Vacation!!!

We headed to the North Shore for a little rest and relaxation!  The weather was very hot, but we were right on the lake, so the breeze off of the lake cooled things off in the morning and the evening.  Gracie enjoyed herself but her routine was definitely shaken and we saw an escalation of behavioral issues -- hitting, pinching, grabbing, and of course biting.  Thankfully she reserved the bites just for Jeff and I. 

Gracie loved playing in the sand and the water, but only for a certain length of time.  She would play for a little while and then insist we go back to the house.  Gracie and I took a number of walks on our own to regain a little attitude balance for her and that definitely helped.  We also found a playground one day on our walk, so she enjoyed swinging and sliding too.  Grace loved dancing with her cousins and her favorite thing to do was grab their hand and go for walks.  She just didn't want the walks to end.  She loved being outdoors when the weather cooled off in the evenings.  She also loved throwing the sand up in the air - her hair was so full of sand, I think I'm still getting it all out. 

We arrived back home late in the afternoon on Tuesday.  Gracie sat on her bed and said "home".  I know she loved all the attention she received, but I know how important routine is for her and she definitely needed that again.  We took the whole day yesterday (Wednesday) to spend time with her.  She was much better behaved and other than a few errands, we stayed home all day and played.  I got a ton of kisses yesterday, she would just come over and give me kisses on her own.  Sweet!  Sweet!  Sweet!

We are experiencing a heat wave, so we filled up her kiddie pool, put in under a shade tree and that is how we spent most of the afternoon yesterday.  Gracie had a blast.  I thought she would be very tired and she did go to sleep fairly quickly.  She awoke at 3:00 a.m., after being restless for an hour or more before.  She told me she was hot, even though we had the air conditioning going.  So I stripped her down to her diaper and a light tank top.  She just couldn't fall back to sleep.  She finally fell asleep at 5:00 a.m., the very time I need to get up for work.  She awoke a little after six and she was in a pretty good mood too. 

Jeff took Gracie to daycare this morning and I'm told she was very happy to see Mandy.  I think the plan was to go swimming today.  I know she'll love that.

Stay cool.

Love,

Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday/Wednesday - Pockets!!!

Gracie had a good day at daycare.  She got to go to Olive Garden for lunch, she took a 2-1/2 hour nap (I guess getting up at 4 a.m. in the morning will do that for you), and she went poop on the toilet.  We had a bit of aggressive behavior when it was time to go home and Gracie hit both an older child and our daycare provider.  I talked to her and got her to cool down and then she apologized to both.  Transitions are so hard for her.  I need to work harder with her on using words rather than actions when she is upset.  Gracie has such a quick temper and then later is very remorseful. 

It was just Gracie and I last night and we played outside almost all evening.  Gracie took her Mickey and Minnie mouse figurines outside with her and had so much fun playing with them.  They got to swing and walk in the grass.  Gracie cracked me up when at one point she sat down in the grass, looked up at me and just nonchalantly said to me "nice out".  It was a cooler evening and I know she was enjoying it. 

Gracie had a great night and slept in until 6:00 a.m. this morning.  The highlight of her morning was when I put a new pair of shorts on her and they have pockets.  She discovered the pockets all on her own and in a very excited voice said "pockets".  Not many of her clothes have pockets.

It looks like a beautiful day out, I have a feeling she will be spending a good part of the day outdoors today.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend Plus

Gracie had a good weekend.  On Saturday it was a Gracie and daddy day.  I left the house at 9:30 a.m. for a "Shop Til You Drop" day with all 4 of my sisters and didn't get home til about 9:30 - 10:00 p.m.  Gracie and daddy had a good day together.  They did a little shopping at Home Depot and a few other stores.  Gracie enjoyed the iPads at Best Buy and had to be carried away from those when it was time to leave.  I came home to a sleeping girl. 

On Sunday, we had a low key day.  Gracie slept in a little later, so took a very short nap.  We spent the majority of the afternoon on the deck letting Gracie splash in her kiddie pool and singing silly songs.  She was having a blast.  Aunt Sheila, Uncle Chris, cousins Kayla and Jason, and Aunt Norma all joined us in the late afternoon and we grilled some hamburgers and hotdogs for supper.  We just visited for the rest of the evening.  Gracie got to bed way too late as she was having so much fun showing Norma her dance moves. 

When she awoke on Monday, I knew we were in trouble, she was a major grumpy pants.  She had moments of fun and happiness, but she definitely was more tired and more easily upset and disagreeable.  She was happy to get in the van to take Norma to the airport.  She had moments of being unhappy, but did pretty well on the ride.  I had hoped maybe a nap in the van was in order, but that didn't happen.  Gracie loved watching the airplanes take off and land and even more fun were her rides on the tram that took us from parking to the main terminal.  Gracie called that riding on the "choo-choo". 

Gracie did fall asleep for 15 minutes in the van on the way home, but that was not long enough.  She was so tired that I put her to bed last night at 6:45 p.m.  That back-fired on me as she was up this morning at 4:10 a.m. and was wide awake and ready to play.  She never did go back to sleep.  I'm guessing she may take a good nap at daycare today.

Have a great day!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Thursday/Friday - Loving the Outdoors

Gracie had a great day at daycare yesterday.  They played at the park in the morning and went swimming in the kiddie pool in the afternoon.  When I arrived to pick her up she was a little busy body and was in a great mood.  She kept stalling leaving, she wanted to show me this or that, she had more hugs for her buddies.

When we got home we ate a quick supper and then went back outside to play.  We were out there until bedtime and had a great time.  Gracie is so observant of so much these days -- airplanes, worms, bugs, the moon.  She loves when she spies the moon because we have a couple of songs we sing about the moon. 

It was just Gracie and I last night and she was in a great mood.  Gracie didn't even fuss when we headed into the house (that's the second time this week that she went in without major dramatics).  Jeff came home just as we were getting ready for bed and the two of them danced for a little bit before we called it a night.  Gracie fell asleep quickly and had another good night.  Her cold is getting much better.  Her nose is still runny, but it is subsiding, the cough still sounds nasty, but I can tell she is on the mend. 

Gracie woke up in a good mood this morning and was daddy's buddy!

Enjoy another beautiful day.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday/Thursday

Gracie had a good day at daycare yesterday and was a good girl.  Jeff picked her up at daycare and by the time I arrived home from work, she had a bit of attitude going on.  In a fit of frustration (I'm not quite sure about what) she removed absolutely every magnet and other items that were posted on the refrigerator door and threw them to the floor.  After she was done with that little fit, I sat beside her on the floor and told her that when you make a mess you have to clean it up.  So together we sang the pick up song and picked up everything that was thrown to the floor.  She was only to happy to help. 

Gracie ate a good supper and then we headed to the bathtub to splash for a while.  Water seems to be a great mood equalizer for Gracie.  She did fine in the tub, but when taken out was putting up quite a fuss and clocked her dad one in the head.  I walked her upstairs for her timeout.  She was very unhappy to have to sit for two minutes, but after it was all over, I sat down and we talked a bit.  I told her I thought she needed to go tell daddy she was sorry, which she was very willing to do.  Not only did she sign it, but she verbally said it too.  After we got that over with, she was charming for the rest of the night.  We took a walk outside and then after that she sat in the stroller as Jeff and I took a brisker walk.  When we got home, we sat on the front porch and let her run and play.  She was having a great time.  She didn't even fuss when it was time to go inside to bed.  She fell asleep very quickly and had a great night. 

Gracie awoke in a GREAT mood this morning.  Amazing what a good night's sleep will do for a girl.  She ate a little breakfast and then wanted to dance!!!

It looks like another beautiful sunny day today -- enjoy it!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday - Back at Daycare

Gracie had a good and much needed mellow day at daycare yesterday.  Her daycare mom said she was pretty much ready for her afternoon nap at 11:00 a.m.  She was in a great mood, just more mellow and tired.  Her nose is still running and her cough is pretty nasty, but I can tell she is on the mend. 

I picked her up at daycare and when we got home she decided she did not want to get out of the car.  She wanted to just be unbuckled and left to play.  So I opened up the doors, stayed close, and let her play.  She had great fun.

Then Jeff came out and took out the under the car creeper (I don't know the official name of it) to check out my car for damage as I got rear-ended pretty hard on my way to work yesterday.  Thankfully the damage is minimal.  Gracie called the creeper "the night night" and she wanted to take a pretend nap on it.  We let her and that was great fun too. 

Then we drew pretty pictures on the driveway with chalk before going into the house. She did not  want to go in at all, but we needed to get some supper in her.  We never did make it outside again.  I could tell she was pretty tired.  She had a great night sleep for the most part, she did wake up to cough a fair number of times, but always went right back to sleep. 

Thought you might enjoy a few pictures of our 4th of July girl (taken on the 3rd of July at our family get together - thanks for the great photography work Aunt Cheryl).

