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Thursday, September 27, 2007

6 Months Old!

Our beautiful Princess J is 6 months old today! I cannot believe it! She just amazes us everyday with her sassy little personality! With everything that has been going on for Little J, our little princess was not about to be outdone in the attention department. She knew that Little J was taking the limelight, so she knew she had to step up her game. This little girl, in the midst of all of the craziness with Little J decided that it would be a good time to show us a few of the skills she's been working on. On Sunday afternoon, she showed us that she had indeed figured out how to press the play button on her music box in her crib. Then, on Monday afternoon while I was at the pediatician with Little J, she decided that it would be a good time to show Daddy her mad skill of getting up on her hands and knees! It won't be long before this one is on the move!

Honestly, I was a good mommy and took a few photos of Princess on her 1/2 year mark, but once I took the photos, the battery died. I will upload some new photos soon!

Princess J wants to wish her little friends Katelyn a happy 1 month birthday and Mari a happy 10 month birthday! The 27th of the month appears to be a good day for sweet little girls to be born!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Update on Little J!

Thank you so much for your prayers! After a long day today, we think we may have some answers with good news. Not without some frustration, but all in all I think Little J will be back to his sweet little self soon.

After our visit to the ER last night, we were told that the neurology department would contact us for follow-up. I knew they opened at 8:30 in the morning, so I got up to get a jump start and called them. I spoke to a nurse and she told me that Little J's regular doctor was on vacation, so they would talk to one of the other doctors and call us back. By 12 noon, we still hadn't heard anything and Little J had a couple more of his gagging episodes, so I called and left a message. By 2pm, poor Little J had not been able to sleep without waking up gagging. So, I called our regular pediatrician and they got him in. After she examined him and observed his behavior a little, she believes that he has acid reflux and that the some of his behavior is more related to his being so tired and not necessarily seizure activity. She still wants him to see his regular neurologist for an EEG and check, but we're hoping that this new prescription will help.

In the meantime, she called the neurology department to try and light a fire under them to get him an appointment. They told her that they were going to start him on some seizure medication without even seeing him! She tried to tell the nurse, that she wasn't sure that his behavior was actually in need of seizure medication, but that he should be seen and assesed before a decision was made. Well, they called and left a message for us that they want to start this medication.

I plan on calling them tomorrow and letting them know that I am not giving my kiddo this medication, when they have not even seen him! The doctor trying to prescribe this for him has never even met him! I am so furious right now, that I could spit nails! If they wanted to start this medication, then why didn't they just tell the ER to give it to him instead of waiting until almost 24 hours after he was seen and almost 10 hours after I called them the first time to prescribe it! I'm hoping that we can just wait until his regular neurologist is back and then go from there.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers and good wishes, they mean so much! Keep them coming! I'm going to need all the prayers I can get to really fight for what my Little J needs! Thank goodness I have a great pediatrician in support of my choice!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Prayers for Little J!


If your the praying type, we would appreciate it if you would say a prayer and send up some good vibes for Little J. We took him to the Children's Hospital ER this evening as we think he is showing signs of seizure activity. They evaluated him and ruled out any infections, so now we will follow up with his neurologist tomorrow. We ask for prayers that maybe this is just an off event, and if it isn't and is in fact the onset of seizures, that the doctors would be able to find the right medicine for control with no side effects or very minor ones.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

How Fitting....

You Belong in 1989

Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day.

Friday, September 21, 2007

You Need What?

So, today was the day that we start transitioning Little J to pre-school with the school district. Something that I am both looking forward to and dreading all at the same time. I'm looking forward to it, because I know it will be good for Little J. I know he's going to love being around all the other kids! I am also looking forward to a little more one on one time with Princess J. I am dreading it, because I'm going to have to trust someone else to take care of my beautiful little boy! G and I are so protective of him and always have that big super eye on him looking out for him, since he is absolutely FEARLESS! That's FEARLESS WITH A SMILE too! The things that are his biggest assests for learning and for development are also the things that are most dangerous. I know we live in a good school district, and I'm confident that they will take good care of him....but he is my baby!

Anyway, so I head down to the school district office and fill out all the paperwork. They have a form I have to fill out to prove where I live! You would think that just my drivers license with my address on it would be enough right? Nope! Not only do I have to provide that, but I also have to provide a copy of our property tax bill and a copy of our PG&E bill! I think I looked at the lady like she was a crazy loon when she asked for all of that! What if I don't want them to know just how much electricity I use? LOL! Share my property tax bill? What if I don't want them to know that either! I'm almost suprised they didn't ask for DNA samples to prove I'm not pretending he's my kid to get him into this awesome school district! It really is a good school district, but still! I also had to sign a paper that said if they find out I'm lying about where I live and I don't belong in the district, that I have to reimburse the district for any education and services provided to my child! WOW! I guess there is a lot of district jumping going on or something, but I was shocked! My bet is when my parents enrolled me in school, they only had to fill out the form and sign it. Maybe show their drivers license.

