Gracie awoke this morning as a happy girl and hung out with mom and dad this morning for a bit as daddy was on late shift. I think it threw her routine off a bit though as she was a little less cooperative with putting on her coat, wanting more attention, etc.
Daddy took Gracie to daycare and two of the other kids immediately noticed the gash by her eye and wanted to touch it. It still looks sore and she will still point to it and say "ow". Gracie's routine was a little off at daycare today too, so she only took a 10 minute nap. She was one tired girl when I picked her up.
I gave her a little more TLC tonight and she was a pretty happy girl. She was asleep by 7:30 p.m. and I don't think she has moved since daddy put her into bed. It's been a little too quiet at our house tonight with such an early bedtime.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday - Sensory Integration Appointment
Gracie had a great night and only woke up once in the night coughing. She went right back to sleep. I think it must have been the new pink fleece jammies she wore to bed last night. She was in a great mood this morning and was a total tease. When it was time to leave for work and daycare, I said "who wants to go bye bye with mommy?" She was already in her coat but she just smiled and decided to hang out across the room as far from mommy as she could. I asked the question again. I could see a smile on her lips, but she wasn't budging. So I tried the "Bye Gracie" tactic, like I was leaving. She hung back, then I asked her if she was teasing mommy. She laughed, came running, and jumped into my arms.
Gracie was in a happy mood at daycare when I dropped her off and was busy running from here to there. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare at 2:30 p.m. and I met up with them at the hospital. Gracie had a follow-up appointment with the occupational therapist who specializes in sensory integration disorders. We shared with her how much better things are going and we had a very good appointment, learning so much. Toward the end of the appointment, Gracie, who was playing so nicely, fell on a walker and got a nasty little cut right by her eye. Gracie usually has a pretty high pain tolerance, but this one hurt and oh did she cry. Looking at it tonight, I question if we should have gotten a stitch put in it, but too late now.
Gracie was very interested in looking at her owie all night and would tell us "ow". She even signed "hurt" and pointed to it without any prompting.
Gracie splashed like crazy in the tub tonight, but was a very tired girl and indicate she wanted to go to bed at 7:45 p.m. She's been coughing a bit.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie was in a happy mood at daycare when I dropped her off and was busy running from here to there. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare at 2:30 p.m. and I met up with them at the hospital. Gracie had a follow-up appointment with the occupational therapist who specializes in sensory integration disorders. We shared with her how much better things are going and we had a very good appointment, learning so much. Toward the end of the appointment, Gracie, who was playing so nicely, fell on a walker and got a nasty little cut right by her eye. Gracie usually has a pretty high pain tolerance, but this one hurt and oh did she cry. Looking at it tonight, I question if we should have gotten a stitch put in it, but too late now.
Gracie was very interested in looking at her owie all night and would tell us "ow". She even signed "hurt" and pointed to it without any prompting.
Gracie splashed like crazy in the tub tonight, but was a very tired girl and indicate she wanted to go to bed at 7:45 p.m. She's been coughing a bit.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday - PT
Gracie didn't want to wake up this morning. I had a heck of a time trying to get her to wake up. Once she finally did, she was in a good mood. She was just plain silly when we got to daycare.
Jeff picked Gracie up at 3:30 p.m. and headed to the clinic for physical therapy. By the time I met up with them, Gracie was giving hugs to the clinical assistants and was "helping" them with their jobs. She was excited to see Leslie her PT and was very cooperative. She worked hard and is showing a lot of improvement and increasing strength. A couple of the other PT's even commented on how good she is doing. Gracie didn't get to do the treadmill today and decided she wanted to at the end of our session, but it was too late. Well that set off a firestorm of a tantrum that lasted on and off until we got home. So to any of you who may have saw us in the parking ramp, we apologize for the screams. Gracie's, not mine.
Gracie had a good evening, but was very tired. However, when it was time to go to bed, she suddenly became awake and playful. She is sleeping now and I think I will go join her shortly.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Jeff picked Gracie up at 3:30 p.m. and headed to the clinic for physical therapy. By the time I met up with them, Gracie was giving hugs to the clinical assistants and was "helping" them with their jobs. She was excited to see Leslie her PT and was very cooperative. She worked hard and is showing a lot of improvement and increasing strength. A couple of the other PT's even commented on how good she is doing. Gracie didn't get to do the treadmill today and decided she wanted to at the end of our session, but it was too late. Well that set off a firestorm of a tantrum that lasted on and off until we got home. So to any of you who may have saw us in the parking ramp, we apologize for the screams. Gracie's, not mine.
Gracie had a good evening, but was very tired. However, when it was time to go to bed, she suddenly became awake and playful. She is sleeping now and I think I will go join her shortly.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday
Gracie's great-grandmother passed away today. I know she was welcomed into heaven with open arms. She was a beautiful women who always thought of others first, she was humble, loving, and a person you just admire. It is a blessing that her struggle with bone cancer has ended, but I really wish that Gracie would have been able to get to know her better. I will do my best to make sure she knows about her. We had the pleasure of visiting her recently. That visit is cherished.
Gracie had a pretty good night, although her and I both have these weird dry coughs that wake us and are irritating. At one point during the night Gracie had a big belly laugh. It woke me up and I was surprised to find her fast asleep. This happened a second time. I'm thinking that must have been some dream.