Love,

Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Fourth of July Weekend Fun

Gracie had alot of fun with family over the 4th of July weekend:

• On Friday, Gracie stayed home with me in the morning and we headed to the grocery store.  Note to self:  Next time we go to the grocery store make sure Gracie has a big breakfast!  Gracie wanted to eat everything that I put in the cart and she wanted it immediately.  I finally made it up to the cash register and had them ring up the bananas so she could munch away.  She downed that banana so quickly and was ready for her next snack.  Grace took a good afternoon nap and then in the later afternoon, Jeff, Gracie, and I headed for a road trip to pick up Auntie Norma at the airport.  We got there a little early, but Gracie did not mind one bit, she loved riding the escalators.  There are three levels and we just went up and down, up and down.  She was very excited to hold Norma's hand and was her little buddy.
• On Saturday, Gracie was excited to see that Norma was still at her house.  She had her come into her bedroom for a Gracie party.  Aunt Sheila came to join us in the morning too and that was great fun to play with two aunts.  After lunch we went for a drive to take Norma to Mom and Dad's.  Gracie enjoyed seeing Grandma & Grandpa and was a good little rider on the way there.  She did quite well on the way back too.  When we first got in the van for the drive back, I heard a blood curdling scream from the back seat.  I was happy to see it was only a common fly that was irritating her, so we learned the words "shoo fly". 
• On Sunday, we had a big family picnic.  My parents, all of my brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews and great nieces were there to have fun.  Gracie had come down with a cold on Saturday, so she wasn't totally her self, but she had great fun.  She was a busy girl and had fun playing with all of her cousins.  She also had great fun playing with the sprinkler that was set up for the kids.  It was a great help in cooling her down and she was mud and grass from head to toe and smiles from ear to ear.  It was way past her bedtime by the time we left, yet she did not fall asleep until we were two minutes from home.  She had much to tell me.
• On Monday, we were going to head to my hometown for a 4th of July parade and more time with family, but Gracie was feeling the effects of her cold and really just needed a day to veg.  So we stayed home and filled her kiddie pool and just hung out on the deck and let her splash.  She took a much needed 2 hour nap. Grandma & Grandpa D joined us for a little bit in the late afternoon and had supper with us.  Gracie had a much better night last night, although she has a nasty cough that wakes her.  She was in a very good mood this morning and was very happy to see her daycare provider this morning.  Lots of hugs for her.

Hoping you all had a great 4th of July filled with family, friends, food, and fun!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Lots of Adventures

Gracie has had quite a week, with many adventures:

• On Monday night, Gracie, Jeff, and I were drawing with chalk on our driveway, Gracie leaned on the box of chalk, it went overr and so did she. Her head hit the cement and she has a huge bump and scrape on her head. I did the mommy gasp and ran for her. In her very Gracie way, she wanted no hugs or attention, she did not cry, she had to walk it off. You can tell something really hurts when she has to take a little walk away from every one. After a little while we could talk about her "Boo Boo".
• On Tuesday, Gracie went to a different daycare - the mom and sister of our regular provider.  She got to hang out with her good buddy Aubrey.  She decided she didn't want to take her seizure meds until she was bribed with a fudgecycle.  She also refused to drink any liquids for them all afternoon and did not want a snack.  When I arrived she was in tears.  They had mentioned that I would be coming soon to pick her up and well I guess she was missing me.  Once I got her calmed down, she guzzled a big glass of Gatorade and asked for more....all evening long.  We played outside a fair amount that evening. 
• On Wednesday morning Gracie hung out with daddy in the morning.  They did a few errands and went to visit some friends from daddy's work.  They treat her like a little princess and she loves going.  Then Aunt Sheila picked her up around lunch time and took Gracie to her house for the afternoon to play with cousins Kayla and Jason, puppy Sandy, and even Uncle Chris.  She wasn't as peppy yesterday, she loved holding everyone's hand and taking walks, but wasn't quite as active as usual.  This heat is really getting to her.  Gracie loves hanging out there and was not all that happy to leave.  She got a bit moody on the way home and then like a switch was turned she became a very happy girl.  I think it may have had something to do with the peanut butter sandwich I gave her to eat...I think the blood sugar was a little low. 
• Today Gracie is at back-up daycare through work.  She was excited to go and when I was taking to long at the car she kept trying to pull me and said "c'mon".  She was excited to see her friends on the staff and there were a lot of kids already there.  I hope it isn't too overwhelming for her.  They are so good to her there, and many times will take her out for a walk to see the babies.  This is the first time they will have to give her seizure meds, so I hope she takes them okay for them.  Since she has been on the namebrand meds, she has not given us any trouble with taking them at all.  We've seen alot of positive behavior changes on the name brand meds. 

Tomorrow Gracie gets to hang out with me and we get to pick up Aunt Norma (from Texas) at the airport.  That will be the start of many fun family festivities and parties.  We're very excited.  This will probably be my last post til after the 4th. 

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July!!!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend & More

I've been delinquent in getting updates done again...so here is how Gracie's weekend went in a nutshell:

• Friday:  After Gracie's 12 hour sleep marathon on Thursday night, Gracie decided a nap really wasn't needed.  So she was a pretty tired girl on Friday night.  We played outside a bit and had a low key evening.
• Saturday:  We had a lazy morning and Gracie and I did a little shopping at Target, we ran into a lot of people we know, so it was like a little social outing for us.  It was too rainy to spend time outside, so we tried to find things to occupy our time indoors.
• Sunday:  Gracie and daddy hung out together most of the day (I had an unforeseen trip to the ER with chest pains radiating up my neck -- uh oh!  Good news is that my heart checked out just fine.  Still struggling with some G.I. issues - who knew that the heart and the stomach have the same nerve receptors.).  Gracie was a very good girl for daddy and 9 hours later when I was released, Gracie had lots of hugs for me.  We did go to the local playground for a little bit in the evening and Gracie really enjoyed that.  I did too.
• Monday:  Gracie started out at daycare but then we found out that the little boy there has a very contagious virus.  After talking with our pediatrician, it was felt that Gracie should stay away for a good week or so, so we've been scrambling to get some back up daycare.  She will be at a different place every day this week.  Hopefully this will be fun for her.  She has been missing school a lot, she continually carries her class picture around and we have to name everyone.  Sometimes she'll say "See Justine".  Which means she wants to see her...and Justine is a classmate she quite enjoyed. 

It looks like summer is here!!!  Enjoy the sunshine.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Thursday/Friday - ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Gracie's nap after her ENT appointments yesterday lasted much longer than even I anticipated.  She slept from 4:50 p.m. to 5:40 p.m., when I awoke her to take her seizure meds.  She did so cheerfully, but I think God was helping me with that.  Immediately after taking the meds, she got very upset and needed comforting.  She fell back to sleep.  At 6:30 p.m. I tried to wake her up and she wouldn't wake up, I tried again at 7:00 p.m. and she didn't wake up, so I changed her diaper (she awoke just long enough to have a fit about her diaper being changed) and fell back to sleep for the night.  Other than a brief chat session at 3:30 a.m., she slept until 6:00 a.m. this morning.  I was in shock.  She has never slept 13 hours straight in her life!

She was in a good mood this morning and was giving daddy lots of hugs.  You can always tell she is feeling warm and cozy when she says "Daddy home, mommy home, Gracie home."  She loves it when we are all there. 

After having no supper last night, I thought my growing girl would be ravenous, but that was not the case at all.  She had a little bit of breakfast and was ready to head to daycare.  We did have to have a tea party before she went though.

Have a great weekend.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday/Thursday

On Wednesday, Gracie had a great day at daycare.  She got to go to a movie about cats and dogs and then she got to go out for pizza for lunch.  In the afternoon she got her toenails painted hot pink.  She is very proud of her colorful toes.  She was in a great mood when I picked her up and she had lots to say.  With it being so rainy, we just snuggled and played all night til bedtime.  It was nice to just have a low key evening.

Today (Thursday), Gracie got up way too early and was a little grumpy.  She did not want her diaper changed.  She started to have a bit of a fuss about getting her diaper changed until suddenly she became quiet.  It made me laugh to see her checking out her pretty pink toenails.  She had forgotten about them.

Gracie had a good morning playing at daycare.  I picked her up right after lunch and we headed to the clinic for an afternoon of hearing tests and ENT appointments.  All checked out just fine.  Her hearing came back much better than previous tests and her ears looked very healthy.  She was not happy about having to wear headphones during the hearing tests...that was almost cause for a meltdown.  She wouldn't totally cooperate, but she did enough for us to get what we need.  We had quite a wait between appointments, so we spent the time walking the lobby and making new friends.

After our appointments we stopped up to see Aunt Sheila for a very short time.  Gracie was excited to see her, as well as some of her officemates. 

