Wednesday, July 14, 2010
neurosurgery appointment
Brooklynn had her appointment with Dr. Hornig today to follow up on her increased head size. We had another head ultrasound done to check on her brain. Her head grew another half inch...she is now 18 and a half inches on her head (yikes!!). The doctor said the ultrasound looks normal but we will check it again in three months. He also said she might have some developmental delays such as holding her head up and walking due to the size of her head but she should still be ok. I guess we will see what happens in the next few months. Her head has to stop growing at some point right?? At least she is long and has some weight on her to even out...she weighed 15 pounds 10 ounces today...my little chunky monkey:)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Words of Wisdom
I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about what things I would want my girls to know as they grow up. I thought maybe if I write some of them down and show them later they will realize that I am just not nagging them but I knew from the start what I wanted them to know.
To Izzy and Brooklynn:
Your first day of school will be one of the hardest on me...at least one of the first hardest moments of your life. It means you are becoming more independent and I am becoming less of a fixture in your every day life. More people are teaching you things, whether it is your friends or your teachers, and I am going to have to really struggle at making sure you know what is right and what is wrong. That is my job, to instill in you what I want you to take out of life. I hope I do a good job.
When you are fifteen and you come home and say "I am so in love" with a boy in your school, whether he is your age, older, or younger, I want you to know that it might end up being love, but you don't know that for sure. Don't give up time with your friends. If he is worth it, he will understand. Don't make your whole life about him. He might end up being your husband some day, but don't devote your whole life to this possibility.
Izzy - know that your sister is going to want to be a part of your life, and the things she is doing is not because she wants to bother you, but because she wants to be like you...or to separate herself from you to show you that she is her own person. Brooklynn - it is not that your sister doesn't love you, she is just trying to be her own person and develop into a young lady, and it is hard to do with someone watching her all the time. It will be hard to watch her grow up and to see how distant she is becoming, but I promise in a few years you guys will be best friends again!!
I am not an evil woman by telling you that you can't go out past midnight at sixteen years old. Yes, a majority of what you can do after midnight you can do before midnight (both good and bad). The reason for these rules is I want you to have respect for your body and for your family - you need to have rules to live by. When you are on your own you can do what you want. But while you are in my house it will be for the sake of my sanity for you to get home a descent hour - I will be up waiting for you until I hear that door close. It is just a mother's way for us to worry about all the "ifs" that could happen, and I will worry until I know you are home safe.
On your day of high school graduation - I will be balling, and your dad will be holding back tears. It is not that we think we can hold on to you forever, but it is that we wish we could. You are becoming a woman now and everything in life is going to be so different. You will have to make choices, and I just pray that we gave you the tools you needed to make the right ones. And when you make the wrong ones (because you will), we will be right here ready to help wipe your tears and hold you up when you feel like you are falling. No matter what you decide to do with life from here on out, make sure it is something that will make you happy.
On your wedding day - know that it will be one of the hardest days of your dad's life. You are his little girl(s). He has been the number one man in your life, and now he has to give you to someone else. If we taught you well, he will be a great guy who will treat you well and we will be happy with the decision you made! We will be happy to be there and support you, and know our tears are both of joy and of sadness - this means we are never going to be the same to you. Yes, we know we mean a lot to you but you are starting your own family. You will be beautiful on this day!!
The day you have your child(or children): I hope that I get to be there and be a big part of your child's life. It will be the most amazing experience of your life, and possibly one of the hardest as well. It will be amazing to watch you grow into such an amazing woman and mother. I will want to give you guidance in how to raise children, and it is not because I think you need it, it is because it will help ME to be a part of their lives. If you take my advice, great...if not I will try to understand. I think you will be amazing at this job, and hopefully you learned from me the right way to raise a child.
I love you both, and my world is turned upside down every day due to the changes you make. I am more in love with you every day of my life, and I am excited to walk through life with you - be there for the good things, help guide you through the tough times, and hold you up when you feel like you just can't take any more. We will butt heads MANY times, and there will be things you do that I won't agree with, but no matter what I will always love you!!
To Izzy and Brooklynn:
Your first day of school will be one of the hardest on me...at least one of the first hardest moments of your life. It means you are becoming more independent and I am becoming less of a fixture in your every day life. More people are teaching you things, whether it is your friends or your teachers, and I am going to have to really struggle at making sure you know what is right and what is wrong. That is my job, to instill in you what I want you to take out of life. I hope I do a good job.
When you are fifteen and you come home and say "I am so in love" with a boy in your school, whether he is your age, older, or younger, I want you to know that it might end up being love, but you don't know that for sure. Don't give up time with your friends. If he is worth it, he will understand. Don't make your whole life about him. He might end up being your husband some day, but don't devote your whole life to this possibility.
