Sick Shnook

My little shnook has been sick the last couple of days.  The usual fever and diarrhea…yuck.  We had planned on taking our family to Galveston for a few days to see the Festival of Lights (which I think you would love) and a few other attractions, but because of your sickness we have changed plans.  If you remember, the exact same thing happened this time last year!  We will try again in 2012.   

For now we are opting for a staycation.  We will do the Children’s Museum, maybe the Downtown Aquarium…those sorts of things.  I wish you weren’t sick, but I am more excited about this option.  We are saving ourselves the hassle of packing, the risk of being further from the hospital, and lots of money.  While we will accept this as a blessing in disguise, I am praying you get to feeling better quickly Audrey Boo!

December Miracle

You won’t believe it.  Last night you and Liam both slept through the night without waking to be sick or go to the bathroom.  So Daddy and I got a second uninterrupted night’s sleep!  A girl could get used to this, though I won't get my hopes up.  I don’t expect this to be a regular occurrence, and even if it was we are about to throw a new baby into the mix.  But it was FABULOUS and I am grateful.

Like a Rock

Last night we had a late Christmas party, and this morning an early OB appointment, so you and brother spent the night at Grammy’s house!  That’s a special treat.  You cuddled with Papaw while Liam and Grammy went on a long walk.  It sounds like you slept as well as you usually do and had a great time.

As for Daddy and me, we haven’t had such a great night’s sleep in about 4 years. On average we wake up 3-4 times a night between you and Liam, so to get an uninterrupted 8 hours was heavenly. I slept so hard that I didn't dream, I didn't MOVE--I wouldn’t have thought it physically possible, but I didn’t even wake up during the night to go to the bathroom.  (That almost backfired the moment I awoke to the alarm clock.)  Neither of us can remember ever feeling so rested.  I told Daddy that if we could get a solid night’s sleep like that a few times a year, we could probably function on a whole different level.  My senses seem…sharper today.  My brain clearer. My reflexes quicker.  My decisions better.  My energy much higher.

I might be exaggerating slightly…but only slightly.  It is pretty remarkable what some REM sleep will do for a body!  Thanks Grammy for this unexpected gift!

School's out!

Today was the last day of school for 2011! Honey, Liam and I came to pick you up from school to go to the doctor. I know. I did that for Thanksgiving break also. Sorry. I thought it was going to be fairly painless; I just wanted to touch base with Dr. L before Abbey arrived. I was surprised when she offered a pneumonia vaccine—I didn’t even know those existed. So we went ahead and got it. And my big brave girl, you didn’t even make a pouty face. You always amaze me with your toughness!

We talked a lot about your diet. You gained a little weight, but have a long ways to go. I am going to start adding a half ounce of water to each of your feeds. The hope is to switch that half ounce to milk once your stomach stretches a bit. We were given samples of three types of new formulas, just to see if you tolerate those better at all. A huge long shot, but at this point we are willing to try just about anything.

The office gave you this pink blanket with an "ephant" and your brother this race car. He was one happy boy.

We also did some blood work: cholesterol, and a whole bunch of vitamin levels. It took some poking around but we got blood in one stick and you only started complaining at the very end. Still no tears.

Now that’s all taken care of, bring on the Christmas cheer! 

Puzzling Ears

Have I ever told you how you and your brother have puzzle piece ears?

You have always had a little chunk of your left ear missing.  An angel nibble I guess.  And then your brother was born with this:

An extra fold in his left ear! Isn't that cute?  (And maybe a smidge weird?)

Stand by your man.

Bub likes to help entertain you while you stand.

You like it too.

Be An Angel

Today you came home from school with a sack of wrapped gifts. They were from an organization called “Be an Angel” that provides, among other things, Christmas gifts to children like you. They know how expensive this life can be and that gifts may not be something families can afford.

I am so touched by the gesture. I love organizations like this, and I am in no way opposed to you receiving gifts from others. But we are amazingly blessed. God put us in touch with the right people from the very beginning so we were able to get the funding for all your medical needs. Unlike many other families in our situation, we can provide Christmas gifts for you even though we choose keep it simple and focused on Christ. I imagine that if our budget made that decision for us, it would be very difficult as a parent. So knowing these presents were picked out, purchased, and wrapped with the intention of providing relief for a family in need, you and I talked about passing these gifts on. We agreed that some mommy and daddy who don’t have anything else to put under their tree will be so happy to give them to their child.

I think that is such a big decision for my little 3 year old to make. I’m proud of you for sharing.

You can read more about  the "Be An Angel" organization here.

Wardrobe Woes

You, my love, are nearly impossible to dress. I am seriously, seriously struggling. In fact, I get more frustrated in the morning while looking in your closet to pick out clothes than looking in mine. And that is saying something. You are long enough to fit in 12 month clothes, but skinny enough to fit in 3 month clothes. Your head ideally requires 18 month clothes or buttons/snaps at the neck (although I have figured out I can slide things up over your tiny hips easier than over your head). On top of just finding a size that fits, is finding a style that fits. I am tired of shopping in the infant section for you. You are three years old, so I don’t want baby-ish designs on your clothes! Mema took us shopping and helped redeem your winter wardrobe. So far my solution for the colder weather is long “fitted” sweater dresses that look a bit loosey goosey on you. And with them I pair leggings which are tight enough on your thighs so that they don’t slip off despite being baggy around your waist. Next year I am afraid my only option will be learning to sew. Anybody who has seen me attempt to draw a straight line knows that cannot end well.