Since it was a no nap afternoon, she fell asleep on the way home only to wake up once we arrived home, but was still very tired.  She is now snoozing on her bed...we can't make it a long nap or she won't go to bed tonight, but she definitely needs a little rest...she was operating on fumes.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday/Wednesday - A Good Week

Gracie has been having a good week.  She has been playing really well with the other kids at daycare.  Yesterday they went to the park and Gracie had great fun climbing up to the high tornado slide and zooming down.  She was filthy when she came home from playing so hard and I loved it!  She was in such a good mood all night long. 

I think I mentioned that Gracie must be on the verge of a growth spurt because she is eating everything in sight.  Last night on the way home from daycare as she is drinking a glass of juice in the backseat, she says "store".  I asked her what she wanted at the store.  Her reply:  "Food, eat, hungry!"  So when we got home I said "Look Gracie, daddy made us some pasta for supper."  Gracie responded:  "No!  McDonald's."  That cracked us all up!

Gracie had a fairly good night.  At one point she woke up, lifted up her feet to look at them.  Sort of like she was making sure they were still there, then went right back to sleep.  I would love to know what she is thinking sometimes! 

Gracie was snuggling in bed with me this morning, trying to wake up. She was sucking on her thumb and I asked her if it tasted good.  Then I went to pretend to suck on her little finger and I said I wondered what it tasted like.  Gracie pipes up with:  "Chicken!"  Then she added "Boop" (that is her word for ketchup).  She cracks me up.

Have a great day!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend

Gracie had a busy and full weekend.  On Saturday we traveled to see Grandma & Grandpa B.  We had lunch with them and then spent the afternoon visiting.  Gracie had lots of hugs for Grandma and enjoyed teasing Grandpa.  She would offer him one of her fruit snacks and just as he was about to take it, she would pull it back and put it in her mouth.  Grandpa being the tease he is, enjoyed this immensely.  Gracie was so tired by the time we left late afternoon, that we were just sure she would fall asleep in the car.  She did, but only for about 20-25 minutes.  She didn't go to bed all that early either and so by the time it was bedtime, she was so overtired that it was hard for her to fall asleep.  She had a bit of a restless night, but slept until 7:30 a.m. 

On Sunday morning, we took Gracie to Sunday school for the first time.  She was in the room with 3-5 year olds.  She was fine staying, she enjoyed story time, but mostly wanted to dance to the music.  She had no separation anxiety, but we saw some aggressive behaviors as we went out to the van.  She was a biting machine and just was not happy.  Once again, those transitions seem to get her.  We had a quick lunch and then headed to a friend's graduation.  Gracie made an adult friend there who was sweet and went for walks with us.  Gracie also decided to go scooting on the grass with her diaper clad butt (she was wearing a dress), then she hit sidewalk and kept on scooting.  I quickly had her get up, but not before she had sidewalk burns on the top of her legs where her diaper didn't cover.  She didn't seem to notice at the time, but they were quite sensitive later. 

Gracie took a two hour nap and then we made hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill.  We were sitting outside eating our meal when Gracie got a big smile and signed the word "picnic".  Gracie loves picnics!  We spent alot of time outdoors in the evening.  It was a beautiful night for a long walk.  Gracie started out walking, but we eventually got the stroller.  Then it was bathtime and bedtime.  Gracie got to bed a little later than normal, but fell asleep quickly.  Not sure what she was dreaming about all night, but at one point she started clapping her hands. 

She was a little grumpy when she woke up this morning, so we snuggled for awhile.  She was reading a magazine in her room and I said "Gracie, I'm going to get your applesauce with sprinkles."  This is how we give her seizure meds to her.  She promptly said "fruit chews" - which is what I use to bribe her to eat her applesauce.  I guess she didn't want me to forget to bring those along.

I'm not sure what the plan was for daycare today.  I'm sure she'll have fun, whatever they do.  I was happy to learn that she did a really good job at daycare on Friday and even though she got frustrated a few times, she handled it very well and didn't get grabby with the other kids at all.  Yay!!!!

Have a great week.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Thursday/Friday - Lots of Time Outside

Gracie's most frequent ask these days is "Outside?"  She loves to be outdoors and yesterday was the perfect summer day to do just that -- be outside.  The kids spent most of the day outdoors yesterday at daycare and even went swimming in the kiddie pool.   When Gracie came home from daycare, she wanted to go on a "walk".  So Jeff, Gracie, and I all went on a walk.  When we were just about done walking around the extended block, we got to this grassy area that Gracie loves to run on and if you happen to chase her, better yet.  She suprised both Jeff and I (matter of fact I'm still chuckling about it) by saying "Race Ya!"  I have no clue where she even came up with the concept of "racing".  Jeff and I have not ever said this to her, I'm wondering if perhaps this has been said by kids at school or daycare. 

We spent most of the evening outdoors and all that fresh air made Gracie a tired, yet happy girl.  She had a very good night's sleep and awoke in a pretty good mood.  She did have a bit of a tantrum when it was time to leave for daycare and I'm not even sure what prompted it.  By the time we got to daycare this morning she was fine, but clingy.  That all changed when her buddies showed up.  She was all excited telling them "hi".  Pretty soon she looked at me and said "bye" and waved with a big smile.  She was ready to play.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday/Thursday

Gracie had a great day at daycare yesterday.  I could tell it was great the moment Jeff and I picked her up at daycare.  She was dancing around and had a big smile.  She did get to go to the library yesterday, but not for story time, there was a musician -- Hans Mayer --there that sang alot of kids action songs.  Gracie was very into this and she was doing the actions and interacting with other children there.

Just as we got home, the sky opened up and just poured rain.  Gracie and I just stood in the garage and enjoyed watching it come down.  I'm pretty sure that if I wouldn't have had a firm hand around her, she would have been out in that rain doing her own little rain dance.  She was in a pretty good mood all night.  Jeff was performing Magic at Hope Lodge, so it was just Gracie and I most of the evening.  She had a splash fest in the bathtub until she violated the bathtub rule of no peeing in the water.  That was pretty much the end of splash and tub time. 

After bath we read books and snuggled until daddy came home.  She also looked at the class picture from her preschool class.  I asked her if she missed her friends and she nodded her head "yes". 

She had a pretty good night, but did wake up a few times.  She fell back to sleep fairly quickly each time.  She must have gotten some good rest because she had a lot of energy this morning.  I had to chase her down just to get her dressed!!!

This morning it was so nice and sunny out that I sang a made up song we have about it being a beautiful day for a smile.  We usually sing it as we walk up to daycare.  Today as I got to the word smile, she looked up at me with the biggest smile.  She has the most beautiful smile -- her eyes just sparkle. 

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday/Wednesday

Gracie had a good day at daycare yesterday and got to play outside, which is always a treat.  Jeff picked her up and they had some good bonding time.  I went to the mall to take advantage of some summer deals on clothes for Gracie...she's growing again and I'm a little concerned that she will outgrow her summer clothes before summer is over.  So I stocked up. 

Gracie ate a big supper and when I got home she wanted some of mine.  Then later last night she wanted a bedtime snack.  Rarely does she want a snack at night, but last night she ate applesauce, a glass of chocolate milk, and some Cocoa Puffs cereal. 

Last night as I was asking Gracie about her day and her time with daddy, I asked her if she and daddy were buds.  She emphatically shook her head yes and said "daddy, buds". 

We had a thunderstorm last night and I was amazed that Gracie slept right through it.  I was sure the thunder would wake up my light sleeper, but it didn't.  We had more thunderstorms in the wee hours of the morning and those did wake her up, but only enough to snuggle with me and go back to sleep. 

Gracie was in a good mood this morning and was a little upset with us when it was time to leave for daycare.  We have a summer ant problem in our kitchen...and she was having fun crawling on the floor following the ants.  I need to call the bug man!   If you ask Gracie what mommy says about the ants she'll tell you "No, no, Kitchen"!

I think a trip to the library was planned for today at daycare and her good buddy Aubrey was coming to visit.  Both make the day extra special.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Monday/Tuesday

Gracie had a great afternoon at daycare yesterday.  She ate a good lunch, she took a good nap, she went poop in the toilet, and she got to go to the park and play.  When I arrived she was eating goldfish crackers like they were going out of style.  I guess she worked up an appetite.  We sang songs on the way home and she was all smiles. 

After supper we all went out for a walk and when Gracie was too tired to walk, we put her in her stroller and kept on going.  It was such a beautiful evening that I really hated to go indoors.  Gracie needed a bath though, so we eventually went in and we got her to bed a little later than is ideal.  She fell asleep quickly, but had a restless night.  She kept waking up, saying a word or two and then falling back to sleep.  I suspect she was dreaming. 

Gracie was a little more clingy this morning, which I believe has to do with the fact that she could have used just a little more sleep.  Jeff and I were laying on her bed with her for a little bit and she looked up at me with a smile and said "mama home", then she said "Gracie home", then "daddy home".  She was very content with this, so I think it is a happy time for her when all three of us are "home". 

