February 2012 - Listed our Layton home. Hoping to move to Centerville, Kaysville or Syracuse.
April 2012 - Jeff was laid off of his job with Raymond James. The same week we received two offers on our home. Sold our home in Layton.
April 28th - We moved in with Grandma and Grandpa Draper. Jeff began a job with the Securities Division with the State.
May 2012 - Made an offer on our home in Kaysville. It was a short sale and we waited 5 months for final closing to happen.
July 2012 - Grandma and Grandpa Boyette came to visit.
September 29, 2012 - We moved to Kaysville
October 7, 2012 - Seren broke her left leg when she fell off the swing set in the backyard (she had a splint for a couple days, followed by a bent knee cast and then a straight leg walking cast)
October 2012 - Kendall began Early Intevention for a mild speech delay (October 2012 - March 2013)
November 2012 - Seren finally got her cast off at the end of November 2012.
December 2012 - Celebrated the girls 2nd Christmas and 2nd birthday. Great way to end the year.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
24 month update
Height/Weight: Kendall: 34.5 in (83%), 21 lb 6 oz (2%). Seren: 35 in (94%), 23 lbs (7%). Both BMIs were around 12 (0%).
Clothing: They have barely grown into 18-24 month clothes (we just gave up their 18 month fleece sleepers a few days before Christmas). They do fit some 2T stuff if it runs small/skinny but I can't buy pants unless they have the elastic adjustable waist. Shoe size 5.5 and some 6.
Eating: They eat 3 meals a day and one or two snacks depending on how they do at meal times. They don't eat very good lunch or dinner if they have too much of a snack. They use forks and spoons pretty well but are still somewhat messy eaters. We still give them vitamins and Carnation to hopefully get all the nutrients in their diet.
Foods They Like: chicken pot pie (homemade), enchiladas, minestrone, chicken nuggets, most fruit (bananas, oranges, blueberries, apples), carrots, broccoli, sour cream (they eat it by the spoonful...good thing they need the calories haha), pancakes, cereal, marshmallows, vitamin gummies, etc.; Kendall loves spaghetti. Seren likes hot dogs.
Foods They Don't: salad, vegetables (I need to focus on these), meats are still touch and go. Peanut butter isn't very popular anymore.
Favorite Things: shoes, their new toddler beds, Thor, books, puzzles, singing, dancing, etc. Book: Seren loves the "Pinkerton Behave" and Kendall loves picture books and "Angus and The Cat".
Dislikes: Being told what to do and time outs. Kendall doesn't like a lot of noise or crowds. Kendall did not like her first bubble bath...we gave them one a day or so after Christmas as my sister got them some. Kendall looked at her hand with the bubbles on it and cried until we washed it off then would repeat the hysteria when other bubbles stuck to her. Seren enjoyed it.
Favorite Toys: Their doll strollers sans the doll (they usually toss the baby on the floor before they start cruising haha), my old Wonder Horse (my parents saved it and brought it up last Christmas and we stored it until this Christmas), dress up shoes, puzzles and books.
Their Accomplishments: They are doing better with speech but we still have a ways to go. Early Intervention seems to think I am missing some of the "words" they try to say...seriously I need a lesson in hearing things if this is so =P. They play well together and look out for each other. They are super smart and understand so many things. They are starting to jump and actually catch a little air. They walk on curbs (balance type places) pretty well. Seren takes her shoes/socks on and off. They are both getting good at zippers and putting clothes on and off. Seren has also learned to open doors.
Teeth: Seren is just waiting on her 2 year molars now. Kendall has a canine or two left and molars.
Verbal: Improving but not up to par yet. Seren will copy ABCs a little with you. Both girls will try to count with you. Kendall picks up on new words more often and is "talking" quite a bit more.
Our Accomplishments: We survived another year with twins. We are a great team with meeting their needs and our other responsibilities. As for me, I take them out without their stroller sometimes now and we try to involve them in more activities outside the home (library and community event type things).
Sleep: They sleep about 12 hours a night. They are off and on with naps. Seren pretty well wants to drop her nap but Kendall takes one somedays still.
Looking forward to: Summer time and warm weather so we can get outside more. Potty training...yep you heard it right. I think they are ready to give it a shot. They get excited about big girl panties, they love sitting on the toilet or potty chair and they throw fits when we go to put diapers back on. We almost tried before the holidays but I chickened out knowing how chaotic it might be with family and lots of car time as well.
Favorite memories: The bubble bath fiasco was adorable, taking them to see lights as they were so mesmerized by them all, watching them take care of each other. Also they love to dance. We were out to eat twice during the holidays and when they were done eating they wanted to boogie in their seats and we let them down and they danced to the overhead music for a few minutes (to the delight of us and some other customers around us). It was so cute.
Birthday Party
For their second birthday we simplified...oh boy did we simplify. It was wonderful! I actually enjoyed this birthday party so much more than their first. I wasn't running all over the place trying to cook and entertain and take care of the girls. We invited grandparents from both sides and my sister (who my parents were staying with). I wanted this party to be minimalist and it was. We decorated with a Sesame Street birthday banner and balloons. We ate homemade cake on Elmo/Big Bird plates. The girls blew out candles on the same birthday cupcake and they were patient enough to let us sing to them separately this year. And they blew out their own candles, they were excited both for their own and the other's turn and clapped for each other. Just precious. It was just so fun and perfect.
They recieved some clothes, a gift card for toys, decorative tinkerbelle tins, paint with water books and Barbie tricycles. Sadly the trikes are a little too big for them still...hopefully they'll grow into them with summer. They love sitting on them and pushing themselves around though. All in all it was the perfect day. Happy Birthday Kendall and Seren!! We love you girls so much.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Happy Holidays
Just wanting to wish those I know out in blogging land a very Merry Christmas, Happy Haunakkah and/or Holiday Season! I hope that this year has been kind to you and I hope that the coming year will bring great happiness as well.
We have enjoyed our little family this year and it has been crazy to see the growth and development in the girls from 1 year old to nearly 2 years old. We are so blessed. We have been enjoying our holiday season with family and I've been realizing more and more the blessing it is to give and not worry about receiving. I am grateful to be with my family (parents, siblings and nephews) during this time and grateful for the time of year to reflect on blessings we have.
Merry Christmas!! Wishing you all the best.
We have enjoyed our little family this year and it has been crazy to see the growth and development in the girls from 1 year old to nearly 2 years old. We are so blessed. We have been enjoying our holiday season with family and I've been realizing more and more the blessing it is to give and not worry about receiving. I am grateful to be with my family (parents, siblings and nephews) during this time and grateful for the time of year to reflect on blessings we have.
Merry Christmas!! Wishing you all the best.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
The Calm...
I have had a mostly beautiful and calm day. I think some of it is due to some things that have been stressing me out recently finally feeling at ease. I have felt anxious and worrisome about finances and baby possibilities (or lack thereof; ie our frosties) and just general stress with the two huge blessings that I do have. I have felt like a bad mother, an ungrateful wife and a stinker of a person in the last couple weeks. But after a brief cry with the hubby and some guilt over stress being hopefully resolved last night I woke up with a calm today. A gratitude for my blessings and finally the non-urgency to figure out all the questions in my life right this minute.
It is fast approaching Christmas and by golly I want to enjoy every minute and moment of special with my girls and family. I hope the positive feeling sticks around...heaven knows the holidays are stressful. But for now I am very happy with my family of four and feel like I should show more gratitude for that blessing. Not even three years ago I wasn't certain that I would ever be blessed with a child and here I am today blessed with two girls who are more than I ever wanted (sometimes more than I think I can handle with all their spunk and personality). They are what is important in the here and now and the forever. I write this so that in stressful days when this calm isn't as easy to find that I can remember.
It is fast approaching Christmas and by golly I want to enjoy every minute and moment of special with my girls and family. I hope the positive feeling sticks around...heaven knows the holidays are stressful. But for now I am very happy with my family of four and feel like I should show more gratitude for that blessing. Not even three years ago I wasn't certain that I would ever be blessed with a child and here I am today blessed with two girls who are more than I ever wanted (sometimes more than I think I can handle with all their spunk and personality). They are what is important in the here and now and the forever. I write this so that in stressful days when this calm isn't as easy to find that I can remember.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Dear Santa
...get away from me. I want my mom and dad!!!
Kendall and Seren met the jolly old man himself over the weekend. It didn't go over so well. I knew he wasn't going to fly (literally) with Kendall. She hates strangers and sometimes even dislikes family that she hasn't seen for a while. Then to top it off Seren was in a mood that day so she was not happy about it either. Oh well. I still love this picture and it brings a smile and little laugh out. I think they'll love it in the future too. And we are having other holiday fun (as seen below) to make up for the torture of seeing Santa.
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| Enjoying the rest of the open house (Santa event) with farm animals, reindeer and a camel |
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| Christmas Village (lots of little houses with decorations and animated scenes inside) |
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| Kendall decorating / eating a Christmas cookie |
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| Seren enjoying her cookie and icing |
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
23 Months
*as always these are for me (and the girls) to remember so don't feel pressured to read*
Foods They Like: They are getting better with meat but it's still not their favorite. They are improving with appetite and foods they try but usually it means no snacks and making sure they are hungry for dinner : p
Foods They Don't: They are pretty picky compared to their friends. They are doing better but still need improvement. We asked the pediatrician about vitamins and Pediasure and she encouraged us to feel free to supplement. We have started them on a daily gummy vitamin and occasional Carnation Instant Breakfast (ped said it's basically the same as Pediasure but cheaper).
Favorite Things: They are starting to like coloring more. They like books, especially Kendall. They love our dog and petting him and telling him what to do. They point at him and say things like they are bossing him around (definitely realizing the behaviors we're modeling and trying to keep it in line).
Favorite toy: Puzzles. Kendall loves an animal puzzle Jeff's mom gave us and she is really good at it too. Seren still loves shoes. They are starting to like their baby dolls now (6 months+ since I bought them haha). And of course whatever toy the other one has.
Dislikes: Being told what to do or not to do. Time outs.
Their Accomplishments: Walking, running and climbing. Sleeping without their cribs (still working on toddler beds...ordered and arrived but one was missing a piece so both are going without). I now sometimes dare to take them places without a stroller (post office and library) and they do pretty well. Seren is excited about potty training and sitting on the toilet but we haven't actually started trying yet. Kendall gets excited about the potty but doesn't want to sit on it (I'm thinking we'll go with a floor model for her).