Izzy - know that your sister is going to want to be a part of your life, and the things she is doing is not because she wants to bother you, but because she wants to be like you...or to separate herself from you to show you that she is her own person. Brooklynn - it is not that your sister doesn't love you, she is just trying to be her own person and develop into a young lady, and it is hard to do with someone watching her all the time. It will be hard to watch her grow up and to see how distant she is becoming, but I promise in a few years you guys will be best friends again!!
I am not an evil woman by telling you that you can't go out past midnight at sixteen years old. Yes, a majority of what you can do after midnight you can do before midnight (both good and bad). The reason for these rules is I want you to have respect for your body and for your family - you need to have rules to live by. When you are on your own you can do what you want. But while you are in my house it will be for the sake of my sanity for you to get home a descent hour - I will be up waiting for you until I hear that door close. It is just a mother's way for us to worry about all the "ifs" that could happen, and I will worry until I know you are home safe.
On your day of high school graduation - I will be balling, and your dad will be holding back tears. It is not that we think we can hold on to you forever, but it is that we wish we could. You are becoming a woman now and everything in life is going to be so different. You will have to make choices, and I just pray that we gave you the tools you needed to make the right ones. And when you make the wrong ones (because you will), we will be right here ready to help wipe your tears and hold you up when you feel like you are falling. No matter what you decide to do with life from here on out, make sure it is something that will make you happy.
On your wedding day - know that it will be one of the hardest days of your dad's life. You are his little girl(s). He has been the number one man in your life, and now he has to give you to someone else. If we taught you well, he will be a great guy who will treat you well and we will be happy with the decision you made! We will be happy to be there and support you, and know our tears are both of joy and of sadness - this means we are never going to be the same to you. Yes, we know we mean a lot to you but you are starting your own family. You will be beautiful on this day!!
The day you have your child(or children): I hope that I get to be there and be a big part of your child's life. It will be the most amazing experience of your life, and possibly one of the hardest as well. It will be amazing to watch you grow into such an amazing woman and mother. I will want to give you guidance in how to raise children, and it is not because I think you need it, it is because it will help ME to be a part of their lives. If you take my advice, great...if not I will try to understand. I think you will be amazing at this job, and hopefully you learned from me the right way to raise a child.
I love you both, and my world is turned upside down every day due to the changes you make. I am more in love with you every day of my life, and I am excited to walk through life with you - be there for the good things, help guide you through the tough times, and hold you up when you feel like you just can't take any more. We will butt heads MANY times, and there will be things you do that I won't agree with, but no matter what I will always love you!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Need a photographer??
My friend has been doing photography for a while now and I just wanted to do a little advertising for her. If anybody needs someone for beautiful newborn photos, senior photos, or kids photos please visit her website - I HIGHLY recommend her! She has done pictures of both my girls so if you are interested in seeing some of her work from me just let me know!! Go to her blog site to see some of her work!
http://jnicholephotography.blogspot.com/
If you need more information feel free to e-mail me or her (you can find her information on her blog!!
http://jnicholephotography.blogspot.com/
If you need more information feel free to e-mail me or her (you can find her information on her blog!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Much Excitement and Growth
Our little girls are growing so fast! Every day I look at them I see how much they have changed and how many achievements they have made.
Brooklynn has found her hands and discovered that they do many wonderful things. She tries to stick her whole hand in her mouth, grabs at objects dangling near her or sitting near her, and will catch them moving in front of her face and just stare at them forever! She is constantly cooing now - sometimes it sounds like she is talking. She kicks her legs around and when she is in her bouncer she kicks the dangling toys. Her laugh is becoming more frequent and louder, and she is ALWAYS smiling. This last week she has had a cold and double ear infection and she still was always smiling. And of course I fall in love with her more every day.
She is having some trouble with tummy time. She looks like a fish out of water flopping her legs up and down, but can only lift her head about 45 degrees...if that. I think we are going to have some problems with her developmentally on the head milestones since it is on the large side. Hopefully she won't be restricted too much.
Speaking of her head - we go in July 14th to Dr. Hornig (a neurosurgeon at Children's Mercy) to have another head ultrasound (it is routine to do one right before the appointment). He will hopefully have some answers as to why her head is growing so fast. Or at least tell us there is absolutely nothing to be concerned about.
