Gracie had a good night and woke up about 6:30 a.m. and was in a very good mood. That was the theme for the day. She was such a good girl all day.
This morning I was giving her a horsey ride on my back and Jeff was chasing us (this is her favorite game of all time) and apparently I wasn't running fast enough, because I hear this little voice in my ear say "Go Fast". Jeff and I just beamed and she was rewarded with her wish. I zoomed.
After naptime today, Grandma and Grandpa B., Aunt Arlene and Uncle Dave came for a visit. Shortly after that cousin Brandi and her friend Jason stopped in too. Gracie was in her glory playing with everyone. She took everyone for walks around the house and played with babies and her piano. She was loving all of the attention. She was sad when everyone left, so we bundled her up and took her for a walk outside. She loved all of the fresh air. She had a smile from ear to ear. The sun wasn't out, so the wind was a little chilly at times. When we got home her little cheeks were cold and she didn't fuss at all about having to go in the house.
Gracie was so tired tonight from all the fresh air and company that she was a little emotional. We also had to put drops in her ears tonight and that was not well received either. She is now sleeping and hopefully rejuvenating for a busy day tomorrow.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday - Hanging with Mom & Dad
Gracie didn't get the memo that it was Saturday and we could sleep as late as we wanted. She awoke at 5:40 a.m. She layed in bed for a while and snuggled with Jeff and I. She was in a great mood and finally had enough snuggling and decided it was time to play. She was very content letting us lay in bed with our eyes half open while she would run in and out of the room with this toy or that book. We finally made our way to the kitchen for breakfast about 7:00 a.m.
Grace was in a great mood this morning and chattered quite a bit. She had a great time in the tub and then took a 5 minute nap on daddy's shoulder while I was in the shower. That refreshed her for awhile, but she took a really long nap this afternoon. She fell asleep at 1:20 p.m. and didn't wake up until about 4:30 p.m. I slept for part of that time too, as did Jeff. We all needed it.
After naptime we headed to Home Depot and Gracie had a great time looking at all of the sinks and making the motion of washing her hands. We also looked at stoves and this was great fun for her too. Much to my dismay, Gracie has always been drawn to stoves. When we are cooking I have to watch her like a hawk.
This afternoon Gracie was looking through an animal book, and very loud and plain she said "DUCK". It was actually a goose, but I'm going to give that one to her. The she took my finger and pointed to it. She was looking at a birthday card of hers (yes, from last July) and pointed to a balloon on it and said "balloon". She just keeps learning more and more new words. Jeff and I get so excited when we hear a new one.
Gracie was a good girl all day, with a few small meltdowns here and there, but on the grand scope of things, it was a great day.
She is now sleeping peacefully and I think it is my bedtime too.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Grace was in a great mood this morning and chattered quite a bit. She had a great time in the tub and then took a 5 minute nap on daddy's shoulder while I was in the shower. That refreshed her for awhile, but she took a really long nap this afternoon. She fell asleep at 1:20 p.m. and didn't wake up until about 4:30 p.m. I slept for part of that time too, as did Jeff. We all needed it.
After naptime we headed to Home Depot and Gracie had a great time looking at all of the sinks and making the motion of washing her hands. We also looked at stoves and this was great fun for her too. Much to my dismay, Gracie has always been drawn to stoves. When we are cooking I have to watch her like a hawk.
This afternoon Gracie was looking through an animal book, and very loud and plain she said "DUCK". It was actually a goose, but I'm going to give that one to her. The she took my finger and pointed to it. She was looking at a birthday card of hers (yes, from last July) and pointed to a balloon on it and said "balloon". She just keeps learning more and more new words. Jeff and I get so excited when we hear a new one.
Gracie was a good girl all day, with a few small meltdowns here and there, but on the grand scope of things, it was a great day.
She is now sleeping peacefully and I think it is my bedtime too.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday
We all have head colds at our house, so we are taking a break from blog writing tonight to go to bed. We'll resume blogging tomorrow.
Oh and Gracie loves to imitate our sneezes. We sneeze and we can hear her in the other room, saying AH-CHOO!
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Oh and Gracie loves to imitate our sneezes. We sneeze and we can hear her in the other room, saying AH-CHOO!
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday - A Much Better Day
Gracie had a better night. She was a little restless toward morning, but would be restful at times if she was snuggled with her head laying on me or was close to me. I almost wonder if she was trying to warm up. It was cold in our house last night and she is not good about keeping her covers on. I re-cover her about 20 times a night. Silly girl.
Gracie woke up in a good mood and was a funny and silly and happy. I like those qualities. Gracie was a good girl when I dropped her off at daycare. She had a hug for daddy when he picked her up.
When I got home she usually greets me at the gate by the front door. Tonight when I came home she was in her bedroom and didn't hear me come in. When she came into the living room and saw me her eyes just lit up and she had a huge smile for me.
Gracie was in a good mood with the exception of one doozy of a meltdown. She snapped out of it fairly quickly and life was good again.
Gracie was sitting on Jeff's lap when she had a HUGE yawn. Jeff asked her "who was that"? She looked at him and replied "me"!
She is now sleeping soundly.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie woke up in a good mood and was a funny and silly and happy. I like those qualities. Gracie was a good girl when I dropped her off at daycare. She had a hug for daddy when he picked her up.
When I got home she usually greets me at the gate by the front door. Tonight when I came home she was in her bedroom and didn't hear me come in. When she came into the living room and saw me her eyes just lit up and she had a huge smile for me.
Gracie was in a good mood with the exception of one doozy of a meltdown. She snapped out of it fairly quickly and life was good again.
Gracie was sitting on Jeff's lap when she had a HUGE yawn. Jeff asked her "who was that"? She looked at him and replied "me"!
She is now sleeping soundly.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday - Not Feeling Good Again
Gracie had a horrible night. It was evident she didn't feel good and she literally tossed and turned and cried all night long. She was so frustrated that even in her half sleep state she would reach out and hit or pull my hair. She was beside herself. Needless to say her sleep was not of any quality and I pretty much didn't sleep other than a doze or two hear and there. Gracie woke up at 5:00 a.m. and was not a happy girl. She did not want to be set down and if I did lay her down she would just fuss and cry. I walked with her and sang (it reminded me of her I.S. days and I hope to never relive them) from about 5:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. She fell asleep for about 20 minutes and I was able to sit down with her resting on top of me. She awoke and was still feeling pretty funky. A little while later she had the nastiest dirty diaper. It was evident she didn't feel well. That helped matters alot, although she had little episodes through the day when you just knew she was experiencing gas and I'm guessing cramping.
I was finally able to get her to take in some fluids and that did wonders for her, and then she had a few crackers and that did wonders as well. She did not have a great appetite at all today, but did eat a little bit here and there. She was happy to take in fluids thankfully.
Gracie had some happy times today later in the day. She chattered alot with me and it was a good day for snuggling and doing more quiet play. She even did quite a bit of independent play today.
Gracie's physical therapist came over at 4:00 p.m. and I didn't cancel as she was doing alot better by then. She was very cooperative and Sandy was thrilled with her improvement on going up and down the stairs. We avoided anything that would bother her tummy.
