Yep, that's definitely our girl......

This was written on one of Macie's progress reports from the Occupational Therapist:

"Macie did pass some gas during this session, and smiled afterward."

Macie was having some stomach issues on this particular day and was in "distress" so that's why she wrote that, but I thought it was hilarious! Doesn't take much to amuse me these days!

Bad things happen in fours????

I thought it was three. Not only did FOUR bad things happen, but they all happened to our cars! Ok, so does that count as one really, and I now need to anticipate two more bad things happening? I know, I think way to much. Those of you that know me well are probably shocked that I am over analyzing that (**said with sarcasm).
First- Phil was driving on 355 in the Endeavor and thought he got side swiped. It actually was a tire that flew off a semi and hit the back of the SUV, just in front of the back tire. We had to get the car repaired, insurance covered it with an estimated repair cost of around $1200!!! It took over a week for them to repair and repaint.
Next- Phil was pulling out of the garage on Saturday morning to go to Matt's cabin. He was driving the Altima there. I was in the living room with the girls and I heard a HUGE crash coming from the garage. I thought he hit the side of the garage with the car, it was that loud!!! I went running out to find a huge Rubbermaid storage container (filled with heavy things like books, picture frames, etc.) had fallen off the rafters. Not only did it fall off, but it fell on top of the Endeavor. Glass shattered everywhere, there was crap all over. Phil didn't hear the crash, but was very confused when he saw a baseball roll out from underneath the garage door just before it closed. We cleaned it up and he went on his way.
And then- I'm hanging out with the girls and Phil calls me. All the guys went out for lunch, and when they returned to the cabin, they found a tree on top of our Altima. GREAT! After seeing the damage yesterday, they are going to have to replace the roof, probably both side panels of the car (because they are connected to the top of the doors which are damaged) and all the trim.
For the grand finale (at least I hope)- Phil was pulling the Endeavor out of the garage on Sunday and he heard something strange so he stopped the car and checked to see what it was. I walked out into the garage to see what he was doing and I see him yanking on a rug (yes....a rug) that has gotten caught up inside and behind the front tire. He had to take the freakin tire off the car to get the rug out. In the process of taking the tire off, the car rolled off the jack twice. I noticed there was a large patch of tar stuck to the tire. It must have made the rug stick to the tire and when he pulled out, it stuck and got caught. I desperately wanted to laugh, but poor Phil was not a happy guy and I don't blame him one bit, it was not an easy task.
Don't believe all this????? Can't say I blame you, and I am quite worried that the insurance company is going to have A LOT of questions!

Lady in Red

Thanks Matt and Jessica for the super cute outfit!!!!

We're coming over to meet my future husband soon!!!

Our first bath together!

Mommy took a chance tonight and gave us a bath together. Daddy isn't home so Mommy told us to "behave, or else". We had sooooo much fun taking a bath together!

**Mommy had to block out my privates since she couldn't get a cute picture without getting them in there**

A little side note- Macie has been following me around all day saying "Mama". I am in HEAVEN today! She also went in her room after her bath, got her blankie out of her crib, put it on the floor, put her head on it and said "night night". It was so cute!

Airtastic

There is one of those "inflatable fun" places near our house, and I have been wanting to take Macie. I was hesitant about taking her since I didn't know how she would react to all the noise, atmosphere, bouncing, etc. I also wasn't sure how I would be able to take her and have Emma with me. I recruited my parents to come along and bring Katie and Ryan. When we got there Macie was not very happy, but that was because she didn't want to hold my hand in the parking lot! Ms. Independence doesn't hold hands you know- only when she feels like it. My parents were nice enough to keep an eye on Emma while I took Macie to the toddler area. I climbed into one of the bouncy things and pulled Macie in there with me. She WAS NOT having any part of it. She cried and climbed back out. For a long time she just ran around the whole place and chased other kids around, got knocked over a few times, tried to join some birthday parties there, and even tried to pick out her own present from one of the parties. Little clepto! After a bit, I decided to try putting her in another bouncy thing. This one was open on both ends and had kind of a tarp over the top. I very quickly lifted her up and tossed her in there, and to my surprise she LOVED it. She ran back and forth, giggled, did belly flops, and rolled around for quite a while.