Isabella is getting SOO big...she is like a little girl now. She is starting to repeat everything that is being said to her (sometimes to a fault - mommy can have a dirty mouth sometimes especially when driving and she copies that every once in a while - OOPS!!). She says many 3-5 word sentences, asks for what she wants, and makes a lot of decisions. She has started being the one to pick out her outfit - she will go into her closet and pick out what she wants to wear. I think this is going to be LOADS of fun to have a girl! I didn't think I would get into the girly things but I am waiting for the time when I can go get mani and pedis done with her, already planning "big girl princess parties"in my head. I am also enjoying the fact that even though she is so girlie - she still has a little tomboy in her. She doesn't mind getting dirty and loves playing sports and with boys! I love everything about that little girl.
That is my update for now. Every day I have to spend with my little girls is a blessing! I am enjoying every last second!
Brooklynn has found her hands and discovered that they do many wonderful things. She tries to stick her whole hand in her mouth, grabs at objects dangling near her or sitting near her, and will catch them moving in front of her face and just stare at them forever! She is constantly cooing now - sometimes it sounds like she is talking. She kicks her legs around and when she is in her bouncer she kicks the dangling toys. Her laugh is becoming more frequent and louder, and she is ALWAYS smiling. This last week she has had a cold and double ear infection and she still was always smiling. And of course I fall in love with her more every day.
She is having some trouble with tummy time. She looks like a fish out of water flopping her legs up and down, but can only lift her head about 45 degrees...if that. I think we are going to have some problems with her developmentally on the head milestones since it is on the large side. Hopefully she won't be restricted too much.
Speaking of her head - we go in July 14th to Dr. Hornig (a neurosurgeon at Children's Mercy) to have another head ultrasound (it is routine to do one right before the appointment). He will hopefully have some answers as to why her head is growing so fast. Or at least tell us there is absolutely nothing to be concerned about.
Isabella is getting SOO big...she is like a little girl now. She is starting to repeat everything that is being said to her (sometimes to a fault - mommy can have a dirty mouth sometimes especially when driving and she copies that every once in a while - OOPS!!). She says many 3-5 word sentences, asks for what she wants, and makes a lot of decisions. She has started being the one to pick out her outfit - she will go into her closet and pick out what she wants to wear. I think this is going to be LOADS of fun to have a girl! I didn't think I would get into the girly things but I am waiting for the time when I can go get mani and pedis done with her, already planning "big girl princess parties"in my head. I am also enjoying the fact that even though she is so girlie - she still has a little tomboy in her. She doesn't mind getting dirty and loves playing sports and with boys! I love everything about that little girl.
That is my update for now. Every day I have to spend with my little girls is a blessing! I am enjoying every last second!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thankful on Thursday
After reading Katie's blog today - I saw her question "What are you Thankful for"? and Here is my answer!
1. I am thankful that I have two beautiful baby girls who I absolutely adore. Every smile, every tear, every giggle!
2. I have a job that is pretty flexible and even though I have to work I am able to be home every night with my family! - and I am thankful for the paycheck.
3. Babysitters - grandparents who love to watch our girls so Sam and I can have some private time. Hoping to take advantage of it this weekend so Sam and I can go try out some photography!
4. My husband who really works hard to help bring home the bacon! I appreciate all you do for me and the girls!
5. My momma - you totally rock with all you do for us. You do more than I could ever repay and ever ask for!
6. Being reminded daily by God why I need to appreciate what I have - times might get hard but I have mostly healthy kids and a wonderful family to enjoy life with! I am so lucky!
1. I am thankful that I have two beautiful baby girls who I absolutely adore. Every smile, every tear, every giggle!
2. I have a job that is pretty flexible and even though I have to work I am able to be home every night with my family! - and I am thankful for the paycheck.
3. Babysitters - grandparents who love to watch our girls so Sam and I can have some private time. Hoping to take advantage of it this weekend so Sam and I can go try out some photography!
4. My husband who really works hard to help bring home the bacon! I appreciate all you do for me and the girls!
5. My momma - you totally rock with all you do for us. You do more than I could ever repay and ever ask for!
6. Being reminded daily by God why I need to appreciate what I have - times might get hard but I have mostly healthy kids and a wonderful family to enjoy life with! I am so lucky!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
"4 month" appointment
Just some random pictures of the girls from the last couple of weeks:
Now on to business. Brooklynn had her 4 month appointment, even though it was more like 3 1/2 months. She is doing pretty well. Her weight is now 14 pounds 2 ounces which is insane (puts her in the 75th percentile). Her height is 25 1/8", which places her in the 90-95th%, and her head grew even more - she is now 18" which places her well above the 95% - she is completely off the charts on that. The doctor is still concerned with her head growth even though her head ultrasound came back okay. He said that it was 7 lines above the 95th growth curve, and now it is 14 lines above that curve. He is having us go see a neurosurgeon just to make sure there is not something else we might be missing. I am a little nervous about this - I am sure everything is fine but the fact that he is worried about it makes me a little worried.