Oh well, signed all the papers and they will start their student evaluations in a couple of weeks. Off to dig out a PG&E bill and my property taxes.....woohoo!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

A Beautiful Day!

These last couple of days has felt like I've been running a long race with no end in sight. It was kind of nice to feel fall in the air today, but we had a busy day ahead. Little did I know how awesome it would be! Little J had a therapy appointment today, and with a little rushing around I was able to get me and both kids out the door with enough time to hit the Starbucks drive-thru for a little caffeine goodness. Yummo!! We headed out to Little J's appointment and even though I missed the turn (enjoying that caffiene goodness) we made it with time to spare! I walked in and was immediately greeted by another mom who was waiting for her daughter to be done with her therapy. Mind you I was pushing Little J in a stroller and carrying Princess J in her carseat. So what a wonderful thing it was for her to jump up and help me with the door. She sat and chatted with me and enjoyed the little ones a bit, before Little J's therapist came to get him. While Little J was in his appointment and I was feeding Princess J, this woman and I sat and chatted about our families and most of all our children. What an awesome woman she is! WOW! She has two children with special needs. Her older son has autism and her daugther has spina bifida. In retrospect, had it not been for our children and just a random appointment time, I don't think she is someone I would have ever met or thought I would have anything in common with. I know I always try and keep myself focused on the positive when it comes to Little J's disability, but it's hard sometimes. This woman reminded me exactly why I need to stay positive. She was a breath of sunshine on a day that could have seemed quite ordinary and quite out of control at the same time. The even more amazing thing is that she was so happy to talk to me, because she felt like it was nice to meet someone with the same attitude as she had! Meeting me, somehow helped her too! How good of a feeling is that! How blessed is it, that God brings people into your life and connects you and you both come away feeling like the meeting and the conversation has made your day and revitalized energy you thought was waining! Yay God!

Once his appointment was over, we had to head over to the bank and pick up some fresh new check registers (oh yay! lol). Why is it, that now that I use Bill Pay for everything I go through check registers like they were water? I can't figure that out. I can't remember the last time I walked in that bank and there was no line (YAY)! Anyway, we got in and out of there and as we were leaving this woman stopped us and said that she had run out of gas and left her wallet at home. She asked if I could spare any money to help her get home. Although I stopped at the bank, I didn't take any cash out so alas I had none. As I loaded up the kids, I saw her stopping people left and right. A few gave her some change and a few like me said they had nothing to share. As I got in the car, I dug through our spare change and rounded up probably $1.50. Of course, by the time I did that, she was walking down the street. So, I decided to follow her and get the $1.50 to her. She seemed quite thankful, so I had to smile. I always wonder if someone is being honest and collecting that money or if they are scamming me. Usually, if it's a situation like the one she said she had, I try to give something. I figure if she's scamming me, that's outta her karma bank...not mine.

So, now we head home and on our front porch I find a cute little Minnie Mouse gift bag......inside it is a the cutest little dress for Princess J. There is no card or anything, so I have no idea who left it...but what a sweet suprise! Can't wait to dress Princess J up in it!!! So, if your the one who left the gift....THANKS!!!!!

Monday, September 17, 2007

A Big Thank You and Some Updates.....

First, I want to thank everyone who donated money to the Angelman Syndrome foundation using Little J's badge. While we didn't make the top 10 or even come close to getting the matching donation, the fact that so many of you took time to support Little J and our family means the world to us. We did raise $760!

We're going from one crazy week to the next here. Poor G has to commute all the way to Sacramento this week! Thankfully, it is only for 3 days. Little J has usual heavy load of appointments as well. Princess J and I will be kept busy getting him here and there!!

I had such an awesome time scrapping with my peeps on Friday! Spending time with
Suzy, Erin, Lizz, Rocio and everyone else that was there scrapping was such great fun! The gelato was the best! I actually got part of a project done too! Yay me!!!