Gracie and daddy had splashing wars at bathtime. Gracie was so tired tonight, but she was very restless when I put her to bed. I'm hoping for a more restful night tonight.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
I was finally able to get her to take in some fluids and that did wonders for her, and then she had a few crackers and that did wonders as well. She did not have a great appetite at all today, but did eat a little bit here and there. She was happy to take in fluids thankfully.
Gracie had some happy times today later in the day. She chattered alot with me and it was a good day for snuggling and doing more quiet play. She even did quite a bit of independent play today.
Gracie's physical therapist came over at 4:00 p.m. and I didn't cancel as she was doing alot better by then. She was very cooperative and Sandy was thrilled with her improvement on going up and down the stairs. We avoided anything that would bother her tummy.
Gracie and daddy had splashing wars at bathtime. Gracie was so tired tonight, but she was very restless when I put her to bed. I'm hoping for a more restful night tonight.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday - A Good PT Session
Gracie had a good night and awoke in a good mood. When I dropped her off at daycare she was silly and had a sparkle in her eye. You could just tell she was feeling much better. I love that sparkle!
It was a three poop day, so things continue to flow loosely and we will continue to manage diet and stool softeners to keep her this way.
Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare and took her back to the clinic for PT. I met up with them there and then Jeff had to leave as he is working late tonight. Gracie was very upset when I got there as she loves the clinical assistants and specifically needs to see Rachel when she is there. Rachel wasn't at her desk when Gracie went to see her. Oh we had a sad girl on our hands. A little while later, Rachel came walking in and we pointed to her. When Gracie saw her she had a smile from ear to ear and she literally ran to greet and hug her.
Gracie had a great PT session. She was focused, cooperative, and the only thing she objected to was laying on the ball with her tummy and I think that was because her tummy is still pretty sensitive. She worked on balance, walking up and down steps, running, and they added the balance beam for the first time. She wasn't too sure about that. This will be Gracie's last PT session at the clinic until late June. Gracie's PT will be on maternity leave, but she gave us some assignments to work on with her at home.
Gracie was a very good girl tonight, but was very tired. She is sleeping now, but was quite restless. I just went to peek in on her and she is sleeping in a sitting position. She looks so sweet.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
It was a three poop day, so things continue to flow loosely and we will continue to manage diet and stool softeners to keep her this way.
Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare and took her back to the clinic for PT. I met up with them there and then Jeff had to leave as he is working late tonight. Gracie was very upset when I got there as she loves the clinical assistants and specifically needs to see Rachel when she is there. Rachel wasn't at her desk when Gracie went to see her. Oh we had a sad girl on our hands. A little while later, Rachel came walking in and we pointed to her. When Gracie saw her she had a smile from ear to ear and she literally ran to greet and hug her.
Gracie had a great PT session. She was focused, cooperative, and the only thing she objected to was laying on the ball with her tummy and I think that was because her tummy is still pretty sensitive. She worked on balance, walking up and down steps, running, and they added the balance beam for the first time. She wasn't too sure about that. This will be Gracie's last PT session at the clinic until late June. Gracie's PT will be on maternity leave, but she gave us some assignments to work on with her at home.
Gracie was a very good girl tonight, but was very tired. She is sleeping now, but was quite restless. I just went to peek in on her and she is sleeping in a sitting position. She looks so sweet.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday - A Better Day
Gracie was fever free through the night and all of today, although she tossed and turned and groaned all night. You could tell her stomach was bothering her. I was able to get an 8:00 a.m. appointment with a pediatrician this morning. She was great. She felt the fever was unrelated to the constipation and after examining Gracie felt that it was a pretty bad case of constipation, but that there wasn't any intestinal blockage. She sent me home with a great plan. Step 1, increase the amount of Miralax and give it to her in juice, Step 2 give her Ex-Lax. She also gave me some great ideas for foods to help and said to really push the juice. The goal was to have such soft stools that we actually have "blow outs". Once that was established, we need to keep her really soft and keep the increase of Miralax constant for the next 2 months, whether soft or not.
I was getting the Ex-Lax ready to give to Gracie when she was able to have a bowel movement. She ended up having three of them today. YAY - success. We could tell immediately that Gracie was feeling much better. Much more active and happy. She did alot of singing today too.
We gave Gracie lots of blueberries today. She loves them and they are supposed to help. She went around the house calling them "boo berries". It was so cute.
Daddy came home from work around lunch time and I headed to work for the afternoon. Gracie was a good girl and took a good nap. She was also full of lots of words. Jeff asked Gracie "Who is Gracie?" and she replied "me" and pointed to herself.
Gracie was in the tub tonight when she was making a new sign that we just couldn't get. She was very purposeful about it, so we knew she was trying to tell us something. She was also playing with her duck and it sounded like she was saying "quack" or something, but she was not liking when we asked her if the duck said quack. Finally it dawned on me that I thought she was saying "cracker" only she was touching her wrist rather than elbow for the sign. When I asked her if it was "cracker", her eyes lit up and she signed it again and said "cracker". She was so excited that we knew what she was saying.
She was very verbal today. It was very fun to hear her talk and repeat words and come up with words on her own. Each day seems like a new day of learning.
Gracie was very tired tonight. I'm hoping she has a peaceful night of sweet dreams.
Thank you to all for the prayers.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
I was getting the Ex-Lax ready to give to Gracie when she was able to have a bowel movement. She ended up having three of them today. YAY - success. We could tell immediately that Gracie was feeling much better. Much more active and happy. She did alot of singing today too.
We gave Gracie lots of blueberries today. She loves them and they are supposed to help. She went around the house calling them "boo berries". It was so cute.
Daddy came home from work around lunch time and I headed to work for the afternoon. Gracie was a good girl and took a good nap. She was also full of lots of words. Jeff asked Gracie "Who is Gracie?" and she replied "me" and pointed to herself.
Gracie was in the tub tonight when she was making a new sign that we just couldn't get. She was very purposeful about it, so we knew she was trying to tell us something. She was also playing with her duck and it sounded like she was saying "quack" or something, but she was not liking when we asked her if the duck said quack. Finally it dawned on me that I thought she was saying "cracker" only she was touching her wrist rather than elbow for the sign. When I asked her if it was "cracker", her eyes lit up and she signed it again and said "cracker". She was so excited that we knew what she was saying.
She was very verbal today. It was very fun to hear her talk and repeat words and come up with words on her own. Each day seems like a new day of learning.
Gracie was very tired tonight. I'm hoping she has a peaceful night of sweet dreams.
Thank you to all for the prayers.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday - Fever
Gracie awoke at 1:15 a.m. this morning with a 100.4 fever. We gave her some Motrin to help with the fever, but she had a hard time falling back to sleep. I walked and bounced with her and she finally fell back to sleep at 3:00 a.m. She slept in until a little before 7:00 a.m. Gracie was a happy girl for the most part, but is having some major constipation or possibly some blockage problems. She hasn't had a bowel movement since Wednesday (very unlike her) and we've been giving Miralax since Thursday. We can tell her stomach is bothering her and she tries very hard to push with no results. I did call the nurses' line and they felt it important that we take her into her pediatrician tomorrow. So that is on my agenda for first thing in the a.m.
