with anxiety or depression, read up a little on it.  It explains so much about how we act in certain circumstances.  I've been doing yoga for about 2 months, went to a personal trainer at the Y and have practiced deep breathing and unclenching my jaw.  It's amazing how trauma in your life can affect you for years and years to come. . .it sort of has a snow ball effect.  I'm tired of feeling bad and I think I finally reached my limit.  So, I am working really hard at healing my body and my mind.  I just have to stick with it.

We got a heart shaped pizza for Valentines Day!

We traded in my husband's truck after 15 years for a new Honda CR-V.  Love it!

Abigail is a huge Kelly Clarkson fan.  My dad always said if she ever came to town, he would take her to the concert.  So, for Christmas, my dad got the three of us tickets.  My dad has been struggling with some health issues lately and it has just been awful trying to get doctors to figure out what is going on.  He finally has a CTA of chest, abdomen this afternoon that we hope will provide some answers.  Anyway, because of that. . .my dad was unable to go to the concert.  I took my niece, Izzy, and Abigail and we had a lot of fun.  But, I still wish my dad had been able to go.

Abigail and Izzy