She was a little subdued at daycare this morning -- again because I think she could have used a little more sleep.  Music was turned on, so I'm sure that will get her in a happy, playful mood.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend

Gracie had a good weekend, here are the events in a nutshell:

• On Friday Gracie went to a new park with daycare.  There were a lot of kids there and it was very overwhelming for her.  When kids would get too close she would get frustrated and grab/pinch at them.  It was just too busy for her comfort level.  They tried to move to a quieter part of the park, but there really wasn't a quiet part.  After they left, Gracie was fine again.  A little too much sensory overload.
• On Saturday Gracie and Jeff went to watch cousin Jason play soccer.  She learned a new word:  "GOAL!"  Congratulations to Jason and his team on a win!!!  Jeff and I both got haircuts on Saturday, so I got mine first and then Jeff and Gracie came and Gracie was to go home with me.  Just before we left, I went to grab Gracie from getting into other's personal space and I caught my shoe on the floor and we both went crashing to the floor, me on top of her.  I felt so horrible, as I'm sure she hit her head on the floor, but I couldn't find a mark and she did not fuss or cry.  I, however, am in a bit of discomfort.  I think I pulled or tore something in my foot by my big toe.  It hurts to bend it or put any pressure on it.  I skinned my knee up a bit too.  I'm sure it will just take a little time to heal.  Gracie took a 2-1/2 hour nap and then was excited to have Grandma & Grandpa D. come over to join us for supper and a visit.  Gracie insisted that Grandma sit on her bed and visit for a good part of the night. 
• On Sunday it was a more mellow day.  Gracie got to talk to Grandma & Grandpa B. on Skype.  They were visiting Aunt Cheryl & Uncle Russ.  Then Gracie and I did a little shopping at Target, back home to take a nap, then outside for a walk and to play in the backyard. 
• Today (Monday) Gracie got to sleep in a bit as she had a morning eye appointment at the clinic.  She has been doing this weird thing where she looks at things out of the corner of her eyes instead of straight on.  The good news is that everything checked out fine.  They even checked her for color blindness and she did okay there too after we finally convinced her to wear the special glasses.  Gracie did not like the ophthalmologist.  He made the fatal mistake of not welcoming her into the room.  The tech brought her in and he kept his back to us until he was ready to take a look.  Then they turned on these fake animals on tv and that scared her to pieces.  She cried big crocodile tears.  They did end up having to dilate her eyes, so they are a bit more sensitive to the sun today.  While we waited in the waiting room/play room, the doctor would come out inbetween patients to try to play and have her warm up to him.  In the end, she did let him take a look and did give him a high five when we were done, but she was happy to be done.  She really liked the technician and did take her for a walk up and down the hallway once.  Now Gracie is at daycare and there was talk of maybe checking out a movie this afternoon.

Have a great week.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Happy Girl

Gracie had a great last day of school.  They had a party for the summer birthdays and of course Gracie was one of the kids honored.  She got to have ice cream and a pink frosted cupcake.  I picked her up at school so she wouldn't have to ride the hot bus and because I needed to pick up her epi pens from the school nurse.  Gracie was in a great mood!  When I dropped her off at daycare for the afternoon, I did so with a warning that she was all sugared up! 

She had a great afternoon, did a little swimming and playing, and was a happy girl.  That happiness continued through the evening.  She was in a great mood and insisted all three of us take a walk around the block.  Usually halfway through she wants to be carried.  Not so yesterday, she walked the whole block on her own. 

Gracie and Jeff played outside for awhile while I made supper.  She wasn't too happy about the fact that mommy wasn't going to be outside too.  She got over it fairly quickly.  It was a good evening and she fell asleep very quickly last night.  She did wake up with some nasty coughing again through the night.  I just feel so sorry for her as she is so sleepy, but coughs and coughs. 

Gracie awoke in a great mood this morning.  After a little snuggling, she went to the fridge, pulled out the chocolate syrup and wanted chocolate milk.  Keep in mind this is the child that has wanted pretty much nothing to do with milk for the last couple of months.  Then I asked her if she wanted toast for breakfast and she was very much in favor of that.  When I mentioned jelly, I got an affirmative answer there too.  She gobbled it all down.  Amazing since I can barely get her to eat breakfast most days.

Gracie didn't think getting dressed this morning was such a good idea until we decided to make a game out of it.  One run around the island, then we put our pants on, another run, we take our jammie shirt off, another run we get our shirt on, another run then we get one sock on, well you get the picture.  Now you all know why it takes so long to get ready in the morning at our house. 

Jeff took Gracie to daycare this morning and they were thinking about checking out a new park for their activity for the day.  Should be fun.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Monday - Not a Great Day

Gracie had a pretty rough Monday.  I think heat certainly contributed to it.  When I dropped her off at daycare she seemed fine, but she didn't want to get on the bus for school and cried out for "mama" when she was carried on.  She has never done that before.  School isn't air conditioned and she was hot.  They were good about spraying her with water throughout the morning and they did not go outside to play because of the heat.  They even put water in the sensory table to cool the kids off a bit.  The bus was even warmer, despite having all the windows open.  Children with Sotos Syndrome have a hard time regulating body temperature and Gracie's seizure meds don't allow her to sweat as she should, so heat is really, really hard on her. 

Back at daycare, Gracie was pretty out of it.  She did not want to play on the slip n slide pool, did not want to put on her swimsuit, but yet did not want to get out of the sun.  Go figure.

Once at home, she seemed to do better.  Our air conditioning was running non-stop.  We have to keep it cool for our little hot body.  She has been a major mama's girl lately, to the point of having great anxiety if I'm out of sight at home.  She had a huge tantrum for Jeff when I went to the bathroom and she would not calm down or stop screaming/crying until I was back to hold and comfort her.   I'm not sure if this is just because she is still struggling a bit with her cold or if this is a new phase. 

Gracie was extremely excited when we went to open her backpack from school.  She had a birthday card in it from the school principal and I heard the principal came to personally wish her a happy birthday.  They are celebrating early since she has a summer birthday.  When we took the card out of her back pack, she kept saying "party, party, party" in a very excited voice.  They are having an ice cream party at school tomorrow to celebrate the summer birthdays! 

Gracie had a rough night, she kept coughing and coughing through the wee hours of the morning.  I walked and held her for a while just to keep her upright from 2:30 - 3:30 a.m.  That seemed to help a bit.  She did wake up in a good mood this morning, but was very clingy when I dropped her off at daycare.

Gracie did go poop in the toilet this morning so she got to wear princess pants pull ups to daycare this morning.  That was a big deal!  :)

Hopefully today will be a better one for our little pumpkin.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend

Gracie had a great weekend!  On Saturday we went to help cousin Kayla celebrate her high school graduation.  Gracie had a great time meeting new people (she definitely is not shy) and greeting people with Kayla.  She didn't want to leave Kayla's side.  It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of family members around to play with.  The heat got to her a bit, so we took frequent trips indoors to cool off and veg.  We left way after her bedtime and I was just sure she would fall right to sleep.  Not so...she chatted with us most of the way home, but did fall asleep shortly before we got home.  She did wake up when we arrived home, but it didn't take her long to fall asleep again.

I was just sure she would sleep in, but again, not so.  She was awake bright and early at 5:30 a.m. and I couldn't convince her to go back to sleep.  She was pretty grumpy all morning though.  You could tell she was just overly tired.  I did put her in the stroller and took a nice long walk with her.  I also let her watch a video, so she could kind of kick back and chill. 

Gracie did take an hour and a half nap, I was again hoping for longer.  While she was sleeping we set up the kiddie pool on the deck.  She spied it immediately upon waking and that is where she spent the next 2 - 3 hours.  I literally had to take her out of the pool as she kicked and screamed as she would have stayed in it forever.  This morning as we were getting ready for school she went to the deck door and tried to open it, then she signed "game" and then said "swim".   I think we may have a fish on our hands this summer. 

Gracie had a good night sleep until about 1:15 a.m. when she awoke with a bloody nose.  Blood all over her pillow case and sheets, although it wasn't as bad as some of them she gets.  Then she had a hard time staying asleep after that.  She would fall asleep and then wake up.  I picked her up for a while and walked and bounced and that helped.  She finally fell back into a good sleep about an hour or so later. 

She awoke in a good mood and was ready for school and time for friends.  We dressed her very cool today - it's supposed to be a scorcher and she doesn't do so good with the hot, hot days.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Thursday/Friday - Coo Coo for Cocoa Puffs

Gracie had a fun day back at daycare yesterday.  She wasn't too sure she wanted to be there in the morning when Jeff dropped her off and her daycare mom said it took her a bit to warm up, but once she did all was good.  Her daycare buddies Claire and Kate were there to play with her yesterday.  At lunchtime, Gracie now gets applesauce with some of her seizure meds...well Claire and Kate decided they wanted applesauce too and they pretended that they "got" to have medicine in theirs too!  How sweet is that.  Gracie thought it was wonderful...and so do I!!!

Gracie brought home two planted sunflower seeds from daycare that she is to water and nurture and watch grow.  That will be fun.  She is so into flowers. 