Gracie's OT and early education teacher from the Birth to Three program came to play with Gracie this morning. Gracie was not interested in putting pegs in the peg board. She didn't even feign interest. She was very verbal and also signed alot while Emily and Michael were here. She was in a great mood.
Gracie made the cutest American Indian hat with feathers at daycare today. She'll be modeling it on Thanksgiving. :)
Gracie was very tired tonight. She fell asleep in about two seconds.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie had a pretty good night, although her and I both have these weird dry coughs that wake us and are irritating. At one point during the night Gracie had a big belly laugh. It woke me up and I was surprised to find her fast asleep. This happened a second time. I'm thinking that must have been some dream.
Gracie's OT and early education teacher from the Birth to Three program came to play with Gracie this morning. Gracie was not interested in putting pegs in the peg board. She didn't even feign interest. She was very verbal and also signed alot while Emily and Michael were here. She was in a great mood.
Gracie made the cutest American Indian hat with feathers at daycare today. She'll be modeling it on Thanksgiving. :)
Gracie was very tired tonight. She fell asleep in about two seconds.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday
Gracie slept in til 7:30 a.m. this morning and both her and I are on the mend. We now have that dry cough that gets you when you least expect it, but other than that we can deal with it.
Gracie had a good day. We put on a new shirt today that has a monkey on ice skates on it. It's this big character monkey with a huge smile. Gracie loves it. I told her the monkey says "ooh, ooh", so she stood in the full length mirror for a couple of minutes admiring the monkey and saying "ooh, ooh".
Gracie's new word of the day was "frog". She was watching her Signing Times DVD and there was a frog and she said the word rather than signed it.
Gracie went to try on her flowergirl dress today. She will be a flowergirl in her cousins (my Goddaughter's) wedding this coming summer. She loved the dress and you could tell she felt very special in it. It didn't hurt that the store had mirrors everywhere and Gracie LOVES to look at herself in the mirror.
We also went to Target, my home away from home, and stocked up on some groceries and necesseties. Gracie enjoyed that outing as well.
Gracie only had an hour nap today and was very tired tonight. That was until it was time to go to bed, then she had a hard time falling asleep. She is very restless, but is sleeping now. I'm hoping for a good night for her.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie had a good day. We put on a new shirt today that has a monkey on ice skates on it. It's this big character monkey with a huge smile. Gracie loves it. I told her the monkey says "ooh, ooh", so she stood in the full length mirror for a couple of minutes admiring the monkey and saying "ooh, ooh".
Gracie's new word of the day was "frog". She was watching her Signing Times DVD and there was a frog and she said the word rather than signed it.
Gracie went to try on her flowergirl dress today. She will be a flowergirl in her cousins (my Goddaughter's) wedding this coming summer. She loved the dress and you could tell she felt very special in it. It didn't hurt that the store had mirrors everywhere and Gracie LOVES to look at herself in the mirror.
We also went to Target, my home away from home, and stocked up on some groceries and necesseties. Gracie enjoyed that outing as well.
Gracie only had an hour nap today and was very tired tonight. That was until it was time to go to bed, then she had a hard time falling asleep. She is very restless, but is sleeping now. I'm hoping for a good night for her.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday & Saturday
Sorry I didn't post a note last night - I've been feeling under the weather and went to bed with Gracie at about 8:00 p.m. Gracie and I both have ear aches and dry coughs. I also have a sore throat and it feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest. Gracie was a little wheezy this morning, but it got better through the day. Gracie had a rough night and had one of her mondo bloody noses at 3:00 a.m. I caught it early, so it didn't get all over like it has in the past. I did get it on my shirt and Gracie had it on her sleeves too. Rather than waking her too much, I left her in those jammies til morning. So when she awoke that was the first thing she noticed. She has been working on the word "dirty", but she now has that one down pat. She would point at her sleeve and mine and say "dirty". We finally awoke for the day after 8:00 a.m., but it wasn't a restful sleep for either of us.
Gracie was in a great mood all morning. Unfortunately due to whatever ails us, we didn't get to attend Catholic Charities Adoption Day Celebration. We've missed due to sickness three years in a row. Jeff did perform magic at it though.
Gracie amazes me with her ability to follow simple instructions, she understands so much more than what she can say. Although the verbal skills are coming along nicely. Today she told me "out" when she wanted to get out of the tub. She told me "off" when she wanted the cover off of her drum. She also has a nasty habit of changing the channel on the TV and then getting mad when he program isn't there. She usually starts to get very upset and whine. I had taught her that instead to come and get mommy's hand and take me to what she needs. She got that down, so I've been working on the sign for help...well she did one better, she says "help" and signs it.
Gracie took a restless afternoon nap and was a little more moody this afternoon. I think her ears were bothering her quite a bit, as were mine, so I gave us both some Tylenol and that helped quite a bit.
It was a fairly low key day of reading, singing, dancing, and taking walks around the house. Gracie loves it when both Jeff and I are here. She takes a hand from each of us and leads us around the house. Today we told her that this was a family walk. Well she now can say "walk".
She is asleep now and I'm hoping for a restful night for both of us.
