Olivia's Swing

What can you do with your giraffe when you don't feel very good, but you want to go outside?
Take a ride in your new swing!

I love to swing!

This was my cousin Izzy's old swing.

Whoa. . .daddy swings me high!

My giraffe and I had so much fun!

I'm ready to swing again. . .I know it's right outside.

Saturday, April 11, 2009 - Update

You're never too sick or too young to shop wisely.

Olivia is doing well. She actually slept all night thanks to the humidifier and Motrin. She still has a temp, although the amount of snot and congestion seems better. It has stayed out of her lungs and she is breathing just fine. That (and RSV) is such a huge fear for any micro-preemie parent. We were all just grateful to get a good night's sleep. Hopefully, she'll continue to improve and this illness will soon be a thing of the past.

Sick

I'll give a dollar to anyone who helps me feel better!
Man, I don't like being sick!!
(These pics were taken a few days ago.)

Olivia started getting a runny nose last night and I could just tell that she was getting sick. We were up most of the night. Pray that it is just a cold. . .poor thing is miserable.

4:00 pm - I decided to take her to the doctor since we're coming up on the weekend. She has an upper respiratory infection, although they didn't even test for RSV. Currently, it is not affecting her breathing (other than her inability to breathe out of her nose) and we're hoping that it stays an upper respiratory infection and doesn't turn into a lower respiratory infection. Those born as early as Olivia don't have the strongest of lungs. . .although she continues to surprise us. Her ears and throat look good. Poor thing has a lot of mucus, nasal congestion and a 102 temp. I gave her some Motrin and she took a short 30 minute nap (the longest she can sleep at one time) and seems to be feeling a bit better. I even got a smile out of her when I asked her if she wanted to watch Baby Signing Times. I've been holding her almost constantly since about 11 pm last night and I have to say that I'm enjoying the snuggle time. Please pray that she doesn't get any worse and is feeling better soon!! Oh, and some sleep for all three of us would be nice as well.

March for Babies Agenda

Be sure to click on the agenda to enlarge. If you plan on coming, please plan to be there by 9:15 am so that we'll be sure to get everyone in the team picture. Remember that it is Saturday, April 18th. Hope to see many of you there!!

Fun With Dad

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - Update

Ready, set, go!

Well, we picked out Olivia's glasses today. We ended up getting them at Grene Vision, where she goes to the eye doctor. Most places (LensCrafters, EyeMasters, etc.) don't carry any for children as young as Olivia. I didn't want to buy them online without first trying them on. While we were waiting, Ryan and I picked out are favorite ones only to find out that we had only two to choose from. . . .and one of them didn't fit right. Olivia is so young and her face is so narrow that there really isn't a selection at all. So, the glasses aren't my favorite by any means and I hate the big plastic bridge part over the nose, but the point isn't to win a fashion contest. I want to do everything I can to help give her the best vision that I can. Hopefully, these glasses can do that and. . . .Olivia can make anything look cute. (Plus, the bigger she gets. . .the cuter the glasses get.) Her prescription isn't very strong and it doesn't seem that her eyesight is that bad. The glasses are basically supposed to help her eyes relax so that they can focus better. . . .thus reducing the chances for a second surgery. We should be able to pick up the glasses next week. Please pray that she takes to the glasses and that we see an improvement with her eyes.

Happy Birthday Grandma Mary!

Happy Birthday, Grandma Mary! I love the time we spend together!

Monday, April 6, 2009 - Update

I'm going to have to wear glasses, but I don't even like to wear clothes.

I'm kinda bummed about the whole thing. It's not that it's a huge deal to have glasses. Millions of people have glasses. . .I have glasses. But, no child should have to wear glasses. . . at least not until they're in school.

The eye doctor appointment was awful (although Olivia really acted the best that she could under the circumstances.) I made Ryan come with me because it was a dilation appointment and those are the worst. She screamed and screamed and there were two people holding her eyes open and two of us holding her arms and legs down. . .just awful. We were given three options:

1) We could do nothing and continue to monitor her.