Sunday, Princess J and I headed off to church again! Another fulfilling day! I love watching Princess J in church. The way she looks around and just takes it all in. She loves all the singing! She even adds a few of her own notes into it! Love it! So uplifting! Last week when we were in service and Pastor Doug was speaking, she started screaming....and not a pleasant scream either. This week, he started speaking and she was just giggling and making joyful noises! It was so stinkin' cute, but we made a quick exit out to the vestibule. Thankfully, the speakers were on out there so we could hear his message for the day. Our current series is The God You Can Know. Pastor Doug has such an amazing way of putting things in perspective and applying things to todays times. We are so lucky to have him! It was awesome to go to ABF (adult Bible fellowship) hour as well. So good to see so many new faces and lots of old friends we haven't connected with in awhile. Good to share God's word with one another. Good feelings! After ABF hour Pastor Doug was in our classroom. Princess J was busy telling him what was on her mind yet again as well. Luckly, he says he enjoys listening to her! :)

Princess J is almost 6 months! I cannot believe it....still (since I said that in a previous post too). I am just sitting back trying to enjoy these times with her. She's not sleeping through the night in our room anymore, but we still get a little time in the evening, where she sleeps on our bed with me before her last feeding of the night. I really love holding her and rocking her to sleep after her last feeding too. It's just so sweet! I've been missing our morning naps together, where she just lays on me and falls asleep. Lately, though, we've had a couple of these naps recently. I've been trying to savor them.

Well, we've got a big day tomorrow, so I'll sign off for now.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Kenny Chesney-Don't Blink

Because I can't get enough of Kenny! Love this song, and if you don't have the new album yet....run and get it!!!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Counting Blessings....

Today was a very trying day. Princess J woke with a smile on her face, but that was the last one I saw until about 5 this evening. No one told me that we were out of fruit for Little J's breakfast and there was no cold water in the refrigerator. It was one of those days where you have 100 things to accomplish, but your little ones needs are taking over the day. It's all good, but it was frustrating! Anyway, once G got home, it was time to head to the store. I don't think I've ever run into so many snags trying to get in and out of the store. First, I get in line behind a lady who they are already bagging her groceries and she realizes she left her coupon in the car. So, the rest of the line has to wait while she goes to her car (in no apparent hurry) to get said coupon. Then at the Starbucks counter gentleman is confused where line is and is in the wrong place. He's been waiting, so I let him go in front of me. He orders a cup of coffee and then can't decide which kind of pastry he wants! As he's taking his sweet time picking out a pastry he knocks over everything on the counter. He's on the older side, so this other young lady and I pick up all the cookies he dropped and give the Starbucks guy the ones that he stepped on. Oy! So much for a quick trip to the store. As I was driving home, I was feeling tired and frustrated. I know all this seems trivial and in all honesty it was. Then the song Lucky Man by Montgomery Gentry came on the radio. It really made me think that instead of being frustrated, I needed to think of all the blessings in my life. Especially on this, the 6th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It is true, I am greatly blessed!

These are in no particular order:
1. I have an amazing husband, who is an incredible father and a man that I know I will always be proud to call my husband.

2. Our newest addition Princess J! She is just an awesome little girl! I love all this baby time with her and while I'm sad to see her growing so fast, I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her!

3. Little J! With his diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome, we were not sure if we were really prepared for this journey with him. Everyday, I look at his smiling face and no matter how hard some days are, I know God has blessed us with and trusted his care to us. He works so hard to learn new things and his progress sometimes slow and sometimes fast amazes me and makes me so proud!

4. We have a place to call home!

5. We have family who loves us, supports us when we need it, and who would do anything for our children!

6. I have an incredible group of friends! I love spending time with my peeps! I look forward to our girl time together and I am so grateful for their friendship and their support in good time and in bad!

7. I am thankful to be renewing my relationship with God and for being able to return to our church community! It feels so good to be there!

8. I am thankful that our church is seeing a need in our community for families of children with special needs. They are looking to us as parents of children with special needs and to others within our church community that have experience with children like ours to create a program to support us and to help us support each other and be able to participate fully in our church! While this won't happen overnight, just knowing that our Pastor has this on his list of things he wants to see fills my heart!

9. I am so thankful for all of the support services that Little J receives. We have been so blessed to have awesome professionals involved in his care. His therapists and doctors are honestly invested in his progress and his future. They get just as excited about his attaining goals as we do!

10. I am so thankful that we've met so many families online with other children like Little J! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to share the good and bad with them and know that they honestly understand. I am so blessed to be able to get and give advice in this amazing community of parents.

There are so many other things I am thankful for, but these are the big ones!

I hope you'll count your blessings today...big and small!