Stay healthy.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie was in a great mood all morning. Unfortunately due to whatever ails us, we didn't get to attend Catholic Charities Adoption Day Celebration. We've missed due to sickness three years in a row. Jeff did perform magic at it though.
Gracie amazes me with her ability to follow simple instructions, she understands so much more than what she can say. Although the verbal skills are coming along nicely. Today she told me "out" when she wanted to get out of the tub. She told me "off" when she wanted the cover off of her drum. She also has a nasty habit of changing the channel on the TV and then getting mad when he program isn't there. She usually starts to get very upset and whine. I had taught her that instead to come and get mommy's hand and take me to what she needs. She got that down, so I've been working on the sign for help...well she did one better, she says "help" and signs it.
Gracie took a restless afternoon nap and was a little more moody this afternoon. I think her ears were bothering her quite a bit, as were mine, so I gave us both some Tylenol and that helped quite a bit.
It was a fairly low key day of reading, singing, dancing, and taking walks around the house. Gracie loves it when both Jeff and I are here. She takes a hand from each of us and leads us around the house. Today we told her that this was a family walk. Well she now can say "walk".
She is asleep now and I'm hoping for a restful night for both of us.
Stay healthy.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday
Gracie had a good night last night and so did I. She awoke in a good mood and we had some time for snuggling.
Jeff is working a conference with long hours today and tomorrow, so I am on daycare drop off and pick up duty. So Gracie was the last child at daycare today and she was mad because she doesn't like to be the last one there. I think she is going to be mad at me tomorrow too. Thankfully she was in a good mood this evening.
She did not want much for supper tonight, but did gobble her loved yogurt right down. The first thing she did when she got home is decide the toaster did not belong on the counter top. She has such long arms she can reach everything. We hadn't pushed the toaster back on the counter this morning, so tonight she pulled it down by the cord. It was an explosion of toast crumbs in my kitchen.
Gracie enjoyed her bath as usual and was very ready for bed. She is sleeping very peacefully.
One year ago today Gracie was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms. She has been I.S. free for 10-1/2 months. We know there is still a chance for recurrence, but the longer we remain I.S. free, the more the likelihood that they don't return. I still watch her like a hawk and probably always will. We have come so far in this last year. We thank you all for your prayers and support over the last year. Your kindness has meant more to us than words can express.
All our love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Jeff is working a conference with long hours today and tomorrow, so I am on daycare drop off and pick up duty. So Gracie was the last child at daycare today and she was mad because she doesn't like to be the last one there. I think she is going to be mad at me tomorrow too. Thankfully she was in a good mood this evening.
She did not want much for supper tonight, but did gobble her loved yogurt right down. The first thing she did when she got home is decide the toaster did not belong on the counter top. She has such long arms she can reach everything. We hadn't pushed the toaster back on the counter this morning, so tonight she pulled it down by the cord. It was an explosion of toast crumbs in my kitchen.
Gracie enjoyed her bath as usual and was very ready for bed. She is sleeping very peacefully.
One year ago today Gracie was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms. She has been I.S. free for 10-1/2 months. We know there is still a chance for recurrence, but the longer we remain I.S. free, the more the likelihood that they don't return. I still watch her like a hawk and probably always will. We have come so far in this last year. We thank you all for your prayers and support over the last year. Your kindness has meant more to us than words can express.
All our love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday
Gracie had a good night and awoke at 5:30 a.m. this morning. Her eyes look so much better! The prescription meds really are doing their job.
When I dropped Gracie off at daycare she wasn't sure she wanted to go in as she had to walk by a running tractor/snowblower and it was too loud for her ears. I think Gracie was happy to be back at daycare. She did two projects today. One was an alligator puppet. It is the cutest thing and she was all smiles when she showed it to me. Daddy picked Gracie up tonight at daycare and she was outside enjoying the day.
I got home a little later than usual and she was all smiles and happy to see me. It was a good night at our house. Gracie was in a really happy giggly mood. Her accomplishment of the day was saying the "g" sound. She has been saying go, but the "g' has not been pronounced very well. Tonight she got it and was really pronouncing it. Yay!
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
When I dropped Gracie off at daycare she wasn't sure she wanted to go in as she had to walk by a running tractor/snowblower and it was too loud for her ears. I think Gracie was happy to be back at daycare. She did two projects today. One was an alligator puppet. It is the cutest thing and she was all smiles when she showed it to me. Daddy picked Gracie up tonight at daycare and she was outside enjoying the day.
I got home a little later than usual and she was all smiles and happy to see me. It was a good night at our house. Gracie was in a really happy giggly mood. Her accomplishment of the day was saying the "g" sound. She has been saying go, but the "g' has not been pronounced very well. Tonight she got it and was really pronouncing it. Yay!
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday Hookie Day
Today was a day to play hookie from daycare again - and this time dad stayed home with Gracie. She slept in a little later today & did not have any of that crusty gunk holding her eyes shut this morning. Apparently the eye drops are worth all of the effort of holding Grace down and getting hollered at.