When I went to pick her up from daycare she was eating Cocoa Puffs.  Gracie usually doesn't want anything to do with cereal, but was eating these like they were the best treat known to humankind.  When asked if she wanted them in a bag to take along, she assured us she did.  She ate them all on the way home and asked for more.  Of course, I didn't have anymore.  When I got her out of her car seat upon arrival home, I found one stuck to the seat of her pants...that was like gold...she gobbled it up.  Guess I'll need to get some Cocoa Puffs!

Jeff was out golfing with his dad, so Gracie and I had girls night.  We just played and read books.  She also got to have a bath and had great fun laying in the water and blowing bubbles.  After bath we were sitting reading books and magazines, with Gracie cuddled into my side.  I looked down and my sweet little cherub was fast asleep....and so peaceful.  I just sat with her for a while and watched her sleep.  There is something so sweet and innocent about a child sleeping.  Gracie did wake up when I carried her to bed, but not for long.  She had a good night sleep and awoke in a happy mood.

Today at daycare she was going to go swimming to beat the heat!  :)

Have a great weekend.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Memorial Day Weekend and More

Gracie's cold has been a rough one and her cough still quite strong.  Her poor little nose continues to run and Gracie is learning how to blow her nose...only not when you have a kleenex by her.  So she does her thing and then I run to fetch a kleenex...quickly!  She is just starting to be able to sleep restfully again.  She was a major grumpy pants a good portion of the weekend, we could just tell that she didn't feel well.  We did get to do a few fun things.  Here are the highlights:

• Saturday:  Stayed home most of the day, but did make a trip to the playground.  I think that was the highlight of her day.
• Sunday:  We had a picnic with Grandma & Grandpa D, Aunt Kathy, and cousins Calvin, Maria, and Josh, and friend Amanda.  She loved seeing a mommy and daddy duck with their baby at the pond, taking walks outside, seeing some tadpoles, swinging, and sliding down a hill over and over again on her butt.  I wondered how I would ever get the mud out of the back of those pants, but realized I wouldn't have to as she wore a hole right through the backside of her pants.
• Monday:  We went to visit Aunt Sheila, Uncle Chris, and cousins Kayla and Jason.  We helped Jason celebrate his birthday a little belatedly.  Gracie was smothered with lots of attention and even got to pet Sandy, the yellow lab. 
• Tuesday:  She travelled to Iowa with me for my 102 year old aunt's funeral as daycare was sick.  She did much better than I expected.  She was a gem in the car for the whole ride there and most of the ride home. 
• Wednesday:  Gracie had school in the morning.  Daycare was still sick, so Jeff dropped her off at school and I picked her up.  Gracie and I spent the afternoon together.  After nap we went to get her some new tennis shoes and also went to Target for a few things.  She was good as gold once again.  We walked into the shoe store and one of the clerks saw her and said "Hi Gracie" and Gracie remembered her, got all excited and ran to give her the biggest hug.  Jeff worked late last night, so Gracie and I had fun reading books and just hanging out. 
• Thursday:  Gracie was back to daycare today.  Her nose is running a little less, her cough still sounds nasty, but productive.  Hopefully she'll have a good day.

On a fun note, we've been slowly re-introducing milk products such as yogurt and pudding back in Gracie's diet and she seems to be tolerating them.  Every year we give them a try and she has not tolerated them, this year seems to be going better.  Yay...let's hope she continues to be able to tolerate them...she loves yogurt, ice cream, pudding, etc.  I haven't been brave enough to give her a glass of milk yet. 

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Thursday/Friday - Another Cold

Gracie had a good day at daycare, but had some sniffles, sneezes, and coughs that have now turned into a full blown cold.  Her nose is a faucet, she has a hard time breathing, and the cough is a pretty good one too.  I will definitely keep a close watch of that.  It's a productive cough right now, so I'm not terribly worried. 

Jeff went golfing last night, so Gracie and I bonded all night.  We just watched tv, played on the computer, and read books all night long.  Knowing she was feeling a bit under the weather, we made it a low key night with lots of snuggling. 

Gracie had a really rough night as she was all stuffed up and had a hard time breathing.  She did a good part of her sleeping while sitting up on me, but woke up alot.  She was still pretty tired this morning. Her mood seemed tired, but fine until she got to daycare.  She seemed fine until she didn't want one of her friends singing a song and so decided to get grabby and pinchy.  Of course she got talked to about this and she had to say she was sorry.  She did not want me to leave and was a pretty sad girl.  We are trying so hard to teach her to use words when she wants someone to stop, but it is so hard when she still struggles with expressive communication skills.  We will continue to work with her on this. 

I would have loved to be able to stay home with her today and give her some extra TLC. 

Wishing you all a great Memorial Day Weekend. 

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday - Time with Daddy

Gracie brought a lot of projects home from school yesterday.  There was a lot of fingerpainting going on at school and my guess is that Gracie enjoyed it immensely.  I also know where the orange splotch of paint on her skirt came from, as well as the blue under her fingernails!

Gracie had a good day at daycare as well, with the exception of one incident where she got mad while playing ring around the rosy.  We're not sure what instigated it.   She may have been feeling a bit jealous as the other two girls started holding hands.  Still not being equipped to express feelings, she got a bit grabbie and pinchy and of course that got her removed from the game and that caused tears.  Just as that was all settling down, daddy showed up to pick her up and that caused major hysterics as she was conflicted, happy to see daddy, but it also meant that she had to go home.  Once in the van on the way home she turned into happy girl again. 

When I came home I brought Gracie some McDonald's chicken nuggets for supper.  She greeted me at the gate, saw the McDonald's bag, removed it from my hands, took it to the table, helped herself to the contents and was eating away happily.  Aunt Sheila stopped by to take mommy away for a couple of hours to help get some graduation supplies, so it was good bonding time for Gracie and daddy.  Gracie was super excited to see Aunt Sheila and had lots of hugs for her and enjoyed singing songs with her. 

Gracie and daddy had a good night together.  I came home knowing Gracie would need a bath and was surprised to see that she already had one.  Daddy did a great job.  After getting her out of the tub he wondered why it always takes mommy so long, then he realized that although he had washed Gracie's hair, he forgot to comb through it.  This is no easy task.  So he did it after she was out of the tub and it seemed to go okay.  I always do it in the tub as it needs to be quite wet to get through it.  Gracie was in a great mood and had a great night's sleep. 

Gracie was 100% daddy's girl this morning.  That's okay...tonight he's going golfing, so I will win her back!!!  :)

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday - Gracie's IEP

Gracie had a good, but very tiring day.  She started out at daycare, then went to her friend Aubrey's house to eat lunch, play, and nap.  Only problem is, Gracie didn't really think the nap part was all that important, so she didn't go to sleep.  I picked her up at 3:00 p.m. as we had her IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting at school.  She looked mighty tired.  I told her it was okay if she closed her eyes and took a little rest on the way to the school, but she didn't think that was a great idea either.  Needless to say she was one tired little girl last night and she went to bed about 7:30 p.m.  It took her 2.2 seconds to fall asleep!

We had a good IEP meeting.  We found out that Brock, the little boy that Gracie talks about alot rides her bus and they have been seen coming off the bus holding hands on occasion.  The little girl Justine that Gracie talks about is a good little helper and she often helps Gracie with puzzles, etc.  We also got to meet Gracie's teacher for next year.  We are definitely going to miss her current teacher, but are optimistic that her new teacher will be good as well. 

Next school year we will increase the frequency in which Gracie goes to school each week.  Currently she goes two mornings a week.  Next year we will start her out with three mornings a week and then increase it to four mornings after Christmas break. 

It was no surprise to us that Gracie is most willing to participate in activities that have a strong musical or repetitive auditory component.  Her attention level and motivation for participation is closely related to her interest in an activity.  Once again, no surprise to us.  The more manipulative the activity such as puzzles or peg boards, the less interest she has in the activity. 

Gracie's communication skills have improved greatly and she is starting to put two words together at school.  We were concerned about the intelligibility of her speech, but were assured that it is appropriate for her developmental level.  We also found out our sweet cherub can be a little stinker.  She often doesn't respond when given adult directives to say a word, but then as soon as they move on to the next thing she is heard saying the word or responding. 

We still need to continue to work on her gross and fine motor skills, although she has come along way with both.  She also needs to work on completing daily functional tasks, such as washing hands.  She enjoys watching closely when her peers are completing these tasks, but often is so distracted that she needs prompting to complete the task for herself. 

We've got some great goals for the new school year and I'm very excited as we've seen much progress this year.  I just love the team we are working with.  Every one of them seems to really enjoy their job! 