Verbal: They understand a lot of words but still don't verbalize as much. We have Early Intervention in the home for Kendall and we think she is starting to catch up. She hums/sings a little and says a couple new words (so it seems more so that Seren is rubbing off on her as we've only had one "therapy" visit). Seren is doing better with speech and says/repeats new words fairly often. I can't imagine we'll be working with Early Intervention too long but we'll see.
New words: Seren is starting to imitate so many things that we say. Her newest phrases are "all done" (with eating and anytime she's fed up with being somewhere such as the store haha) and "wash hands" as she has found an interest in doing this for herself. Kendall is also doing better. She says "more", "hello", "hi", "uh uh", "done" and is picking up on animal sounds. Both girls like to sign "more", especially when we're eating.
Teeth: Seren has 2 or 3 canines in. Kendall is getting a bottom and a top canine in.
Sleep: Sleeping great. We took the cribs down and decided to get toddler beds to have more room in their bedroom. So their mattresses are on the floor while we wait for these to arrive. They typically walk themselves to bed and sometimes naps. Kendall will get tired and I'll find her cuddled on her mattress with a blanket. Napping seems to be coming to an end though : ( I'm trying to hold off until after the holidays but we'll see.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. Excited for my parents to visit during the holidays and also for Kendall and Seren's 2nd birthday. Can't believe that is only a month away...WOW!!
Favorite Memories: I love to listen to them play and giggle in their room before nap time. They've also become more and more understanding of feelings (or seem to). If Seren is crying Kendall will bring Seren her blanket or teddy bear (because this is what Kendall loves for comfort). When Kendall gets hurt playing Seren will usually give her the toy that caused the problem or try to hug and kiss her. Also today (28th) I was strolling them through the store and they were goofing off leaning on each other and then Seren started hugging and kissing Kendall for no apparent reason. I love it! It is so fun to watch them grow up together.
Foods They Like: They are getting better with meat but it's still not their favorite. They are improving with appetite and foods they try but usually it means no snacks and making sure they are hungry for dinner : p
Foods They Don't: They are pretty picky compared to their friends. They are doing better but still need improvement. We asked the pediatrician about vitamins and Pediasure and she encouraged us to feel free to supplement. We have started them on a daily gummy vitamin and occasional Carnation Instant Breakfast (ped said it's basically the same as Pediasure but cheaper).
Favorite Things: They are starting to like coloring more. They like books, especially Kendall. They love our dog and petting him and telling him what to do. They point at him and say things like they are bossing him around (definitely realizing the behaviors we're modeling and trying to keep it in line).
Favorite toy: Puzzles. Kendall loves an animal puzzle Jeff's mom gave us and she is really good at it too. Seren still loves shoes. They are starting to like their baby dolls now (6 months+ since I bought them haha). And of course whatever toy the other one has.
Dislikes: Being told what to do or not to do. Time outs.
Their Accomplishments: Walking, running and climbing. Sleeping without their cribs (still working on toddler beds...ordered and arrived but one was missing a piece so both are going without). I now sometimes dare to take them places without a stroller (post office and library) and they do pretty well. Seren is excited about potty training and sitting on the toilet but we haven't actually started trying yet. Kendall gets excited about the potty but doesn't want to sit on it (I'm thinking we'll go with a floor model for her).
Verbal: They understand a lot of words but still don't verbalize as much. We have Early Intervention in the home for Kendall and we think she is starting to catch up. She hums/sings a little and says a couple new words (so it seems more so that Seren is rubbing off on her as we've only had one "therapy" visit). Seren is doing better with speech and says/repeats new words fairly often. I can't imagine we'll be working with Early Intervention too long but we'll see.
New words: Seren is starting to imitate so many things that we say. Her newest phrases are "all done" (with eating and anytime she's fed up with being somewhere such as the store haha) and "wash hands" as she has found an interest in doing this for herself. Kendall is also doing better. She says "more", "hello", "hi", "uh uh", "done" and is picking up on animal sounds. Both girls like to sign "more", especially when we're eating.
Teeth: Seren has 2 or 3 canines in. Kendall is getting a bottom and a top canine in.
Sleep: Sleeping great. We took the cribs down and decided to get toddler beds to have more room in their bedroom. So their mattresses are on the floor while we wait for these to arrive. They typically walk themselves to bed and sometimes naps. Kendall will get tired and I'll find her cuddled on her mattress with a blanket. Napping seems to be coming to an end though : ( I'm trying to hold off until after the holidays but we'll see.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. Excited for my parents to visit during the holidays and also for Kendall and Seren's 2nd birthday. Can't believe that is only a month away...WOW!!
Favorite Memories: I love to listen to them play and giggle in their room before nap time. They've also become more and more understanding of feelings (or seem to). If Seren is crying Kendall will bring Seren her blanket or teddy bear (because this is what Kendall loves for comfort). When Kendall gets hurt playing Seren will usually give her the toy that caused the problem or try to hug and kiss her. Also today (28th) I was strolling them through the store and they were goofing off leaning on each other and then Seren started hugging and kissing Kendall for no apparent reason. I love it! It is so fun to watch them grow up together.
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| In pinafores that my sister bought for them at a Japanese fair |
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| Hooping it up after Thanksgiving dinner |
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| They loved it :) |
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| Decking the halls for Christmas |
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Cast Is Off....
YEAH!! Seren had her cast removed yesterday. Praises. She is such a character. She was happy to go to the doctor until we went into the room they removed the last / bent-knee one. She got anxious. The tech buzzed it off and some crying ensued, although it was much faster this time. We waited and took x-rays...she hated this the worst of all. But everything has healed up nicely and she has a clean bill of health. We go back in 6 weeks just to make sure she is walking fine and no concerns with it but hey that's next year. Holidays here we come and cast free!
Seren still walks with a straight leg so far and was nervous to walk on our laminate kitchen floor (she slipped a number of times with the cast and no cast-shoe on). But it was adorable to watch her adjust to and re-learn the awesomeness that her leg can do. I see lots of walking, running and jumping in her future. Let's hope this time I have quicker reflexes and she has a little more sense. *fingers crossed*
Seren still walks with a straight leg so far and was nervous to walk on our laminate kitchen floor (she slipped a number of times with the cast and no cast-shoe on). But it was adorable to watch her adjust to and re-learn the awesomeness that her leg can do. I see lots of walking, running and jumping in her future. Let's hope this time I have quicker reflexes and she has a little more sense. *fingers crossed*
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Milestones Upon Milestones...
Okay so we're not speeding along in the verbal department of milestones. But can I just say...ahhhhhhh! My little babies are growing up so quickly lately. It makes me sad then excited and of course nervous.
Kendall has taken to attempting to take her shirts off lately. We sent them to bed in bigger pajamas last week (to fit over Seren's cast) and both times Kendall wiggled her way out of them down to her ankles by morning. Jeff even found her butt naked one night while I was out. She managed to take pajamas off and then her diaper but in the process get her leg stuck in the crib. She whimpered for help and when he came in to find her butt naked, she started laughing about it and thought it was hilarious. She also is such a helper these days. I change Seren's diaper and Kendall is getting me the wipes and diaper cream. I tell her it's nap time and to get her blanket...she grabs Seren's for her too. We get ready to go somewhere...she goes to the closet to get her jacket and Seren's too. Every morning she finds Seren's cast velcro shoe and brings it to me or Seren to put on. Smart cookie I tell you.
Then, Seren is on top of taking shoes and socks off and putting them back on. She only has one foot to practice with right now but she's gotten very good at it and usually gets the right shoe on this foot. Miss D with E.I. was pretty impressed with this for her age. Seren has also taken an interest in the potty. She has always enjoyed sitting on it before bath time but lately she will urge me to take her to the bathroom on her own. Two days in a row she made grunting poop faces and then tried to quickly make me take her to the bathroom (I have avoided dealing with the potty while the cast is on). I've let her sit on the toilet a few times but not with much success. She gets upset when I take her off though. I've told her when the cast comes off then we can give potty training a shot. Kendall is not very interested in the potty still and gets upset now if I try to sit her on it (might have to go with a small floor one but we're waiting it out to see).
But the biggest moment of realization that they are growing up came yesterday at nap time. I put them down, walked into the other room and few minutes later heard a thud followed by crying. I thought maybe Seren hit her head on the crib from being off balance with her cast. Nope. The little stinker managed to climb over the edge of the crib and topple on out, cast and all. She was okay beyond some tears and bruised pride. But it's definitely time to transition the cribs to beds now to avoid it happening again. Not really looking forward to this. I have a hard enough time keeping them in their cribs and sleeping much less when they have free rein of getting out. Plus we use a space heater in their room at night so I'm worried about this and how to make it all work together still. Any tips?
Time is just getting away with us. Taking them away from their adorable little baby ways and moving them firmly into toddlerhood. No turning back. I love it but my heart aches for their smallness that is shrinking away.
Kendall has taken to attempting to take her shirts off lately. We sent them to bed in bigger pajamas last week (to fit over Seren's cast) and both times Kendall wiggled her way out of them down to her ankles by morning. Jeff even found her butt naked one night while I was out. She managed to take pajamas off and then her diaper but in the process get her leg stuck in the crib. She whimpered for help and when he came in to find her butt naked, she started laughing about it and thought it was hilarious. She also is such a helper these days. I change Seren's diaper and Kendall is getting me the wipes and diaper cream. I tell her it's nap time and to get her blanket...she grabs Seren's for her too. We get ready to go somewhere...she goes to the closet to get her jacket and Seren's too. Every morning she finds Seren's cast velcro shoe and brings it to me or Seren to put on. Smart cookie I tell you.
Then, Seren is on top of taking shoes and socks off and putting them back on. She only has one foot to practice with right now but she's gotten very good at it and usually gets the right shoe on this foot. Miss D with E.I. was pretty impressed with this for her age. Seren has also taken an interest in the potty. She has always enjoyed sitting on it before bath time but lately she will urge me to take her to the bathroom on her own. Two days in a row she made grunting poop faces and then tried to quickly make me take her to the bathroom (I have avoided dealing with the potty while the cast is on). I've let her sit on the toilet a few times but not with much success. She gets upset when I take her off though. I've told her when the cast comes off then we can give potty training a shot. Kendall is not very interested in the potty still and gets upset now if I try to sit her on it (might have to go with a small floor one but we're waiting it out to see).
But the biggest moment of realization that they are growing up came yesterday at nap time. I put them down, walked into the other room and few minutes later heard a thud followed by crying. I thought maybe Seren hit her head on the crib from being off balance with her cast. Nope. The little stinker managed to climb over the edge of the crib and topple on out, cast and all. She was okay beyond some tears and bruised pride. But it's definitely time to transition the cribs to beds now to avoid it happening again. Not really looking forward to this. I have a hard enough time keeping them in their cribs and sleeping much less when they have free rein of getting out. Plus we use a space heater in their room at night so I'm worried about this and how to make it all work together still. Any tips?
Time is just getting away with us. Taking them away from their adorable little baby ways and moving them firmly into toddlerhood. No turning back. I love it but my heart aches for their smallness that is shrinking away.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Early Intervention Begins...
We had our first meeting with Early Intervention today. First actual therapy type meeting. It went really well and I am much more encouraged. Miss D (as we'll call her) was at our family planning meeting earlier this week and visited us again today. She will be making visits once a month. She is very easy going and the girls loved her. She brought a toy piggy bank to play with today and both girls immediately sat close to play with it and her. She talked to me about where Kendall is currently at and what she can understand and say ("mama", "dada", "hot", "hi", "uh oh", "that", "dog") and what we do with both girls currently to learn language. She talked to me about teaching Kendall a couple of baby signs to help ease frustration ('more' and 'all done') and pairing the word with the sign. She also talked about basically dumbing down how we talk to the girls and making it very simple words and simple phrases (2 or 3 word sentences) and not asking too many questions.
Listening to how she talked with them made me realize more so that I probably do talk above their level a little too much (not like adult to adult but not simple enough either). I try not to but I think it happens in an effort to talk more. Everything you read about helping kids verbalize is talk a lot. But I learned we need to talk more often not necessarily more words. It will be some retraining for us as well I'm sure. Miss D worked on 'more' and 'all done' with Kendall. Seren has recently been picking up on 'all done' with me so she was all over it today and very proud of herself. Kendall was able to get the 'm' sound of more and was definitely trying to say it. By the end of the playtime she was able to say 'more' once or twice. Has she said it to me since? Not yet but we haven't played again much since they ate lunch and went down for a nap right after the meeting. Also when Miss D was leaving she said "see ya" to both girls and Kendall definitely tried to say "see ya" back. Makes me feel like maybe I'm not recognizing her attempts all the time. Or maybe she just likes talking to others more. Silly mom is getting boring or something.
But yes all in all I do feel a little better. Now to just get to work with the new advice and instruction and work on it from there.
Listening to how she talked with them made me realize more so that I probably do talk above their level a little too much (not like adult to adult but not simple enough either). I try not to but I think it happens in an effort to talk more. Everything you read about helping kids verbalize is talk a lot. But I learned we need to talk more often not necessarily more words. It will be some retraining for us as well I'm sure. Miss D worked on 'more' and 'all done' with Kendall. Seren has recently been picking up on 'all done' with me so she was all over it today and very proud of herself. Kendall was able to get the 'm' sound of more and was definitely trying to say it. By the end of the playtime she was able to say 'more' once or twice. Has she said it to me since? Not yet but we haven't played again much since they ate lunch and went down for a nap right after the meeting. Also when Miss D was leaving she said "see ya" to both girls and Kendall definitely tried to say "see ya" back. Makes me feel like maybe I'm not recognizing her attempts all the time. Or maybe she just likes talking to others more. Silly mom is getting boring or something.
But yes all in all I do feel a little better. Now to just get to work with the new advice and instruction and work on it from there.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Can You Say Discouraged?
I feel pretty discouraged lately. I know I shouldn't be. I know it will come. But the language and verbal skill delays are getting to me. I know it's getting old for Kendall and Seren too. They try to tell me what they want and I have no idea what they are getting at, even though I guess and try to make sense of it. I have them show me and sometimes that still doesn't help. They throw more tantrums lately, especially Kendall. I know that is typical of their age but I also think such a huge part is this inability to communicate with each other. And I have no idea what to do beyond what we do and try to do. We read to them, we talk about what we're doing, we ask questions, we practice sounds, we sing, we try to repeat or make words out of the stuff that does come out of their mouth. And I swear to you I see little improvement. Seren is starting to try to repeat words sometimes but Kendall doesn't seem to want to talk. I try to talk to her and practice words with Kendall and she won't look at me. And it's not like I'm frustrated or sounding frustrated with her. She is just so occupied with other things (sometimes just looking at her feet) that she doesn't focus or listen. I just feel so negative about it all. I thought teaching your kid(s) to talk was supposed to come easy and it's a huge challenge for me. I just want things to start clicking and it feels like I'm banging my head against a brick wall.
We have our Early Intervention meeting tomorrow. A meeting to go over a plan, goals and paperwork. No actual help as far as I know at this point. It just seems like even the help we're supposed to be getting with this is taking forever. Now I know why people get so frustrated with the system. It runs on an entirely different clock. I wanted help with this yesterday (okay a month and a half ago) and still feel blocked in. And it just feels like the longer it takes to get help with Kendall (maybe even a little with Seren) the further behind she is going to fall. And the further behind things get the more of a failure I feel like. Like I'm failing her. Maybe it's just my inner demons telling me that but it's how I feel right now. I just want it to help and for things to get better.
We have our Early Intervention meeting tomorrow. A meeting to go over a plan, goals and paperwork. No actual help as far as I know at this point. It just seems like even the help we're supposed to be getting with this is taking forever. Now I know why people get so frustrated with the system. It runs on an entirely different clock. I wanted help with this yesterday (okay a month and a half ago) and still feel blocked in. And it just feels like the longer it takes to get help with Kendall (maybe even a little with Seren) the further behind she is going to fall. And the further behind things get the more of a failure I feel like. Like I'm failing her. Maybe it's just my inner demons telling me that but it's how I feel right now. I just want it to help and for things to get better.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Blah...cleaning is for suckers
I have decided that I'm not a fan of moving and cleaning anymore. We moved in a month ago and I know it takes time to clean and organize how you want but the days are numbered before the holidays are upon us and I still see such a mess around me. Granted the front room is all of the girls toys. I had meant to scatter them up and downstairs but now with Seren in a cast they have almost all remained upstairs since I don't plan on her going down until the cast is off (2 more weeks...please go quickly).
I cleaned up Halloween decor today. Yep Halloween hasn't even come and gone and I'm packing it up. I didn't pull out much but it just was clutter not decoration this year anyway. I am excited to take the girls trick or treating. I made flapper costumes for them (seen below) but we tried on their store bought costumes yesterday and they fit so great that they will be wearing these on Halloween. I am excited for Halloween night and to actually take them out trick or treating this year. We'll probably both go since Seren is hobbled up and since it is their first year going. We plan on just hitting the cul-de-sac and a couple neighbors we've met before it gets dark and then come home for all the kiddos to trick or treat us.
This is short and sweet...just a formal complaint about moving, cleaning and arranging. Now it is back to the work horse before the girls wake up from a nap.
I cleaned up Halloween decor today. Yep Halloween hasn't even come and gone and I'm packing it up. I didn't pull out much but it just was clutter not decoration this year anyway. I am excited to take the girls trick or treating. I made flapper costumes for them (seen below) but we tried on their store bought costumes yesterday and they fit so great that they will be wearing these on Halloween. I am excited for Halloween night and to actually take them out trick or treating this year. We'll probably both go since Seren is hobbled up and since it is their first year going. We plan on just hitting the cul-de-sac and a couple neighbors we've met before it gets dark and then come home for all the kiddos to trick or treat us.
This is short and sweet...just a formal complaint about moving, cleaning and arranging. Now it is back to the work horse before the girls wake up from a nap.
Kendall
Seren
Sunday, October 28, 2012
22 Months
*as always these are for me (and the girls) to remember so don't feel pressured to read*
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit. They are getting better at eating meat (usually chicken or sausage). They loved a fish sample at the store (need to get on that). They like yogurt, apple sauce, pizza, bread, orange juice, enchiladas, biscuits and gravy, carrot slivers depending on the day, etc.
Foods They Don't: They are pretty picky compared to their friends. They are doing better but still need improvement. Debating on Pediasure supplement or vitamins...anyone have experience? Will be asking our doctor first of course.
Favorite Things: They love the swing set in our new backyard. They love Sesame Street and Elmo (as a result of the swing set in our backyard).
Favorite toy: Lego type blocks, books, swings and slides; whatever toy the other one has.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Teething. Being told what to do or not to do.
Their Accomplishments: Walking, running and climbing. Adapting to a cast. Physically and mentally they are right on target and even ahead in some areas for their age according to our Early Intervention evaluation.
Verbal: They understand a lot of words but still don't verbalize as much. We had Early Intervention evaluate them and they did great in all areas except for expressive language. We will be having some help in the home with Kendall's speech and Seren will gain from it too I'm sure. Seren has really started taking off recently (we think the cast has played a big role) and says/repeats new words fairly often. Kendall is also starting to hum/sing a little and say a couple new words. So I can't imagine we'll be working with Early Intervention too long.
New words: Seren has said quite a few new words...my favorites being "ice" and "hello". Kendall is also trying to say "more" and says "jah"/yes all the time...so cute.
Teeth: Both of them are working on their canines. Seren has two poking through and Kendall is swollen gummed and drooling also.
Sleep: Sleeping great. They have slept better in our new home than they did at Grandparents D.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. Looking forward to Seren being cast free in 3 weeks. Also can't wait for the holidays and trying winter things.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Hobble Legged Cutie
Seren had her bent-knee cast taken off yesterday. Oh the panic and horror that little girl had when they buzz/sawed that thing off. She was scared of course and I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to her and Elmo's World (even the two staff members joined in on that one as it seemed to work the best). She was much better getting the new cast on. This will be a walking cast and she will have it on for 3 weeks and then will (hopefully) be cast free. She's adapting very well to this new "freedom" of walking. Also they did x-rays after the new cast was on (there would have been too much pain for her to do some in between). She is healing up wonderfully and no concerns there. So grateful this is not more of an ordeal for her, although wishing it never happened.
PS I bought a pirate and devil costume last year on clearance and didn't think they'd fit (or they'd still be in storage even) so I made their costumes myself again this year (pictures at a later date). How adorable would this little hobble-walk have been in a pirate costume though??
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Early Intervention results
With all the recent drama with Seren and special care and effort taken there I don't think I ever followed up here with the Early Intervention side of things. We went in on October 16th to have the girls evaluated. The women that worked there were fabulous and so open and friendly. The girls both took to them fairly quickly. Even Kendall was right at home which came as a surprise to me.
They did an intake on both girls together for a few minutes just getting the jest down and going over forms we had filled out before to make sure it was primarily the expressive verbal that was concerning. Then they split us up, Jeff went with Seren and one lady and I stayed with Kendall and the other lady. They asked a whole bunch of questions regarding Kendall's language, comprehension and verbal development. Some of them were pretty technical and somewhat hard to answer as I wasn't sure. They asked about her understanding and her babbling and her word use. Some questions I didn't like as they would ask and I would tell them "no" and they'd be like "well she's not supposed to do that at this age so don't worry". She had some definite strengths and some areas where I wanted help for her. Seren was somewhat the same way according to Jeff. Seren does babble more and sing and is starting to imitate, whereas Kendall is a little more delicate and soft spoken and I think lets Seren do the talking or gets "taken over" in some ways with Seren being assertive.
They also did some play evaluations with them to see cognitive and problem solving development. They both did very good with this. In some areas Kendall tested at more of a 2 year old + level. Seren also did very well according to Jeff. So we aren't worried about them I think we just need help and direction in how to encourage speech.
They tested well and in all other areas they did not qualify for Early Intervention. In the verbal / expressive language they both struggled or were "delayed" a little. The team explained that they only qualified if they scored 77 or below. Seren scored at 79 and didn't qualify. Kendall scored at 73 or 74 and barely qualified. So we will be having follow up with another woman who wasn't present. She'll set up some meetings in our home to work with Kendall. I'm sure Seren will benefit at the same time. Once she/they start catching up then the services will discontinue. I'm honestly kind of looking forward to this help and guidance as I still feel like this is a shortcoming on my part. I always thought teaching babies and children to talk came pretty natural but I don't know if it completely is.
They did an intake on both girls together for a few minutes just getting the jest down and going over forms we had filled out before to make sure it was primarily the expressive verbal that was concerning. Then they split us up, Jeff went with Seren and one lady and I stayed with Kendall and the other lady. They asked a whole bunch of questions regarding Kendall's language, comprehension and verbal development. Some of them were pretty technical and somewhat hard to answer as I wasn't sure. They asked about her understanding and her babbling and her word use. Some questions I didn't like as they would ask and I would tell them "no" and they'd be like "well she's not supposed to do that at this age so don't worry". She had some definite strengths and some areas where I wanted help for her. Seren was somewhat the same way according to Jeff. Seren does babble more and sing and is starting to imitate, whereas Kendall is a little more delicate and soft spoken and I think lets Seren do the talking or gets "taken over" in some ways with Seren being assertive.
They also did some play evaluations with them to see cognitive and problem solving development. They both did very good with this. In some areas Kendall tested at more of a 2 year old + level. Seren also did very well according to Jeff. So we aren't worried about them I think we just need help and direction in how to encourage speech.
They tested well and in all other areas they did not qualify for Early Intervention. In the verbal / expressive language they both struggled or were "delayed" a little. The team explained that they only qualified if they scored 77 or below. Seren scored at 79 and didn't qualify. Kendall scored at 73 or 74 and barely qualified. So we will be having follow up with another woman who wasn't present. She'll set up some meetings in our home to work with Kendall. I'm sure Seren will benefit at the same time. Once she/they start catching up then the services will discontinue. I'm honestly kind of looking forward to this help and guidance as I still feel like this is a shortcoming on my part. I always thought teaching babies and children to talk came pretty natural but I don't know if it completely is.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Already Made...
I have been thinking tonight about the differences with infertiles and fertiles in their decisions to have another child. For the most part it is very similar. Do we want another child? Can we afford another child? When would we want to try to have another child? How would our current child(ren) feel about a sibling?
But a thought occurred to me in a difference there is for those with frozen embryos vs a typical fertile couple. For those with no assumed fertility problems, or even with mild ones, it is more of a case of "when should we try to make a baby". But for those with frozen embryos those babies have already been made. They are just in limbo. Waiting to be a successful cycle or not. Waiting to be your child or not. It's not like you just have a period and figure the next month it might happen. They have happened. They are fertilized eggs that have started to develop. They are a significant possibility for life.
It seems somewhat insane to be making decisions for possibilities that are just waiting, literally frozen in time. It feels like an extra weight of responsibility to me. To make the right decision. After all it took so much to get here there really isn't any turning back once decisions are made and events take place to offer that possibility to someone else.
But a thought occurred to me in a difference there is for those with frozen embryos vs a typical fertile couple. For those with no assumed fertility problems, or even with mild ones, it is more of a case of "when should we try to make a baby". But for those with frozen embryos those babies have already been made. They are just in limbo. Waiting to be a successful cycle or not. Waiting to be your child or not. It's not like you just have a period and figure the next month it might happen. They have happened. They are fertilized eggs that have started to develop. They are a significant possibility for life.
It seems somewhat insane to be making decisions for possibilities that are just waiting, literally frozen in time. It feels like an extra weight of responsibility to me. To make the right decision. After all it took so much to get here there really isn't any turning back once decisions are made and events take place to offer that possibility to someone else.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Pictures Post
I spotted these on my camera when I got the picture of Kendall and Seren in her splint off of it. I have to share because well gosh darn it they are adorable and I love them....
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| Kendall |
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| Seren |
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| Kendall's hair is red and curly - I love to throw mousse in it |
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| Seren was running down the sidewalk and decided to play peek-a-boo |
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| Kendall plays shy with the camera but when you can catch her looking at you it's priceless |
Update on the Cookie
Seren is a trooper. She has adapted very well to her newly casted leg. She doesn't like it but she manages. The first full day in the splint was rough as Seren was upset about it and Kendall had a fever (I think from teething since it's gone and nobody ever got sick). So both of my sweeties were extra needy and I was a bit nutty from all of it. But we have made it to almost a week post-break and things are good. Seren is now sporting a hot pink cast and enjoys her days typically on the couch or on the mattress in the front room (luckily during the move-in this is where we slept so the mattress has stayed there for now to be a comfy sitting spot).
Jeff's parents and sister came to sit with Kendall and his mom came to the appointment with me. The specialist Dr Richter was quick and accurate in the assesment of her break. He said it is not in the growth plate so it should heal very nicely and not cause any problems. He also said he typically sees these type of breaks with trampolines. He explained they would put a bent-knee non-weight bearing cast on for 2 weeks and then a straight leg weight bearing cast for 2 weeks after that. The bend in the knee being to discourage Seren from trying to stand or walk (like Mommy isn't a big enough discourager). The PA and nurse came in to put the cast on and we told them the pinkest pink they could find would make Seren happy. The cast wrapping went smoothly and Seren didn't even cry. She squirmed a little when the PA tried to talk to her and gave some scowls when they touched her leg but in general was amazing.
She has been off of her feet at home when I am around. During naptimes and bedtimes I have found her standing up in her crib, holding onto the railing and most of her weight on her good leg. I was fighting her on it but have since decided that she doesn't appear to put weight on the cast and that I can't have eyes on her at all times to keep her off. I can't wait until she is in the weight bearing cast though so I won't be so stressed about it. We have watched enormous amounts of Sesame Street. So much that I want to gouge my eyes out at times but it seems to keep them both happy. We also go for walks in the stroller, color, play with toys on the floor, go for drives in the car, stroll around stores and swing in the backyard to kill the boredom blues.
Jeff's parents and sister came to sit with Kendall and his mom came to the appointment with me. The specialist Dr Richter was quick and accurate in the assesment of her break. He said it is not in the growth plate so it should heal very nicely and not cause any problems. He also said he typically sees these type of breaks with trampolines. He explained they would put a bent-knee non-weight bearing cast on for 2 weeks and then a straight leg weight bearing cast for 2 weeks after that. The bend in the knee being to discourage Seren from trying to stand or walk (like Mommy isn't a big enough discourager). The PA and nurse came in to put the cast on and we told them the pinkest pink they could find would make Seren happy. The cast wrapping went smoothly and Seren didn't even cry. She squirmed a little when the PA tried to talk to her and gave some scowls when they touched her leg but in general was amazing.
She has been off of her feet at home when I am around. During naptimes and bedtimes I have found her standing up in her crib, holding onto the railing and most of her weight on her good leg. I was fighting her on it but have since decided that she doesn't appear to put weight on the cast and that I can't have eyes on her at all times to keep her off. I can't wait until she is in the weight bearing cast though so I won't be so stressed about it. We have watched enormous amounts of Sesame Street. So much that I want to gouge my eyes out at times but it seems to keep them both happy. We also go for walks in the stroller, color, play with toys on the floor, go for drives in the car, stroll around stores and swing in the backyard to kill the boredom blues.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Broken Leg...Broken Heart
aka The Disadvantages to Being a Twin and Why I Suck as a Parent
*heaven knows I'm writing this so Seren can have "fun" memories not because of my fabulous parenting skills.
We just moved to our new home on Wednesday. We love the area. We love the neighbors. We love(ed) the swing set in the backyard. So did the girls. We had been out to play on it once or twice. Seren has gotten pretty good at climbing on her own with us being there to support and help. She even managed to scale a ladder all on her own once when grandma and grandpa were here playing with them...needless to say I rushed over and helped her up the rest of the way and down the slide.
So I knew she could climb them. I knew for her age this wasn't a great idea since she's still unbalanced and small. But I figured I could stay on top of both of them. We went outside yesterday and were playing with Daddy and Aunt A nearby. Aunt A was helping with Kendall and Seren and all was fine. Aunt A went inside or something for a moment and I was right there with the girls. I helped Kendall up and then down the slide. Then, I turned around and I saw Seren near the top of a ladder and before I could respond to get her down she had slipped. I watched her fall and saw her land with most of the force on her left leg. I ran to her and she was crying (okay screaming) and I picked her up and rushed her inside the house to check her out. I stripped off her pants and shoes and looked at her legs and knee. I didn't see anything wrong but she kept crying. I rocked her and held her and offered her chocolate to see if it would calm her down (as it has in the past with falls and bumps). She pushed it away. Jeff and Aunt A came inside with Kendall and we tried to calm Seren down. I asked if we should go to the doctor or ER and it was somewhat decided to wait a few minutes and see if she would calm down. She did somewhat but she also wouldn't put any weight on her left leg and kept crying. I called the after-hours pediatrics and explained what happened and how she was acting and they set up an appointment for an hour later. Seren finally exhausted herself and fell asleep in Jeff's arms for a little while. Kendall went down for her nap and when it was time to leave I left Jeff home with Kendall sleeping and took Seren. She was more calm but again wouldn't put weight on her leg. On the car ride there she seemed completely happy and sung and babbled from her carseat in the backseat.
The pediatrician saw her and examined her legs. Seren cried at being touched and screamed when the doctor touched her lower leg and knee area. She got a sucker and calmed down. I was told the injury or pain seemed to be around her shin and knee but that the doctor wanted x-rays of her whole leg just to be sure. So we headed down to radiology. We waited there for a little while. Then they brought us back and placed her on the x-ray table and I sat with her in a lead apron. They gave her another sucker. And the two of us cried as they took several x-rays and Seren screamed when they bent, turned and touched her leg. Seren begged to be held and I tried to comfort her and tell her we had to take pictures first. I've never felt so helpless and guilty. The radiologist didn't see anything immediately and so I crossed my fingers and hoped for a sprain or something else.
We went back to the doctor's office upstairs and waited. It took some time to get the x-rays read and back to them so we called and checked in with Jeff and said hello to Kendall. Seren was in good spirits. When the doctor came back in she told us that Seren had indeed fractured her leg with the fall. I started crying again and she tried to give me a pep talk of how I was not a horrible parent (especially with twins) and that things like this happen. I asked where it was broken and she took us to her office and showed us the x-ray. It is on the upper part of the tibia (larger bone in the lower leg) near the knee. I noticed that it was close to the growth plate (thank you BioMed in college) and asked about this. The doctor said yes it would need some extra care and follow-up to make sure this wouldn't cause problems. Then she had us follow her to the "prep room" where they splinted Seren's leg with a plaster type backing, gauze and an ACE type bandage over all of it. She sat in my lap during this and again we cried and she screamed and begged for comfort.
We were referred to an orthopedic specialist to call on Tuesday (dang you holiday) and will have further follow up from him, including a cast. Seren is not supposed to have any weight bearing on that leg until the cast comes off in about 3 weeks or so. So basically, as the doctor said, stock up on coloring books and other sitting/quiet type games. Hoping for the best and no further trouble for her with this as it heals.
*heaven knows I'm writing this so Seren can have "fun" memories not because of my fabulous parenting skills.
We just moved to our new home on Wednesday. We love the area. We love the neighbors. We love(ed) the swing set in the backyard. So did the girls. We had been out to play on it once or twice. Seren has gotten pretty good at climbing on her own with us being there to support and help. She even managed to scale a ladder all on her own once when grandma and grandpa were here playing with them...needless to say I rushed over and helped her up the rest of the way and down the slide.
So I knew she could climb them. I knew for her age this wasn't a great idea since she's still unbalanced and small. But I figured I could stay on top of both of them. We went outside yesterday and were playing with Daddy and Aunt A nearby. Aunt A was helping with Kendall and Seren and all was fine. Aunt A went inside or something for a moment and I was right there with the girls. I helped Kendall up and then down the slide. Then, I turned around and I saw Seren near the top of a ladder and before I could respond to get her down she had slipped. I watched her fall and saw her land with most of the force on her left leg. I ran to her and she was crying (okay screaming) and I picked her up and rushed her inside the house to check her out. I stripped off her pants and shoes and looked at her legs and knee. I didn't see anything wrong but she kept crying. I rocked her and held her and offered her chocolate to see if it would calm her down (as it has in the past with falls and bumps). She pushed it away. Jeff and Aunt A came inside with Kendall and we tried to calm Seren down. I asked if we should go to the doctor or ER and it was somewhat decided to wait a few minutes and see if she would calm down. She did somewhat but she also wouldn't put any weight on her left leg and kept crying. I called the after-hours pediatrics and explained what happened and how she was acting and they set up an appointment for an hour later. Seren finally exhausted herself and fell asleep in Jeff's arms for a little while. Kendall went down for her nap and when it was time to leave I left Jeff home with Kendall sleeping and took Seren. She was more calm but again wouldn't put weight on her leg. On the car ride there she seemed completely happy and sung and babbled from her carseat in the backseat.
The pediatrician saw her and examined her legs. Seren cried at being touched and screamed when the doctor touched her lower leg and knee area. She got a sucker and calmed down. I was told the injury or pain seemed to be around her shin and knee but that the doctor wanted x-rays of her whole leg just to be sure. So we headed down to radiology. We waited there for a little while. Then they brought us back and placed her on the x-ray table and I sat with her in a lead apron. They gave her another sucker. And the two of us cried as they took several x-rays and Seren screamed when they bent, turned and touched her leg. Seren begged to be held and I tried to comfort her and tell her we had to take pictures first. I've never felt so helpless and guilty. The radiologist didn't see anything immediately and so I crossed my fingers and hoped for a sprain or something else.
We went back to the doctor's office upstairs and waited. It took some time to get the x-rays read and back to them so we called and checked in with Jeff and said hello to Kendall. Seren was in good spirits. When the doctor came back in she told us that Seren had indeed fractured her leg with the fall. I started crying again and she tried to give me a pep talk of how I was not a horrible parent (especially with twins) and that things like this happen. I asked where it was broken and she took us to her office and showed us the x-ray. It is on the upper part of the tibia (larger bone in the lower leg) near the knee. I noticed that it was close to the growth plate (thank you BioMed in college) and asked about this. The doctor said yes it would need some extra care and follow-up to make sure this wouldn't cause problems. Then she had us follow her to the "prep room" where they splinted Seren's leg with a plaster type backing, gauze and an ACE type bandage over all of it. She sat in my lap during this and again we cried and she screamed and begged for comfort.
We were referred to an orthopedic specialist to call on Tuesday (dang you holiday) and will have further follow up from him, including a cast. Seren is not supposed to have any weight bearing on that leg until the cast comes off in about 3 weeks or so. So basically, as the doctor said, stock up on coloring books and other sitting/quiet type games. Hoping for the best and no further trouble for her with this as it heals.
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| Seren and Kendall with the splint...watching some Sesame Street. This is right after we got home so her hair is a sweaty mess. |
Monday, October 1, 2012
New Faces, Paces and Plans...
We moved everything out of our storage this past weekend on the 29th. It mostly went into the garage so that the carpets can be cleaned at the end of this week. It was a really smooth move and only took us about 2 hours total and maybe an hour of settling a few things into the house. We had a good amount of help and Jeff's mom watched most of the kids (Seren, Kendall and cousins) so it was relatively easy. It seems like a wonderful neighborhood which we are over the moon about. We met a handful of neighbors who were all very nice and offering help and future help. They all praised each other and the area. So hopefully it isn't all a farce or just the surface impression.
I am a little tentative in regards to the neighborhood being primarily LDS / Mormon. I am Mormon but after going through infertility and determining the way we wanted to build our family through donor eggs it has been a little more interesting in our relationship to other typical LDS members and the values of the church. We do still go to church each week and we pray with our children and I do hope to work towards a more active lifestyle with our church but it has yet to be determined how it will all pan out (isn't it always with anything you do?) I have decided not to be secretive or misleading in the reason we have twins but I will not be sharing the piece regarding donor eggs. In my understanding it isn't highly accepted or what is expected as the first step to resolution of infertility (or possibly at all). I feel no shame with it and I still feel that God is perfectly happy with our little family but why expose something so private if you ask me. It will be Kendall and Seren's decision as they get older (and hopefully have a good grasp of it) to share this information if they feel it relative. Anyway just a sub-thought process going on there.
Also, we were planning on moving out at the end of this week on Saturday morning. Plans have changed a little. Jeff's cousin who lives out of state is getting married on Thursday to a girl who is somewhat local...so the wedding and reception will be here in Utah. Long story short it was somewhat offered for them to stay at the house if Jeff and I had moved by then (which it was assumed we would be...no one expected 5 months). And since this family struggles somewhat financially it was the easiest and cheapest arrangement for them. So, as we sat around making plans for our week and the last load to move to the house...they called and this plan was brought up again. Jeff and I were fine with moving up our time a couple days (we'll move Wednesday night now) although it makes it less smooth at the same time. I am not so worried about us as I am worried about the girls handling the transition with less than ideal circumstance. They will be in their pack-n-plays for a couple nights (since we can't put up cribs until the carpets are cleaned and dry) and in a new/strange surrounding also. I hope that they make it through okay. I hope we all make do with it. I can't wait to be there and settling in now.
I am a little tentative in regards to the neighborhood being primarily LDS / Mormon. I am Mormon but after going through infertility and determining the way we wanted to build our family through donor eggs it has been a little more interesting in our relationship to other typical LDS members and the values of the church. We do still go to church each week and we pray with our children and I do hope to work towards a more active lifestyle with our church but it has yet to be determined how it will all pan out (isn't it always with anything you do?) I have decided not to be secretive or misleading in the reason we have twins but I will not be sharing the piece regarding donor eggs. In my understanding it isn't highly accepted or what is expected as the first step to resolution of infertility (or possibly at all). I feel no shame with it and I still feel that God is perfectly happy with our little family but why expose something so private if you ask me. It will be Kendall and Seren's decision as they get older (and hopefully have a good grasp of it) to share this information if they feel it relative. Anyway just a sub-thought process going on there.
Also, we were planning on moving out at the end of this week on Saturday morning. Plans have changed a little. Jeff's cousin who lives out of state is getting married on Thursday to a girl who is somewhat local...so the wedding and reception will be here in Utah. Long story short it was somewhat offered for them to stay at the house if Jeff and I had moved by then (which it was assumed we would be...no one expected 5 months). And since this family struggles somewhat financially it was the easiest and cheapest arrangement for them. So, as we sat around making plans for our week and the last load to move to the house...they called and this plan was brought up again. Jeff and I were fine with moving up our time a couple days (we'll move Wednesday night now) although it makes it less smooth at the same time. I am not so worried about us as I am worried about the girls handling the transition with less than ideal circumstance. They will be in their pack-n-plays for a couple nights (since we can't put up cribs until the carpets are cleaned and dry) and in a new/strange surrounding also. I hope that they make it through okay. I hope we all make do with it. I can't wait to be there and settling in now.
Friday, September 28, 2012
21 Months
*as always these are for me (and the girls) to remember so don't feel pressured to read*
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit...peaches are big right now. They are getting better at eating meat. They like yogurt, apple sauce, pizza, bread, orange juice, bananas, enchiladas, biscuits and gravy, etc.
Foods They Don't: Mostly vegetables and odd textures. They are doing a little better though.
Favorite Things: They LOVE going to the park and now recognize "park" and "slide" as words that get them super excited. They love going on walks (stroller or on foot) and dogs of all sizes.
Favorite toy: They still love shoes and always want to wear them and bring us our shoes...I think because that means we might go to the P-A-R-K haha. Kendall loves books. Seren loves Elmo's World and hums the song.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Teething. Being told what to do or not to do.
Their Accomplishments: Walking and running. Stairs up and down...we've taken the gate off now and even allow them to go up and down the spiral stairs. Learning body parts. They also do this adorable thing of copying me when I wave my hand over their food to cool it off...they both get excited and start waving both hands up and down like they are trying to help (I love it).
Verbal: They understand a lot of words but still don't verbalize as much. They'll repeat a new word after we say it and we'll be excited and try to get them to use it again and typically they don't (kind of like the first time was an accident). I do think they are learning just not sure if it's considered a little delayed or not. I checked with our pediatrician and she referred us to Early Intervention. They have an appointment to be evaluated on October 16th.
Teeth: They are both just missing canines and 2 year old molars now.
Sleep: We are getting back to great sleeping habits again (thank goodness). Sometimes Seren will cry for a few minutes at night but generally goes back to sleep. Kendall sleeps better and usually only fusses at night once in a great while. Kendall has gotten her legs stuck in her crib slats a few times. Sometimes one leg and a couple times both legs until she starts whining and crying. It's kind of funny and adorable to find her stuck like this. Glad she hasn't done it too much yet.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. Looking forward to cool weather and family get togethers during the holidays. We are moving tomorrow (29th) and are so excited to be on our own again and hope the girls will love it too.
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit...peaches are big right now. They are getting better at eating meat. They like yogurt, apple sauce, pizza, bread, orange juice, bananas, enchiladas, biscuits and gravy, etc.
Foods They Don't: Mostly vegetables and odd textures. They are doing a little better though.
Favorite Things: They LOVE going to the park and now recognize "park" and "slide" as words that get them super excited. They love going on walks (stroller or on foot) and dogs of all sizes.
Favorite toy: They still love shoes and always want to wear them and bring us our shoes...I think because that means we might go to the P-A-R-K haha. Kendall loves books. Seren loves Elmo's World and hums the song.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Teething. Being told what to do or not to do.
Their Accomplishments: Walking and running. Stairs up and down...we've taken the gate off now and even allow them to go up and down the spiral stairs. Learning body parts. They also do this adorable thing of copying me when I wave my hand over their food to cool it off...they both get excited and start waving both hands up and down like they are trying to help (I love it).
Verbal: They understand a lot of words but still don't verbalize as much. They'll repeat a new word after we say it and we'll be excited and try to get them to use it again and typically they don't (kind of like the first time was an accident). I do think they are learning just not sure if it's considered a little delayed or not. I checked with our pediatrician and she referred us to Early Intervention. They have an appointment to be evaluated on October 16th.
Teeth: They are both just missing canines and 2 year old molars now.
Sleep: We are getting back to great sleeping habits again (thank goodness). Sometimes Seren will cry for a few minutes at night but generally goes back to sleep. Kendall sleeps better and usually only fusses at night once in a great while. Kendall has gotten her legs stuck in her crib slats a few times. Sometimes one leg and a couple times both legs until she starts whining and crying. It's kind of funny and adorable to find her stuck like this. Glad she hasn't done it too much yet.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. Looking forward to cool weather and family get togethers during the holidays. We are moving tomorrow (29th) and are so excited to be on our own again and hope the girls will love it too.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Feeling Like A Failure...
It started out with some minor concerns with Kendall and Seren being verbal for their age. We asked about it at the last doctor's appointment (18 months) and their pediatrician said to let her know if they didn't learn a few more words in the next couple months. I talked to Jeff and his mom about it and the girls began to imitate more and it seemed like they were improving so it was put off for a while. The girls sometimes repeat a word or attempt at a word but then won't say it again when prompted. They only really say 5 or 6 words consistently. Kendall says: momma, dadda, dog, duck, uh-oh. Seren says: momma, dadda, juice, uh-oh, yes (and hums/babbles tunes to Twinkle Little Star, Elmo's World and Rock A Bye Baby). Their comprehension is great (I think) and they seem to understand what we say or ask them.
I kept noticing kids around them...kids that were close to their age or a month or two younger being more verbal. Finally after running into an 18 month old at the park that was saying 1,2 and saying a couple words I got a little concerned again. Jeff and I talked about it and listed all the words the girls said consistently and some they attempt but don't repeat. Then I contacted our pediatrician again and received word back that she would expect them to say quite a few more words than they do right now. That 2 year olds were expected to have a 50 word vocabulary. Of course they aren't on track for that. So she is referring us to early intervention to have them evaluated.
I know it's better to have them evaluated and to see what more we can do. But it is just like this heavy weight on my heart. Because I just think what is the likelihood of two toddlers having speech delays because of inherent reasons. To me it just screams that it is something lacking with the environment and instructors (ie me). And I thought we were doing okay despite dividing attention between the two to try to read and talk to them and such. And I limit their television (usually an episode of Sesame Street every other day or so but definitely no more than one a day). I guess we can't really say they are delayed until we have them evaluated but I just feel like crap that they even need to be evaluated. And it's so stupid and irrelevant but I have this weird concern that my "competitive friend" who has a daughter two months younger than them will judge it or find it as a reason to be more proud or bragging about her child (like she doesn't do that enough already). I feel my protective momma bear nature coming out at the same time and don't want to cause problems with my feelings about it.
I guess all we can do is set it up and have them evaluated and then move from there. Dr G (their ped) says that Early Intervention might offer speech therapy to help them catch up. I guess it doesn't hurt to have some help either to know what more I can do to teach and help them learn.
I kept noticing kids around them...kids that were close to their age or a month or two younger being more verbal. Finally after running into an 18 month old at the park that was saying 1,2 and saying a couple words I got a little concerned again. Jeff and I talked about it and listed all the words the girls said consistently and some they attempt but don't repeat. Then I contacted our pediatrician again and received word back that she would expect them to say quite a few more words than they do right now. That 2 year olds were expected to have a 50 word vocabulary. Of course they aren't on track for that. So she is referring us to early intervention to have them evaluated.
I know it's better to have them evaluated and to see what more we can do. But it is just like this heavy weight on my heart. Because I just think what is the likelihood of two toddlers having speech delays because of inherent reasons. To me it just screams that it is something lacking with the environment and instructors (ie me). And I thought we were doing okay despite dividing attention between the two to try to read and talk to them and such. And I limit their television (usually an episode of Sesame Street every other day or so but definitely no more than one a day). I guess we can't really say they are delayed until we have them evaluated but I just feel like crap that they even need to be evaluated. And it's so stupid and irrelevant but I have this weird concern that my "competitive friend" who has a daughter two months younger than them will judge it or find it as a reason to be more proud or bragging about her child (like she doesn't do that enough already). I feel my protective momma bear nature coming out at the same time and don't want to cause problems with my feelings about it.
I guess all we can do is set it up and have them evaluated and then move from there. Dr G (their ped) says that Early Intervention might offer speech therapy to help them catch up. I guess it doesn't hurt to have some help either to know what more I can do to teach and help them learn.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Fictional Fooey (media and infertility not mixing yet again)
I get so intrigued and then almost immediately generally annoyed when it comes to infertility coming up in the media. I recently started catching episodes of my old favorite TV show "Felicity" on NetFlix. I lived and breathed that show during my college years and related to it in so many ways (chopping my hair off after a breakup, stupid college crushes and impulsive decisions). I still find it amusing a little but the last episode I watched caught me off guard. It actually touched on egg donation. I didn't remember this ever being a topic. Of course it would have been when I was seemingly fertile and not having problems with my period so why on earth would it strike any chord with me right? Well this time it did and to tell you the truth it kind of pissed me off.
Felicity is asked by Javier to consider being an egg donor for him and his partner/husband. I know the situation in the show is slightly different and dealing with egg donation and gay marriage/unions at the same time (it's not real drama without an extra layer right?). I am not really touching base on that aspect. It was sweet to hear the thoughts of Felicity considering it...reasons I would hope a donor would donate for. To help someone realize their dreams of being a parent and that type of thing. But Ben, Felicity's boyfriend, didn't agree with it saying "it would be your child" and "someone else would be raising your child" and "you'd have nothing to say about how they did it" and "think of Julie and how her adoptive parents loved her but she still wanted to find her real parents". Eventually Felicity decided that Ben was right and she couldn't donate (of course in real life doctors and psychologists weed out people with unsure intentions). They both agreed it would happen for Javier with someone else donating.
The conversations about it between Ben and Felicity just rubbed me all wrong . No Kendall and Seren are not my genetic children but they are my children and I am their mother. And come hell or high water that is how I will always think of them. Will everyone in the world agree with that...probably not. But the only people I hope agree are those directly related to me and my family (especially my daughters being #1 on that list). I hope I will understand when they want to know more about their story and how they came to be. I try to mentally prepare myself and them (when they are older) to understand it'sdifferent unique from a lot of families. I hope that they aren't disappointed or alienated because of our choices but even if they were it wouldn't change my feelings. I am their mother. I carried them and gave birth to them and if it weren't for Jeff and I they wouldn't be here, just as if it weren't for them we wouldn't be parents. I love them more than I ever thought possible. They will always get the very best from us.
Fictional characters and real life writers with no experience will never know what it's like on this side of the fence. I think they are hopefully well intended and just trying to touch on topics that are mainstream. But seriously I think I need to lower my expectations (like A LOT) of them getting any of it right.