We had a pretty good day today. Grace and I (Jeff the dad) listened to alot of music today and danced all around the house. We read books and watched a little TV too. One nice thing about staying home, is that we get to watch "Sid the Science Kid" on PBS. It is a Brian Henson (son of the late Jim Henson) production and is one of the "smarter" kid shows on TV (yet still geared for little kids, so if you are 30 - 40, you will still find some, "oh yeah, right" sections - that's the way it goes). Grace and I both enjoy it greatly - so that gives us something to look forward to in the morning.
We also read alot of books and magazines. Grace loves to take the "Toys R Us" (or similar) sales flyer and read it like a news paper. She will sift through the pages over and over, and she thoroughly enjoys it. So - we read the "Toys" flyer, as well as Target's and others, many times today.
One big thing today was that while Grace was dancing - it was more of a march than dance actually - she just paused, holding one foot off of the ground. That was the FIRST time that ever happened. I was so excited I think I startled her when I say, "Way to go, dearie!" Her one foot balancing act didn't last long - perhaps a second, but it was solid with no wobble or tipping. I can't wait to tell her Physical Therapist next week when we see her.
Lastly - we finished off the day with a bath. That was great fun, and - as usual - in the end there was more water on mom, dad, and the floor than there was left in the tub. She loves to splash and has gotten quite good at heaving water in all directions.
At the end of the day, Grace was one tired little girl. She is now resting comfortably, and the rest of us will soon be following suit.
Have a great night and a great Wednesday.
Love,
Jeff, Lisa, and Gracie
We had a pretty good day today. Grace and I (Jeff the dad) listened to alot of music today and danced all around the house. We read books and watched a little TV too. One nice thing about staying home, is that we get to watch "Sid the Science Kid" on PBS. It is a Brian Henson (son of the late Jim Henson) production and is one of the "smarter" kid shows on TV (yet still geared for little kids, so if you are 30 - 40, you will still find some, "oh yeah, right" sections - that's the way it goes). Grace and I both enjoy it greatly - so that gives us something to look forward to in the morning.
We also read alot of books and magazines. Grace loves to take the "Toys R Us" (or similar) sales flyer and read it like a news paper. She will sift through the pages over and over, and she thoroughly enjoys it. So - we read the "Toys" flyer, as well as Target's and others, many times today.
One big thing today was that while Grace was dancing - it was more of a march than dance actually - she just paused, holding one foot off of the ground. That was the FIRST time that ever happened. I was so excited I think I startled her when I say, "Way to go, dearie!" Her one foot balancing act didn't last long - perhaps a second, but it was solid with no wobble or tipping. I can't wait to tell her Physical Therapist next week when we see her.
Lastly - we finished off the day with a bath. That was great fun, and - as usual - in the end there was more water on mom, dad, and the floor than there was left in the tub. She loves to splash and has gotten quite good at heaving water in all directions.
At the end of the day, Grace was one tired little girl. She is now resting comfortably, and the rest of us will soon be following suit.
Have a great night and a great Wednesday.
Love,
Jeff, Lisa, and Gracie
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday - Pink Eye
Gracie had a terribly restless night and awoke for the third day in a row with her eyes glued shut with eye gunk. I initially thought she had a cold in her eye, but after the third day, there had to be more going on. So I called her pediatrician's office to make an appointment. I was not happy about having to take her in where there may be flu germs hanging around from other patients. I was pleasantly surprised when they told me that rather than coming in, they would have a nurse triage us. It was great! We went through the symptoms and sure enough they were convinced it was pink eye. They called prescription drops in at the pharmacy and she must be on them 24 hours before she can go back to daycare and not be contagious. So I stayed home with her today and Gracie and daddy will hang out tomorrow.
Do you know how hard it is to singly hold down a 37 lb child to put drops in her eyes? Well I have it perfected now, as we have to give drops every three hours.
Other than having pink eye with very itchy eyes and a cold, Gracie was in a great mood. She took a 2 hour and 15 minute nap at 11:00 a.m. this morning and we spent a good part of the afternoon outside taking walks and riding our tricycle. It was a beautiful day and as long as we couldn't go anywhere or be around other people, we took advantage of the fresh air.
Having slept so long this morning into the afternoon, I chose not to have Gracie take a late afternoon nap. I think I may have made a bad call on that one. She was way too tired this evening and everything seemed a little worse than it was. She didn't even enjoy her beloved bath. She had a hard time falling asleep tonight too as she was just plain overtired.
She's resting nicely now.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Do you know how hard it is to singly hold down a 37 lb child to put drops in her eyes? Well I have it perfected now, as we have to give drops every three hours.
Other than having pink eye with very itchy eyes and a cold, Gracie was in a great mood. She took a 2 hour and 15 minute nap at 11:00 a.m. this morning and we spent a good part of the afternoon outside taking walks and riding our tricycle. It was a beautiful day and as long as we couldn't go anywhere or be around other people, we took advantage of the fresh air.
Having slept so long this morning into the afternoon, I chose not to have Gracie take a late afternoon nap. I think I may have made a bad call on that one. She was way too tired this evening and everything seemed a little worse than it was. She didn't even enjoy her beloved bath. She had a hard time falling asleep tonight too as she was just plain overtired.
She's resting nicely now.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday - Pedalling My Tricycle
Gracie awoke bright and early at 6:00 a.m. She woke me up and made the sign for airplane. She loves when I sign airplane and have the airplane come get her tummy. Guess she was in a playing mood.
She was in a great mood all morning and we sang and danced and even watched Mickey Mouse Playhouse (a huge favorite of hers). She was good during church and afterward took over a 2 hour nap. She awoke at noon and was in a good mood. She ate a good lunch and then we headed outside to enjoy the beautiful day. The minute she got out there she did a dance of joy and couldn't walk fast enough. Obviously a girl who needed some fresh air. We walked around our extended block, then got out her tricycle. She can make it go backwards, but hasn't been able to make it go frontwards, even though we've worked on it over and over again. Well today she put her foot on the pedals and started pedalling. YAY GRACIE!!!!! She doesn't quite have the strength to go far, but we have a handle on the back of the tricycle that I can help with that while she gets the leg coordination going. She was very proud and so were Jeff and I. Then we went for a longer walk with Gracie in her wheelchair. She sang and talked the whole way. She would point things out to us, like trees and pumpkins.
She did not want to come in the house. She took a short afternoon nap and had a hard time snapping out of the tired grumpy mood this evening. She had some very happy moments and some very sad moments all throughout the night. Music is definitely her mood lifter, so we did lots of singing and dancing. Gracie and Daddy even did some dancing to Michael Jackson music.
To those of you who know Jeff well, you know that when music is on, he is always drumming his hands on the table or the back of a chair or whatever is in front of him. Well like father like daughter. Gracie was eating a snack at the table today and we were listening to music. All of a sudden she was drumming on the table.
Our other excitement of the day was Gracie saying "thank you" verbally. She knows how to sign it, but today she actually said it. I said it and she repeated it.
She is now restlessly sleeping. I better go and cuddle with her.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
She was in a great mood all morning and we sang and danced and even watched Mickey Mouse Playhouse (a huge favorite of hers). She was good during church and afterward took over a 2 hour nap. She awoke at noon and was in a good mood. She ate a good lunch and then we headed outside to enjoy the beautiful day. The minute she got out there she did a dance of joy and couldn't walk fast enough. Obviously a girl who needed some fresh air. We walked around our extended block, then got out her tricycle. She can make it go backwards, but hasn't been able to make it go frontwards, even though we've worked on it over and over again. Well today she put her foot on the pedals and started pedalling. YAY GRACIE!!!!! She doesn't quite have the strength to go far, but we have a handle on the back of the tricycle that I can help with that while she gets the leg coordination going. She was very proud and so were Jeff and I. Then we went for a longer walk with Gracie in her wheelchair. She sang and talked the whole way. She would point things out to us, like trees and pumpkins.
She did not want to come in the house. She took a short afternoon nap and had a hard time snapping out of the tired grumpy mood this evening. She had some very happy moments and some very sad moments all throughout the night. Music is definitely her mood lifter, so we did lots of singing and dancing. Gracie and Daddy even did some dancing to Michael Jackson music.
To those of you who know Jeff well, you know that when music is on, he is always drumming his hands on the table or the back of a chair or whatever is in front of him. Well like father like daughter. Gracie was eating a snack at the table today and we were listening to music. All of a sudden she was drumming on the table.
Our other excitement of the day was Gracie saying "thank you" verbally. She knows how to sign it, but today she actually said it. I said it and she repeated it.
She is now restlessly sleeping. I better go and cuddle with her.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturday - Mommy and Me
Gracie had a restless night and awoke at 4:15 a.m. She had wet her diaper, her pajamas, her flannel sheets, and all the way through to the mattress pad. Once I got everything cleaned up, she was still wide awake and decided she would not be going back to sleep. She was in the best of moods and stayed that way all morning. Jeff had to work today, so it was just us girls.
I had hoped with the early wake up time, Gracie would take a morning nap...she did...but only for 15 minutes. I put her back down at 12:45 p.m. and she slept til 1:30 p.m. and was super grumpy and acted tired, so I finally got her back to sleep about 2:00 p.m. and she slept til 5:00 p.m. We never even got outside to enjoy the beautiful day.
Gracie seems to comprehend more and more every day. She turned off the tv when I asked her to at bath time. I asked her to go get a diaper...and she did...she got three, but then decided it would be more fun to run away. She also has a name for herself...Me or sometimes it is Mea. Tonight she was hugging Jeff and I alternately and when she was giving me my hug she said "Mea and Mommy". It was so sweet.
We also had a huge success today with targeted purposeful release.
I'm looking forward to more fun tomorrow.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
I had hoped with the early wake up time, Gracie would take a morning nap...she did...but only for 15 minutes. I put her back down at 12:45 p.m. and she slept til 1:30 p.m. and was super grumpy and acted tired, so I finally got her back to sleep about 2:00 p.m. and she slept til 5:00 p.m. We never even got outside to enjoy the beautiful day.
Gracie seems to comprehend more and more every day. She turned off the tv when I asked her to at bath time. I asked her to go get a diaper...and she did...she got three, but then decided it would be more fun to run away. She also has a name for herself...Me or sometimes it is Mea. Tonight she was hugging Jeff and I alternately and when she was giving me my hug she said "Mea and Mommy". It was so sweet.
We also had a huge success today with targeted purposeful release.
I'm looking forward to more fun tomorrow.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday - Grumpy Girl Turned Happy
Gracie was a little grumpy grundy this morning. Nothing was quite right. She would have been fine if mommy could have just held her all morning, but there was not time for that. When I dropped her off at daycare she was a little clingy, but sooned warmed up and was happy and moving and running and having a good time.
Gracie made a weather wheel at daycare for her project of the day. It is so cute and once again we had a proud girl when she showed it to us. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare and they spent a little time outside when they got home.
Gracie was in the best of moods tonight. She was happy, cooperative, and just a joy to be around. She told me it was bed time tonight. I was singing one of her go to sleep songs. She climbed up on me and insisted I bounce and walk with her, which puts her right to sleep.
I'm going to join her shortly.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie made a weather wheel at daycare for her project of the day. It is so cute and once again we had a proud girl when she showed it to us. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare and they spent a little time outside when they got home.
Gracie was in the best of moods tonight. She was happy, cooperative, and just a joy to be around. She told me it was bed time tonight. I was singing one of her go to sleep songs. She climbed up on me and insisted I bounce and walk with her, which puts her right to sleep.
I'm going to join her shortly.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday - Short and Sweet
The blog tonight will be short and sweet as we all have colds and are tired. Gracie had a great night last night and for the first time in like forever, I slept for 5 hours straight without waking up. It felt incredible. Miss Grace was a very peaceful sleeper.
She was a happy girl all day and into the evening. She was an absolute joy to be around. Lots of smiles, lots of music, lots of dancing. She is trying to imitate fingers snapping. It is so cute to watch her try.
We are all headed to bed to see if we can kick these colds.
Stay healthy -- there are lots of bugs going around.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
She was a happy girl all day and into the evening. She was an absolute joy to be around. Lots of smiles, lots of music, lots of dancing. She is trying to imitate fingers snapping. It is so cute to watch her try.
We are all headed to bed to see if we can kick these colds.
Stay healthy -- there are lots of bugs going around.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday - Visiting
Gracie had a good night and awoke while I was in the shower. She had big smiles when I came out of the bathroom and was in a very good mood. Daddy headed to work and we started about our morning routine. Most mornings I snuggle with Gracie in bed for a few minutes before she gets up, but today that didn't happen. We got dressed and are in the living room when Gracie indicates she wants something, but I can't figure out what it is. As I do more and more frequently, I gave her my hand and asked her to show me. To my surprise she walked me into her bedroom. I bent down to give her a hug and she pushed me to lay on her bed. I layed down and she layed right next to me snuggling. That was what she wanted...a little snuggle time with mommy. After we got 5 minutes of snuggly time in, we were good to go.
Many mornings I fight with Gracie to get her to sit in her car seat while I strap her in. I think I may have found the fix to this. She wanted my car keys this morning so I gave them to her. She smiled and cooperated the whole while. I made sure to keep one car door open while I went to shut off the garage light. I hopped in the driver's seat and told her I needed the keys to drive. She handed them over willingly and away we went. Do you think it could possibly be that easy every day???
Gracie colored a pretty picture at daycare today and again glowed when I talked to her about it tonight. Jeff picked her up and the two of them went to visit Jeff's good friend, his parents, and his daughter...oh and his two cats. I'm told Gracie was a good girl during the visit and especially enjoyed the cats.
Grace was a very good girl all night long. The only struggle we had was when she didn't want to get out of the bathtub. The water was all drained and she would NOT get out. Any time we even attempted to lift her out, she would put up a huge fit. So we just left her in there for awhile.
Gracie was a very tired girl. She fell asleep before her head hit the pillow tonight.
Gracie has very red chapped cheeks and chin from the colder weather and the fact that she still drools. If anybody has any thoughts on what to do for it, I would love to hear them. I've tried Aveeno lotion and Cetaphil lotion. They help, but I'm thinking I may need something thicker...maybe I need to try Vanicream.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Many mornings I fight with Gracie to get her to sit in her car seat while I strap her in. I think I may have found the fix to this. She wanted my car keys this morning so I gave them to her. She smiled and cooperated the whole while. I made sure to keep one car door open while I went to shut off the garage light. I hopped in the driver's seat and told her I needed the keys to drive. She handed them over willingly and away we went. Do you think it could possibly be that easy every day???
Gracie colored a pretty picture at daycare today and again glowed when I talked to her about it tonight. Jeff picked her up and the two of them went to visit Jeff's good friend, his parents, and his daughter...oh and his two cats. I'm told Gracie was a good girl during the visit and especially enjoyed the cats.
Grace was a very good girl all night long. The only struggle we had was when she didn't want to get out of the bathtub. The water was all drained and she would NOT get out. Any time we even attempted to lift her out, she would put up a huge fit. So we just left her in there for awhile.
Gracie was a very tired girl. She fell asleep before her head hit the pillow tonight.
Gracie has very red chapped cheeks and chin from the colder weather and the fact that she still drools. If anybody has any thoughts on what to do for it, I would love to hear them. I've tried Aveeno lotion and Cetaphil lotion. They help, but I'm thinking I may need something thicker...maybe I need to try Vanicream.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday - If Mommy Would Only Listen
Gracie awoke in a great mood today. She was smiles all morning. We sang on the way to daycare and it was a good morning.