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend & More

Since I'm behind on updates and time is short, I'll just give you a few highlights of Gracie's weekend & more:

• Saturday:  Grandma & Grandpa D came over to join us for supper.  Gracie enjoyed the visit and even took them for a walk around the block.  Gracie also developed hives on her stomach - we can't figure out what they came from.  It has now turned into just a rash -- it looks almost like a heat rash now.  I touched base with a pediatric nurse and if it doesn't clear up in a week, we'll need to schedule a visit.
• Sunday:  We were supposed to go to a graduation in Iowa, but with the crazy weather (storms) we opted not to go.  Gracie did not like when it hailed, it woke her up from her nap and she kept saying "Rain Bye Bye".  On an exciting note, Gracie can now use her legs to pump when swinging. This is the result of a lot of work on her part with coaching from Jeff and our daycare provider.  Gracie is a big fan of the show "Full House" (re-runs of course).  She now goes around the house saying "How Rude"!  Uncle Chris stopped by for a little bit on Sunday evening and Gracie was very happy to see him.  She had lots of smiles and hugs for him.
• Monday:  She had school and later in the day she kept doing hand imitations.  It looked like it was probably from a song they had sung, but I couldn't make it out.  I'm going to need to ask about that.  We went to the school playground last night at Gracie's request and she climbed up the open ladder type equipment.  I was so proud of her for doing it, but very, very, very, very, very nervous.  Jeff or I had a hand on her at all times, but she did all the work.  She's becoming a little more daring these days.  She said her first independent 4 word sentence yesterday.  She was looking for her Mickey Mouse action figure and said "Mickey, where are you?"  Since it was so warm yesterday, I pulled out her new summer shoes that are enclosed, but let a little more air circulate on the foot.  These have velcro tabs on them, that she loves to open.  For the first time EVER, she took off her own shoes and she was so proud!!!!
• Tuesday:  Today we have Gracie's IEP at school.  We'll meet with her teachers, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and probably a few others.  We're excited to know that there is a slot available for her again next year at her current school.  We're pretty sure the days of attendance will increase.  I'm anxious to hear a progress report from her teacher as I've seen amazing growth and development of skills since the beginning of the school year.

Have a great day!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Thursday/Friday - The Zoo

Gracie had a great day yesterday.  She did get to go to a local outdoor zoo with daycare yesterday and had the time of her life.  Our daycare mom said Gracie just lit up, was very verbal and just ran from one animal to the next, making the sounds that they make.  She growled at the bear, watched the otters eat fish, and even got to feed a goat!  It didn't hurt that her buddy Aubrey was right there with her. 

Jeff picked her up at daycare and they were playing outside and enjoying the day.  Gracie and daddy took care of some errands and then I came home and was greeted by a very happy little girl.  While supper was being made, Gracie decided she wanted to eat her applesauce all by herself.  She still struggles with using silverware.  She gets them to her mouth just fine, the struggle is with loading them.  So the practice is good for her.  I looked over at her eating her applesauce and realized she had gotten tired of eating with her spoon, had dumped her applesauce out on the table and was using it as fingerpaints.  The table was covered and Gracie was having a sensory delight.  When she pretty much had the applesauce spread out over all of the table that she could reach, she asked for more.  So I gave her another container and she "painted" with this one too.  She was applesauce everywhere when she was done!

Gracie was a very tired girl from all the fresh air and playing at the zoo.  She fell asleep shortly after bath and had a good night's sleep. 

Gracie was in a great mood this morning too.  When I dropped her off at daycare, she decided to mimic everything I said, but since it was too many words, she would just mimic the intonations of my voice as I was talking.  She thought she was hilarious!  Okay, I thought it was hilarious too. 

Have a good weekend!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday/Thursday - A Visit with Gracie's Neurologist

Gracie had school yesterday and I'm not sure what she did, but there were tell tale signs that she did a project of some sort...a big splotch of orange paint on her skirt, and some blue something or other under her fingernails.  I always get curious when I see hints of a project.  She did bring home a couple of projects in her take home folder -- a painted green and brown frog.  She used the paint to it's full potential...you can barely see the frog outline underneath the paint.  She also had a cut out of a coat that she decorated with buttons and little pieces of fabric.  She wanted to pull the buttons off at home.  No, no, no!

Rumor has it that Gracie climbed the rock wall on the playset at daycare yesterday with a little bit of help.  She played outside a lot and then Jeff picked her up early to head to the clinic for her neurology appointment.  Gracie had so much fun, she got to see her favorite clinical assistants and take them on walks and give them hugs, she got to see her former physical therapist, occupational therapist, and of course our beloved pediatric neurologist, Dr. N.  We also got to meet Dr. N.'s nurse.  I've talked to her many times, so we were thrilled to finally meet her.  She gave us information about the Epilepsy Stroll sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of MN that is coming up in August and we're pumped about it.  I think we need to form a "Team Gracie"!

Our neurology visit went very well.  We found out from a recent blood test that Gracie metabolizes her seizure meds very very fast, thus the need for such high doses.  The fact that she metabolizes them very rapidly indicates her liver is working very well.  The downfall to this is that she requires such high doses to get enough in her system to last the day.  So we would either need to bump Gracie's meds up yet again or try a new approach and split her current dose to be administered three times a day rather than just twice a day.  Currently Gracie gets 5 - 25 mg capsules in the morning and 5 - 25 mg capsules in the evening.  We are going to change that to 4 in the a.m., 2 at lunch time, and 4 in the p.m.  Our daycare provider was super sweet about taking on the administering of the lunch time dose. 

Other than that, Gracie showed off some of her talking skills and sat on her neurologist's lap and had hugs and snuggles for her.  It was a good appointment and we all went home feeling good about it. 

Gracie and I hung out together last night as Jeff was performing at Hope Lodge.  She was very tired from her big day, yet had a really hard time falling asleep.  I suspect she was over-tired.  She slept very well last night and woke up refreshed this morning.

This morning I asked her if she would be my "sweetie pie" today.  I ask her this alot, and sometimes she says "yes" and sometimes she likes to tease me and tell me "no" and then laugh. Well today when I asked, she told me "daddy's", as in she was going to be daddy's sweetie pie.  Then she gave me a big smile and changed her mind again and said "Brock".  Brock is a little boy at school that I hear alot about.  She was quite proud of this statement.

Today there was talk about going to a small outdoor zoo.  Whatever she is doing, I'm sure it will be fun.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday/Wednesday - Happy, Happy Girl

Gracie had a really good day yesterday, she played with her buddies at daycare, she played outside, she was in a good mood, and just seemed to be in a really good and happy place yesterday.  She was outside playing ball when Jeff picked her up at daycare and they did some daddy/daughter bonding by taking a little drive and listening to tunes. 

When I got home I brought some sandwiches along from Arby's.  Gracie insisted it was chicken in the bag, but seemed equally happy when she found out it was roast beef sandwiches.  She was a good little eater.  She enjoyed playing after supper and then it was bath time.  Gracie decided to take her beach ball in the tub with her.  She quite enjoyed playing with that.

Gracie's eyes seemed swollen when I got home and she has been itching her nose like crazy, I think seasonal allergies have hit for her.  Poor little thing.  I'm hesitant to medicate at this point for a couple of reasons, but the most important one being the prescription allergy med dries out her nose too much and then we most likely will have the return of the mondo bloody noses.  We'll keep an eye on it -- I certainly don't want her to be miserable either.

Gracie was so tired last night and it didn't take her long to fall asleep at all.  She had a really restful night too.

Today Gracie has school and then we head to see her neurologist.  We've increased our appointments to every 4 months to try and catch the growth spurts and the need for medicine increases before we see seizure activity.  Gracie loves her neurologist.  When I told her that we were going to see Dr. N. today, she gave me a big smile.  I also told her she had school today and she said "Brock".  That is the name of a little boy in her class.  I would love to meet him.  I hear his name alot.

It's a beautiful day here with lots of sunshine.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Monday/Tuesday

Gracie had a good day at daycare yesterday.  She got to go play with her good friend Aubrey and a few other kids.  She still tends to hang back and watch rather than play when there is a group of peers.  I'm not quite sure what approach should be taken to help her comfort level with peers. 

There wasn't anything too eventful in her day, although she was happy and had a very good evening.  She was not too thrilled that mommy was cooking supper, as she wanted my full attention.  For some reason when I get home from work and she from daycare, she wants to just sit or play with mom.  I guess she just needs that extra mommy TLC. 

She had a good night, but did awaken at 2:00 a.m. and was awake for a little while....maybe 15 minutes and then went back to dreamland.

Gracie was in a great mood this morning once she got some snuggle time.  She really didn't want much for breakfast, but when I was in the other room doing something or other, helped herself to an Oreo cookie.  The little stinker is getting too smart for her own good. 

Enjoy the sunshine.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie 

The Weekend

Gracie had a good weekend.  On Saturday we just hung out at home doing some cooking and cleaning.  Gracie was a good girl and wanted to be in the middle of everything that was going on.  Wanting to stir everything that needed to be stirred.  I don't mind....until she decides that she either needs to taste what she has been stirring or her fingers need to go in it.  This is usually the case when it's something with raw egg in the batter, so she gets very upset when we won't let her taste it or make her wash her hands when they are full of it. 