She was in the best mood the rest of the day. Despite being exhausted from running around all afternoon, she was almost on a high from it. She did nap for a bit when we got home, but woke up all smiles! We definitely will be going back often!

Emma even behaved herself for Grandma and Papa! Thanks Grandma, Papa, Katie, and Ryan- Macie had so much fun!!!

Allergy testing

Macie had her blood drawn for allergy testing on Saturday. Phil took her over to the hospital, and Macie immediately knew where they were when they got out of the car. She was not happy to be there!!! When I made the appointment I requested a pediatric nurse do the blood draw. Phil said it made a huge difference. Last blood draw they had to poke her four times, this nurse found the spot and only had to poke her once.
The Dr. called yesterday with the results, and all the tests came back negative for allergies. I was shocked. This test checked for allergies to milk, cats, dogs, ragweed, peanuts, maple trees (good thing there isn't an allergy there.....said with an eye roll), and a bunch of other things. They are going to send me the results so I can see what it did test for. I thought for sure AT LEAST she would show an allergy to milk. I have to call back and ask them if "milk allergy" is the same as "milk intolerance".
So, back to the drawing board......Another situation where you just wish they would find something so you can "treat" it. Instead, it still remains a mystery.

Macie- 22 Months

Love you!!!!

Birth Control!!!!

Macie- update

I haven't done an update on Macie's therapy lately. There is not a ton to report, but she is making progress.

She has progressed in these areas:

speech- she is saying:

all done

poo poo

paper

water

pool

up

down

bubbles

gentle

more

She walked up to me yesterday and said "Hi Dada".....close enough, right? I long to hear "Mama" again. A lot of people keep saying that in no time she'll be talking non-stop and we'll want her to stop. Bring it on.....I would be more than happy if she talked 24/7!

She is adapting well to the different therapists, and she lets them pick her up, touch her, play, etc. Her eye contact is awesome! She will look right into your eyes when you are talking to her, and she looks back and forth between Daddy and I when we are talking to her at the same time.

She no longer has the major meltdowns, and hasn't in a few months. She just now has the typical toddler fits, power struggles, etc.

She is better at following directions, and playing appropriately with toys.

She is very interested in watching and playing with other children instead of standing back and observing them. She imitates others actions. She helps get herself undressed, and knows how her shoes go on and off.

We are still trying to rule out allergy and/or medical issues. She is going to the hospital tomorrow to have blood drawn for her allergy testing. After that we will have the 2nd part of her hearing test, and once we have the results of her allergy testing, she will go to see a nutritionist.

She really is a trooper through all of this. It's exhausting for me with all the people coming in and out of the house, all the appointments. I can only imagine how exhausting it has to be for Macie. We are so happy that therapy is helping her, and so proud of her accomplishments.

Sisters playing footsie!

Am I being over dramatic? Yeah, probably......

This has been a nutty week and I am feeling a smidge overwhelmed.......
Here is how it looks (the week):
Monday- Occupational therapy
Tuesday- Call Allergist, hearing test lady, and coordinator (no humans answered the phone)
Emma didn't sleep last night AT ALL so I am working on about a total of an hour of sleep.
Wednesday- Social worker at 9:30, find out that speech therapy should be 2 days a week, not one. Then find out that funding from the state could be pulled if EI isn't fulfilling their obligations. Call coordinator again....leave message. Call allergist again, leave message (need to make appt. for testing for Macie). Still don't hear back from anyone!!!! Speech therapy is at 2:45. I work at 5:30. Have to make something for dinner so Phil isn't scrambling around when he gets home and has to take over with the munchkins. I am guessing Macie is hanging off the bottom of my shorts right now because I need to make her lunch (she's really not, but getting close).
Thursday- 8:30- developmental therapy.
Friday- Speech therapy hopefully to make up for lost time???? I work at 5:30

