Saturday, June 26, 2010 - Update

Ryan and I went to see Toy Story 3 today. We didn't take Olivia as she is not quite ready for a movie in the movie theatre. . .it's all she can do to sit down and watch a 15 minute long Clifford show. Hopefully, someday soon we can take her to a movie. That sounds like such a fun family activity to do. The movie was great. . .really sweet and I couldn't help but cry. I cried partly because it was genuinely touching and partly because of Olivia's relationship with some of her toys including Gogum (pictured above ) and Leapfrog Lily. They sleep right beside her every night and she expresses such concern and affection towards them. Even I have grown to love them because they are so very special to her. They will be two of the toys that will always be special.

And, in other news. . .we got our new washer and dryer delivered this morning. It was like Christmas in our house! I never imagined that Olivia would get so excited about it. She was a little concerned when they took the old ones away, but she has been talking about the new washing machine all day long. It's too cute. Even Autumn is intrigued by the new additions.

Before

Ta Da! We love 'em!

Metformin

I met with a new endocrinologist on Friday and he is starting me on Metformin. In addition to changing my diet, we are hoping that this will help manage my diabetes. The problem is. . .I've been on Metformin before as it is also prescribed for the treatment of PCOS and infertility. I could not tolerate the side effects from it and had to discontinue treatment. For some, it is a miracle drug, but this was not the case with me 5 years ago. Please pray that I am able to tolerate it this time and that I see a great benefit from the medication.

Friday, June 25, 2010 - Update

Olivia's annual picture with her birth size doll.

To compare to the previous years, click here.

We almost forgot. . .June is just about over and I hadn't taken Olivia's picture with her birth size doll. Just this week we received a generous gift from a loyal blog reader who made a quilt specifically for her birth size doll. Isn't it adorable? Olivia got to choose her own blanket from two that were made. . .she chose the one with "Gus" on it (her cousin's dog.) This is so special to us and something we will keep with the doll for years to come.

I also wanted to let you know that we received a plaque in the mail for being the 2nd highest fundraising team at our local March for Babies! What an honor! And something we couldn't have done without your support! Thank you to all who gave so generously to this amazing cause! You should be proud!

Thursday, June 24, 2010 - Update

My husband and I are going on a high protein/fiber/vegetable/low carb diet. I'm doing it because of my diabetes diagnosis and he is doing it just to be healthy and supportive. We've found a way to include some sort of vegetable with every meal. Broccoli slaw is delicious and I even leave out the sugar! Ryan very much dislikes peas and I very much dislike cucumbers, so we made it deal. He'll eat peas if I eat cucumbers. Last night, we split a cucumber and I found that if I completely soak the cucumber in balsamic vinaigrette. . .it doesn't taste too bad. I ate my entire half! I'm becoming addicted to salads. . .which is good. I gave up soda, but that makes me enjoy my iced tea that much more (I love Starbucks shaken iced tea.) I haven't had a single headache since changing my diet! I thought I was going to be referred to a dietician, but now I'm being referred to an endocrinologist. I don't want any more tests or medications or supplements or referrals. . .I just want to get on with it and feel better, ya know? I'll give 10 points to anyone who submits a recipe that I can use. . .especially with vegetables or beans. You'll get an extra 5 points if I enjoy it! LOL.

Autumn Again

Last weekend, Olivia stayed the night at my parents' house. She loved to sit and look at pictures with grandpa. This video was taken accidentally (my mom was trying to get a picture) but I thought it was really cute. Nothing like a little girl and her kitty.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - Update

I ♥ piggie tails

I'm feeling a bit discouraged tonight and I can't really put my finger on what's bothering me. I think it's the fact that Olivia is sort of in this protective bubble with people who LOVE her and understand how far she's come. They know what she has been through. But, in the real world. . .she's just another kid. I struggle with that. People don't understand why certain things are difficult for her or why she acts the way she does. It seems the older she gets, the farther behind developmentally she is. She works so very hard, but when she makes it to point A. . .the other kids are coming up on C. By the time she gets to C. . . .everyone else is approaching F. There is just no possible way that she could catch up. Her fine motor skills are vastly improving each day. She struggles with hugs. Most of the time, she runs up to you, puts her arms out and pushes you away. We've been working really hard at giving big bear hugs and she's doing it so well. It just brings tears to my eyes because sometimes all I want is for Olivia to run up and give me a big hug and say, "I love you, mommy!" And, do it without being told. Sometime I'll give you an update on how she's doing in all areas. I'm not quite in the right frame of mind tonight to do so. We all have nights like that, I suppose. Nothing a good night's sleep can't fix or a big piece of ice cream cake. . .oh, the diabetes. . .I forgot. Guess I'll have to go with sleep.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - Update

I'm so excited to meet my mom's friend, Tiffany. They've been friends since they were my age!

When I was there, I got a yummy cupcake!

Pretending to be camera-shy.


Tiffany and her daughter, Emma

Bye, bye Tiffany!

Tiffany and her twin sister, Tamar, are my very oldest friends. We grew up together and they were the closest things to sisters that I had. The three of us did everything together. I think I thought we were sisters because when their youngest sister was born, everyone was saying, "Oh, she has Tiffany's nose or Tamar's smile. . ." and I said, "What does she have of me?" I was genuinely upset when they said nothing. We've lost touch over the years which makes me sad, so it was so nice to catch up with her today. Now, I just have to find time to get together with Tamar. What a great visit! Thanks Tiff!

My Little Helper

Olivia is always trying to help out, whether it's putting laundry away or drying dishes. Today, I spilled some frozen broccoli all over the kitchen floor. I grabbed a broom and dust pan to pick it all up. Olivia soon came out with a comb and started combing it all up saying, "Oh man, oh man" in her best Swiper voice. When it was all cleaned up, she proceeded to dump a few Goldfish crackers onto the floor and comb them up as well. . .singing her clean up song. Yes, sometime she makes more of a mess or doubles the work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Happy Birthday, Grandma Sailing!

We hope you have a wonderful birthday! We love you!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to three of the greatest fathers I know.

One of my favorite pictures of Ryan and Olivia

Olivia and Grandpa Glunt

Olivia and Grandpa Sailing

This last picture was just taken today when Olivia stayed the night at Grandma and Grandpa Sailing's house for the first time. Ryan and I had a wedding out of town (9 hours round trip) and because we wouldn't get home until 1 am, we decided to leave Olivia with my parents. She had a GREAT time and I can never hear what an angel my child is too many times. I guess she was a complete joy! Of course, we already knew that. . . Thanks mom and dad for watching her! And, Happy Father's Day again everyone!