We also learned that Gracie knows pretty much all the words to "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and she loves to sing it over and over and over again with mommy and daddy.  She also likes to sing "Elvira" with daddy. 

On Sunday, Grandma & Grandpa D, Aunt Kathy, and cousins Calvin, Maria, and Josh came over for lunch and to hang out for the afternoon.  Gracie liked having company and she wanted to be a big kid like her cousins...although a 16, 13, and 12 year old, don't always like hanging out with a 3 year old.  Gracie did love all of their technology...cell phones, Nintendo's, and some rap music. 

Last evening I was giving Gracie her seizure meds with applesauce as I always do.  We use the individual containers of applesauce and I had the metal lid flipped up (I usually take it off).  Gracie looks at me matter of factly and said "Z".  I asked her where there was a "Z" and she pointed to the lid of the applesauce where "4 oz." is printed on it.  She pointed right to the "Z".  I wasn't sure if it was a fluke or not, so a little later, I asked if she could show me where the "z" was.  Sure enough she pointed right to it.  This morning when we were again eating her applesauce, I pointed to the "z" and asked her to tell daddy what it was and she said "Z".  We were both shocked and thrilled.  We've been working on signing the alphabet with her and we're still in the early stages, so it was exciting to hear that she is retaining some of it.

Last night Gracie and I went out for a nice long walk/stroller ride.  She was so tired after her busy day, that I think it was just fun for her to sit back and let the fresh air pass her by.  She was in a very good mood last night, even though she was very tired.  She had a good night's sleep and was a very happy girl this morning.  She does not have school today, so I think she'll have a fun day at daycare, especially with this sunshine.

Happy Sunshiny Monday!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday - The Frog

I'm not sure what happened to yesterday's post...I had written all about Gracie's frog experience and the post has vanished...so I'll say it again:

On Wednesday when Gracie was at school, her teacher took her hand and said "Let's go see the frog."  They went to the aquarium where the frog lives and Gracie was looking at it when it moved slightly.  That was the end for Gracie, she wanted nothing more to do with it.  Her teacher asked her "No Thanks?", she nodded her head and they went to put on some music and dance.  Gracie did seem curious about the frog still and looked at it occasionally, but always from about 10 feet away. 

Keep in mind that transitions or change can sometimes be hard for Gracie.  On Wednesday after school, she had a new bus driver.  She did NOT want to get on the bus.  I'm not sure what transpired to get her on the bus, but when she arrived at daycare she refused to get off.  Our daycare mom had to go on the bus and get her.  She said she pretty much completely shut down and was not going to do anything for anyone.  Thankfully she did fine that afternoon, but behaviorally that evening she was a little more needy than usual.  This is always our sign that something didn't go quite right during the day. 

She also woke up at 3:30 a.m. and was bright eyed and bushytailed.  I was not.  She finally fell asleep again at 4:30 a.m..  I did not.  YAWN!!!

Thursday was a great day for Gracie.  She got to play with lots of friends at daycare and had a really good day.  It was just her and I last night and she was in a great mood.  We picked up chicken mcnuggets at McDonald's for supper as a treat and she really liked that.

On Thursday morning Gracie had gone to her toy box and emptied out just about every toy.  They were EVERYWHERE!!!  I didn't have time to clean up, so they were still there when we got home.  After supper Gracie took it upon herself to pick them all up and put them in her toybox.  She had a very bright smile when I would tell her what a big girl she was and what a good helper she was.  She loves to help!

Gracie was a tired girl last night and with it being a little cooler, slept like a log.  She slept through the night, awaking very briefly at 5:00 a.m., only to rollback over and go right back to sleep.  She was in a FANTASTIC mood this morning.  Good rest will do that for a girl.

Have a great weekend.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wednesday - The Frog

Gracie got to see the frog at school yesterday.  Her teacher took her hand and said "Gracie, lets go see the frog."  They went to the aquarium to see it and before long the frog moved a little.  This made Gracie jump back and not want to be there.  Her teacher asked Gracie "No thanks?".  Gracie nodded her head and away they went to listen to music and dance.  Gracie would look over at the frog curiously every once in awhile...from about 10 feet away!

When it was time to get on the bus at school to go back to daycare, Gracie did not want to get on as there was a different bus driver.  I'm not quite sure what transpired, but when she got to daycare she wouldn't get off and her daycare mom had to go on the bus to get her.  She said Gracie had just totally shut down and wasn't going to do anything for anyone.  Keep in mind, transitions and change are difficult for Gracie.  Her afternoon was better and she played with her friends at daycare and had a good time. 

Gracie is my eating machine again...and her food of choice (other than her beloved fruit) is peanut butter bread. 

Gracie's favorite part of our evening was calling cousin Jason to sing Happy Birthday!

Gracie had a pretty good night.  I could tell she had a little trauma in her day as she was a little more needy last night, but still happy and playful a good part of the time.  She seemed quite tired, but had a hard time falling asleep, just couldn't settle down.  She awoke at 3:30 a.m. this morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.  Unfortunately, I was not.  She finally fell asleep about 4:30 a.m. - I never did fall back to sleep.  YAWN!

Gracie was in a good mood this morning.  She did go to bite me this morning when I put her sweater on...I told her she had better turn that into a kiss, which she did...followed by a few more kisses.  :)

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday/Wednesday - HOT, HOT, HOT!

Gracie had a good day at daycare yesterday and got to play outside.  When I arrived to pick her up she was helping daycare dad fix a faucet and she was loving every minute of it.  Once I got her in the car, I thought we would quick run to the store and pick up some summer socks for her.  I found out the hard way that she had outgrown all of hers.  I prefer a specific store for her socks and didn't realize that to get to this store I would have to sit through major traffic delays due to construction.  Gracie was a trooper, but by the time we got home she was HOT!  The thermometer registered 91 degrees.  I stripped off her clothes and put on a light sundress from last year.  It was a bit big for her last year....it's very evident she grew big time.  I don't think it will last her through the summer. 

Gracie was in a good mood all night and was happy to go splash in the tub.  We had some major trauma at the end of bathtime though.  Jeff and I split bath duty when we are both home.  I start it out, wash her up, wash and comb through her hair and then he comes in for a splash fest with her at the end.  I decided to do some paper shredding in the next room.  Gracie heard this when she got out of the tub and was yelling for me, I didn't hear her.  The longer I didn't hear her, the more upsetting it became until she was in complete hysterics that she needed mommy.  It took a while to get her calmed down.  Then she came and sat on my lap and handed me pieces of paper to shred.  When I was done I had this big basket of shredded paper.  This was a sensory delight to Gracie, so I just let her play in it.  She got pretty carried away, throwing it in the air and on the floor.  By the time we finally called it quits, she was covered in shredded paper, as was our downstairs.  So I had a little clean up to do...okay a lot of clean up to do...but it was so worth it.

The humidity was pretty heavy in the upstairs, so we turned the air on so Gracie could be comfortable while she slept.  If you'll remember from last year, her seizure meds make her prone to overheat as she is less able to sweat.  I'm glad we did turn the air on as she slept very well until 4:00 a.m.  She woke up and was quite chatty.  I finally got her back to sleep at 5:15 a.m. and let her sleep another hour.  She was in a great mood this morning.  It didn't hurt that I sang and danced with her to wake her up.  :)

I dressed her in a cute little pink skirt and white shirt this morning and her hair was in a bun.  She looked a bit like a ballerina.  The perfect outfit to get to see the frog at school.  :)

Have a great day.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Monday/Tuesday - Just Doesn't Like Bugs

Gracie had a good day yesterday.  At school her regular teacher was away, so she joined another class and enjoyed singing new songs and meeting new friends.  One the para-professionals that works with Gracie commented that they are sure enjoying how much Gracie is talking these days.  That was so good for me to hear.  She talks constantly at home, but doesn't always do so other places. 

Gracie used to be quite interested in watching bugs, but has just recently started becoming quite scared of them.  Yesterday in school she went over to the sensory tub where there is Easter grass, plastic bugs, a magnifying glass and a set of tongs.  She took one look in the tub and jumped and didn't want to look again, even though they kept telling her they weren't real. 

Gracie was so tired when she got off the bus that she didn't want any lunch.  She took a nap first, then ate a later lunch.  She had a good day playing and talking and her daycare mom said it is very evident that she is feeling better than she did last week.  When I arrived to pick her up she was having a snack.  It was so much fun watching her eat this gigantic strawberry as if it were an apple.  I think she enjoyed the fact that it wasn't cut up.  She loves eating things like a big girl and not having them cut up. 

Gracie and I hung out last night as Jeff was working another long and late day.  Just before bedtime, Jeff came home and Gracie got to spend a little time with him.  She slept so soundly last night.  I think she needed that.  She awoke with smiles.

