Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I'm crazy for Christmas!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - Update

Look at what I got from "aunt" Kerry!
A new riding toy!

My computer was on the fritz today. Every time I tried to use it, I got the dreaded blue screen of death. After working all day, my husband spent all night trying to fix it. I don't know what normal people do when they have computer problems. I mean, the Dell support people couldn't figure out what was wrong. Ryan fixes everything and before I met Ryan, my brother took care of things for me. My brilliant husband got it up and running again and I'm so grateful.

Olivia got an early Christmas present when Kerry came over to visit today. Her legs need to be a bit longer to make it go as fast as she'd like, but she loves it. Riding toys are the best thing ever! I got a chuckle when I read the box and it says, "Your child can walk behind it and when they're older, it converts to a ride on." Olivia must have it backwards because she has trouble walking behind things, but loves to ride on them.

It doesn't feel like tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We're not doing any celebrations with our family until later in the week, so it's just a normal day in our lives. I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas Eve.

What is Perfect?

In a perfect world, Olivia and Logan would be celebrating their first birthday on December 23rd. That was my due date. Instead, Olivia celebrates her birthday in the summer without her twin brother. I guess I shouldn't say "perfect" because a world that doesn't follow God's plan is far from perfect. It's easy, however, to trust in God's plan when it follows your own wants and desires. When it means not being able to watch your child grow up or enduring other tragedies. . .it can be difficult at times. Our idea of perfect is often different from God's. If it wasn't, God would have sent his son to be born in some royal palace instead of in a stable. That would have made more sense to our human minds, but that wasn't God's plan. His plan truly is perfect. That takes a lot for me to say given that my plan would have included raising Olivia and Logan as twins. But, He knows what is best. . .much more than I do.

So, as I celebrate Olivia's would-be birthday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. . .my prayer is to grow more accepting of God's plan in my life. . .whatever that may be. My prayer is for none of us to carry anger in our hearts about a life that doesn't seem fair or one that hasn't gone as planned. Trust that it has gone according to God's plan and that's something that is perfect.

My little girl is pretty perfect as well!

Cheese!

I'm. . .touching. . .the. . .tree. . .

Monday, December 22, 2008 - Update

I've been rather down lately. It's been almost 2 months since I started on supplements and medication for my adrenal fatigue/low cortisol levels and I have yet to see any improvement. You can't expect to see any drastic results on the supplements, but the steroids I'm on were supposed to make me feel better within a month. My doctors aren't quite sure why I'm not seeing more improvement, but they are augmenting my therapy with yet another medication. Now, my estimated six month use of hydrocortisone has been extended which has its own set of risks. Instead of feeling normal in 6 months. . .it may now be 1-2 years. I tell ya, stress is a killer!

To top it off, I didn't have a very good day yesterday. Olivia and I often take naps together in bed. I love that time together and I think she does too. We both get rest and she snuggles up next to me. Well, lately she has started to think it's funny to crawl over to the side of the bed and look down. She always looks back at me as if to say that she knows I don't like her to do that and I grab onto her and pull her back. She thinks that is just hilarious and scurries to the edge of the bed again. Well, yesterday she just crawled right off the bed. She didn't stop to look back at me and it happened so fast, that I couldn't grab her. It was awful. Amazingly, she doesn't have any bumps or bruises and after crying for a few minutes, she was back to her happy self. I beat myself up over it pretty bad, though. I mean, I put cushioned edges on the coffee table and fireplace, a gate on the stairs (that is mounted to the wall, by the way) and then I let her fall off the bed. It's the end of naps in bed and I'm guessing I won't be nabbing any nominations for mother of the year. Anyway, I'll leave you with a hilarious picture. . .be sure to look at it full size! My sweet Olivia. . .always makes me laugh.


***Thanks so much. . you have all made me feel much better. It seems all I'm saying these days is. . "Be careful, watch out, no no. . ." as Olivia gets into everything and rides her pony like a mad woman sometimes. (Although she can maneuver that thing better than some people drive cars.) Part of me is pleased and thankful for her newfound mobility, but I could have done without the bed incident. Later last night when we deemed Olivia okay, Ryan said, "Hey, I'm just glad it happened to you first and not me." Thanks honey.