Please say a prayer for Little Miss Grace. I'm hoping this isn't anything serious.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Please say a prayer for Little Miss Grace. I'm hoping this isn't anything serious.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday - A Fun Time Outside
Gracie had a good night but must of woke up on the wrong side of the bed. She was a bit cranky this morning. Jeff and I both had hair appointments. Jeff's was first and mine was second, so I bundled Gracie up and we did a Gracie trade at the salon. When I went to put Gracie in the car, I opened up the garage door and said "Look Gracie, it's snowing!" There were huge fluffy flakes falling everywhere. Gracie's reply was an insistent "no". I insisted it was and then she just laughed.
Jeff and Gracie hung out this morning into early afternoon, which gave me time to get my hair done and a much needed trip to my favorite store...Target. I hadn't been there in a while and we needed everything.
Jeff left for band practice after I got home and I bundled Gracie up and we took a nice long walk outside. It was in the 30's and the sun was shining. It was beautiful out and it did wonders for Gracie's disposition. She loved it and her endurance is increasing. We walked all around an extended block. Last fall she could only make it half way around before she tired out and needed to be carried. Today, she walked the whole thing. She loved the snow. She also met "Oliver" on our walk. A big, yet very gentle, dog. She was a little timid of Oliver, but Oliver introduced himself. We were just about home when she slipped and fell on her butt. She was holding my hand, so it was a soft landing, but she got a little wet. Her cheeks were rosy and cold when we got home, but she enjoyed every minute of being outside. At one point, she came across a small bush that had been cut back in the fall. Gracie loves trees. I told her it was a "tree". She held a branch with her hand and informed me that it was a "nice tree".
The rest of our afternoon and evening was spent just playing and reading books. She even just sat on my lap for an extended time while I rocked and she looked at a magazine. It was so much fun to spend good quality time with Gracie today. I discovered she has a great love of chocolate brownies.
She is sleeping now. I think all that fresh air tired her out.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Jeff and Gracie hung out this morning into early afternoon, which gave me time to get my hair done and a much needed trip to my favorite store...Target. I hadn't been there in a while and we needed everything.
Jeff left for band practice after I got home and I bundled Gracie up and we took a nice long walk outside. It was in the 30's and the sun was shining. It was beautiful out and it did wonders for Gracie's disposition. She loved it and her endurance is increasing. We walked all around an extended block. Last fall she could only make it half way around before she tired out and needed to be carried. Today, she walked the whole thing. She loved the snow. She also met "Oliver" on our walk. A big, yet very gentle, dog. She was a little timid of Oliver, but Oliver introduced himself. We were just about home when she slipped and fell on her butt. She was holding my hand, so it was a soft landing, but she got a little wet. Her cheeks were rosy and cold when we got home, but she enjoyed every minute of being outside. At one point, she came across a small bush that had been cut back in the fall. Gracie loves trees. I told her it was a "tree". She held a branch with her hand and informed me that it was a "nice tree".
The rest of our afternoon and evening was spent just playing and reading books. She even just sat on my lap for an extended time while I rocked and she looked at a magazine. It was so much fun to spend good quality time with Gracie today. I discovered she has a great love of chocolate brownies.
She is sleeping now. I think all that fresh air tired her out.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday - Another New Word
Gracie had an okay night last night. Toward morning she stirred alot and kept waking up. Maybe she was cold (although I doubt it) because she could not get close enough to me. At one point she was laying on my head. She woke up at 5:45 a.m. and was a happy girl.
Gracie read a magazine all the way to daycare. She just cracks me up sometimes with her love of looking through magazines. She had a new word today at daycare...she said "Barb" that is the name of one of her daycare moms. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare this afternoon and informed me that he didn't recognize her today and almost didn't know which child was his because she wasn't wearing any pink. Do you think I dress her in pink a little too much, hmmmm????
Gracie was in a great mood tonight. I picked up Chinese food on the way home from work and also did a drive through for some pasta and meatballs for her. She loved it all. She loves to eat mommy's Chinese food...especially the water chestnuts. She loves the crunch.
Gracie and daddy were splash monsters when Gracie took her bath tonight. Then she insisted that Jeff push her around the family room in her stroller. The one we haven't used since she was little. She was super content and had lots of smiles as he pushed her around downstairs.
Gracie is now sleeping peacefully. Sweet dreams my little cherub.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie read a magazine all the way to daycare. She just cracks me up sometimes with her love of looking through magazines. She had a new word today at daycare...she said "Barb" that is the name of one of her daycare moms. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare this afternoon and informed me that he didn't recognize her today and almost didn't know which child was his because she wasn't wearing any pink. Do you think I dress her in pink a little too much, hmmmm????
Gracie was in a great mood tonight. I picked up Chinese food on the way home from work and also did a drive through for some pasta and meatballs for her. She loved it all. She loves to eat mommy's Chinese food...especially the water chestnuts. She loves the crunch.
Gracie and daddy were splash monsters when Gracie took her bath tonight. Then she insisted that Jeff push her around the family room in her stroller. The one we haven't used since she was little. She was super content and had lots of smiles as he pushed her around downstairs.
Gracie is now sleeping peacefully. Sweet dreams my little cherub.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday - Kitty
Gracie had another really good night's sleep. I gave her Motrin before she went to bed because her ears were bugging her big time again. This is the second night in a row and it is also the second night of a very restful night. It makes me think her ears have been the source of some of our restless nights.
Gracie woke up in a good mood and we hustled to get to work and daycare on time. I'm not sure why we were running late, but we seemed to be this morning. In the end I made it to work with even a few minutes to spare.
Gracie had a good day at daycare and was very pleased to show me her Award Certificate for eating all of her lunch today. She was proud of it and when we got home we put it on the fridge. Gracie was looking at a magazine in the car on the way home. When we pulled in the garage I looked back and she signed the word "cat" to me and then pointed. Sure enough it was a cat. Then later at home she was looking at a tiger in a flyer and said "kitty". Then she was carrying it around and started saying "meow".
Tonight was a difficult evening. Gracie was very very tired and was very emotional all night long. She did have some happy moments, but it reminded me of months past when we struggled with her being so grumpy in the evenings. She just needed ALOT of attention. Heaven forbid that mom go to the restroom! Jeff and I both gave her a lot of good quality time.
We just got Gracie to sleep when the phone rang .... a sales call after 8:00 p.m....GRRRRRRRRRRRRR! That woke her up and we had to start all over again. She is now sleeping and I'm about ready to go to bed too.
Have a good night.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie woke up in a good mood and we hustled to get to work and daycare on time. I'm not sure why we were running late, but we seemed to be this morning. In the end I made it to work with even a few minutes to spare.
Gracie had a good day at daycare and was very pleased to show me her Award Certificate for eating all of her lunch today. She was proud of it and when we got home we put it on the fridge. Gracie was looking at a magazine in the car on the way home. When we pulled in the garage I looked back and she signed the word "cat" to me and then pointed. Sure enough it was a cat. Then later at home she was looking at a tiger in a flyer and said "kitty". Then she was carrying it around and started saying "meow".