Oh, and this week Macie AND Emma don't feel like napping for more than 1/2 hour.
I think I managed to shower, but am not sure.
I did manage to get 4 loads of laundry done which Macie so kindly helped me in unfolding all of it and dispersing it all over the house.
I watered my flowers, and picked up dog shit (that was the highlight of my day).
I have to go since I just now remembered that I forgot to pee today!!!!

Just a whole bunch of cute pictures

The girls having fun with Daddy

Emma learning to drive (and sit up!!!)

Oh no....sharp turn

Love my jumparoo

The serious Face

Splish splashin in the pool

Whatcha gonna do with all that junk.....

all that junk inside that trunk.......

**the result of not putting on a swim diaper**

Emma- 5 Months

Little Em-

You actually turned 5 months old yesterday, but once again the day got away from me and I didn't get a chance to write. I have a good excuse......you keep me busy, busy, busy! You are learning new things everyday, and you are moving more and more everyday. You are no longer content in one spot for very long so it's hard for me to get things done. I certainly don't mind since I get to play with you and Macie instead of working on the house!!!

You are rolling around like crazy, and you surprised us and yourself by rolling from your back to your tummy when you were only 4 1/2 months old. You can almost sit up on your own, and it really looks strange because you still seem so little. I have to support you a bit, but you are getting stronger everyday. When you are laying on your boppy, you almost sit up on your own. Looks like you are doing crunches!

You have spent a lot of time hanging outside with your sister. You've been in the pool and you really seem to enjoy it. You went to your first parade on the 4th of July. You weren't real jazzed about all the noise, but can't blame you there.

You are growing so fast. You're little feet are to the end of your swing now, and we have to put it on a higher setting since you are weighing it down a bit. You are a clone of your sister. The only difference is your eye color. You have the same color hair, same big eyes, you have long, dark eyelashes, same mouth. You two are going to be mistaken for twins I think at some point. You two may look the same, but I think your personalities are going to be very different. Only time will tell. You idolize your sister so maybe you two will be similar there too.

Happy 5 months little Ems. I love you so much!!!

Mommy

4th of July- 2010

I will have to post pictures later, I left the adaptor at my parents house and can't download anything!!! I also can't us spellcheck on this so please excuse any typos!
We had a GREAT 4th this year. Every year my parents have a party for the 4th, and for my brothers b-day, which is also the 4th. Family, friends, the parade and food! We got to my parents house, put Macie down for a nap so she would be rested for the busy day. When she got up we headed down to the parade. The girls looked so cute in their matching outfits! We were a bit worried about how Macie would be at the parade with all the people, sirens, bands, etc. She was so happy and didn't fuss once. She sat in the stroller with her snacks and watched the parade. Emma was a little freaked out by the loud noises (cannons, guns, etc.), but was good for the most part too.
We left the parade a bit early, it was so hot and the girls were a bit overheated. When we got back to my parents house Macie played with all the kids, and she didn't stop until it was time to go home. She had such a good day, and so much fun playing with all her cousins. Emma had fun visiting with everyone, and was in heaven being held all day. The girls were exhausted by the time we headed home. Emma fell asleep in the car, and had no interest in even eating when we got home. She went straight to bed and slept until 7:00 the next morning. Macie was falling asleep in the bathtub, and wanted nothing to do with her bedtime books.
We all had so much fun! Thanks to Grandma and Papa for a great 4th, and for the goodie bags for the girls!!!

I am one proud Mommy!!!

Macie has had an amazing week with her therapy. She's communicating more through signing and words, she's been very nurturing to Emma (giving her a binky, bottle, putting a hat on her head, etc.), and she played out in the yard with two of the three therapists while I stayed inside, and she didn't get upset once! She's helping put her toys away when we move to another task. She is just overall much more focused.
Keep it up Macie- Mommy and Daddy are so very proud of you!