Have a great day.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Mother's Day Weekend

Gracie was an absolute gem all weekend long.  Jeff worked all weekend, so it was just the two of us to play and hang out.  She was sweet, happy, cooperative, loving, and just plain fun.  Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day and we went out after lunch for a walk.  It was much warmer out than I realized, so I took off Gracie's sweatshirt.  Pretty soon, she told me "hot" and started taking off her t-shirt.  I had to explain to her that she needed to keep her shirt on.  After a quick walk, Gracie was feeling kind of tired, so I put her in her stroller and off we went.  I looked down and found that she had fallen asleep.  So I continued our walk with Gracie snoozing, then came home and she awoke briefly while I put her in bed.  She slept for a good hour and a half, then came out and snuggled with me on the couch.  It wasn't long when I noticed she had fallen asleep again and she slept for a good 30 minutes.  Then we went outside to play.  We had a great time.  Jeff got home about 6 p.m. and after a quick supper we went to visit Grandma & Grandpa D.  Gracie fell in love with their cats and was very gentle with them.  Then we took a nature hike and were excited to see 7 deer that seemed as interested in Gracie as Gracie was in them.  We got really close and Gracie kept signing and saying "deer" the whole time.  Then we saw a mommy and daddy duck and 12 little babies swimming in a pond.  Gracie was so excited. 

On Sunday Gracie and I headed to Grandma & Grandpa B.'s house.  Gracie was very good on the ride there.  She started to get a bit anxious for the last 10 miles or so.  We started out by visiting Aunt Arlene at the clubhouse where she works...Grandma & Grandpa were there eating lunch.  We also got to visit with Uncle Wayne, Aunt Mary, Uncle Dave, Aunt Lana, Uncle Jim, and cousins Brittany, Maci, Katie, and Jayme.  Gracie was so tired as she didn't get a nap and had a short night on Saturday night, but she was having so much fun.  On the way home, she fell asleep halfway home, opened her eyes just long enough to look at daddy, and went right to bed...she slept through til morning with only waking up twice.  I had a very very very hard time waking her up this morning - even though she had slept for a good 11 hours straight. 

She was in a good mood this morning once she awoke.  We hit torrential rains as we headed for daycare.  I carried Gracie into the house at daycare, because I wanted to run fast.  Well the sky just opened up as we got out of the car.  I heard Gracie fussing and sputtering.  I didn't stop to investigate as we were soaked and I just wanted to get inside.  When I looked at her I realized the problem.  She didn't figure out that she should have put her head down.  She just got slammed with wind and water.  Her face was totally dripping.  I'm still kind of giggling at the look on her face of utter shock.  I guess she has never experienced rain and wind quite like that.  She smiled after the shock wore off. 

Today she has school and rumor has it a live frog has been caught and she'll get to see that in class on Wednesday.

Have a great week everyone.  Enjoy the warm temps.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Wed/Thurs/Friday - Ear is on the Mend

On Wednesday evening I took Gracie to a pediatric nurse practitioner to get her ear rechecked as Gracie kept holding it and I feared the infection was not gone.  Gracie was the model patient.  The minute we walked in the building, Gracie said "fish"...she loves the fish tank that is in the waiting area.  Mind you, we were four floors away, but she definitely remembers the building.  Gracie was super cooperative and such a big girl.  I was so proud.  The good news is that her ear is looking good, althougth the nurse practitioner said she would have given her a larger dose of antiobiotics than what we had been prescribed.  She also said she would have had Gracie take it just once a day with food to help with the tummy upset.  Gracie's sinuses were still pretty full of mucous and she was pretty sure that was what is causing the discomfort.  She told us to continue to use ibuprofen for a couple more days and she gave us a prescription for ear numbing drops, which Gracie refuses...REFUSES...to let me put in her ear.  She also shared with us that the cough could last 4 - 6 weeks.  But it is definitely productive sounding so that's a good thing. 

Yesterday Gracie didn't want to eat or drink at daycare, but was active and playing, although resorting to some of the behavior she had when she first started going to daycare of leading our daycare provider from toy to toy, but playing with none.  They were sheet rocking the lower level at daycare and my theory is that the noise bothered Gracie.  She has sensitivities to certain sounds.  Once home she drank a ton and ate a good supper followed by two bowls of coconut milk ice cream.  She also got a bath last night, that does wonders for her when sensory system is a little out of whack. 

Gracie made me the sweetest picture at school for Mother's Day.  It is a flower made from her hand prints...absolutely precious. 

We've not had very good nights since the ear infection, some better than others, but always some restless patches throughout.  Last night she slept soundly and was hardly restless at all.  Oh it was nice!!!

She was in a good mood this morning and as I carried her to the car this morning to go to daycare, she gave me three great big hugs and kisses.  I can't think of a better way to start my day. 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you great moms out there. 

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Tuesday/Wednesday - Ear Still Causing Problems

Gracie had a really good day yesterday.  She was in a fantastic mood when I picked her up at daycare.  She was happy and silly and dancing up a storm.  She played outside quite a bit yesterday and she saw the big kids jumping on the trampoline.  This is a big trampoline, not intended for Gracie.  She felt left out, she wanted to give it a try.  Our daycare provider held her hands and let her jump on it...Gracie was in heaven.  She was a bit timid at first -- which is no surprise from a girl with not the greatest balance in the world.  But she did great and loved it. 

Gracie was a happy girl last night and other than grabbing her ear alot, had a beautiful evening.  She's been on antibiotics for over a week and still she grabs her ear.  If I ask her if it hurts, she immediately tells me "no".  But I think it bothers her.  She was still holding the area this morning and at times through the night, even though I gave her some ibuprofen.  I've made an appointment in pediatrics for late this afternoon to have it re-checked. 

This morning she awoke in a happy mood.  After a little running around, went to the refrigerator told me she wanted "jelly".  Then I asked her if she wanted it on bread or toast.  She selected "toast", but was very upset that I would actually have to delay her request long enough for the bread to be toasted.  Once it was ready she gobbled it up.  I love when she tells me what it is she wants to eat.  It makes life so much easier. 

She was in a very good mood this morning too!  :)  Wish us luck at her appointment this afternoon.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

Monday/Tuesday - A Visit from Grandma & Grandpa

Gracie had school -- but no projects came home and she really didn't have much to say about it yesterday.  She did have a good nap and good time at daycare in the afternoon.  The almost one year old at daycare learned how to walk, so Gracie found great delight in having him walk from his mommy to me and back.  Gracie adores this little guy. 

Grandma & Grandpa D. arrived in town for the summer and came over to have pizza with us for supper.  Gracie was super shy and didn't want anything to do with them.  She sat on my lap like a bump on a log.  It didn't take all that long for her to decide she remembered them and then was talking a bit and being silly. 

G&G must have wore her out as it didn't take long at all for her to fall asleep.  She had a fairly good night, although she woke up a number of times to try and get comfortable.  Comfortable usually meant sleeping with her head on my stomach.  Her nose is still pretty full, so I think having her head elevated just helps her to breathe easier. 

Gracie was in a great mood this morning and was full of smiles.  I think some outdoor time was planned for today!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

The Weekend! Antibiotics = A Little Bit Grumpy

We had a nice pretty low key weekend, which was a good thing.  Gracie's antibiotics are giving her a bit of an upset stomach, so she has been much more needy, wanting to snuggle with mommy and not letting mommy out of her sight for long, including trips to the bathroom.  This is a 10 day course of meds and Thursday can't come soon enough for my liking.  Poor little thing.  I'm not convinced the ear infection is gone either...she's been pulling at her ear quite a bit over the last couple of days and last night she had a very restless night.  It could just be all the sinus pressure from her cold too.  Her nose is an endless faucet of goo! 

Gracie also had some very good times this weekend.  She is definitely starting to enjoy her toys more these days, which is fun to watch.  She goes digging in her toy box for just the right thing.  She also enjoyed time outdoors this weekend.  On Saturday late afternoon, Gracie and I played outdoors for about 3 hours and she did not want to go in.  Yesterday we bundled her up and she and Jeff went outdoors for about an hour and she was having a great time.  I had her favorite supper all ready for when she walked in the door.  I was waiting for a meltdown about having to come inside, but she must have been hungry as she spied the plate of food and did not fuss.  Instead, in a happy voice she said "what's that?".  She was a very good eater too. 

We have been struggling and struggling to get enough calcium in Gracie.  She refuses to drink milk, including chocolate milk.  Well I changed to HyVee brand soy milk, which seems to have less of a strong smell and last night she saw Jeff drinking chocolate milk in a big glass glass.  Gracie loves drinking out of anything that isn't a sippy cup.  She informed us that she wanted some.  Since Jeff's was cow's milk, I told her she could have her own.  I mixed up some chocolate soy milk in a similar breakable big glass and she was in heaven.  She chugged it all down and asked for more.  I'm hoping our calcium woes are a thing of the past!  We do have to be right by her, as she doesn't quite understand holding the glass upright at all times.

Gracie was kind of a grumpy grundy this morning, but once we got in the car, she totally mellowed out.  I'm hoping she has a good day at school and afternoon at daycare. 

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie