Thursday, October 15, 2009 - Update

It has been so fun to watch the developing friendship between Olivia and her cousin, Izzy. Simply pulling up in the driveway at Izzy's house is enough to make Olivia squeal with excitement and scream, "Izzy!"

Best friends

Playing at Izzy's. I can't believe she isn't jumping on the trampoline. Yep, I think we're going to have to get Olivia one of these for Christmas.

And, I'll end with a funny story about Izzy since my sister-in-law (ahem) doesn't blog anymore. Izzy was rubbing lotion on her hands today and we later discovered that it was creamy hand wash. That's better, I suppose, than the butter that Olivia was rubbing all over her hands this weekend after finding the little butter packets that came with my hotcakes from McDonalds. Anyway, Izzy started rubbing the soap on her face before we could wash her hands. I told her not to eat it just as she started blowing bubbles. It was so funny, but even funnier was this picture.

Things have been, well, boring around here. . .which is just the way I like it. Not much to talk about, not much to take pictures of. . .just boring everyday life. We're all healthy, well. . .except Autumn. She has an upper respiratory infection and we had to delay her spay surgery because of it. So she's on a medication that she hates so that is the most exciting part of our day. . .trying to get that all in her mouth.

Halloween Preview

Sunday, October 11, 2009 - Update

What ARE you?

Boogey down!

We got out a few old Halloween decorations yesterday. Olivia loved the dancing skeletons and Frankenstein. They play Thriller, Play That Funky Music, etc. They are actually very good for Olivia because she has to push a button to turn them on. She is motivated to turn them on because she LOVES music. Simply pushing a button is something that she has previously been unable to do. Her fine motor skills are improving every day. I can't wait to see what she thinks of the Christmas decorations this year!

Autumn Approves

Saturday, October 10, 2009 - Update

Wow! Is this for me?

You shouldn't have.

This will keep me busy for hours!

I guess we should do Olivia's Christmas shopping in the cat aisle. Autumn hasn't tried it out yet, but Olivia gives it two thumbs up. Olivia has been doing amazing lately. She is climbing all over everything, drinking out of sippy cups, talking like crazy, coloring and eating new foods (especially when we give her a lot of applause and positive reinforcement.) We're finding that her favorite drink is iced tea. Isn't that odd for a 2 year old? She LOVES tea. I'm thinking of trying some rooibos tea with her because it's caffeine free, includes calcium and has many health benefits. I've been so proud of how she's doing lately, although we are fighting some crankiness due to her cuspids coming in. Those have definitely been the worst teeth yet.

Declawing

I have learned over the last few days that declawing a cat (also called an onychectomy) is a very controversial subject. During an onychectomy, the claws are removed along with the distal phalanx (the end bone.) Now, do I think this is inhumane? No, I do not. . .especially with today's surgical methods and pain medications. I wonder how many cats have become "outdoor" cats or have ended up at the humane society because they were not declawed. I think it is important to have a pet that can live harmoniously with the entire family. I can understand, however, the argument against it. It is a major surgery (repeated 10 times) and can lead to infections, litter box refusal, and a vulnerability that causes some cats to use biting as their primary means of defense. All that being said, we have decided NOT to declaw Autumn on Monday. I felt that, although it may seem better to do them both together, having a spay surgery plus a declaw was pretty major for a little kitty. Multiple people have told me that after a declaw, it is best to leave them overnight and Autumn was having that plus a spay and going home the same day. Now, I'm not saying that I'll never have her declawed, but if I do I probably won't discuss it on the blog. Some things are better left unsaid. . .or so I've learned. In the meantime, hopefully Autumn will continue to show us that she can use her claws "responsibly."

Thursday, October 8, 2009 - Update

Sleep, wondrous sleep!

That's what I should have done today.

Then, I wouldn't have had: a cranky two year old, a low tire pressure light turn on in my car which made me check my tires out in the cold, rainy weather and an almost empty gas tank which made me stop to get gas in the cold, rainy weather. Then, I wouldn't have had to get a chai tea latte on the way home to make myself feel better which I would later spill all over myself and my car. . .which I couldn't clean up very well because of my cranky two year old. Is it time for bed yet?

mY sILLY gIRL

This is what you get when your child sorta/kinda knows how to undress herself.

To Declaw Or Not To Declaw

Please weigh in on this issue. . .either for or against. I'm needing some major help in deciding. What I do know is. . .Autumn is a very docile cat who lets me cut her nails very easily. I have already trimmed them once with very little protest. Are nail caps easy to put on? I also know, however, that to become a welcomed addition to our family, she really can't ruin our furniture or leave scratches on people. I understand that it is a painful surgery, but she will be under anesthetic with plenty of pain pills to help her recover. I have also been told that it is less painful to do it if they are younger, so I'd hate to wait and then decide to do it later. Please help as I would not want to be known as someone who does something inhumane to another living creature. I'm just trying to do what is best for my family.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - Update

\ Apple. . .hey, isn't that my cat's name?

Well, Autumn goes in for surgery next Monday to be spayed and declawed. I really, really didn't want to do them both at the same time, but our vet says he does it all the time and it's almost better to get it over with instead of having back to back surgeries. Plus, then she only has to go under anesthesia one time with one set of pain pills. We had a guinea pig die under anesthesia, however, it's a lot riskier for guinea pigs than cats. Poor kitty has no idea what is coming. I debated over whether or not to have her declawed as I found out it is quite a controversial topic. It is comparable to cutting off the tips of our fingers. I decided to go ahead and do it for a couple of reasons after talking with my vet (who I highly respect.) For one, he felt it was important to do if the cat will grow up around little kids. Also, it's not as if the surgery is for nothing. In return, they become a welcomed addition to your family and get to live inside your home for 15+ years. If I were a cat, that would be what I would choose. Autumn is still doing well. We're still having problems with vomiting, although I don't believe she threw up yesterday. I placed a toy inside of her food dish (someone suggested a golf ball, but we don't golf. . .so, a Weeble Wobble had to do.) This hopefully will slow her down if she's eating too fast. I've also tried really hard not to let her eat any people food. She is a bit of a scrounger and will eat any and everything that she finds. Autumn especially likes the crumbs from Olivia's high chair. I bought her some canned food and you would have thought that was the best thing ever. . .well, besides being held and petted. When you stop petting her, she acts as if she may not be able to breathe without you. Ryan is the first person she sees in the morning and she is starved for affection by that time. Honestly, I don't think Ryan minds all that much. Yep, I think Ryan is enjoying all three of his girls.

Monday, October 5, 2009 - Update

What? Am I not supposed to drink mommy's tea?

Olivia has been branching out a "little" bit and trying some different things. The other day and I turned around and found this:

Olivia stuffing her face with my protein bar.

She really liked it. So, Clif Bar gets two thumbs up. . .even a 2 year old likes it. Hopefully, she'll continue to try new foods and discover that eating isn't a bad thing. Olivia has only gained 1 oz in the past two months. Yep, she's only 20 lbs 1 oz and I keep praying for that growth spurt.

Sunday, October 4, 2009 - Update

I think I need a bigger lap.

So, I think there is a bit of jealousy going on between Olivia and Autumn because Olivia has wanted to sit on my lap a lot the last few days. I think the jealousy goes both ways. Every night after I put Olivia to sleep (and before I finish laundry or pay bills, clean the litter box, take a shower, have a little me time and a little time with my husband) I spend some time with Autumn. Now, if Olivia is late getting to bed, that cuts into my Autumn time and I think Autumn knows it. She waits for me in the living room and if I'm too long, she waits in the hallway and if I'm way too long, she goes into Olivia's room and just stares at me. Crazy girls. They do both love each other, though. We did, however, pick a name for our cat that Olivia just cannot say. It's pretty funny. . .our conversations go like this:

Me: Say Autumn

Olivia: Apple

Me: No, Autumn

Olivia: Apple

Me: Ahhhhh-tummmmm

Olivia: Ahhhh-puuuullll

So, Olivia calls her Apple and we really don't know why. Ryan and I thought about it and Olivia just cannot say words that have a t in the middle. She says poppy instead of potty, kiki instead of kitty, baba or bobble instead of bottle. Kinda interesting. Olivia runs around saying apple and I don't know whether she is wanting the cat or an actual apple. It's usually a toss-up.

Saturday, October 3, 2009 - Update

What a blessing Autumn has been for our family. It's like she was made to fit in perfectly with all three of us. Watching Olivia interact with her warms my heart every time. And, I think Autumn has done more for my depression than medication, counseling and exercise combined. We're learning all about Autumn's schedule and where she likes to sleep. In the mornings and evenings, she is literally attached at the hip, but disappears for 5-6 hours in the afternoon. I learned her favorite spot is in the office closet, on top of these drawers. . .completely hidden by my sweaters hanging up. Before I learned this, I could not find her anywhere. I was sure that she had somehow escaped when the UPS guy came. I was almost in tears when Ryan got home from work because I hadn't seen her in 6 hours and thought I had looked everywhere.

We are working on her table manners and trying to get her to stay OFF the table. She begs for people food worse than a dog. I have to hold her in a headlock while we're eating. . .and last night she still managed to bat my food off of my fork on the way to my mouth. Then, I caught her finishing up Olivia's left over macaroni and cheese this afternoon before I got it put up. It probably doesn't help when I catch Olivia sneaking her goldfish crackers. But, Autumn has definitely become one of the family and passed the ultimate test.

Friday, October 2, 2009 - Update

My sweet Olivia Paige

I'm so tired of this H1N1 stuff. I worry enough about Olivia's health. . .I don't need this. I'm especially tired of hearing about a heartbreaking death followed by "but he/she had other underlying health conditions." For one, that doesn't calm the fears of the parents whose children have underlying health condtions and two, they say it as if that particular person's life wasn't as important as those whose health is impeccable. Now, I know Olivia has been doing amazingly well (miraculously well, actually) but, that doesn't erase the fact that she was born at 23 weeks with lungs that are scarred. I worry so much about something happening to Olivia. . .it almost torments me at times. I think the addition of Autumn to our family is helping me with that. It sort of gives me something else to think about and animals are great stress reducers. Thankfully, Autumn is fitting in really well. . .otherwise I would have something else to WORRY about. Poor cat doesn't really have much leeway. . .if she showed any amount of aggression towards Olivia, she would have to find another home. Autumn, however, doesn't have a mean bone in her body. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good judge of character. . .especially when it comes to those of the furry variety. Autumn is an amazing cat. The only problem we are having with her is that she is throwing up a lot. Am I just destined to be around vomit? I have no idea, but I've enlisted the help of my vet (as well as any of you that may have ideas?) Please continue to pray that she wins over the heart of my husband. He's a bit tougher to win over than Olivia and me. So far, his allergies have been okay, but we keep Autumn out of the bedroom and our house is actually cleaner than it was before the cat. But, a two year old lives here. . .so what do you expect?

Thursday, October 1, 2009 - Update

My perfect kitty

Olivia and Autumn are becoming the best of friends. It is amazing to watch! Where one goes, the other one goes. Autumn is no longer showing any apprehension about Olivia. Olivia still shies away from Autumn's over-abundance of affection, but I think it will be very good for Olivia's sensory difficulties.

Sleepy girls

I think Autumn is feeling comfortable in her new home! What do you think?

Now, I have to put her back in her carrier and take her to the vet for her first checkup.

** Autumn's appt went well. My vet thought she was one of the sweetest, gentlest kitties he's ever met! Looks like my Bath and Body Works email was right! :)

My Two Beautiful Girls

Olivia

Autumn

I am blessed. :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - Update

We had a playdate today with Stacie, Erica (Stacie's sister) and Madison. I don't know who had more fun. . .the younger girls or us older ones. I've decided playdates are just as beneficial for the moms as they are for the kids. Our girls get along fabulously and I can't wait until they are old enough to really play together. Each time Stacie and I get together, I can't help but remember the time when neither of us thought we would ever be mothers. We thank God every day for our precious children.

Wow, thanks friend!

Autumn Update

So pretty!

Had to move this plant. . .

Autumn and my fig tree, Hilga.

I'm so in love with Autumn. To understand my admiration, you must understand that I have wanted a cat all of my life and I have never had one. My mom is very allergic. The closest I have come is taking care of multiple stray cats throughout my lifetime, starting with Thomas (who my brother and his friends referred to as Cone, which always upset me) then Caramel, and all of my apartment kitties including Caleb. Now, don't feel too sorry for me. I have owned: 1 goldfish, 2 hamsters, 2 bunnies, 1 bird, 10 guinea pigs, 2 rats and the greatest dog in the whole wide world. Hmmm. . .I will have to dig up some old pictures and do a whole post on our dog, Tyrone, that I had from the time I was 4 years old until I was 18. I want Autumn to be that animal for Olivia. . .one that she remembers growing up with. Autumn is growing more comfortable in her new home every day. I'm sure it frustrates her that everything in our house seems to play music when bumped into. And, she doesn't apppreciate Olivia barreling through the house with her shopping cart. Pretty soon, I'm sure Autumn will be riding in that shopping cart. And, even Ryan is enjoying Autumn (pretty much because she leaves him alone) but, I'll take that as a positive. Oh, how I love my kitty.

Free To Good Home

No, not my kitty. :) I think I'm going to need to get rid of my houseplants. Autumn is obsessed with them. I know that many plants are toxic to cats and I'm not sure what kind many of mine are. Some are a mixture of many plants, including one peace lily, which I know are dangerous. I really, really hope Hilga is not on the toxic list. Yes, I name my favorite plants. I bought Hilga back in 2001 when I moved into my first apartment, so she's been with me for a long time. I think she's some sort of fig tree. Hopefully, Hilga can stay, but I may need to get rid of the rest. It was so cute because Olivia knows not to mess with the plants and I've never had any problems. So, when she saw Autumn messing with them, she kept saying, "No, no Kiki! No no!" Then, she would look at me like, "She's not listening, mom! I know NEVER to mess with no-no's"

Autumn is doing well, although I can't find her most of the time. Her favorite spots include behind the washer and dryer (do you know how filthy it is back there?) and behind the couch. She is exploring a lot more, but remains terrified of Olivia. Olivia is just tickled to death, however, that there is a kitty in the house. She laughs every time she sees her. I take Autumn into the vet on Thursday for her first check-up. She is really skinny and I haven't yet seen her eating, so I hope she's okay.

Did you hear that I have a kitty?

Perfect Autumn, Perfect For Everyone, It's Finally Here

Well, I guess it's time to reveal the big secret. First of all, I have the most amazing husband, but that comes as no surprise. Never would I have imagined to be married to such a wonderful man who is such a wonderful father. My husband, my non-animal lover, allergic to cats husband, gave us the green light on a kitty. We found a six month old mixed tabby rescued stray from Lifeline Animal Placement and agreed last night that we would welcome her into our family. I had to fill out an application and was told it could be 2-4 days before I would hear anything. So, I figured we would bring her home around the middle of the week. I gave Ryan many choices on names, but I wanted him to pick the official name (ya know, maybe that would give him more of a personal investment.) We decided on. . .Autumn. Her coloring reminds me of autumn and we got her in autumn. Last night, I tossed and turned over this decision. It seemed ironic. . .Ryan agrees and the only thing between Olivia and her kitty is. . .me. I prayed about it. I wanted her to be the right kitty for our family. Ryan is allergic to cats and I'm mildly allergic. . .so, is this going to be right for everyone? Early this morning, I got a call that I was approved and Autumn was mine to pick up. I wasn't expecting it today. I actually told them I'd probably pick her up tomorrow. Do I welcome this new addition to our family on the anniversary of the day that I lost our most precious son? Why did the timing work out like this? Do I really think this is the right cat for all of us? Then, I sort of chuckled at an email that I received this morning from Bath and Body Works. The subject line read:

Perfect Autumn, Perfect For Everyone, It's Finally Here.

That was sort of an answer to my prayers, as silly as it sounds. I told my husband about it and he said, "So, you decided on the cat because Bath and Body Works told you to?" I listen for answers to prayers in the weirdest places. About 8 1/2 years ago, I knew Ryan was the one for me after praying about it and finding out days later that we both had a fake tooth. . .in the exact same spot. To me, that was the confirmation that we were meant to be. Of course, as I know. . . prayers are rarely answered that clearly.

So, I picked Autumn up today and brought her home. She was so very scared. I brought her down to the basement, showed her the litter box and food and left her alone for awhile to get comfortable. She was terrified of Olivia, but who wouldn't be if a little person was running after you, squealing, "Kiki! Kiki!" Olivia is just so excited about her kitty. Sadly, we haven't seen much of Autumn as she's been hiding out in the basement all day. At one point, I couldn't find her anywhere and discovered that she had climbed into the hallway closet and was snuggled up with some old towels and blankets.

So, here she is. . .our little Autumn. I finally spent some time with her tonight after Olivia went to bed and I think I officially became her human. She snuggled up next to me and purred and purred and licked me and wanted her tummy rubbed. I held her and thought about Logan and cried. We comforted each other as I'm sure she fretted about where she is and I fretted about where I've been. I think she will be an amazing cat for our family, we just have to keep our allergies under control. I wanted something "good" to happen in September and although nothing can take away the pain of losing Logan. . .it's always nice to have a new reason to smile.

Logan William 8-27-2007 to 9-28-2007

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Big News

Be sure to check this blog later in the week for some BIG news! No, it's not THAT big. . .but, it's pretty big! Can't wait to share!

Sunday, September 27, 2009 - Update

Yesterday, we went out to visit Logan's grave. It's been a little frustrating lately because items that have been placed out on his grave have come up missing. I mentioned this on facebook and everyone was outraged and couldn't believe that this happens. It is actually more common than you think. It took me awhile to accept that it wasn't anything personal, although I think Logan's grave has now been targeted as one with "cool stuff." So, unfortunately, we can't decorate it like we have in the past. I have received, however, many interesting ideas such as attaching alarms, video surveillance, or simply placing labels that state "This was stolen from a baby's grave" or "You are being watched." I figure that the people who do such awful acts need our prayers more than anything else.

That's my brother.

The biggest gift we've received this weekend is that Olivia said her brother's name for the first time. We were looking at pictures of him and I asked her who that was. She said, "Lolo," and then kissed his picture. It brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet sister she would be!