2) We could try her in glasses to see if it helps her focus. Chances are. . .it probably won't, but there is also a chance that it could and save us from another surgery.

3) Surgery, which is extremely likely if we do nothing.

So, we opted for the glasses. We haven't picked out any frames yet, because Olivia was in no mood to have something else forced on her today. I honestly think that she'll look adorable in glasses, but it still breaks my heart just a bit.

Any advice on glasses (where to buy them, how to keep them on, etc.) would be appreciated.

***Now, on to some incredible news!!! My goodness!! Our little team is competing with the big boys! Not only are we the #1 family team, but we are the #2 overall team!!! We're on a roll now. Please donate whatever you can and help us make quite the impact on April 18th!

As of April 6, these outstanding teams have raised the most funds:

#5 Bank of the West

#4 Wichita Clinic PA

#3 NICU Entourage - Via Christi Regional Medical Center

#2 Olivia & Logan

#1 Wesley Medical Center

Sunday, April 5, 2009 - Update

Isn't she gorgeous? I'm so glad that she got her daddy's eyes.

Saturday, April 4, 2009 - Update

Do you ever have days where you are just angry and you don't really know why? That was how today was for me and I could never quite put my finger on the reason. Maybe it was the 40 mph wind gusts that made it next to impossible to do anything outside. Within seconds my hair was beyond repair. Why exactly is Kansas so windy? There's something about windy days that just make me irritable.

Maybe it was because Olivia was a bit cranky as well and would not sit still for a single diaper change. It has become next to impossible to keep her on her back to change her diaper. . .let alone change her clothes.

Maybe it was because my husband has been working a lot. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all that he does to support his family, but I hate to see him work so hard. And, it makes both of our days longer than they should be.

Maybe it was because I wore my March for Babies team t shirt today. I wasn't going to wear it until the walk, but I figured, "What could happen?" I somehow got black stains all over it and I pre-treated it three times and washed it twice and I can still see them!!

Maybe it is because the RSV season was extended, which means we are still not out of the woods. I'm ready to fill my days with playdates and fun-filled afternoons, but instead I have to remain cautious. At least if the weather was nicer (and not so windy) we could do more things outside instead of sitting in the house and twiddling our thumbs. I think we've been to Target every day this week. . .hmmm. . .

Maybe it is because I've spent too much money this week because I'm desperate to get out of the house and so I go places and buy stuff.

Maybe it is because I'm dreading Olivia's eye appointment on Monday when they have to dilate her eyes. Last time they dilated her eyes. . .three people had to hold her down and she screamed like she's never screamed before. It was awful. They are supposed to determine whether she needs another surgery or glasses. I can't keep shoes, socks, hats, or sunglasses on Olivia. . .how in the world will I keep glasses on her?

Maybe it is because I'm completely off of my less-gluten, less carbs, less sugar diet. I actually had a Pepsi today for the first time in 5 months. . .and an iced tea and an Excedrin. And, I was still angry.

Maybe I should just go to bed.

Random Conversations

Me: Look, honey, it's Olivia's first ponytail!

Ryan: That is the silliest looking ponytail I've ever seen. Don't post a picture on the blog.
Me: Ooops. . .Okay, so she doesn't quite have enough hair yet, but I had to document the occasion.

Me: Yay Olivia! You found the red ball.
Ryan: A ball is also called a sphere and remember, Olivia, a sphere is a circle rotated in three dimensional space.
(Olivia continues playing with the ball.)
Ryan: But, we'll call it a ball because that's what your classmates will call it.

Me: I'm not a competitive person, but whenever I put my time and energy into something. . .I have to be the best at it! What is that called?
Ryan: Being competitive.

Me: Say mama
Olivia: Dada
Me: Mama
Olivia: Fafa
Me: No, Mama
Olivia: Gaga
Me: Mama
Olivia: Heeheehee

Ryan: Our lives sure are different now.
Me: Yep
Ryan: Completely different than they used to be.
Me: Yep. What do you think is the biggest change?
Ryan: We have a little girl that lives in our house now.

Sweetest little girl in the whole world. Thanks for letting me share her life with you.

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.