Sunday, December 21, 2008 - Update

We now have a gate. . .thanks to my dad. It's almost impossible to put up a gate when you don't have walls on both sides. My dad, however, has an uncanny ability to find creative solutions to make anything work. Thanks dad! Now I don't worry about Olivia riding her pony down the stairs.

Now, I plan my escape!

Saturday, December 19, 2008 - Update

Today, I learned about Santa Claus. Do you know about Santa?
He gives you presents if you're nice, but doesn't give you presents if you're naughty.

I don't think I've been naughty, have I?
Nah. . . I'm silly sometimes, but not naughty.
I'm so excited!
Santa is coming to my house!

Friday, December 18, 2008 - Update

The reason that I don't have hardly any Christmas presents wrapped:

Mama, I help!

There have been so many instances lately where Olivia has just made my heart melt. She gives kisses now. If you tell her to give someone a kiss, she plants a big wet one on your cheek. The other day, I was reading her a story and she just leaned over and gave me a kiss. Earlier this week, she leaned over and gave her Glo-worm a kiss. It's just so sweet. Sometimes she wants to ride her pony, but she also wants to be with me, so she follows me everywhere on her pony. Then, she rides up to me and lifts up her arms so that I'll pick her up. It just makes me feel so very loved. She has such a sweet, loving disposition.

I am a little perplexed as to what happened to all of the snow. . .not that I'm complaining. I just don't understand how it can all be melted by 8 am. How does it melt overnight without the sun? It usually takes a week or so to melt the snow in our backyard on the north side of the house. I think the weather cleared up just so Carver would be sure to get his cochlear implants turned on today. It had to be cancelled earlier in the week due to the weather. I'm so excited to hear how that goes.

Thursday, December 18, 2008 - Update

(My shirt says Joy. . .not Jodi. I joked that someone would think that I was wearing a shirt with my name on it. . .leave it to Amanda. . .heehe)

Thank you all for making this blog so special to us. There wouldn't be a blog without my dear friend, Stacie. It was her idea after all. What started out as simply a means of sharing Olivia and Logan's progress has turned into so much more. I have reconnected with old friends and gained many new ones. I have been able to spread awareness about premature birth, infertility and infant loss. I quickly get ideas and advice from others going through similar situations. With one click of a button, I can inform people of important happenings and prayer requests. And, I can share the amazing progress of my sweet baby girl. Thank you so much.

Also, be sure to mark your calendars! The March of Dimes "March for Babies" is April 18, 2009. More info to come after the first of the year. Thanks Kerry for being so on the ball.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - Update

What started out as an odd phone call has turned a bit frightening. Yesterday around lunchtime, the phone rang. A name and number showed up on the caller id, so I picked it up (I often don't if there is no number or name listed.) A woman said that she was from Central Plains of KS (I believe) and someone had entered my name into a drawing to win $500 worth of gas and groceries. The drawing would be held on Dec 20th, but my name was drawn for a daily giveaway. I won a bag and a free carpet cleaning in a room of my choice. I should have asked more questions, but I was a little dumbfounded and was tending to Olivia. . .so, I was only half-listening. I didn't want to appear ungrateful. I think she mentioned something about being in my area on Wednesday. Later that day, I started thinking about the whole thing and it seemed really fishy. What a convenient way to get into someone's house! I tried to find something about it online, but was unsuccessful, so I decided to call the number back. It rings, pauses and then clicks off.

Well, my husband (the protector) called the police department about it today and they called me to file a report. It seemed really fishy to them as well. Who knows. . .maybe it's legit, but I'll gladly give up a carpet cleaning to be on the safe side. If someone shows up at my house that I don't know, I'm supposed to call 911 (so if I don't know you, today would probably not be a good day to visit. . .heehee.) Anyway, doors are locked, phone is in hand and I say. . .bring it on! Just don't come and wake us up during naptime.

***They did show up this afternoon. I didn't answer the door and they soon left and pulled into a neighbor's house. Hmm. . .did they win a daily drawing too? What are the odds. . haha. I did call the police about it. Jeremy, it sounds like you were right. . .Kirby vacuum salesmen. I mean, I understand door to door salesman, but don't lie and con your way into people's houses! The last thing I need is some high pressure salesman pushing something on me. I'm not good at saying no because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. . .that's what husbands are for, right? Oh, and guess who rang the doorbell right in the middle of naptime? The police following up on my report. Arghhh. Interesting day. I enjoyed dinner tonight, however, with my friends. Thanks ladies!

Flashback

Mommy

Me

Hmmm. . .and all my life I thought it was a dark navy outfit.

Christmas Tree Tour

Here it is. . .thank you for sending me pictures of all your beautiful decorations. I had planned on playing the traditional "O Tannenbaum." I changed my mind at the last minute. A few years ago, Ryan and I realized that we did not know all of the words to simple Christmas songs like Frosty the Snowman. That prompted us to pick a few songs each year and learn all of the verses. I have a problem with this thing called memory and I can't remember the ones I learn from the year before. . .but, anyway. . .I chose this song because it's one of the favorites that I've learned (and later forgotten.) I encourage you to look up all of the verses. . .what powerful lyrics!

So, on this chilly, snowy day (well, for those of you in my neck of the woods) grab some hot chocolate, snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy! Don't forget to scroll down on the left hand side and pause the music player before starting the slide show.

Monday, December 15, 2008 - Update

The problem with mobility. . .sometimes she gets too close to the camera. :)

Our appointments went well this morning. Olivia ended up getting one of her Christmas presents early because I figured that since it was 8 degrees outside, she could use her new fleece lined pants. We don't go back to see the neurologist until summer, but so far everything looks good. She does have some delays, but is making good progress. Of course, she never "performs" at any of her appointments nor does she grab at their toys (I still think it's because she knows they are not properly sanitized.) At home, she is quite the busy body and always has to have something in her hands. Ryan's endoscopy seemed to go well. Olivia is not the only one in the family with awful reflux. We figured it was time to have Ryan checked out. Luckily, there was no erosion in his esophagus, but there was some inflammation. They had to do a biopsy to test for bacteria. Looks like he'll continue taking Prilosec for most of his life.

So, I'm feeling like a bad guinea pig mom lately. The other night we completely forgot to give them their treats (which usually consists of veggies) until 11:30 pm. And, they were completely out of hay. At least we still buy them the expensive Oxbow hay because it's so much better than what you find in a pet store. Only the best for them. . .even though they don't get quite the attention anymore. We are supposed to cut their nails every 6 weeks and I think we've cut them 3 times since Olivia came home. One such nail-cutting was on Sunday and I decided to take some pictures of them during their mani-pedis.

Here's Persephone (Sephs) 5.5 years old. She also has to get haircuts.

Here's Taryn 5.5 years old (This is the best position for cutting their nails and carrots are the best distraction.)

Penelope (Penny P) 6+ years old (The Boss)

Harrison (Hare Bear) 5 years old. . .my lone boy. He'd prefer them not to be called mani pedis.

Saturday, December 14, 2008 - Update

These are my shapes

and this is the lid. . .


and mama says you're a green square.

I chased this blue ball all around the house!

Olivia is wearing another one of my old outfits. . .comparison pictures coming soon. I do think that Olivia is going to be taller than me because those pants were longer on me at 13 months. Olivia is only 11.5 months adjusted.

Tomorrow morning, Olivia has a neurologist appointment. I'm not looking forward to it since it's currently sleeting and we're expecting a high tomorrow of 18 degrees. Ryan also has a gastrointestinal endoscopy tomorrow morning. . .should be a fun day.

Prayers Needed

There is another micro-preemie that needs our prayers. Isabella Danielle was born on December 5th at 24 weeks. Please keep this family in your prayers. Today, I was looking through all of our old cards (yes, I kept them all) that I received after Logan and Olivia were born. All of your love and support really helped us get through such a difficult time. Please shower this family with support and prayers.