Gracie's project at daycare today was the cutest cow. Once again when I told her how pretty it was and how proud of her I was, she just beamed. Jeff picked her up at daycare and zoomed back to the clinic for a PT appointment. Gracie is on the same floor every week and insists upon making the rounds to all of the clinical assistants to say "hi". They are so good to her there. They take her hand and take her for a walk. When Leslie, her PT came to call her in, her intern Jay was right beside her. We met Jay last week and Gracie really liked him. Gracie was across the lobby and she ran to say hello to Leslie. She quickly greeted Leslie and then went to say hello to Jay too.
Gracie has a great love of the sink in the big exercise room. It is a sink her size and she can stand up to it. For months we struggled to get her to realize she could go to the sink AFTER we were all done with her PT or OT session. She would have tantrums because that is all she would want to do. So we finally have her trained that she gets to use the sink, but not until we are all done. So today we are 15 minutes into PT and she goes toward the sink. We tell her no and redirect her. She signs "music", but I really don't pay attention. For most of the rest of her session she was extremely distracted and kept heading for the sink. Finally Jeff, I, and Leslie decide to call it quits, because the sink is the only thing that had her attention. So I finally tell her it is okay and she walks over to the sink area, but doesn't want it. She stops just short of it where there is a musical Winnie the Pooh toy that she wanted to play with. She didn't want the sink...she wanted the toy. So we took the toy back to the matt and Leslie and Jay worked with her for a good 20 minutes while she occupied herself with the Winnie the Pooh toy. Had I only listened to her when she signed music. We all were in disbelief.
Gracie had a pretty good evening, but was tired from her big afternoon work out. So we listened to music, read books, marched a little, and just snuggled. She was asleep by 8:00 p.m.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie's project at daycare today was the cutest cow. Once again when I told her how pretty it was and how proud of her I was, she just beamed. Jeff picked her up at daycare and zoomed back to the clinic for a PT appointment. Gracie is on the same floor every week and insists upon making the rounds to all of the clinical assistants to say "hi". They are so good to her there. They take her hand and take her for a walk. When Leslie, her PT came to call her in, her intern Jay was right beside her. We met Jay last week and Gracie really liked him. Gracie was across the lobby and she ran to say hello to Leslie. She quickly greeted Leslie and then went to say hello to Jay too.
Gracie has a great love of the sink in the big exercise room. It is a sink her size and she can stand up to it. For months we struggled to get her to realize she could go to the sink AFTER we were all done with her PT or OT session. She would have tantrums because that is all she would want to do. So we finally have her trained that she gets to use the sink, but not until we are all done. So today we are 15 minutes into PT and she goes toward the sink. We tell her no and redirect her. She signs "music", but I really don't pay attention. For most of the rest of her session she was extremely distracted and kept heading for the sink. Finally Jeff, I, and Leslie decide to call it quits, because the sink is the only thing that had her attention. So I finally tell her it is okay and she walks over to the sink area, but doesn't want it. She stops just short of it where there is a musical Winnie the Pooh toy that she wanted to play with. She didn't want the sink...she wanted the toy. So we took the toy back to the matt and Leslie and Jay worked with her for a good 20 minutes while she occupied herself with the Winnie the Pooh toy. Had I only listened to her when she signed music. We all were in disbelief.
Gracie had a pretty good evening, but was tired from her big afternoon work out. So we listened to music, read books, marched a little, and just snuggled. She was asleep by 8:00 p.m.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday - A Pretty Project
The time changes are so hard on little kids. Come to think of it, they aren't all that easy on parents either. Gracie had a very restless night and she was up bright and early at 5:00 a.m. Yawn! Of course, to her it was her normal 6:00 a.m wake up time. Gracie was a happy girl this morning.
Gracie had a good day at daycare and made a new project. It is the cutest picture of dolphins with a spinning wheel that makes the dolphins jump in and out of the water. Daycare has started a new activity program with the 2 years. I just love it. I think it introduces Gracie to activities she isn't always comfortable with, but is more willing to do in a group of peers. She is so proud of her artwork and projects when she shows them to Jeff and I. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare today, so when I came home and they showed me her project, I was very excited and told her how pretty I thought it was. She just beamed -- she was so proud.
It was a nice day and Gracie and daddy played outside for awhile. When I got home they were downstairs in the family room dancing. I did get a big hug though.
Gracie was a wild girl in the tub tonight. Oh my goodness can that girl splash. Tonight Gracie wanted to see some videos on the computer and the computer was taking a long time to turn on and load and she had a major meltdown. I tried a couple of new techniques in trying to calm the situation and let me just say I failed miserably on all attempts. I know that it is worse to remove her from the room....I know that it is worse to raise my voice to try to get her attention when she is in a major tantrum...I did learn that I have major amounts of patience to keep learning and trying to find out the best solutions that will work for her. We'll get it figured out...it's just a learning process all the way around.
Gracie was a very tired girl tonight...again this time change has messed with her body clock. Mine too!
