Wednesday, May 1, 2013

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!

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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.

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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.

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We practice writing our letters with them.

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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. 

Monday, April 29, 2013

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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Sunday, April 28, 2013

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.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Spring Weather, Finally!

We spent the afternoon outside in this gorgeous weather! Abigail got to swing outside for the first time. She loved it!!





I found out that she has a really big head! Hardly any of Olivia's hats fit her head. I think many of them Olivia could still wear! And she loved the shades. Again, Olivia wore them when she was about 4 years old. LOL!



We went for a walk later. Abigail just does not like her car seat OR stroller, so we have to carry her everywhere. Wondering how our summertime adventures are going to go. . .maybe once she can eat finger foods, she'll like her stroller more.

For now, she loves her snuggles!!


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Friday, April 26, 2013

Olivia At 5 1/2 Years

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Numbers




Olivia has been working really really hard on writing her numbers. I'm so proud of her. What ultimately worked is something she does in preschool. . .writing them in the air. It's so cute because whatever she writes in the air, she never forgets to erase. LOL! And if she wants to save it, she puts it in her pocket. What a great way to practice without getting frustrated because something doesn't look quite right. Have I mentioned that I love her preschool teacher? Anyway, she was ecstatic that she can now write ANY number, even 129,367,458.




And, according to Olivia, that three is just tired so it's laying down and the nine isn't upside down. It likes to stand on its head. My bad. She knows what she is doing. Only my daughter could personify numbers. LOL!

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Healthy Grieving

And this is why this blog has been so wonderful for me. Thanks for letting me tell my story over and over again.


Healthy Grieving: Step Four
Day 54

The fourth step in healthy grieving is to tell your story to others. Give someone an honest account of your loss.

"Grieving means talking about what you're going through in the presence of some other people and letting them react to you," says Dr. Jim Conway.

So how do you find the right people to share with? First consider your family members. Then consider sharing with members of a grief recovery group. If these options are not good for you, as mentioned previously, try to find someone in your church or neighborhood who has experienced a loss similar to yours. If you tell him or her that you need someone to talk to, that person will likely be glad to meet with you.

It may seem easier and more desirable to keep your words, thoughts, and emotions inside and to busy yourself with work and activities to help you forget. But that forgetfulness is short-lived and ultimately ineffective. True healing will only occur when you slow down and let grief run its course.

"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles" (Philippians 4:14).

Lord Jesus, You know what is best for me much more than I ever will. Open my heart and my mouth and enable me to share my story with others. Amen.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Thursday, April 25, 2013

It's been a busy day today. Olivia had a dentist appointment this morning and did great. Remember when she would cry and cry? I did learn something interesting. My dad and I ( and I believe my dad's mom) were born without a permanent upper right lateral tooth. After x rays, we learned that Olivia DOES have a permanent tooth there. However, she does not have one of her permanent molars. Basically, her premolar on the upper right that she has now does not have a permanent tooth behind it. So, she does unfortunately take a bit after me.

We also had kindergarten testing this afternoon. She didn't do nearly as well as I know she can. Probably because I told her I'd be with her and I wasn't. She is very bothered by the unexpected. This was the first time I have ever heard anyone have concerns about her speech. She has wonderful enunciation and has always been a great communicator. They seemed a bit concerned with her fine motor skills as well as her attention. I'll be honest. I've always been super concerned with her attention, but her preschool teacher keeps her on track very well. So, I figured it was partly me. But, I'm so nervous about her teacher next year and hoping it's a good fit for her. She LOVES her preschool teacher. Some children do fine with any teacher. Olivia's year, I'm afraid, will depend greatly on her relationship with the teacher. Praying for a good fit and one that is very sensitive to her unique needs. Praying praying praying.

Now, I'd better get back to wiping Abigail's nose for the millionth time today. :-)



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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Daddy’s Shoulders

I made this about a year ago and just found it tonight.  I don’t believe I ever posted it.  Olivia is so lucky to grow up with a cousin so close in age. And, of course, is lucky for daddy’s shoulders.

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Go Away Winter

Olivia has been fighting a cold all week and now Abigail has it. I was up suctioning out her nose most the night. And it's cold outside! It snowed here yesterday on April 23rd. Crazy. Hope you are all having a better week than we are. LOL!



Sunday, April 21, 2013

Monkeying Around

For quite awhile, Olivia has expressed interest in choosing the decorations for her (and Abigail's) bathroom. She filled up her sticker chart and as her big reward, we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and told her she could choose whatever kind of bathroom she wanted. I had visions of flowers and beautiful decorating ideas. She immediately found what she wanted. Monkeys. Now, don't get me wrong, they are cute but not what I would have picked. I was busy trying to get her to change her mind and she was holding strong to the monkeys. Then she said something really profound. She looked at me and said,"A choice is a choice." She was totally right. How in the world is she so incredibly wise? It was her choice and she wanted monkeys. So, monkeys it is.