Tonight was a difficult evening. Gracie was very very tired and was very emotional all night long. She did have some happy moments, but it reminded me of months past when we struggled with her being so grumpy in the evenings. She just needed ALOT of attention. Heaven forbid that mom go to the restroom! Jeff and I both gave her a lot of good quality time.
We just got Gracie to sleep when the phone rang .... a sales call after 8:00 p.m....GRRRRRRRRRRRRR! That woke her up and we had to start all over again. She is now sleeping and I'm about ready to go to bed too.
Have a good night.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Gracie - Happy, Smiley, and Talkative
Gracie had a great night last night. She slept so soundly and I think that may have contributed to her awesome mood today. This morning we were snuggling and she was sucking her thumb. I asked her if mommy could have her thumb. She smiled at me, didn't stop sucking her thumb, but offered me her other one. She was cooperative, happy, smiley, and talkative today. She is repeating everything and just seems to understand so much. It's thrilling to watch things connecting in her mind that just didn't seem to connect before. She is responding accurately to questions and is so good at letting us know what she wants these days.
Gracie is very much into her baby dolls, she loves to hug and pat them. Sesame Street characters are also favorites right now. She loves to watch You Tube, especially songs from Sesame Street. She was rocking out tonight before she went to bed.
Gracie had a good day at daycare and was very happy tonight around the house. She enjoyed splashing in her bath. When it was time to go to bed, it took her a while to settle down. She is now sleeping peacefully.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie is very much into her baby dolls, she loves to hug and pat them. Sesame Street characters are also favorites right now. She loves to watch You Tube, especially songs from Sesame Street. She was rocking out tonight before she went to bed.
Gracie had a good day at daycare and was very happy tonight around the house. She enjoyed splashing in her bath. When it was time to go to bed, it took her a while to settle down. She is now sleeping peacefully.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday - Lots of OT
Gracie had an okay night, she was quite restless at times and then woke up bright and early at 5:30 a.m. She was in a good mood and was happy when her ECSE teacher and her OT from school arrived to work with her. Gracie was very chatty and entertaining. Then we headed to daycare. On the way there I hit a HUGE pothole in the road. It shook the car. I'm not sure if I said "Whoa" or not, I may have. From the backseat I hear a little voice say "Whoa Momma".
Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare and hustled to the clinic for her OT session there. Gracie was a very good girl and by the time I caught up with them, her session was underway. Gracie was very tolerant, attended to the things she was asked, let us know when she was done, but didn't fuss when she was told she had to finish something before we could move on. She was very cooperative and happpy and had alot to say. When we are all done, she was told she could go see Rachel. Rachel is one of the clinical assistants at the desk (she loves them all and they are so good to her). When she got to the desk, Rachel was rooming another patient and wasn't there. Oh my, big crocodile tears appeared and a big sad face too. Our OT went to find Rachel who came and gave her a hug and then all was well.
On the way to the car Gracie burped. I said "say excuse me" and she did. It was so cute that I laughed a little, which caused her to say it again and again and laugh along with me. She was so silly and fun tonight.
We've started putting drops in Gracie's ears to loosen up the wax build-up and prepare her for her next appointment in ENT. This has caused Gracie's ears to bother her...ALOT. I had to give her Motrin before she could fall asleep they were bothering her so bad. Poor dear.
She is now asleep and I'm not too far behind her.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare and hustled to the clinic for her OT session there. Gracie was a very good girl and by the time I caught up with them, her session was underway. Gracie was very tolerant, attended to the things she was asked, let us know when she was done, but didn't fuss when she was told she had to finish something before we could move on. She was very cooperative and happpy and had alot to say. When we are all done, she was told she could go see Rachel. Rachel is one of the clinical assistants at the desk (she loves them all and they are so good to her). When she got to the desk, Rachel was rooming another patient and wasn't there. Oh my, big crocodile tears appeared and a big sad face too. Our OT went to find Rachel who came and gave her a hug and then all was well.
On the way to the car Gracie burped. I said "say excuse me" and she did. It was so cute that I laughed a little, which caused her to say it again and again and laugh along with me. She was so silly and fun tonight.
We've started putting drops in Gracie's ears to loosen up the wax build-up and prepare her for her next appointment in ENT. This has caused Gracie's ears to bother her...ALOT. I had to give her Motrin before she could fall asleep they were bothering her so bad. Poor dear.
She is now asleep and I'm not too far behind her.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday - another happy day
Today was presidents' day - so daycare was closed. That means that I, Jeff the dad, had the good fortune of staying home with Grace. And what a good day it was.
Gracie and I had the best time. We went to visit someone at church, and then went to the support center to visit some friends there. They treated Grace like royalty, and she responded with smiles all around. She is always so glad to go socializing.
We had a real good lunch, and then off to nap time. Grace fell asleep about 1:00 - and then came traipsing out of her room before I thought nap time should be done. So I scooped her up and headed back to her room, where we lay down together. When WE awoke, it was about 3:45. I guess we BOTH needed a nap :-)
Today was a great day for Gracie. She was very chatty, was a good listener (or perhaps, "obeyer" would be a better term), and just in an overall good mood. We didn't have a single meltdown/tantrum/fit of crying -what ever you want to call it, the whole day.
More pie after supper (leftover from Valentine's Day), and that was a big hit too.
Gracie is now off in dreamland, and mom and dad will be headed that way very soon.
Have a great night.
Love,
Jeff, Lisa, and Gracie
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday - Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day! Gracie must have known it was the day of love. She was especially smiley and had lots of really great hugs and kisses for mom and dad. She was on her game all day today. She talked and sang, she teased mom and dad, and had a great day.
We were home most of the day as a family and it was just a great day to enjoy each other's company. Gracie took us for lots of "walks" around the house. Her new thing is to gather items on the way and hand them to mom or dad (mostly dad) to carry during the walk. Should either of us even think of putting one of these items down we are in big trouble. Jeff's hands were full this afternoon, we counted 16 items...stuffed animals, plastic food, little people, you name it.
We listen to a Brad Paisley song quite a bit that in the lyrics says "fire up my mac" and then it makes the sound of a Macintosh computer starting up. Jeff always puts his finger to Gracie's belly button area when this is sung. Gracie now covers up her tummy and smiles big time whenever those lyrics are about to come up. Tonight she was pressing her baby's belly button and calling it a "mac".
Tonight we were counting and when I said "one", Gracie held up one finger. Then I said "two" and another finger went up. We didn't add anymore fingers when we hit three, but I was proud with one and two.
Our Valentine's Day supper was one of the most wonderful and happy meals we have had for a really long time. Gracie was a joy throughout and stayed at the table with us until we finished the very last morsel. It didn't hurt that she got to share a piece of Razzleberry pie with mom.
It was a lovely day!
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
We were home most of the day as a family and it was just a great day to enjoy each other's company. Gracie took us for lots of "walks" around the house. Her new thing is to gather items on the way and hand them to mom or dad (mostly dad) to carry during the walk. Should either of us even think of putting one of these items down we are in big trouble. Jeff's hands were full this afternoon, we counted 16 items...stuffed animals, plastic food, little people, you name it.
We listen to a Brad Paisley song quite a bit that in the lyrics says "fire up my mac" and then it makes the sound of a Macintosh computer starting up. Jeff always puts his finger to Gracie's belly button area when this is sung. Gracie now covers up her tummy and smiles big time whenever those lyrics are about to come up. Tonight she was pressing her baby's belly button and calling it a "mac".
Tonight we were counting and when I said "one", Gracie held up one finger. Then I said "two" and another finger went up. We didn't add anymore fingers when we hit three, but I was proud with one and two.
Our Valentine's Day supper was one of the most wonderful and happy meals we have had for a really long time. Gracie was a joy throughout and stayed at the table with us until we finished the very last morsel. It didn't hurt that she got to share a piece of Razzleberry pie with mom.
It was a lovely day!
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday - A Baby Shower
Gracie slept in til about 7:15 a.m., she ate a little breakfast, and then I hustled her along as we were heading to Iowa today for a baby shower. My niece, Gracie's cousin, will be having a baby girl in a few weeks, so we gathered with friends and family to shower her little one with gifts. First we stopped at Grandma & Grandpa B's house to pick up Grandma and we were lucky enough to have Auntie Cheryl ride with us. Gracie was a very good girl on the ride to Iowa...it is hard for her to ride in the car that long, so I was very pleased. We sang a lot to keep her entertained.
We got out at G&G B's and made sure we had some time to run and exercise her legs before we headed to the shower. Grandpa B and Gracie spent some time looking at pictures with Grandpa holding her. He likes to pick her up and guess how much she weighs each time we visit. He guessed her at 40 lbs today because he said she felt about as heavy as a bag of softener salt. He wasn't far off...she is 37 lbs.
Gracie had a good time at the shower. There were balloons to play with, lots of people to take for walks, cousin Julie gave some pretty awesome horsey back rides, and there were kids to play with. A few interesting comparisons...Gracie is babbling just as much as the 18 month old, but Gracie has more actual words. There was a 2 year old there whose attention span, motor skills, and verbal skills were quite a bit more advanced than Gracie's and Gracie towered over her in size. They got along quite well and Leah (the 2 year old) enjoyed walking after Gracie in a sort of follow the leader style. It was so cute. There was a three year old there that was about the same height as Gracie is. Gracie fell in love with a sensory toy that the baby got, I will need to go hunting for one of those.
After the shower, we stayed at Grandma & Grandpa's for a little while before heading home. My child who NEVER sleeps in the car, fell asleep in the car about two miles after we left and slept pretty much the whole way home. It was a stress free trip. YAY!
Gracie was happy to see daddy when she got home and he got a great big hug. He had bought his girls a big heart Valentine balloon and flowers. Gracie was ecstatic with the balloon and has claimed it as her own.
We had a good evening and Gracie was quite happy tonight after a bout with a bit of a tummy ache that I'm positive she got from eating mashed potatoes made with milk last night. She's been having some intestinal distress since then in the form of gas...or as she calls them "toots".
She is sleeping soundly after such a fun and busy day.
Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
We got out at G&G B's and made sure we had some time to run and exercise her legs before we headed to the shower. Grandpa B and Gracie spent some time looking at pictures with Grandpa holding her. He likes to pick her up and guess how much she weighs each time we visit. He guessed her at 40 lbs today because he said she felt about as heavy as a bag of softener salt. He wasn't far off...she is 37 lbs.
Gracie had a good time at the shower. There were balloons to play with, lots of people to take for walks, cousin Julie gave some pretty awesome horsey back rides, and there were kids to play with. A few interesting comparisons...Gracie is babbling just as much as the 18 month old, but Gracie has more actual words. There was a 2 year old there whose attention span, motor skills, and verbal skills were quite a bit more advanced than Gracie's and Gracie towered over her in size. They got along quite well and Leah (the 2 year old) enjoyed walking after Gracie in a sort of follow the leader style. It was so cute. There was a three year old there that was about the same height as Gracie is. Gracie fell in love with a sensory toy that the baby got, I will need to go hunting for one of those.
After the shower, we stayed at Grandma & Grandpa's for a little while before heading home. My child who NEVER sleeps in the car, fell asleep in the car about two miles after we left and slept pretty much the whole way home. It was a stress free trip. YAY!
Gracie was happy to see daddy when she got home and he got a great big hug. He had bought his girls a big heart Valentine balloon and flowers. Gracie was ecstatic with the balloon and has claimed it as her own.
We had a good evening and Gracie was quite happy tonight after a bout with a bit of a tummy ache that I'm positive she got from eating mashed potatoes made with milk last night. She's been having some intestinal distress since then in the form of gas...or as she calls them "toots".
She is sleeping soundly after such a fun and busy day.
Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday
Gracie had a pretty good night and was sleeping like a rock when it was time to get up. That meant it took longer to get her up and moving, which means we were rushed all morning. This is usually not a good scenario. Gracie does not like to be rushed, but we did pretty well. I dressed her in her Valentine outfit for daycare minus the cute little skirt. It was just too cold for a skirt.
When I took her to daycare, she did quite well when I had to leave. A little fussing, but not too bad. Jeff picked her up and he got a nice welcome hug. I stopped at the grocery store after work, so by the time I got home she was tired and hungry. I did get a really sweet smile and hug.
I picked up some soy ice cream for Gracie tonight. She loves ice cream, but with her not being able to tolerate dairy, it usually makes her not feel well. I wasn't sure if she would like the soy ice cream, but she did and it was a big after dinner treat for her.
Bath time included huge waves of splashing between her and daddy. Mommy got caught in the cross fire a time or two. Gracie was a tired girl tonight and she hasn't moved since she fell asleep. She is breathing so quietly, I had to feel her tummy to make sure she was breathing. This is a good sign that her cold is getting better.
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
When I took her to daycare, she did quite well when I had to leave. A little fussing, but not too bad. Jeff picked her up and he got a nice welcome hug. I stopped at the grocery store after work, so by the time I got home she was tired and hungry. I did get a really sweet smile and hug.
I picked up some soy ice cream for Gracie tonight. She loves ice cream, but with her not being able to tolerate dairy, it usually makes her not feel well. I wasn't sure if she would like the soy ice cream, but she did and it was a big after dinner treat for her.
Bath time included huge waves of splashing between her and daddy. Mommy got caught in the cross fire a time or two. Gracie was a tired girl tonight and she hasn't moved since she fell asleep. She is breathing so quietly, I had to feel her tummy to make sure she was breathing. This is a good sign that her cold is getting better.
Have a great weekend.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday - "Clock"
Gracie had a pretty restless night, but awoke in a great mood, once she had her mandatory snuggling in! She was very chatty this morning. When I changed her diaper, she repeated the word "diaper" plain and clear. Jeff and I are chatting away this morning and Gracie is looking through one of her magazines. All of a sudden she pointed to a picture of a clock and said "clock". Both of us stopped and had to assure each other that is what we heard. She beamed when I noted what she had said. She has always had a love of clocks.
Jeff took her to daycare and I picked her up early as her early intervention teacher and physical therapist came to our house to continue her evaluation for her IEP. Gracie was very chatty, very happy to engage, but didn't really want to do any of the tasks asked of her. It was much more fun to take the objects she was supposed to be working with and run into her room with them.
After they left, Gracie went through a really tired stage. She ate very little for supper. Just wasn't hungry. She had a great time splashing in the tub. We were all soaked when bathtime was over. She didn't want to get out of the tub, even after all of the water had been drained. After having her fight me to take her out, I just left her in there without water for awhile. At one point I asked her if she was going to sleep in the tub tonight. Then I said "good night". She thought this was great fun and layed down in the tub and kept telling Jeff and I "good night".
I did finally convince her to come out of the tub...so she is now sleeping...in her bed.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Jeff took her to daycare and I picked her up early as her early intervention teacher and physical therapist came to our house to continue her evaluation for her IEP. Gracie was very chatty, very happy to engage, but didn't really want to do any of the tasks asked of her. It was much more fun to take the objects she was supposed to be working with and run into her room with them.
After they left, Gracie went through a really tired stage. She ate very little for supper. Just wasn't hungry. She had a great time splashing in the tub. We were all soaked when bathtime was over. She didn't want to get out of the tub, even after all of the water had been drained. After having her fight me to take her out, I just left her in there without water for awhile. At one point I asked her if she was going to sleep in the tub tonight. Then I said "good night". She thought this was great fun and layed down in the tub and kept telling Jeff and I "good night".
I did finally convince her to come out of the tub...so she is now sleeping...in her bed.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday - A Good Day
Gracie had a pretty good night. She was restless around 3:00 a.m., but it was short-lived and she snuggled back in til 5:45 a.m. She awoke in a good mood and was a happy girl through the day. When I dropped her off at daycare she was smiley and only fussed a bit when I left.
Jeff picked Gracie up and they had a little father-daughter time before I came home. Gracie's appetite is starting to return, she scarfed down her supper. It doesn't hurt that it was one of her favorites...pasta!
We played around this evening and bedtime came way too quickly, although Gracie was very tired. She fell asleep very quickly. I think I may as well.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Jeff picked Gracie up and they had a little father-daughter time before I came home. Gracie's appetite is starting to return, she scarfed down her supper. It doesn't hurt that it was one of her favorites...pasta!
We played around this evening and bedtime came way too quickly, although Gracie was very tired. She fell asleep very quickly. I think I may as well.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday - ENT & PT
Gracie had a mostly good night last night. I awoke at 1:00 a.m. and was pleasantly refreshed as I had slept without being woken even once. Gracie got a little restless around 3:00 a.m., but snuggled in til about 5:45 a.m. I layed down with her for a bit and she fell back to sleep until 7:30 a.m. She awoke in a GREAT mood. I saw lots of smiles.
Gracie and I hung out today as she had a number of appointments. We headed to the clinic on some pretty nasty snow covered roads. Our first stop was Auntie Sheila's office to say "hi" and make sure she made it in okay. We couldn't stay long as we didn't want to be late for her ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) appointment. We met with an ENT surgeon to check on Gracie's ear tubes. She has been pulling at her ears alot and has been acting like they are bothering her. The ENT surgeon couldn't confirm that the tubes our out of the canal as there is too much wax built up, but she thinks they are out. Our options were to head to the O.R. and let them clean out the ears and remove the tubes and perhaps put in new ones...or use ear drops for a couple of weeks to soften the wax and encourage it to come out on it's own, so we can see what is going on for sure. This method may not work, but we chose this conservative approach for starters, as it was the ear tube surgery that jump started Gracie's seizures. It makes me nervous to go down that road if we don't have to.
We also shared our concern about how Gracie has lapses of breathing while she is sleeping. She checked Gracie's tonsils, talked to us a bit, and felt that we needed to have a sleep study on Gracie. There is one type of sleep apnea that is caused by obstruction (tonsils, adenoids, etc.) and another by the central nervous system. This isn't all that uncommon with kids that have neurologic issues. Our pediatrician also confirmed that sleep obstruction and other sleep disorders are characteristics of many individuals with Sotos Syndrome.
On March 3rd we'll do a sleep survey, have a hearing test, have a return visit with the ENT surgeon, and end the day with an appointment with Gracie's neurologist.
Gracie and I headed home for lunch (daddy went back to work) and then a nap. She slept for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Woke up in time to have a quick snack and then we headed back to the clinic for a physical therapy appointment. Gracie's skills are coming along nicely. She was very moody today though. The poor intern got head-butted during a tantrum and her hand pinched by the wheel of a stool that got pushed. She took it all in stride, but I felt bad.
We headed home and Gracie decided that all she wanted for supper was pears and Gatorade. Everything else was left on her plate. Actually, it wasn't left on her plate as her plate had Tinkerbell on it and she wanted to see her better. So her food was dumped on the table. Gracie's appetite is definitely not back to normal yet.
Gracie had an enjoyable bath, splashing everywhere. Jeff and Gracie had splashing wars. Gracie LOVES this. Gracie was in a very good mood after her bath and we finally put her to bed at 8:30 p.m. Sweet dreams little one.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie and I hung out today as she had a number of appointments. We headed to the clinic on some pretty nasty snow covered roads. Our first stop was Auntie Sheila's office to say "hi" and make sure she made it in okay. We couldn't stay long as we didn't want to be late for her ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) appointment. We met with an ENT surgeon to check on Gracie's ear tubes. She has been pulling at her ears alot and has been acting like they are bothering her. The ENT surgeon couldn't confirm that the tubes our out of the canal as there is too much wax built up, but she thinks they are out. Our options were to head to the O.R. and let them clean out the ears and remove the tubes and perhaps put in new ones...or use ear drops for a couple of weeks to soften the wax and encourage it to come out on it's own, so we can see what is going on for sure. This method may not work, but we chose this conservative approach for starters, as it was the ear tube surgery that jump started Gracie's seizures. It makes me nervous to go down that road if we don't have to.
We also shared our concern about how Gracie has lapses of breathing while she is sleeping. She checked Gracie's tonsils, talked to us a bit, and felt that we needed to have a sleep study on Gracie. There is one type of sleep apnea that is caused by obstruction (tonsils, adenoids, etc.) and another by the central nervous system. This isn't all that uncommon with kids that have neurologic issues. Our pediatrician also confirmed that sleep obstruction and other sleep disorders are characteristics of many individuals with Sotos Syndrome.
On March 3rd we'll do a sleep survey, have a hearing test, have a return visit with the ENT surgeon, and end the day with an appointment with Gracie's neurologist.
Gracie and I headed home for lunch (daddy went back to work) and then a nap. She slept for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Woke up in time to have a quick snack and then we headed back to the clinic for a physical therapy appointment. Gracie's skills are coming along nicely. She was very moody today though. The poor intern got head-butted during a tantrum and her hand pinched by the wheel of a stool that got pushed. She took it all in stride, but I felt bad.
We headed home and Gracie decided that all she wanted for supper was pears and Gatorade. Everything else was left on her plate. Actually, it wasn't left on her plate as her plate had Tinkerbell on it and she wanted to see her better. So her food was dumped on the table. Gracie's appetite is definitely not back to normal yet.
Gracie had an enjoyable bath, splashing everywhere. Jeff and Gracie had splashing wars. Gracie LOVES this. Gracie was in a very good mood after her bath and we finally put her to bed at 8:30 p.m. Sweet dreams little one.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday - Feeling a Little Better
Gracie had a really rough night. She kept waking up and tossing and turning. At 3:15 a.m. she woke up, sat up, looked at me and smiled. Then she bent down and gave me a kiss. That was a heart melter. She was awake for about 45 minutes and then fell back to sleep.
This morning Gracie's early intervention teacher and a speech therapist from the school came to meet with Gracie. We are in the process of having her evaluated for her IEP for when she turns three and goes to school. Gracie loves Emily, her teacher, and it was the first time she had met Koni, the speech therapist, but the instant she walked in the house I knew Gracie would take to her immediately. She was warm, engaging, and you instantly knew that she has a great love for children. Gracie chatted quite a bit and Koni got to hear some of her words. When it was time to see them to the door, Gracie even counted 1-2-3 as we walked down the steps. We've just started teaching her that. I'm also working on teaching her what her name is. Sometimes she will say it and other times she will just ignore me or smile as if to say "you already know".
Then we headed to daycare. Gracie played her boneless girl routine when we got there, but was greeted by lots of her little friends and soon she was off watching TV with her buddies. Daddy picked her up at daycare and Gracie had a good day and was a smiley happy girl when I got home.
Gracie got very upset when I put crescent rolls in the oven as she wanted one NOW! From there we had a number of tantrums. After bathtime she mellowed out and turned back into our sweet girl. She is now sleeping peacefully.
Tomorrow we visit the ENT surgeon to see if it is time to have her ear tubes removed. Wish us luck.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
This morning Gracie's early intervention teacher and a speech therapist from the school came to meet with Gracie. We are in the process of having her evaluated for her IEP for when she turns three and goes to school. Gracie loves Emily, her teacher, and it was the first time she had met Koni, the speech therapist, but the instant she walked in the house I knew Gracie would take to her immediately. She was warm, engaging, and you instantly knew that she has a great love for children. Gracie chatted quite a bit and Koni got to hear some of her words. When it was time to see them to the door, Gracie even counted 1-2-3 as we walked down the steps. We've just started teaching her that. I'm also working on teaching her what her name is. Sometimes she will say it and other times she will just ignore me or smile as if to say "you already know".
Then we headed to daycare. Gracie played her boneless girl routine when we got there, but was greeted by lots of her little friends and soon she was off watching TV with her buddies. Daddy picked her up at daycare and Gracie had a good day and was a smiley happy girl when I got home.
Gracie got very upset when I put crescent rolls in the oven as she wanted one NOW! From there we had a number of tantrums. After bathtime she mellowed out and turned back into our sweet girl. She is now sleeping peacefully.
Tomorrow we visit the ENT surgeon to see if it is time to have her ear tubes removed. Wish us luck.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday - Finally Fever Free
Gracie had a very good night with only a few bouts of restlessness. She slept through the night and was fever free all night and all today. YAY!!! She was still tired, has a nasty cough, a runny nose, but had more spunk and there was a little more spark in her eyes today. She had tons of energy at some points during the day, but tired more easily and still needed snuggle time.
We sadly cancelled our SuperBowl plans and stayed home to give Gracie time to just work on feeling better. Her appetite, although not huge, was bigger today. She also drank fluids more readily as well.
Her favorite activity of the day was getting horsey back rides from mom and dad. It's a good thing we have strong backs.
Gracie played with her stroller again today. Instead of having her baby doll on it, she at one point had her stuffed bunny, stuffed frog, a plastic tomato, a plastic bun half, some keys, a plastic cookie, a plastic egg, and a few other things I can't remember on it. You don't think she was packing up to run away, do you?
I put Gracie to bed at 7:15 p.m. as she was so tired. She just woke up and daddy is trying to sing her back to sleep.
Have a good week.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
We sadly cancelled our SuperBowl plans and stayed home to give Gracie time to just work on feeling better. Her appetite, although not huge, was bigger today. She also drank fluids more readily as well.
Her favorite activity of the day was getting horsey back rides from mom and dad. It's a good thing we have strong backs.
Gracie played with her stroller again today. Instead of having her baby doll on it, she at one point had her stuffed bunny, stuffed frog, a plastic tomato, a plastic bun half, some keys, a plastic cookie, a plastic egg, and a few other things I can't remember on it. You don't think she was packing up to run away, do you?
I put Gracie to bed at 7:15 p.m. as she was so tired. She just woke up and daddy is trying to sing her back to sleep.
Have a good week.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday & Saturday - Still Under the Weather
Gracie is still under the weather. I stayed home from work with her on Friday. She was a good girl, but her fever continues to make her feel lousy at times. Her diagnosis is RSV, a virus that seems to be going around the city. On Friday night, Gracie and I went to bed at 7:00 p.m. She slept until midnight, we got up changed her diaper, checked her temp, and got a drink of water. She fell right back to sleep. She woke up again at 3:00 a.m. and try as she might she
could not fall back asleep. We stayed up until 5:00 a.m., then fell back to sleep and slept until 7:30 a.m.
Gracie was fever free all night and we were optimistic, until she again spiked to 100.4 at 1:30 p.m. She was very restless and couldn't get comfortable. Once we gave her some Motrin she was able relax and fall asleep. She slept for 2.5 hours on top of me as her human pillow.
Gracie was not interested in food today and it was all I could do to get her to drink fluids. Tonight she finally started eating a little bit and did ask for a piece of bread. That was huge. Gracie has been in a very good mood this evening since she has eaten a little bit. I can hear her little tummy growling. She has to be hungry.
Gracie is becoming more and more verbal. Tonight she took a small stuffed Eeyore off of her dresser and said "Eeyore". She is coming to love Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore. She gives them lots of kisses. She also had fun pushing her baby around the house in her toy stroller. She used to need us to help her position the stroller when it ran into a wall or needed to turn a corner. She is now starting to do that all by herself.
We're hoping for a good night. With Gracie's nose acting like a faucet it is a little hard to breathe when we are laying down. While using her mouth to breathe would be wonderful, except my little thumbsucker wants to suck her thumb. That hinders the breathing a bit.
We're hopeful that Gracie is on the way to feeling better very very soon.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
could not fall back asleep. We stayed up until 5:00 a.m., then fell back to sleep and slept until 7:30 a.m.
Gracie was fever free all night and we were optimistic, until she again spiked to 100.4 at 1:30 p.m. She was very restless and couldn't get comfortable. Once we gave her some Motrin she was able relax and fall asleep. She slept for 2.5 hours on top of me as her human pillow.
Gracie was not interested in food today and it was all I could do to get her to drink fluids. Tonight she finally started eating a little bit and did ask for a piece of bread. That was huge. Gracie has been in a very good mood this evening since she has eaten a little bit. I can hear her little tummy growling. She has to be hungry.