Sweet dreams to all.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Gracie had a good day at daycare and made a new project. It is the cutest picture of dolphins with a spinning wheel that makes the dolphins jump in and out of the water. Daycare has started a new activity program with the 2 years. I just love it. I think it introduces Gracie to activities she isn't always comfortable with, but is more willing to do in a group of peers. She is so proud of her artwork and projects when she shows them to Jeff and I. Jeff picked Gracie up at daycare today, so when I came home and they showed me her project, I was very excited and told her how pretty I thought it was. She just beamed -- she was so proud.
It was a nice day and Gracie and daddy played outside for awhile. When I got home they were downstairs in the family room dancing. I did get a big hug though.
Gracie was a wild girl in the tub tonight. Oh my goodness can that girl splash. Tonight Gracie wanted to see some videos on the computer and the computer was taking a long time to turn on and load and she had a major meltdown. I tried a couple of new techniques in trying to calm the situation and let me just say I failed miserably on all attempts. I know that it is worse to remove her from the room....I know that it is worse to raise my voice to try to get her attention when she is in a major tantrum...I did learn that I have major amounts of patience to keep learning and trying to find out the best solutions that will work for her. We'll get it figured out...it's just a learning process all the way around.
Gracie was a very tired girl tonight...again this time change has messed with her body clock. Mine too!
Sweet dreams to all.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday - Mommy & Daddy's Undivided Attention
Gracie had a great night. That fresh evening air must have been just what the little munchkin needed. She awoke at 8:00 a.m. this morning...well with the clocks being turned back it was actually 7:00 a.m. I think she knew mommy and daddy needed it. We all have been fighting sore throats, the kind that you sort of feel and then they go away and if you don't get enough sleep you start to feel them creep back.
After showers, church, lunch, and an hour nap, we headed to the mall to pick up a winter coat for Gracie...one for later in the winter should we need it. Gracie grows so fast that we figured we had better buy one a couple sizes bigger than what she has just in case. We didn't stay long, but it was a nice outing for Gracie.
When we got home it was so nice out that we all took a walk around the block. Gracie got a ride on daddy's shoulders for part of it, but did quite well on her own. She loved when we would run. The child was out of breath from running, yet when we would stop she would sign that she wanted to run "more". Gracie and I went to play on our back deck for awhile while daddy ran to the grocery store. Then we came in and danced and watched her "Signing Times" DVD while I got some laundry folded.
Gracie's new signs for the weekend: cereal and banana. Gracie got a lot of mommy and daddy time today. She loves undivided attention. Gracie and I played chase this evening. That got some good giggles and laughs.
Gracie is now enjoying her brand new flannel sheets that I put on her bed today. She loves the feel of them on her hands. She snuggled right in.
I'm attaching a picture of Gracie enjoying her Halloween chocolate.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday - Trick or Treat
I awoke at 7:10 a.m. this morning to little fingers poking my face. It felt great to sleep in. We scurried around this morning to eat breakfast, get showers in, and head to the clinic for Gracie's H1N1 vaccination. She came down with a cold on Thursday and still has quite a bit of drainage from her nose, so I was worried they might not give it to her. When they heard she had a cold they screened her for the injection. When they mentioned that they didn't have any shots without thimerosol, I had them screen her for the FluMist and we went with that. I hope we got some in her. She didn't cooperate and with her runny nose, it makes me a little nervous. Thimerisol is the preservative that some have mentioned may be linked to autism and other disorders. The studies were all flawed, so I really don't think I would have issue with it for a normal healthy child. Gracie's I.S. is thought to be possibly triggered by her MMR or Pertusis vaccinations. I just think a child predisposed to health issues needs to have special attention taken to these things. We go back after 28 days and will get a second H1N1 vaccination for her.
Gracie got to see her Birth-to-Three teacher at the clinic. I think she was confused that Emily was there, because that is not where we see Emily, she comes to our house. Gracie got some ghost stickers after her vaccination. That was a hit. Gracie LOVES stickers. They are used to reward good behavior at our house.
Gracie was a little more needy today. She wanted to be held alot and was quite whiny if she didn't have one or both of our undivided attention. She had some great moments too, but definitely needed a little more TLC. I rocked with her for awhile and she enjoyed that. She took a 75 minute nap this afternoon, but it should have been longer. We tried to lay back down later in the afternoon and she did rest, but never fell asleep.
I think I don't always give Gracie credit for getting as much as she does. I was not going to take her out trick-or-treating tonight because I just didn't think she would "get it" and I didn't want to expose her to any flu germs. Gracie made it known after the first trick or treaters showed up that she wanted to be outside where all the fun was. So we put her coat and mittens on and pulled her adorable lion costume on over everything and she traipsed outside enjoying the cool night air. She trick-or-treated at two houses -- thank you Diane and Nancy for treating our little lion to goodies and Bridget delivered goodies -- thanks Bridget. At Nancy's house she got to see Annabelle the dog...Gracie loves Annabelle. She also enjoyed Marti and Alvin's pumpkins and stood on their front steps enjoying the pumpkin lights.
When Gracie's cheeks got too cold we talked her into coming inside with promises of watching her video of Gymbo going to the Zoo. After that she got to eat some chocolate and then it was bed time. She was little smiley lovey girl when it was time to lay down. Oh that smile melts my heart.
She is now sleeping soundly after a very busy day.
Happy Halloween and for those of you on Daylight Saving Time -- don't forget to set your clocks back an hour.
Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)