And, they are pretty darn cute. Good choice Olivia. So proud of her for not being swayed. Now, we just gotta find some cute wall decor.

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Saturday, April 20, 2013

5 Months

Wow, five months old? Where has the time gone? Abigail is just a complete doll! What joy she has brought to our lives! She now weighs about 15.25 lbs and loves to eat. This past month she got her first taste of rice cereal, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans. She loves them all and eats full jars at a time. And, she got her nickname that I'm afraid is going to stick. Our little Abbigator. LOL! She eats voraciously like an alligator and once she clamps down on the spoon, you just have to wait for her to release it. She also loves baths. .so a love of water like an alligator too. Haha! This month she has also discovered toys. Her 5 month picture is taken with some of her favorites. She is almost into 9 month clothes, which is what Olivia wore at a year old. So, although I kept all of Olivia's old clothes, I'm afraid the seasons aren't going to match up. She'll probably be ready for 12 month clothes this summer and all the 12 month clothes we have are for winter. Darn. But, so in love with my little family and Abigail just means so much to all of us. My heart overflows.

Friday, April 19, 2013

When We Were Babies

Ryan and I were both chubby babies (although I won in the 4 month category at 17 lbs.) So, I figured we'd have at least one chubby child. Here we are as babies. :-)
Ryan




And here are some of me









So, what do you think? Who does Olivia and Abigail resemble the most?
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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Eye Color

I recently read that your eye color is determined by 9 months of age.  Haha!  This is Olivia when she was three years old. 

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We thought she would keep her hazel eyes like daddy, but they are most definitely brown now.

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Just wondering. . .what color are your childrens’ eyes and did they change color after 9 months of age?

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I never bought into the Crocs or the Ugg boots, but yesterday I bought my first pair of Toms. You know you're a mom when an hour of free time and shoe shopping is a big deal. I really like them and I can change the appearance by the color of hidden socks that I'm wearing.




That's about the only positive thing that has happened this week. I've had endocrinologist appointments, a thyroid sonogram, fought with insurance to get the help needed for Olivia ( more about that later) and wondered how in the world Olivia's Prevacid costs $60 when we have never paid over $35 for any prescription. Oh, why can't things be simpler?? :-)




I just wanna watch Olivia draw monsters all day!
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Monday, April 15, 2013

Tax Day Is No Laughing Matter

This was the title of my blog post on April 15, 2008 because it was the first day that Olivia laughed.  She had not even chuckled before this day and all of the sudden. . .it was a belly laugh and the most beautiful sound we had ever heard.

http://loganssisters.gluntfamily.com/2008/04/tax-day-is-no-laughing-matter-olivia.html

Today on April 15, 2013, Abigail belly laughed for the first time.  She has had a few chuckles here and there, but never a belly laugh.  Both were during a game of peek-a-boo.  The only difference is that we got Olivia’s on video.  By the time I grabbed the camera, Abigail just stared at me.  LOL!  Yep, I have one child who is a bit camera shy and another (ahem, Olivia) who is not!  But, here is a picture of Abigail’s smiling face.

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Sunday, April 14, 2013

It was pretty fun day today. We took the girls to the park. Olivia had fun, but she slid out of the swing and landed on her back. She didn't even cry. Just dusted herself off and did something else. That girl is so tough, because it looked like it really hurt. Thank goodness for sand, I guess. Abigail slept through most of it, which is fine because she doesn't like her stroller much.








My happy girl! She loves sweet potatoes and ate the whole jar. I don't think I'm supposed to let her eat the whole thing at this age, but she loved it!



More mama, more!!


Also, at bath time tonight, I filled a muffin tin with shaving cream and dyed it with food coloring. Then, I let Olivia paint all over the tub. She absolutely loved it!!



Olivia has also been working really hard at writing her letters and spelling words! I'm so proud of her!



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Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday, April 12, 2013

This has been a week of new experiences for Abigail. She got her first taste of baby food and she's in love with squash and carrots! Seriously, this girl loves food and gets so excited when she simply sees her bib. We also brought up some old toys from storage including the jumparoo. Abigail doesn't really jump in it, but she loved to stand in it and play with the toys. And Olivia thought she needed to play in it again too. LOL! A little tall for it, Olivia.







Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Ice Ice Baby

We are having some crazy weather this month. Last night we were under a severe thunderstorm watch with a winter weather advisory. Temps were 70+ yesterday and 32 today.



Lots and lots of ice and downed trees everywhere. Thankfully the roads were okay to get Olivia to school. But, I thought I had packed the winter clothes away for the last time. Nope.



She's not so happy right now as we have lost power about 10 times today. She's trying to nap in her swing and it keeps quitting on her. She doesn't like when the music stops.



On Monday, we were eating Popsicles outside! Ugh. Winter is never ending this year. Hope you are all staying warm. How is the weather where YOU live today?

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone