March of Dimes Update

Olivia and Logan Team

We're going to have a great team this year. So far, our team consists of:

Ryan, Me, Olivia, Kerry, Carol, Lindsay, Lorna, Grandma and Grandpa Sailing, Holli, Steve, Marilee, Don, Shelley, Izzy, Joel, Laura, Julia, Rebekah, Kris, Kim, Alex, Katie, Aidan, Kaleb

If I missed you and you plan on attending, be sure to let me know. We also have a lot of additional people who may be able to walk on our team as well. Remember, it is Saturday, April 18th beginning at 9 am!! Walk starts at 10 am. Thank you so much for your continued support. As a team, we have raised almost $1200! If you still wish to donate and plan to pay by cash or check. . . be sure to get the money to me BEFORE April 15th. I will be turning all money in on that day. Thanks again!

And The Winner Is. . . .

Thursday, April 2, 2009 - Update

I love to walk and follow mommy around the house.

Mommy calls me her little duckling. . .

That's okay because I like ducks!

Olivia is getting better and better at walking. She really enjoys it when she can follow you around the house. . . .it's all that she wants to do actually. Ryan described it best when he said that he feels like Olivia is a little duckling. I guess that makes me the mommy duck. I figured that since we do this for a few hours a day, I might as well add some music to make it more enjoyable. So, while walking around the house to music with Olivia right behind me, I might as well add some dancing. She thinks this is hilarious and will even start clapping her hands. Let's just hope no one comes to the front door as we are walking by.

More Preemies Need Our Prayers

Logan James

Born February 24, 2009

1 lb 12.5 oz

11.75 inches long

Silas

Born March 23, 2009 (He shares a birthday with Ryan!)

2 lbs 1 oz

13.5 inches long

Born at 24 weeks, 6 days

Both of these precious little boys are at Wesley Medical Center, where Olivia spent her 105 days. Please take a moment to say a prayer for them and their families. Both of them happen to be friends of my blog readers. I hope that they know I will provide any support to them that I can.

Don't Miss Out!!

Don't forget that everyone who has donated to the Olivia and Logan team by the end of today (April 1st) will be entered into a drawing for an Olivia and Logan team canvas tote bag. So, if you're going to donate, do so by the end of the day today!!! Olivia will pick the winner later this week. Good Luck!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - Update

Yesterday, I had the rare opportunity to have the entire afternoon and most of the evening to myself. I went to the chiropractor, ran some errands and got my haircut. It's getting easier not to spend all of my time fretting over Olivia, but I still have a long ways to go. I still can't truly relax. I realized something. . .I don't think I have truly relaxed in 2 years. Then, I had the years of fertility treatments before that which are not too relaxing (despite the annoying "just relax" advice.) Even when it looks like I'm relaxing. . .my mind is going a mile a minute. Yes, Olivia has only had one single cold in her entire life, but it has been exhausting to keep it that way. When we are out in public, I listen for every cough and avoid that general area, I try to only go to places with automatic doors, I scrutinize every move that anyone makes. Honestly, I hate it. I want to feel carefree again. I want to go on a vacation, but most of all. . . I want to RELAX.

Prayer Requests

It has been a difficult week for many of my friends and fellow micro-preemie moms. My heart just breaks for them. Many of you follow Coy's blog. Coy is a fellow 23-weeker whose mom is pregnant with his little sister. Coy's mom, AnnMarie was placed on bedrest for contractions at 18 weeks and my prayer is that (as difficult as it is) she is on bedrest for many more months.

Some of you know precious Ashton, a fellow 24 weeker, whose mother was due with baby #2 in August. Her water broke last week and she went into labor over the weekend at about 18.5 weeks. Sweet Hunter Jeffrey weighed 225 grams and is now with my sweet Logan in heaven. My heart is breaking for this family.

I told you last year of Heather and her fight with Stage IV melanoma cancer. She has been undergoing chemotherapy for the last 8 months and despite these efforts. . .the cancer is back. She has an appointment next week with the Cancer Center of America.

Now, I don't know what it's like to be fighting cancer, but I know what it's like to wonder "why me?" I know what it's like to experience unimaginable fear and anxiety. Whenever I learn of a micro-preemie mom who is pregnant again, I feel hopeful that maybe it is possible to try again. When I hear of any complications, my hopes are dashed again and again. Please keep these precious families in your prayers.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - Update

Why can't I go sledding again?

Well, what happened to all of the snow? (Notice Ryan working hard on the t-shirts in the background.)

I'm glad we took advantage of the snow when we did because it started to melt on Sunday afternoon. By Monday. . .it was all gone.

Today, we made a quick trip to the mall and had a really good time. Olivia and I shared a soft pretzel and a strawberry lemonade. I love that I can buy Olivia drinks when we're out since she has become a master at the straw. It makes it a lot easier and I haven't found much that she won't drink. I'm fine taking her places if she can stay in her stroller, there isn't a crowd and nobody pays attention to us. . .at least I'm getting more comfortable with it. It was hard today, however, because the Easter bunny was at the mall. He was just sitting up there all by himself. . .no other children around and I really wanted Olivia's picture taken with him. But, I couldn't bring myself to do it. . .who knows how many children have sat on his lap and I couldn't really ask the Easter bunny to wash and sanitize his furry paws. Of course, Olivia would have hated it and probably cried and cried, but the thought of having my child's picture taken with the Easter bunny just seems like a normal parent thing to do and I'm so ready to be normal. My heart nearly burst when the Easter bunny waved at Olivia. . . and she waved back. It was too cute. Maybe next year. . . .

Monday, March 30, 2009 - Update

Me and my daddy

This card is so cool!

Sharing a family laugh. .

Over the weekend, we celebrated Ryan's birthday with my parents. They watched Olivia so that Ryan and I could go out to lunch together. Too bad I had an awful headache yesterday. . .otherwise I would have enjoyed it a little more. My parents got Ryan a card that played music when you opened it. Olivia thought it was the best thing in the world and it is now her new favorite toy. She kept opening and closing it and smiling each and every time. Note to self: For her birthday, be sure to get her a musical card.

Olivia's First Sled Ride

It was a beautiful morning to play out in the snow, so we bundled Olivia up and out we went. She hated the bundling up part, but I think she realized it was worth it when she got to ride in her sled. She was all smiles and absolutely loved it. I knew she was done, however, when she started pulling off her mittens and hat. Then, poor daddy had to shovel snow. . .

Sunday, March 29, 2009 - Update

I have a feeling this is how we're going to feel today.

We didn't sleep much in our house last night. It has been pure bliss at night for the last couple of weeks. Olivia usually doesn't make a peep all night long after we sort of drew a hard line earlier this month. Last night, she woke up around 12:30 am. We went in, laid her back down, covered her up and left. She stood back up and cried and we repeated it again. Usually, twice is all that is needed and she gets the point and goes back to bed. Last night, she kept crying and crying until it sounded like she started throwing up. So, I went in and got her to make sure she was okay. Thankfully, no vomit, but since I was now holding her, I figured I would hold her until she fell back to sleep. An hour later. . .she's still awake. By the time, she fell asleep, I was asleep too. . . on the recliner. . .not good on my neck. I wake up at 3:30 am, put her back in her crib and she wakes up. . .wailing again. Ryan takes over at this point and he continues to lay her back down for what seems like forever. Then, she wakes up an hour and a half earlier than usual. Thankfully, it's the weekend which means I get some extra sleep this morning, however, I think our house may be extra cranky today.

The Downbeats

Did you know that my dad is an amazing musician/songwriter/pianist? Years ago, he was in a band called The Downbeats. . .ten points to anyone who has heard of them. They played many local venues as well as places throughout the country. Anyway, just thought my dad would get a kick out of being "featured" on the blog. Olivia will get to hear all of the stories as she grows up, I'm sure.

The Downbeats on the All-American College Show

My dad is the one kneeling in the middle.

A Snowy Day

Because of the blizzard that's coming, my mommy and I rounded up all of my woodland creature friends. Do you remember them? They couldn't stay outside in the snow.

We had so much fun together eating snacks,

telling secrets,

giving relaxing massages,

singing songs. . .la la la. . .

Ah-Ah-choo. . .I think I'm allergic to one of you.

Let's see. . .what else can we do. . .

I know! Catch me!

Friday, March 27, 2009 - Update

Why can't we go outside?

Olivia will be quite disappointed when we're stuck inside for the next few days with what is forecasted to be blizzard-like conditions! I thought it was supposed to be Spring? She loves getting out of the house. . .even if it is just for a drive in the car. Of course, I love it too. I seriously feel like the walls are caving in on me and I can't stand to be inside for more than a few hours at a time. I made it through the last 2 winters fairly well and I don't know why I'm feeling this way now. Olivia and I are always up for visitors (of course, you must be a healthy adult and remember to wash your hands when you first come over.) Once RSV season is over, I really look forward to her playing with other kids. I can't believe that we've kept her healthy this long, but I think it's starting to take its toll on me. She really enjoys it when people come over to play with her and has perfected her shy little smile. Olivia just does the cutest things lately. She likes to hug/kiss her stuffed animals, but she also does it to her favorite storybook characters. In Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear she adores the peacock and will stop and lay her head against it. The elephant occasionally gets this kind of affection. She does the same thing in Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See with the goldfish (and sometimes the teacher.) She loves it when we tell her that she's, "Oh so sweet!" It is the most adorable thing in the world. She is such a loving little girl and just warms my heart every day.

More Bathtime Fun

Olivia Lou Who

A Big Thanks

I just received this email from March of Dimes and it just brightened my day. What a testament to the love and support that Ryan and I continue to receive! What a way to show that Logan will never be forgotten! What a way to honor Olivia! All of you who have donated should feel so proud that you are giving other babies a chance at a healthy life. Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart. Anyway, this is what the email said:

Is your March for Babies team in the Top Three?

Many teams have already signed up and started fundraising – has yours?

As of March 25, these family teams have raised the most money on-line in Wichita

#3 Wilson Triplets (new to the top 3!) has raised $275.84 – congratulations to captain Maranda Wilson!

#2 Keegan’s Krusaders (still in 2nd!) has raised $345 – congratulations to captain Sally Duncan!

#1 Olivia and Logan (still in the lead!) has raised $650 – congratulations to captain Jodi Glunt!

To continue to stay in the lead, I will enter everyone who has donated into a drawing for a fabulous prize. All that you have to do is donate online or send me a check for a minimum of $10 by April 1st to be entered in the drawing. Good luck and thanks again!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - Update

My first Happy Meal toy. . .

Things are going good around here, although I hope we don't have anymore "bloody" falls this week. That is twice now that she has scraped her chin and given herself a fat lip. I'm really pondering the significance of this walking hullabaloo. (I don't know if that word fits here but I kinda felt like using it.) Her primary means of getting around is still crawling or walking while holding on to your finger. We're working really hard on getting her to release from furniture and she's doing great. She still wants to mainly walk to someone or something. . .she doesn't really just cruise around the house. But, it's a start and if we could get rid of some of the falls, we'd all be happier.

Let's see. . .what else is going on with Ms. Olivia. . .eating is going well and yesterday she had a few bites of a chicken mcnugget. I was thrilled that she at least tried it because she doesn't like to eat a lot of meat. Drinking out of a straw is coming along fairly well. Olivia is now up to almost 18.5 lbs, still not a lot but I was just glad she broke the 18 lb mark. Hopefully, she'll be over 20 lbs by the time she is two. And. . .currently, she has seven teeth. She tries to say quite a few words, such as juice, shoes, boat, duck, tweet tweet, woof woof. . .but no mama yet.

We're still eagerly anticipating warm weather (without wind) so that we can get outside more. I hear it is supposed to get rather cold by the end of the week. Olivia cries every time I open the door, but don't let her go outside. We should be getting "something" by the end of the week that Olivia will enjoy. . .we'll have to see.

Prayers for Baby Stellan

Many of you already follow www.mycharmingkids.netand some of you know of Stellan's heart problems in the womb. He is now in the PICU with the same heart problems and needs a lot of prayers. Many of you know that I have struggled in the past with why we pray. Does it change God's mind? Does it matter what we pray for when God already knows the outcome? Stellan's mom describes it beautifully in her post and I think it's something everyone should read. Please keep Baby Stellan in your prayers.

Girl Of Many Talents

This video cracked me up. Olivia had just gotten up from her nap and had no real desire to do what I was telling her to do, but she went through the motions anyway. The look on her face was probably similar to that of all the students who went back to school today after spring break.