Felicity is asked by Javier to consider being an egg donor for him and his partner/husband. I know the situation in the show is slightly different and dealing with egg donation and gay marriage/unions at the same time (it's not real drama without an extra layer right?). I am not really touching base on that aspect. It was sweet to hear the thoughts of Felicity considering it...reasons I would hope a donor would donate for. To help someone realize their dreams of being a parent and that type of thing. But Ben, Felicity's boyfriend, didn't agree with it saying "it would be your child" and "someone else would be raising your child" and "you'd have nothing to say about how they did it" and "think of Julie and how her adoptive parents loved her but she still wanted to find her real parents". Eventually Felicity decided that Ben was right and she couldn't donate (of course in real life doctors and psychologists weed out people with unsure intentions). They both agreed it would happen for Javier with someone else donating.
The conversations about it between Ben and Felicity just rubbed me all wrong . No Kendall and Seren are not my genetic children but they are my children and I am their mother. And come hell or high water that is how I will always think of them. Will everyone in the world agree with that...probably not. But the only people I hope agree are those directly related to me and my family (especially my daughters being #1 on that list). I hope I will understand when they want to know more about their story and how they came to be. I try to mentally prepare myself and them (when they are older) to understand it's
Fictional characters and real life writers with no experience will never know what it's like on this side of the fence. I think they are hopefully well intended and just trying to touch on topics that are mainstream. But seriously I think I need to lower my expectations (like A LOT) of them getting any of it right.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Packing Up...
I have begun packing unnecessary things...toys they don't love, sewing projects, books. I am over eager much yes. We have 12 days to close; it may happen sooner...we haven't been given a sure closing date. But the bank has given us until the 25th to close so it will happen by then. The wheels have been smoothly turning so far.
I will miss the stream with ducks within a short walk from our current living quarters. I have begun taking Kendall and Seren down there pretty frequently. They love watching the ducks waddle after bread from the stroller (I am a worry wart and refuse to get them out of the jogging stroller for fear of them falling in the stream that is more like a river; they don't complain). The girls always beg for a piece of bread which they eat while being mesmerized by the ducks. I had a birthday tradition growing up of going to a local duck pond to feed the ducks...I think it might be enjoyable for the girls to reignite this and keep it going.
Also once we have settled into our new home I think we'll finally be able to make some serious decisions about our frozen embryos. I looked into Miracles Waiting while we've been here but it looks like they mail you things and I didn't want interception and questions happening from exploring this option while living with the in-laws. So looking forward to making decisions and moving on or forward whatever it may be.
I am so incredibly grateful for my daughters. They are more than I could ever hope for in having children. I love watching them blossom into cute, intelligent, curious, fun loving, (and tantruming) toddlers. The tantrums don't even bother me that much usually. I hope that they love their new home as much as we do.
I will miss the stream with ducks within a short walk from our current living quarters. I have begun taking Kendall and Seren down there pretty frequently. They love watching the ducks waddle after bread from the stroller (I am a worry wart and refuse to get them out of the jogging stroller for fear of them falling in the stream that is more like a river; they don't complain). The girls always beg for a piece of bread which they eat while being mesmerized by the ducks. I had a birthday tradition growing up of going to a local duck pond to feed the ducks...I think it might be enjoyable for the girls to reignite this and keep it going.
Also once we have settled into our new home I think we'll finally be able to make some serious decisions about our frozen embryos. I looked into Miracles Waiting while we've been here but it looks like they mail you things and I didn't want interception and questions happening from exploring this option while living with the in-laws. So looking forward to making decisions and moving on or forward whatever it may be.
I am so incredibly grateful for my daughters. They are more than I could ever hope for in having children. I love watching them blossom into cute, intelligent, curious, fun loving, (and tantruming) toddlers. The tantrums don't even bother me that much usually. I hope that they love their new home as much as we do.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Nearing the end...
We are nearing the end folks. I'm so relieved and excited to say that we should be closing on the house and moving by the end of this month. I am very grateful to have family (or hubby's family for this one) to stay with for the last 4 months (will be almost 5 when moving day comes) but I am so eager to be out on our own again. I think Jeff's parents feel the same...a few days after we announced it was coming together and we'd be moving they went out and bought some new chairs for their living room (and I believe they are staying in the garage covered up until we check out haha...can't blame them).
We have the inspection today and will be setting an appraisal date and I think we'll be good to go. We bought a new lawn mower a week or two ago that is sitting in the garage (we sold our old one prior to moving). And my favorite and only other big purchase is this...a king size bed. I have always wanted one and never thought I would get one. But since we have been here so much longer than expected and needed to replace my old queen soon anyway we decided to splurge a little. I will be making the bed frame...egads! (check out my craft blog for more on that later). Jeff has asked me a few times if I think I really can do it (yes I can...all you need is a plan and some time right?) and if it will take forever. Love him for his confidence haha.
I try to talk to Kendall and Seren about moving and show them pictures online of their room and the house. They don't care of course but hopefully it sinks in a little. I'm sure it will be another adjustment though just like moving in with the Grandparents D was. I hope that things will level off rather soon though and that they enjoy it. Anyway had to share the good news.
We have the inspection today and will be setting an appraisal date and I think we'll be good to go. We bought a new lawn mower a week or two ago that is sitting in the garage (we sold our old one prior to moving). And my favorite and only other big purchase is this...a king size bed. I have always wanted one and never thought I would get one. But since we have been here so much longer than expected and needed to replace my old queen soon anyway we decided to splurge a little. I will be making the bed frame...egads! (check out my craft blog for more on that later). Jeff has asked me a few times if I think I really can do it (yes I can...all you need is a plan and some time right?) and if it will take forever. Love him for his confidence haha.
I try to talk to Kendall and Seren about moving and show them pictures online of their room and the house. They don't care of course but hopefully it sinks in a little. I'm sure it will be another adjustment though just like moving in with the Grandparents D was. I hope that things will level off rather soon though and that they enjoy it. Anyway had to share the good news.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
20 Months
*as always these are for me (and the girls) to remember so don't feel pressured to read*
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit. They are less inclined to cheese but still like it. They are getting better at eating meat. They like pizza, bread, orange juice, bananas, enchiladas, etc.
Foods They Don't: Mostly vegetables and odd textures. I'm trying to offer veggies first when they are hungry to get more exposure.
Favorite Things: They love water, going on walks (stroller or on foot), dogs of all sizes. Playing in the back yard and with bugs and dirt. They love playing with cousins. They love going to the park. Seren will slide down the big kid spiral slide like a champ and Kendall will try to climb on anything she can get a step on.
Favorite toy: shoes (does that count?)...they love their own shoes, dress up shoes and any other shoe found lying around. Still like the tunnel and love their word books.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Teething. Possible nightmares for Seren (waking up to screams from her in the middle of the night...this has gotten better the last few days). Being told what to do or not to do (independent tantrums starting).
Their Accomplishments: Walking and running. Stairs up and down...we've taken the gate off now and even allow them to go up and down the spiral stairs. Understanding and talking more. Learning body parts. Kendall is very good at pointing to different objects and animals in her books when asked. Seren seems more active and not wanting to be bothered with this type of game.
Verbal: They are talking and imitating more. Still a little worried about this but I think they are catching on.
Teeth: Seren is missing her canines and 2 year molars. Kendall getting in her last molar and missing canines and 2 year molars. Both seem to be teething although they are usually in good moods during the day despite this.
Sleep: We've had trouble sleeping lately (as mentioned with Sleep Training post). But this seems to be improving. Teething is throwing them off though and causing most sleep trouble now I think.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. They understand so much and are starting to catch on to speech. Think of the coming seasons with them and how winter will be fun and next summer they'll be able to do more. Still really want to move to our own home again. We heard again on the short sale and have approval from all parties so should have a contract soon (please please please)
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit. They are less inclined to cheese but still like it. They are getting better at eating meat. They like pizza, bread, orange juice, bananas, enchiladas, etc.
Foods They Don't: Mostly vegetables and odd textures. I'm trying to offer veggies first when they are hungry to get more exposure.
Favorite Things: They love water, going on walks (stroller or on foot), dogs of all sizes. Playing in the back yard and with bugs and dirt. They love playing with cousins. They love going to the park. Seren will slide down the big kid spiral slide like a champ and Kendall will try to climb on anything she can get a step on.
Favorite toy: shoes (does that count?)...they love their own shoes, dress up shoes and any other shoe found lying around. Still like the tunnel and love their word books.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Teething. Possible nightmares for Seren (waking up to screams from her in the middle of the night...this has gotten better the last few days). Being told what to do or not to do (independent tantrums starting).
Their Accomplishments: Walking and running. Stairs up and down...we've taken the gate off now and even allow them to go up and down the spiral stairs. Understanding and talking more. Learning body parts. Kendall is very good at pointing to different objects and animals in her books when asked. Seren seems more active and not wanting to be bothered with this type of game.
Verbal: They are talking and imitating more. Still a little worried about this but I think they are catching on.
Teeth: Seren is missing her canines and 2 year molars. Kendall getting in her last molar and missing canines and 2 year molars. Both seem to be teething although they are usually in good moods during the day despite this.
Sleep: We've had trouble sleeping lately (as mentioned with Sleep Training post). But this seems to be improving. Teething is throwing them off though and causing most sleep trouble now I think.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. They understand so much and are starting to catch on to speech. Think of the coming seasons with them and how winter will be fun and next summer they'll be able to do more. Still really want to move to our own home again. We heard again on the short sale and have approval from all parties so should have a contract soon (please please please)
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| Kendall after pulling out two pigtails... at least her hair is starting to come in finally. It makes her happy to have barettes and pig tails |
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| Seren with her hair up...this never lasts long. She hates things in her hair and always yanks them out. |
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| The Gatsby Girls... Seren, Kendall, H__, L__ at the aquarium Sept 1, 2012 We hang out with this group of friends (and our kids) at least once a month and have taken to calling them "Gatsby Nights" |
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Sleep Training...Again??
So the story goes...the girls had a somewhat rough adjustment to sleeping when we moved in with the in-laws. This only lasted about a week or two and they were back on track. But for the past month Seren has woken up and grumped in the middle of the night. We mostly let her go and if she fussed for more then 10 minutes or so we would go get her, usually out of worry for Kendall waking up. Sometimes Kendall would sleep through this but generally the moment we went to get Seren, Kendall was up as well. We started stretching out the time we'd wait to get them which seemed to stretch the days between getting them up. But for the last week Seren has screamed bloody murder. Her arm getting cut off type of bloody murder. The first time she did it I literally jumped out of bed and nearly ran to their room. Scared the crap out of me. But nothing was wrong beyond a little girl who wanted to get attention and maybe a midnight snack before going back to bed. She didn't cry after we got her up and she acted perfectly happy and healthy the next morning and day. No concerns. The next night it happened again and again after that. By the end of the week we wondered if there was something wrong or if she was just teething or having nightmares. We contacted our doctor. And the recommendation was to sleep train her again...let her cry for up to an hour. Train her to go back to sleep on her own. Possibly move Kendall to another room if possible. Lovely.
Sleep training...this worked like a charm when they were 5 or 6 months old. But the thought of letting her scream bloody murder night after night doesn't appeal to me. Their ped. did say we could ease her back into it (checking on her, etc) but that could take several weeks to get her back on track. I figure I will check on her a little this week and then wean and stretch the time between checks again. No picking up. No cuddles. Lay her back down and comfort her and then leave. I'm not against children "crying it out" to a point...I just hope we don't reach that point after a week or two. So here we go again...wish us luck (oh and tips or tricks if you have any).
Sleep training...this worked like a charm when they were 5 or 6 months old. But the thought of letting her scream bloody murder night after night doesn't appeal to me. Their ped. did say we could ease her back into it (checking on her, etc) but that could take several weeks to get her back on track. I figure I will check on her a little this week and then wean and stretch the time between checks again. No picking up. No cuddles. Lay her back down and comfort her and then leave. I'm not against children "crying it out" to a point...I just hope we don't reach that point after a week or two. So here we go again...wish us luck (oh and tips or tricks if you have any).
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Redefining Goals
For those of you stopping in or new I started a list of 101 goals to accomplish in 1,001 days a couple years ago. Surprisingly time has gone by so quickly with this. I started on this list before we were officially starting our donor IVF cycle that resulted in Kendall and Seren. I remember that I started it because I wanted to have other things to work towards besides starting our family...especially if things didn't work. But they did and now I am very behind in getting these goals accomplished. I have accomplished others but ones I can't check off of a list.
We are still living with Jeff's parents for the time being. We have an offer on a short sale for a home that I love but it has taken months to go anywhere. We keep hoping we'll get a contract any day now...that is the supposed next step as we've been told everything is verbally accepted. But living here feels like a wrench in my plans to accomplish more of these goals sometimes. I guess I could get creative.
But in the meantime I'm considering an extension or a re-writing of the list. Adding in new goals possibly and focusing energy on things I've discovered that I really enjoy (sewing, home decor, DIY projects, etc). Anyway just a random rambling and reminder to myself to get back on the horse with this idea because I really do like it.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
19 Months
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit. They love cheese, ham fried rice, minestrone soup, pizza, zucchini bread, pancakes, chicken nuggets, etc. They are getting better with vegetables (especially if it's mixed in with other things) mostly corn, tomatoes and carrots.
Favorite Things: They love splashing in puddles, going on walks (stroller or on foot), dogs of all sizes. They like bath time and stories. Playing in the back yard and with bugs and dirt. They love playing with cousins. Seren is especially interested in Abby (4 months older than the girls) and will stare at her and follow her around when they come visiting.
Favorite toy: Tunnel from ikea. Water with buckets and toys.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Helping them eat...they very much want to do it all on their own.
Their Accomplishments: Walking and running. Stairs up and down although we still leave the gate up on the big stairs. Understanding and talking more. We're working on body parts and they are learning more of those.
Verbal: They are talking and imitating more. New words: juice, up, doggie and yes. Seren seems to talk more but Kendall can really get going as well.
Foods They Don't: Avocado, olives, and a lot of vegetables still.
Favorite toy: Tunnel from ikea. Water with buckets and toys.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Helping them eat...they very much want to do it all on their own.
Their Accomplishments: Walking and running. Stairs up and down although we still leave the gate up on the big stairs. Understanding and talking more. We're working on body parts and they are learning more of those.
Teeth: Seren has four on top, four on bottom and four molars. Kendall has four on bottom, four on top and two molars.
Sleep: They fight sleeping a little more but have each other for company or the other will usually sleep through if a fit is being thrown.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. They understand so much and are starting to catch onto speaking better. Still looking forward to being on our own again, especially so I can have more control over diet, groceries and freezer meals.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to more words and verbal skills. They understand so much and are starting to catch onto speaking better. Still looking forward to being on our own again, especially so I can have more control over diet, groceries and freezer meals.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Sunny Days...
We are enjoying our share of sunny days here recently. It is better than winter and snow and being cooped up inside. Although some really hot days have kept us inside anyway. There isn't much going on here. I have been flying solo with the girls the last few days as Grandparents D have been watching other grandkids. Jeff is also out of town for the same few days + one and the girls have been sick for the last week or two (just the sniffles and improving) so it hasn't been the best timing. I was up with Seren from 3:30 am to 7 am one night/morning with Kendall joining in around 6 am. Thank goodness they slept in until 11 am that day. After that it has been all uphill though. And we have partial word on the short sale being good news soon so that doesn't hurt the optimism. Generally speaking though this summer has been full of sunny days, smiles and moments like these.
Kendall playing in the background while mom plays with her camera settings to capture the cuteness
(reminds me of pictures my dad took when we were little)
Seren loves to corner Thor at the front door when he's looking outside. He actually didn't mind this time and started licking her hand (they are going to be good buddies when she's a little bigger)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Kind of Solution
After I purchased some plastic stroller type buckles on eBay...I found a perfectly fine solution at the thrift store. I thrift my girls clothes. I love it! It's like a bargain hunt to find a cute (basically new looking) shirt for $1 or $2 and pants for $3. I figure until they are old enough to take better care of their clothes (or at least not stain them over and over with spaghetti and strawberries, etc) then it is perfectly fine, great even, to get used clothes. Goodness sounds like I could do a whole post on that.
Anyway I found a cargo type belt (1 1/2" wide with a double ring closure). It was $0.69 and booyah also the 50% off color tag of the day. So I bought it as a temporary fix. We even took it for a practice run to the store. I sat Seren in the basket again and looped the belt around her snugged it up on the outside so she couldn't mess with it. She didn't like it. In fact I think she was darn near pissed off about it. At first she was really trying to fight it and stand up (not a chance). Then she gave up and just whined about it a little. I got a few sideways glances while she was freaking out but hey I prevented a concussion so who cares.
I am hoping the next trip to try it out won't be so troublesome. It was the middle of nap time today and we had a super rough night as well. Seren is not always the twin in the basket either but Kendall was half-asleep when we got to the store so I didn't want to chance her cranking out.
**Update: The buckles I ordered never came. I checked on tracking and the stupid company sent them to my old address...despite me updating the address with them and them sending me an email saying they'd send it to my current address. Grrrrrrrr! The belt has worked fine though despite the fact if the girl in the basket gets fussy that people notice more. Come on people...I dare you to ask me why I use something to belt them in! Bring it!
Anyway I found a cargo type belt (1 1/2" wide with a double ring closure). It was $0.69 and booyah also the 50% off color tag of the day. So I bought it as a temporary fix. We even took it for a practice run to the store. I sat Seren in the basket again and looped the belt around her snugged it up on the outside so she couldn't mess with it. She didn't like it. In fact I think she was darn near pissed off about it. At first she was really trying to fight it and stand up (not a chance). Then she gave up and just whined about it a little. I got a few sideways glances while she was freaking out but hey I prevented a concussion so who cares.
I am hoping the next trip to try it out won't be so troublesome. It was the middle of nap time today and we had a super rough night as well. Seren is not always the twin in the basket either but Kendall was half-asleep when we got to the store so I didn't want to chance her cranking out.
**Update: The buckles I ordered never came. I checked on tracking and the stupid company sent them to my old address...despite me updating the address with them and them sending me an email saying they'd send it to my current address. Grrrrrrrr! The belt has worked fine though despite the fact if the girl in the basket gets fussy that people notice more. Come on people...I dare you to ask me why I use something to belt them in! Bring it!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Shopping Cart Rant...
I am on a mission to make shopping safer for my girls. Shopping goes something like this for me: one girl goes in the basket seat (always belted in) and one girl is placed in the cart and reminded repeatedly to sit down and forced to sit down and reminded again. Sometimes if they are restless enough I will hold this one on my hip and steer with one hand. Fun shopping trip let me tell ya. Yep some stores have double seated carts and I can tell you that I haven't had the luxury of shopping at one recently. And the stores that have them often don't have enough and they are used up (sometimes by single child shoppers...grrrrrrr!!) No offense to anyone who shops with one child and throws them in the "fun" cart with the car on the front or such but come on people some of us actually need a cart that fits two kiddos. Grrrrrr I say again. And some two seaters aren't even fit or meant for smaller toddlers. Case in point Target store two seaters in our area have a basic box that you can strap two kids into and I've used one and felt like my girls were going to fall out. Not to mention the dang cart is a royal pain to maneuver. Ughhhh! And this doesn't even bring up the fact sooooo many have broken or missing seat belts. Seriously?!
Today was my last straw though. The girls and I went to Target to get my prescriptions and due to my above stated hatred of their two seaters I opted to put them in a cart. Kendall sat belted in the basket seat and Seren in the cart. Seren loves to stand up and I repeatedly placed her on her bum and told her to sit. And she would almost immediately stand up again and grin at me. She knew I didn't want her to stand but she didn't understand why. Not until it was too late. We were at the prescription pick up counter and Seren was standing in the cart that wasn't moving, the pharmacy tech asked me a question and I moved the cart to hear her and out toppled Seren. Flat on her back on the hard tile of the store. I dropped everything in my hands and picked her up in an instant. I couldn't have felt more guilty. I was beyond grateful and a little embarrassed when she clutched me and started wailing. I looked her over for injuries and apologized to her over and over for being a moron of a mother. Things happen. I am so grateful she wasn't seriously hurt. And now, researching an idea to make a seatbelt for the cart, and reading about the number of children who end up in emergency rooms from similar falls (from the cart or basket seat) I am even more grateful she is okay and also embarrassed that I let it happen.
Yes I'm the moron who let it happen. But I'm still pissed off at stores for having very little or poor solutions to the problem (especially when twins are so much more prevalent these days).
Don't let kids stand up in carts...ever (moving or not). Find a better way. When I find or invent my better way I will let you know. Until then I will be shopping with our stroller or in the hours that hubby can keep one or both girls at home.
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