He said she is doing well on everything else. She is developmentally with a 5 month old...which makes me think everything has to be fine cause if there was something wrong with her brain I think it would effect her development. I would rather be safe than sorry though I guess. I don't have an appointment scheduled yet but hopefully will here later today. I am hoping they can get us in before July 1st when our insurance resets. Right now we have reached our out of pocket maximum so anything we do until July 1st will be free for us!!
Now on to business. Brooklynn had her 4 month appointment, even though it was more like 3 1/2 months. She is doing pretty well. Her weight is now 14 pounds 2 ounces which is insane (puts her in the 75th percentile). Her height is 25 1/8", which places her in the 90-95th%, and her head grew even more - she is now 18" which places her well above the 95% - she is completely off the charts on that. The doctor is still concerned with her head growth even though her head ultrasound came back okay. He said that it was 7 lines above the 95th growth curve, and now it is 14 lines above that curve. He is having us go see a neurosurgeon just to make sure there is not something else we might be missing. I am a little nervous about this - I am sure everything is fine but the fact that he is worried about it makes me a little worried.
He said she is doing well on everything else. She is developmentally with a 5 month old...which makes me think everything has to be fine cause if there was something wrong with her brain I think it would effect her development. I would rather be safe than sorry though I guess. I don't have an appointment scheduled yet but hopefully will here later today. I am hoping they can get us in before July 1st when our insurance resets. Right now we have reached our out of pocket maximum so anything we do until July 1st will be free for us!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
3 months - WOW!!
Brooklynn turned 3 months old on Sunday...I can't believe it has already been 3 months!! She is developing such a personality already! She is ALWAYS happy and smiling. A couple of weeks ago she even started laughing for us! It is so darn cute!! I forget how exciting these little developmental milestones are! The only time she cries is when she is hot, hungry, or wants some attention because I have been too busy doing something else! It is amazing!
She has been sleeping pretty much through the night. She falls asleep around 9-10pm and wakes up between 5-6am. I have her on the same schedule of nap as her sister most days which is really nice for momma when I feel like napping as well!
Isabella is growing every day too! She says more and more sentences and has such a little personality that grows constantly! She has me cracking up every single day! I have a feeling I am going to be in BIG trouble when she turns 16 though because she already has a little attitude on her! Most of the time it is more cute than frustrating but there are times where I just tell her to go to her room and shut the door! She is a really good listener (90% of the time) which makes it a little easier. She is AMAZING with her little sister as well - she is constantly tickling her, telling her she is cute, kissing her. If I am in the other room and she starts crying, Izzy certainly let's me know - "Sister crying, sister mad!!" I LOVE LOVE being a mother of two!
My new job position is really neat. It is definitely different being at work 4 days a week, but it is super nice being home at night with the family and off on every weekend! I do miss my weekly trips out with my mom and the girls though...we don't have as much time to do that because my days off usually seem to be filled with appointments either on my part or my mom's part. Maybe once I get settled in to this position and get used to it a little more things will be better.
That is it for my boring update. Next week we go to see the doctor for Brooklynn's check up so we shall see how big she is getting! She is a little chunker - I will have to post pictures soon of her chubby rolls - I love every inch!
She has been sleeping pretty much through the night. She falls asleep around 9-10pm and wakes up between 5-6am. I have her on the same schedule of nap as her sister most days which is really nice for momma when I feel like napping as well!
Isabella is growing every day too! She says more and more sentences and has such a little personality that grows constantly! She has me cracking up every single day! I have a feeling I am going to be in BIG trouble when she turns 16 though because she already has a little attitude on her! Most of the time it is more cute than frustrating but there are times where I just tell her to go to her room and shut the door! She is a really good listener (90% of the time) which makes it a little easier. She is AMAZING with her little sister as well - she is constantly tickling her, telling her she is cute, kissing her. If I am in the other room and she starts crying, Izzy certainly let's me know - "Sister crying, sister mad!!" I LOVE LOVE being a mother of two!
My new job position is really neat. It is definitely different being at work 4 days a week, but it is super nice being home at night with the family and off on every weekend! I do miss my weekly trips out with my mom and the girls though...we don't have as much time to do that because my days off usually seem to be filled with appointments either on my part or my mom's part. Maybe once I get settled in to this position and get used to it a little more things will be better.
That is it for my boring update. Next week we go to see the doctor for Brooklynn's check up so we shall see how big she is getting! She is a little chunker - I will have to post pictures soon of her chubby rolls - I love every inch!
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