Random happenings

Last week was insane for us, and we are so glad that it came an end. We had some stressful moments, but the good moments outweighed the stressful ones. We were just busy, busy, busy! Monday we had Susie, Nelson, and Jaden over- we always have great time with them!!! Tuesday was filled with therapy appointments for Macie. Wednesday was Emma's MRI, and then I went to a wake that night. Thursday- more therapy, went to Grandma and Papa's house, and I worked that night. Friday was three therapy appointments, and then I worked until 1:30am. Saturday we went to a BBQ at John and Kari's house, and then wrapped up the week yesterday at Giovanni's 1st Birthday party!!! I also dragged the girls to target on Friday. I was scared with how that was going to go, they were both tired! They were AWESOME!!! Macie and I got the giggles while shopping, and we couldn't stop. She would laugh, I would laugh and then we ended up not being able to stop. Emma just looked at us like we were crazy!

All that running around, and Macie still had her best week yet. Her speech therapist said she had the best session she's ever had. OT said she's really making some great progress. Macie ran around all day Saturday with a bunch of other kids. She was laughing, throwing, and kicking balls around with them, chasing a little boy all over the place. She was great yesterday too. She played some games, ran around with more kids, and was pretty happy all day. Her OT came again yesterday, and she feels Macie is "turning a corner". She said her eye contact is incredible, she is able to self soothe, she engages is play, and imitating. The OT is now focusing on Macie's anxiety with adults, and people she doesn't see everyday. She also feels that a lot of Macie's whining, crying, and not talking is mostly a learned behavior. I've been beating myself up for a long time about this. It's hard to not give in to her when she's crying and screaming for something. It's either really annoying after a while, or I fear she will wake Emma up. So, we give in to her to get her to stop. She's not dumb....she knows if she whines, she'll get whatever she wants. So, we are working on ignoring the behavior, rewarding her for "using her big girl words" and sign language, and it seems to be working a little.

I am so proud of Macie. She has come a long way in four months. I don't necessarily see the differences all the time because I am with her everyday, but we have gotten many comments that she is "different" (in a good way). She is interacting more with others, she is so affectionate, and cuddly. I get hugs and kisses a lot now. I have to ask for them most of the time, but that's fine with me!

Grandma Scimeca gave Macie a very special gift on Sunday. She brought her a set of china doll dishes that she played with as a little girl. They are really beautiful, and can't wait until Macie can play with them. We will be putting them on a shelf in her room....out of reach for now. Thank you Grandma, what a great gift!!!