I also recently heard about another little baby girl born at 27 weeks whose family is also going through the NICU roller-coaster. It's such a hard thing to watch your precious, anxiously-awaited child so fragile while you stand around helpless. This holiday season, please think of all the babies still struggling for each breath. May they continue to grow healthier and stronger each day and soon learn what it's like to be home. There is not a day that goes by where I don't thank God for allowing me to take my precious little girl home.

Saturday, December 13, 2008 - Update

Ryan and his brother, Joel, always have an annual Christmas shopping day. They spend all day shopping. . .mostly for Laura and me. I think he's mostly done with me, so hopefully he doesn't go over the budget. Ryan and Joel always have a really good time. So, since Olivia and I were left home alone all day, Kerry came over to see us. She had not yet seen Olivia ride her pony and was amazed at all she has learned to do. Thanks Kerry for a great afternoon!

Friday, December 13, 2008 - Update

After mommy took pictures of me, she let me watch Baby Signing Times.

That silly Hopkins!

She loves that show. I have yet to see her do any signs, although I swear she might have done the sign for "brush teeth" as I was brushing mine. It's nice that she'll sit down and watch something instead of always wanting on pony. When she crawls (scoots rather) she goes straight to pony. When we walk with her, she walks straight to pony. She can't look at pony without wanting to ride the pony. Her face lights up with such a sense of accomplishment as she rides around the house. Everything Olivia loves. . .she loves to the extreme. Hopefully, she will someday learn to walk by herself and isn't riding the pony to kindergarten. She isn't yet able to stand unassisted. . .mostly because she doesn't stay still that long (she's gotta get to the pony, you know.) The pony may have to find a secret hiding spot, just occasionally. :-)

Quest For The Perfect Holiday Picture

Hold on. . .I think I have something in my teeth.
Ooops, I think I blinked.

Smile? Like this?

I don't want this dress on anymore!

I don't know why I can't just ride my pony.

Okay, but I will not smile!

Teehee. . .Fozzie Bear doesn't want his picture taken either!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - Update

12-10- 2007

12-10-2008

Today is a very special day. We brought Olivia home from the hospital on this day last year when she was 105 days old. I promised to keep her safe. I promised to keep her healthy. I promised that we would never spend another night apart (until her first sleepover, that is.) As she grows older, she will not only celebrate her birthday, but her homecoming day as well. It's a very special day for all of us. I am not sure how we're going to celebrate it this year, but I do know that she will be enjoying an oatmeal raisin cookie!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - Update

Oh, internet, sweet internet. . .hello again. I have my husband to thank. He stopped by Best Buy after work (on this blustery, snowy day) to pick up a new cable modem. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Of course, that was $80 that we could have held on to a bit longer this Christmas season.

Olivia is doing well. You wouldn't believe the maneuvering skills that she has on that pony! She steers, backs up, gets herself unstuck. . .it's amazing! My dad said it best. . ."She commands that pony." Sadly, her jumperoo has lost some of its appeal. She tries to get it to move and seems a bit disappointed to stay in one place. I also found out today that Olivia LOVES oatmeal raisin cookies. I've never seen her eat anything with such. . .gusto. She even made sure to get all of the crumbs left behind.

Internet Down

Our internet has been a bit flaky the last few days. Now it is only up for a few seconds to a minute at a time. So, I'm having trouble responding to emails, finishing Christmas projects or doing anything that involves the internet. I'm not sure what my posts will be until we get it fixed. We might need a new cable modem. . .don't know for sure. I've found that I'm addicted to my laptop and being without internet is pure torture!! It's my only connection to the outside world! :)

Monday, December 8, 2008 - Update

Spreading Christmas cheer!

Don't forget to send me your Christmas tree pictures! It looks like our tour is going to be a little bit. . . .short. You can also send me pictures of your other favorite Christmas decorations. For those who missed the previous post:

Some people go on holiday tours to see Christmas decorations of their friends and families. I thought. . . .why not have a tour right here on the blog? (Can you tell that I don't get out much?) Just email me a picture of your Christmas tree. My email can be found on the sidebar of the blog. Please include the state, territory or country you live in. You may also include your last name if you'd like. Try to get the pictures to me by Dec. 12th. Oh, this will be so much fun.

My Little Pony