Elmo's a big perv

I switch up the books that I read to Macie every night. She likes Elmo so I decided to read "So Big" to her. I got to the last page, and this is what we got. Elmo is now banned from our house- ha! He's not so big from what I saw!!!

Gayle- I am pretty sure you guys gave this book to Macie....sicko!! Just kidding!

Everyone has their opinions, and I respect that........

it just keeps me in this crazy whirlwind of "life".

My mom sent me an e-mail from a friend of a friend. She has a son who is Autistic, and the last line of the e-mail said "God only gives children with special needs to those who have the biggest hearts". I cried. I cried because it touched me like no other words have ever touched me. I don't know this woman, but she really gave me a sense of relief. I don't know how to describe it, and I probably never will be able to. Macie has not been diagnosed with anything yet. All we know is that she is "delayed" in many areas. She has what I call "Autism days". I mean absolutely NO disrespect when I say that. Yesterday when I went in to get her in the morning, she just wasn't herself. I had to hold it together because I know if I get upset, she has a bad day. She didn't look up right away when I said "good morning Face", and when she did finally look at me it was like I was a stranger. She had no expression, no emotion and it was almost like she looked through me. It broke my heart. I knew it was going to be an "off" day for her. It was, and it was hard. I found myself wondering if she was sad, or upset, or confused. I tried all day to make her "better". We played outside, she only wanted to be out there for about 5 minutes. Other days I have trouble getting her back inside without a fight. She wanted to be inside watching Backyardigans, and laying on the floor. This type of day makes me wonder if I am expecting too much of her, if I am pushing her too hard to be at a developmental point that she is just not at yet. I have days where I wake up cranky and in a daze, why can't Macie have days like that too? She still continues to surprise us. After her bath that night, Phil came upstairs with Emma and we had our group hug before Emma had her bath. Macie was looking at Emma and smiling, she reached out her hand to her. We assumed she was going to try and poke her eyes out, but she didn't. Instead, she leaned in and gave her a kiss on her forehead, then she leaned over and kissed Phil, and then she leaned over and kissed me too. We didn't ask her to do this so it was extra special, and sweet. My heart was so overloaded with happiness I thought it was going to explode in my chest. It's moments like that that make the not so great parts of the day seem insignificant.

Why am I writing all this? It's important to me, to Phil, and most of all, to Macie. I want her to look back at this someday and see how far she has come, and all the joy she brings to our lives. It's therapy for me too. I feel better when I write about my feelings on all of this. I try to internalize a lot of what I am feeling so that it doesn't affect Macie and her progress. If I am upset, she is upset.

Another reason for writing this post was Macie's trip to the ENT. We knew it was not going to be an easy appointment, but we were prepared. We had dinner before we left, we brought games, books, toys, snacks, and her blankie!!! Her blankie is now just for bedtime, nap time, and in the car. We figured we would bring it so when she got upset it would be an extra special treat for her to have it. Anyway, we talked with the Dr., and told him she is in Early Intervention, told him she has not been diagnosed with anything, but told him what we knew....blah, blah, blah. And then the exam began and she was very upset. Phil had to hold her on his lap and restrain her while the Dr. looked in her ears, nose, and throat. She is one strong little girl. Phil had her in some crazy wrestling holds that Hulk Hogan couldn't even get out of, and she managed to break free of them. He did finally get a look, but then said he would have to take her back to another room to look at her ears under a microscope thingy. I don't know what went down back there, I stayed with Emma and listened to my little girl scream bloody murder from the other room!!! Phil, Macie and the Dr. came back into the room. Phil took Macie for a walk while I talked to the Dr. He said everything looks great, and he doesn't see anything that would be bothering her enough to disturb her sleep, or her mood. That's great news.....sorta. It's one of those situations where you are kind of hoping they find something minor that might explain some of her issues, but you're relieved there is nothing wrong. He said it could be sensory issues. We talked about how kids with Autism have sensory issues, but kids with Sensory Integration disorder are not necessarily Autistic. He asked if her therapists suspected Autism, and I don't know the answer to that. I told him that they don't/won't/can't say either way. He said, "I am fairly certain that she is not Autistic. She acts very appropriately for a 21 month old (being examined, etc.), and she makes great eye contact, etc." He's obviously not an expert when it comes to Autism, but he has had many pediatric patients that are Autistic and he didn't see any significant signs. It's always wonderful to hear that, but I don't, and will not get my hopes up. He's only getting a snapshot of her. I respect his opinion. He is one of the top 100 ENT's in the Country, and I really liked him. He was great with Macie, and he really was thorough and spent a lot of time talking to me and asking questions. He is also an allergist so our next step is to do some blood tests to check her for allergies. He didn't think that allergies are an issue with her either, and he felt that the tests wouldn't be very helpful, but I asked him to do them anyway so we could rule that out. So....that's the next step....more tests- ugh. My poor baby!

