Brothers and Sister

You are going to love your new little brother when he comes home.  He makes all kinds of squeaky, silly sounds that are perfect for your sense of humor. I remember how much you immediately loved Liam.  And I can't wait to see how you react to Luke.

Here's a walk down memory lane from the day we brought Liam home.


Here you reached so purposefully for him...and gave him his first lesson on learning your "sick" signs.

Wheelchair Revelation

Today I got the call from school that you were extra quiet, and had a temp of 99.9—definitely a fever for my little girl who like to hang out around 97.  Since I was on the way to the hospital to see Luke, MiMi went by our house to get your carseat, and then to school to pick you up. When you got home, MiMi says you still felt warm, but seemed to be feeling ok.  I think it was just a short lived Audrey episode; last night you threw up quite a bit and must have gotten it all out of your system by naptime.

I’m sorry you felt bad.  BUT.  Something great did happen.  Your teachers/nurse showed MiMi how to collapse your wheelchair without removing the seat! For years we have been taking that heavy, cumbersome seat off to load it into the car (where it did not fit nicely) and then fought with it to reattach it when unloading.  When we first got the chair, we were told that was how it must be done.  This makes our lives so much easier!

I excitedly showed Daddy and his response was, “Huh.” I asked, “Bittersweet, isn’t it?”   He said, “Yeah, just remembering all those smashed fingers, scraped knuckles and man hours taking this thing apart.”  But the man loves efficiency almost as much as I do, so he agrees that this is a great day.

Missing You

My sweet girl.  You can't act out like Liam, but I can tell you know something is different around here, and you don't necessarily like it.  You are more sensitive than usual, and cry out for attention more often. Whenever I get a chance to sit and love on you, you "hold" me tighter around my arm.

I don't blame you Shnook.  I miss you too.

New Goals for 2012

Because you are a superstar, Mrs. C sent home new goals for you to master this semester. And they are...drumroll please...

*Explore a variety of objects by grasping and holding in each hand 3-5 seconds in 2/5 trials.

*On contrasting backgrounds Audrey will fixate and track objects horizontally to broaden her visual field in 2/5 trials.

*Audrey will develop more purposeful switch use patterns to answer questions, make a statement or make request within 15 seconds using up to 3 verbal and 3 physical prompts in 3/5 trials.

*In a variety of positions and in a variety of activities, Audrey will bring hands together midline to clap or manipulate objects with up to 3 verbal prompts and 3 physical prompts in 2/5 trials.

It's exciting for Daddy and I to imagine you doing these things, especially number three. Work hard so we can visit and watch you show off your new skills!

To my precious Audrey:

Sweet, sweet Audrey. You are already a big sister, so you know what to expect. This time will be a bit different than with brother, although you have been on the other side of this as the new baby who needs to spend some time at the hospital getting healthy.

Throughout this entire pregnancy, you have given me so much hope and strength. When I've mourned for the baby that could have been, I think of the enormous blessing you are to our family. When I get overwhelmed thinking of the journey ahead of us, I look back on how far you've come, and how much fun we've had along the way.

You are so special. I'm sure even I don't realize the full impact you have made on more than just your little world. Anybody who meets you or hears your story loves you. Everything about your life is miraculous. Just the other day I was reminded yet again how amazing it is that you are so happy and healthy at 3.5 years old. A mom wrote into the SLOS group to tell us about her son who died a year ago. He was three months old, on the severe end of the spectrum. She listed the complications he had--the list was long. But there wasn't any item on it you haven't dealt with, and you could have added several more. I cried as I read that email; for that mom who lost her firstborn and for myself because it could have been me.

My prayer, even hours before her birth, is for Abbey to be healthy. But if God has different plans, part of me is excited to bring home a sister so similar to you. The two of you will no doubt have a very special relationship.

Thanks for making me a mom. You were so unexpected, but also so welcomed. I couldn't imagine our family any different than what it is. Sit tight and I'll bring you that new sister as quick as I can.

I love you my shnookity!

School Girl

You must know school is starting up again tomorrow, because today you woke up back to your normal self. Your feeling good, tolerating full feeds, happy little self. I'm so relieved.

I'm hoping you have a good first day back. Because you haven't felt well, we have taken it very easy around here. You've been in your chair rarely, and in your stander rarer still. I've got a feeling you are going to come home exhausted tomorrow!