Gracie is becoming more and more verbal. Tonight she took a small stuffed Eeyore off of her dresser and said "Eeyore". She is coming to love Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore. She gives them lots of kisses. She also had fun pushing her baby around the house in her toy stroller. She used to need us to help her position the stroller when it ran into a wall or needed to turn a corner. She is now starting to do that all by herself.
We're hoping for a good night. With Gracie's nose acting like a faucet it is a little hard to breathe when we are laying down. While using her mouth to breathe would be wonderful, except my little thumbsucker wants to suck her thumb. That hinders the breathing a bit.
We're hopeful that Gracie is on the way to feeling better very very soon.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday & we're exhausted
Hello again from Jeff the dad. Gracie stayed home with me again today. The day started off rough, when Lisa called to me at 1:30 a.m. and asked me to start up the shower on "hot" to generate some steam again. We have done this for Grace for the past 3 or 4 nights, just to unclog her airway. After the steaming and cooling process, I went back to bed - only to be re-awoke at 3:00, with Lisa asking me to take Grace for a while, as she had been walking with her since 1:30. Grace was tired but couldn't get to sleep. So - I took Grace and sent Lisa to bed. Grace fell asleep a little before 3:30 a.m. (I know, it's not fair, but that's what a change of scenery will do, I guess).
The rest of the day was spent wiping her nose (wouldn't you think she'd eventually just run out?), and mopping up spit (she drools more when she can't breath through her nose). Gracie was very good for much of the day, despite not having a nap all day, but it did make for a very moody (fortunately short) evening.
When Grace's temp hit 100.5 again today, we decided to hop down to the clinic (I know, "why not drive? it's faster" - I asked the same thing) - and found that she is over-all pretty good, she has the same thing that is going around town, but not pneumonia - or Old-monia for that matter. *yay!*
We are all pretty wiped out here at the house. Grace and Lisa went to bed around 7:30, and I am heading to bed shortly after this is typed (it's 8:20 now). sorry for the lack of "news" but I'm really tired.
Good night to all.
Jeff, Lisa, and Gracie
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday with Dad (again)
Hello again, as you may guess, the Gracie Update is being brought to by none other than Jeff the dad. Today was a pretty good day. Grace stayed home from daycare again today - and it looks like Thursday too - as she is still running a bit of a fever.
Today's highlight was at lunch. Some of you may have already heard me rant about this - so forgive me if I repeat. There should be a product warning for dumb dads (like myself) - similar to the following. Product: Disney "Cinderella" dinner plate / "Warning, when using this plate for actual meal, child may dump food from plate in order to see the picture of the pretty princess."
Yeah, we had our lunch get dumped all over the table. I should've seen it coming, but wasn't even thinking about it, as I was too focussed on getting lunch served. Oh well - after the fact, it was pretty funny.
Considering we only took a 35 minute nap today, Grace was in a good mood for the majority of the day. She was a wild girl in the tub. I don't think we had to pull the drain plug, as she splashed most of it out of the tub and onto either the floor, her mom or her dad - but she sure did have fun!
As usual, we read quite a few books today. I really love reading to her. It is a time when she sits down on my lap, snuggles in, and gives her undivided attention. Every now and then she will look up to say, "this sure is a good story, isn't it dad?" We also listened to some music. I found Harry Belafonte concert footage on youtube and we have been watching (or rather, "listening and dancing") to that. Oh, what fun!
That's really our day in a nutshell. Grace and mommy went to bed early. I am staying up working on a project - but now is time for me to goto bed too. So . . . good night.
Love to all,
Jeff, Lisa, and Gracie
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday - what a croupy day
Hello. Today's edition of the Gracie update is being brought to you by Jeff, the dad. Grace did not have such a good night last night. Lisa woke me up around 3:30 with a snorting girlie. She could barely breathe, and had a fever too. We considered taking her to the ER (for the 3rd time in a week?), but tried the old standby of taking her into a steamy bathroom (after running a hot shower for a few minutes) and then taking her directly to the cold garage. That seemed to do the trick, as she was then able to breath.
Being that I already planned to have Tues, Wed & Thurs off - I was elected to stay home and watch over Grace. We had a pretty good day. After falling back to sleep from our 3:30 a.m. incident, Grace slept in until about 7:00 or 7:15. We played and ate (no potato or tortilla chips, though), watched some TV - and, of course, had a few horsey rides.
I think we heard a new word this afternoon. Whenever we are trying to accomplish something, but Grace is one step ahead (for example, she is trying to go outside while I am still trying to put on her coat), I will sign and say, "wait please." While I was giving her her applesauce (with her Topamax), she was alternating between me and the TV (with Signing Times playing). I said, "Gracie, come get another bite." Apparently I was getting too pushy as suddenly I heard- what sounded like - "wait!" I roared! I think she was proud too.
Grace felt good for most of the day - a little sleepy, but no fever. I left to go to an evening meeting at church. When I arrived home, I was informed that I would have a little helper with me again tomorrow, as Gracie's temp had gone back up to 100.5. Oh well, at least she is sick during the week that I am off, instead of next week when we are both supposed to be busy at work. I'll just have to spend time with my girl and go on some more horsey rides { what a bummer :-) }
That's about all for now. Have a super night and a good Wednesday.
Love,
Jeff, Lisa, and Gracie
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday - Back to Normal
Gracie had a terribly restless night. She couldn't get comfortable at all. She literally started on one end of the bed and made her way to the complete opposite side. At one point she was half off of the bed. Yet, she still managed to be in a good mood.
Gracie played boneless girl when we got to daycare, but got over it quickly. She did fuss when I left, but it wasn't nearly as much as I had anticipated, thankfully. She had a good day at daycare and it was good for her to see all of her friends again.
Jeff picked Gracie up and they had a good time reading books, giving horse back rides, and just horsing around. Gracie was very happy to see me when I arrived home. Gracie still didn't have a great appetite for supper, so when she was done eating, she stood in front of the computer watching a slide show of baby pictures of herself. She would sign "baby" and would make crying sounds when baby Gracie was crying, or she would yawn when baby Gracie was yawning. She was quite enamored at these baby pictures.
Gracie was a wild girl in the tub again tonight. That is until she peed in the tub again. This is becoming way too often lately.
Gracie is now asleep and once again I'm hoping for a good night.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie played boneless girl when we got to daycare, but got over it quickly. She did fuss when I left, but it wasn't nearly as much as I had anticipated, thankfully. She had a good day at daycare and it was good for her to see all of her friends again.
Jeff picked Gracie up and they had a good time reading books, giving horse back rides, and just horsing around. Gracie was very happy to see me when I arrived home. Gracie still didn't have a great appetite for supper, so when she was done eating, she stood in front of the computer watching a slide show of baby pictures of herself. She would sign "baby" and would make crying sounds when baby Gracie was crying, or she would yawn when baby Gracie was yawning. She was quite enamored at these baby pictures.
Gracie was a wild girl in the tub again tonight. That is until she peed in the tub again. This is becoming way too often lately.
Gracie is now asleep and once again I'm hoping for a good night.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
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