Olivia just recently started clapping and now she does it all of the time. She loves waving bye-bye and shaking her head no. Put them all together and she's a girl of many talents.

Do You Know What Today (March 23rd) Is?

Hmmm. . .let me think.
Oh, I know!! I know!!

It's my daddy's birthday!!

Look! No surprises up my sleeve.

Happy Birthday! I love you daddy!

Just Pics

Daddy and Me
Mommy and Me

Friday, March 20, 2009 - Update

Look at me go!
I like to carry around pictures of my boyfriends.
Oh, that cute Cooper!

My friend and previous boss, Pam, visited the other day. She brought a picture of her grandson and Olivia carried that picture around for over an hour. It even went on a walk with us. I finally had to pry it out of her hands because it was getting a little bent up and I put it on the refrigerator. She likes to look at that picture along with the other baby pictures on our fridge and smile. It's really cute.

It seems that RSV is peaking right now. . .a bit late this year. Just when it seems I can almost relax and expose Olivia to more things. . .I find out that I can't. I was a little irritated the other day by a story that my sister-in-law told me. A lady took her son into the doctor and found out that he had RSV. She still, however, took him to the play area that Olivia's cousin goes to. I realize that his case must be mild, but do people not realize how serious RSV can be for some children? How many children are now being exposed to it? That is why I can't take Olivia to certain places or ever let my guard down. No wonder I'm so exhausted. . .maybe I just look at things entirely different than most people.

A First Time For Everything

Look at my ouchie. . .

It's been a week of many firsts. Olivia went from sitting in her Learning Chair to a standing position last night. She's also getting better about letting go of furniture and walking. Olivia left her first little present for me in the bathtub last night. Of course, Kerry was here for that. Olivia always does something new while she's here. This morning, Olivia had her first fall that resulted in blood. Poor baby! She's doing really well with her walking, but turning is still a bit of a challenge. She was turning around in the office, fell and her poor face hit the wheels of my chair. I picked her up and noticed blood on my shirt. . .she had a fat lip and a bloody chin. You should see the inside of her lip. . .it's awful. That's one thing I hate about this newfound mobility. . .I can't take all of the falls. It's going to be very difficult to let her walk on concrete outside.

We're so excited to get out today and buy the new Llama Llama book. Hopefully, Olivia likes it as much as the other two books. Curling up and reading a good book together will surely help Olivia's chin feel better.

Happy Birthday Donnie

Happy Birthday to my brother, Donnie. . .er, Don as he is called now. All of the incriminating childhood photos are unfortunately at my parents' house, but here are some recent ones. Hope it's the best birthday ever!

My brother and his wonderful wife, Shelley.

My brother and I at my wedding

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Update

Beautiful dismount
Nice pony
A new way to ride

I think Olivia's pony (or Ponita as we like to call her) is losing a bit of her magic. Olivia doesn't spend nearly as much time riding her as she used to. Now that she can pretty much walk on her own. . . .the pony just isn't as much help. Plus, she knows how to get off of her pony now. That pony has been so beneficial to Olivia. . .it literally opened up her world and gave her the mobility that she needed. I'm sure that they have quite a bit of good times left together. . .every girl needs a pony! Right now, I think Olivia also needs a swingset. We would both enjoy spending the time outside this Spring. If you see any good deals, let me know.

Olivia's New Shoes

Mom and dad made me get new shoes.
It's fun to walk outside!
But, they take a little getting used to.

Because Olivia continues to walk on her toes about 70% of the time, her PT suggested that we buy a supportive high top shoe. This will hopefully prevent her from having to wear a brace on her foot sometime in the future. She still manages, however, to walk on her toes, but. . .it's definitely not as much. Shoe shopping was a pretty traumatic ordeal. Grandma Mary and I went to Little Feet Boutique where they have trained fitters and half sizes available. According to Olivia, having your feet measured is almost as bad as a trip to the eye doctor. Poor baby. . I felt so bad for her. She cried and cried and cried even after she got her yellow balloon. She's adjusting well to wearing her new shoes although when I took them off of her feet tonight she laughed deliriously. They are not as stylish as some of the adorable shoes out there, but hopefully they'll help and she can have more practice walking outside.