Some updates

Emma is rolling over like crazy now. We put her on her back and she immediately rolls to her tummy. She isn't a fan of being on her tummy for long so she will roll back over to her back. She's giggling a lot now. I say the silliest things to her and she laughs, it's so cute!
Macie has started speech therapy. Not much to report on that since the speech therapist is just kind of getting to know her. The developmental therapist was here on Monday and did some "sensory therapy" with her, and she did awesome. She brought a bin of soy beans and Macie played with them for over 1/2 hour. She then moved on to playdoh and did really well. She was kind of freaked out by the texture of it at first, but ended up playing with it for quite a while. I am going to have to get the recipe for it from the therapist. It was purple and smelled like grapes. I am shocked Macie didn't try to eat it since it smelled yummy!
Macie had a couple pretty rough days last week, and over the weekend. We are messing around with her diet and trying a bunch of different things. She's been really great the past two days.....more herself. We took the girls to the park after dinner last night and Macie had a ball on the playground. Usually she just wanders away and plays on the sand volleyball court, or walks around on the sidewalks. She was climbing, going down the slides, etc. She also approached every kid there and babbled to them. She actually reached out and touched a little girls hand, almost like she was asking her to play. She chased some boys around and yelled at them. Most of you know, that is HUGE for Macie. Yesterday I gave Macie her snack trap with some crackers in it while I was making dinner. She wandered off with it, came back a while later with the snack trap empty. She put it up on the counter and did the sign for "more". I'm so proud!!!
I don't have any recent pictures to post right now, but should have some soon.

Macie- 21 Months

Macie Face-

You turned 21 months old today, and I have to admit that I just now remembered that. Today was also Father's Day so I hope you understand why it slipped my mind! I think I am also in a bit of denial since that means you are only 3 months away from TWO!!!

You are such a climber lately, there is nothing you are afraid of. You climb on tables, chairs, couches, you try to climb into your seat for meals.

You are learning a lot of new things with the help of some therapists that come to the house 4 days a week. It's a lot for you to deal with right now, but I know in time you will get used to it and will learn so much more. You are talking more, you are learning different ways to communicate when you can't find the right words.

We have been having so much fun outside. You have a little pool in the backyard that you love playing in. Seems you spend more time in it when you are in your clothes, but whatever works for you works for us. Just when I think you are done in there, I put dry clothes on you and you jump right in!

You are really starting to show a lot of interest in Emma lately. You give her her binky, pat her on the head, laugh at her, play with her feet, you sit next to me when I am feeding her and rub your feet on hers, you wipe her mouth, and you let her join in your tea parties. Emma loves watching you. She thinks you are so much fun, and so funny!!! I can't wait until the two of you are running around playing together.

I love you, and am so proud of all your accomplishments lately. Can't wait to see what's next!

Mommy