We are still here just plugging along. Both babies have been sick so things got crazy for a while. I'm not even sure if I got sick... didn't have time to think about it, I guess.
We had a wonderful visit from my Mom and she surprised me by having my sister in tow. How great was that??? I haven't seen my sister since Margaret was fresh home from the NICU! There are no words to express how much fun it was having a shopping day with my Mom and Steph. I had forgotten how nice it is to have girl time. ... now I'm craving it... (Steph, please come back soon!!!!)
In not so fun news, I am having to get surgery on both my hands. I am going to try to schedule it two days after Christmas since recovery will be long and painful. I don't want to have to feel bad during the first Christmas that Margaret *may* "get it". I'm having two procedures done on both hands. First is a carpal tunnel "release" and second is to fix the extreme tendonitis in my thumbs. The pain has gotten so bad that I can't sleep at night. I can also no longer open things that twist off or grip and lift things with my hands. This poses a major problem since William isn't going to be motivating himself anytime soon. AND he is a big boy. So, I thought I'd better do this while he is still 20 pounds rather than 40. I will not be able to use my hands for six weeks. I am having to schedule grandparents to come help for weeks at a time. Thank goodness we have parents who are willing to do this.
Margaret had her first trip to the dentist a couple of weeks ago and it went well. As I suspected, she has enamel hypoplasia on her top front four teeth. So we have to be extra careful with the sweets, juice, etc. And, of course, we need to use flouride toothpaste for extra protection.Margaret has been going to "school" for about a month now and she loves it. She doesn't even care when I leave in the morning! And before we get there, she is singing her teachers' names at the top of her lungs in the car. (this is very cute, btw) We have received lots of colored pictures and paintings and glue projects from her. Even though I would love to keep every single thing she ever does, I know this is not practical, so we are limiting ourselves to the favorite one of the week.
William... what an amazing little guy. What is he doing, you ask? Nothing too much different but the little things mean so much. We got our very first belly laugh and squeal the other day. I have it on video but I'm afraid to post it as it looks like we are really being rough with him... but he obviously loves it. He adores being jostled and bounced and tossed about. And I love the reaction I get.
He also is improving in his ability to get his fist in his mouth. He can get it there about 1 out of 3-4 tries but then he gets so excited that he gets spastic and loses his hand. If he can just happen to be quick enough to start sucking, he calms down enough to keep his hand there for a few seconds. I've seen him do this a few times and I'm always so happy for him! Tummy time (over the boppy to keep his arms forward) is going well. The past few days he has started pushing up on his arms some. And yesterday this pleased him so much that he started his "chuckle" and "talk" while he was doing it. Usually tummy time ends because he starts moving his legs like he is crawling and does a face plant. This little boy wants to crawl. I am still trying to figure out a way to help him. I tried holding him at his ribcage, but this just causes him to drop his head and freeze there. I'll keep working on it.
I swear, his vision is getting better. Yesterday he tracked Margaret when she walked through the room. He has visually noticed the TV. I know the structures of his eyes cannot improve but I really believe that his ability to use his vision is getting better every day. We did find out at the second Ophthalmologist appointment that he is moderately farsighted and may need glasses at our next visit in six months. How cute!So, we are doing really well here. Margaret is a sweetheart and William amazes us every day. Mommy and Daddy are doing well. The house, though, it is a total wreck! (it is one of the last things on my mind these days... )
(I wanted to add that I got Margaret's Proud Preemie shirt from http://www.brightlittlebeginnings.com .)
6 comments:
I've been thinking of you so much this week. I just saw my OB today to beg for a cerclage...
I can't help but get a HUGE smile on my face when I see Margaret's pictures - look at how far she has come!
Great work with William too - 20 lbs.?!?! Oh my gosh - I'm jealous. At 18 months Ari is just now 20 lbs.
If I lived closer I'd come down to help at Christmas time - I just finished up 10 days of 'bed rest' with my leg surgery and now fully realize how much I needed other people around when I couldn't do even the little things like pick up her sippy cup.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know your children amaze me and I'm thinking of you often! :)
How about one of those big bolster pillows? I have one for my little squirt to encourage him to use his hands when he's on his tummy. I keep him in the right position for crawling, and he gets the feeling for moving.
Hey there...I've been checking for another update!
Okay, so Edwin does the EXACT same thing William does with face planting and putting his head down. We had OT come in today and do some special exercises to strengthen his trunk. He wants to crawl but ends up putting his head down and pushing off with his feet and ends up rolling over instead of going anywhere. He does well with tummy time but for some reason puts his head down when he is trying to crawl forward. I'm working on keeping his head up by having someone put a toy up high so he has to keep his head up while I support him over my leg with his knees bend and tucked together so he doesn't frog out. Let me know if you've found any good exercises that work with Willliam. And 20 pounds? AMAZING! And look at Margaret who is officially a big girl!!!!
I hope your surgery goes well. I feel bad that you are in so much pain. I hope everything goes well.
So good to hear an update! Glad to hear the kids are doing well! Sorry to hear about your surgery. I hope you get the relief you need!
Makily just started school too and she loves it. We are also getting all the cute art projects and there are so many now we have to start picking the favs too!
Sorry to hear about the surgery. Hopefully the recovery will be as quick and easy with no bumps in the road. You are smart to do it sooner rather than later. Makily is 31 lbs and killing me now!
I love the happy pics of little William. What a cute boy he is. Good to hear he is liking tummy time. Makily has HATED IT since day one and even now acts like she is dying when you put her on her tummy. *sigh*
Fantastic!
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