6 Years Ago Today-Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning by Alan Jackson

It just seemed fitting today. Praying for all the families who lost loved ones, that they are finding peace and comfort today. Praying for all the soldiers deployed today, those who are being deployed and for all of the families of soldiers who have lost their lives.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Renewed, Refreshed and Grounded


That's what I love about Sundays! I am so happy, that G is off on Sundays, at least for this month. I have been feeling a little lost lately, not being able to attend church. Things are just a little too difficult trying to get both kiddos there and keep track of their needs while in service alone. Since G is off on Sundays for now, Princess J and I have returned to church! What a beautful and fulfilling day it was! It was so wonderful to catch up with those from our bible study class and see how fast their little ones are growing! It was wonderful to be able to sit and listen to our Pastor talk about God's word. It was awesome to sing His praise today! Princess J had a wonderful time! She really enjoyed the singing. She had a beautiful joyful smile during while the congregation was singing. Once the Pastor started to talk though, she decided that she wanted to talk back to him! It was so stinkin' cute, but for the sake of all the others we stepped out into the entry way. A little walking around holding her and she was fast asleep for the rest of the service. After service, our church had a guest speaker Sean McDowell. Although Princess J didn't let me sit for the entire program, his perspective on Decision Making and the Will of God made a lot of sense. Definately food for thought. It is amazing, how returning to church can really change your outlook and how your feeling about things. I can honestly say, I feel completely renewed, refreshed and grounded again.

I have a new found inspiration to complete some projects that I've been putting off. After reading this post on Cynthia's blog, I was reminded of my desire to read Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. I've read bits and pieces of it, but have wanted to sit down and really read and understand what he has to say. He really makes a lot of good positive points.

Better get back to reading and preparing for the busy week ahead! I really can't wait for next Sunday now!

Friday, September 07, 2007

Do you know Jo?



YOU SHOULD! This girl is super awesome! Did I just flashback to the 80's and say awesome? Yes, I did! Jo is this months featured scrapper at Picture Me Perfect. This month though Jo is also a guest Garage Girl, which is the design team at Picture Me Perfect. Before married life and before kids, Jo and I used to be regular Tuesday scrappers at the Garage! She is such a sweetie and super talented! Now that we've both gotten married and thrown kiddos into the mix, I don't get to scrap with this girl very often, but she rocks! Keep your eye on her, she's gonna be rocking some design teams and publications!




Love ya girlie! Can't wait to see what you do with the challenges! Your an awesome friend even if I don't see you often enough! LOL!!!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

New Chair!


Labor Day had many things on our "To Do" list. Since G was off, we took advantage of that and double teamed the kiddos. Daddy stayed home with Little J and Princess J and I headed out to get some things done! First stop, Old Navy. Had to check out their weekend sale to see if there were any "must haves". Since Little J will be starting school in December, we are hitting up the sales looking for winter clothes for him. Well, what Little J doesn't know, is that somehow his little sister ended up with the few pieces of sale items at this stop. Just a couple of onsies that I couldn't resist. I'm sure you'll see a mini fashion photo shoot as winter closes in and these clothes fit her. Next stop, Target! gathering the usual toddler food, diapers, formula and some cleaning supplies. While wondering through the baby section, we found this pink Bumbo! chair. I'd been talking with G about getting one for her, because she loves to be sitting upright. She wants to be able to keep her little eyes peeled on everyone and everything. While we were in the aisle, I pulled the chair out of the box, pulled her out of her car seat and plopped her in. She immediately started smiling and giggling! Loved it! She was so happy in it, that another lady ended up buying one for her grandbaby who is about the same age. Do you think that Princess J can get a referral payment for that sale? Anyway, we couldn't wait to get home and show daddy her new little chair. Last stop, Safeway for the weekly grocery shopping. I don't know what I was thinking! The place was packed like I had never seen it before! Oh My! I thought that everyone would be out relaxing and skipping their chores for the day. According to those in line with me, they thought the same thing! LOL! Nonetheless, the chores are done, and now we can try and cruise through the rest of it.
You'll notice in the photo that Princess J is still wearing her baby mittens. She still has the reoccuring rash on her face and is a good little itcher. We've cut and filed her nails, but she still finds a way to come out looking like she was in a cat fight. Thankfully, I think we are starting to get this rash under control without any serious medications. Just a little hydrocortisone. When it flares up, the 1% ointment seems to do the trick.
I still cannot believe that she is almost 6 months old now. It really seems like I just brought her home from the hospital yesterday.....well it feels like I just brought Little J home from the hospital yesterday too.....and he is huge! Not huge in the overweight sense, but just getting to be a big boy now.
Things change daily around here now that Princess J is growing so quickly. She is finally sleeping in her own room consistently for 5 to 6 hour stretches! She still gets to sleep on her tummy with mommy while all the prime time shows are on, but I know this practice is fleeting too. Soon, she won't want that anymore either! She really wants to be on the move. This little girl is a roller! For those of you who are familiar with our downstairs area (it's huge), this girl can roll from one end to the other so fast your head would spin! I think she's trying to skip crawling though and go straight for walking. When she's laying on her tummy, she loves to plant her feet and put her tiny little bottom in the air with her legs full straightened. Tough thing is, she hasn't quite gotten her upper torso off the ground yet. I must get a picture of her doing this soon. It's so stinkin' cute, but I can tell she's frustrated, so it won't be long before she figures it out.
Time to try and get some much needed sleep!