Happy New Year!

If I had to sum up 2012 in one word I would say it’s been a “Trying” year. I think as a parent it’s been rough on me. I am still learning as I go – as most first time parents do. I don’t know if having twins makes it harder or if it would be just as hard with one child or two children at different ages; that I will never know. It’s been tough, but we made it through and I am determined to enjoy my life a little more in 2013. That’s my resolution.

As a family we went through some changes this year. The boys of course are another year older and with that comes lots of crying, whining, screaming and temper tantrums. Eric changed jobs which is always stressful and an adjustment for us, but I think it was more so this time because he was in the middle of his semester at school, having to live without health insurance and without a paycheck right when we needed it for Christmas. We made it through like we always do though.

We took our first family vacation to Florida which was a blast (especially with two 19 month olds!). Summer was a lot of fun with the swing set, sandbox, trips to the park, splashing around in the kiddie pool and walks around the neighborhood in the wagon. Alex and Evan turned two in July with a Mickey Mouse themed Birthday party and we took a day trip to the Columbus Zoo in Ohio.

Fall is always a lot of fun with our annual trip to the Cider Mill, Halloween (the boys went as pumpkins) and cool crisp days. Alex and Evan attend school once a week now (part of a special education program) and they love it. Different toys and different people; plus they get to ride the school bus home!

Christmas was fun this year with the boys. Evan had a blast opening presents and Alex could play with the wrapping paper all day long. They got a lot of really nice things from family and friends.

Evan is your typical two year old. He loves to get into everything and anything. He is loud and determined and wants to do everything himself. He has a mischevious look to him, but if you catch him at the right time, he can melt your heart with his eyes and smile. He is also very smart.

Alex has come a long way this year. He has done close to 100 days of therapy this year. I didn’t realize how much he has done until I really sat and thought about it. We are so proud of him and all the hard work he does. We know it isn’t always fun but we know how important it is, that’s why we push it. He still isn’t anywhere near walking. He rolls and can sit pretty well but can’t get into that position without assistance. We are thankful to have use of a stander for him and just three days ago he got his walker. The gait trainer we have been waiting 8 months for finally came in. I think 2013 will be a great year for Alex full of many more milestones and accomplishments. He has the best smile and his super cuteness gets you every time!

Although it’s been a “trying” year and more stressful than years past, I am thankful for everything that God has blessed me with – most importantly my family. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without them. I love them all so very much.

Happy New Year to all of you and your families.

May 2013 bring hope, happiness and strength to all of us.

 

The Best Family in the World

 

Merry Christmas

Here we are finally, Christmas Eve. One of my favorite days of the year. I always looked forward to this day when I was little. The anticipation of Christmas morning with an abundance of gifts under the tree. My parents weren’t made of money growing up, but boy did they ever make Christmas good for my sister and I. I had never seen so many presents in my life as I did under our tree growing up. They would come out so far from the tree that you couldn’t even touch the tree. It would take us most of the morning to get through everything. It was as if it was never ending. Now as an adult, I know there is more to Christmas than just gifts, but as a kid it’s hard to see it any other way.

I feel very fortunate that I am able to do the same for my children. Now, we aren’t to the point of that many gifts just yet, but I enjoy shopping and buying for them so much already. You don’t realize until you have kids of your own what you are missing out on.

Just the other day, my mom was over baking cookies with me and she mentioned how much she misses Christmas morning with us as kids – which is what sparked me to write this post. I want her to experience that again through my kids, so in a year or two when it’s really exciting for the boys, I want my Mom to share in that excitement all over again. You don’t realize how much things change as your grow up not only for you but for your parents as well.

I am trying to set traditions as an adult that I want to keep in the family – like baking cookies with my Mom.  That was something that I always enjoyed growing up – so I want to continue that with her. Reading a Christmas story; watching a Christmas movie; buying a special ornament for the tree each year. Just last night we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. It’s these little things that mean so much and I am so thankful to have my own family to share these memories with.

There’s a lot that goes into Christmas. From shopping, buying and wrapping gifts, cooking and cleaning to entertain the family, but in the end it’s all worth it. I enjoy every bit of it and I don’t ever see it getting old.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Mom Moments

   Evan is a very vibrant and independent little boy. He only needs me when he wants to need me. He isn’t much of a cuddler unless it’s on his terms so when moments arise like last night, I take full advantage. He’s been a bit under the weather for much of the week like myself, but he hasn’t really asked for much in terms of comfort.  Last night however, he awoke in the middle of the night and wasn’t feeling so hot. I could tell he wasn’t comfortable, so I sat on the floor in his room with my back against his crib and cradled his 30 pound body in my arms. I stroked his hair and he just laid there looking at me like he couldn’t have asked for anything better. Tears fell down my cheeks because in that moment, I was taken back to the first day I ever held him which was 5 days after he was born.

   No mother should ever have to wait 5 days to hold her child nor should they have to leave the hospital without their child or children, but many of us mothers who have preemies know this all too well. I actually left the hospital to go home without ever holding Evan putting all my faith into women I didn’t know but had no choice but to trust.  The moment the nurse laid his little naked body against my warm skin, is something that I will never forget; that feeling of unconditional love. It’s something more overpowering than I ever imagined it to be and it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.

   Life has become so busy and so hectic, that when “Mom Moments" like these happen to me, it allows me to stop for a second and truly be thankful for what I am doing. Raising two beautiful boys.

Riding the School Bus!

Alex and Evan got to ride the school bus home on Tuesday for the first time.  They must have enjoyed the ride (despite their worried looks) because neither of them cried or made a peep according to their bus driver Miss Debbie. They will be riding the bus home from now on in preparation for pre-school.

 

Evan's First Haircut

For any of you who know Evan, you know our little man didn’t have a whole lot of hair the first year and a half of his life. But 2012 was pretty good to him in the hair growth department and he went for his first haircut on Sunday December 9th. (I am a bit behind on posting this) I have trimmed it here and there, but this was his first “real” haircut. He had a ball sitting in the chair and was such a good boy. Check out the cuteness!

 

My Strong Little Man Alex

Just a quick note to let all of you know that Euro-Peds is going very well for Alex. Although I am not in the room with him during his therapy sessions, I do occasionally peek in. He has his own playlist on my phone that the girls play for him while he is working to keep him happy. I was able to go in and see him in the "cage" the other day and snapped a few pictures. He really enjoyed jumping up and down but had a bit of a struggle with his braces on. They are a huge adjustment for him, but all in all you can see that he enjoyed himself. The last picture made me tear up a little because not only does he look older in the picture but he looks super strong.

His core is getting stronger each and every day and that makes me very proud because I know how hard it is for him to control those muscles and he has been doing an awesome job sitting lately. We still have to put the bean bag or some pillows around him because he will topple over, but his Therapist tells me that he is putting his arms out to catch himself when he is on the ball. Now we need to get him to do it on the floor! He is showing interest in new things. I would say he is coming along just fine. As always, we are so proud of him.

Double the Love: 1 year later

Yesterday was the one year anniversay of Double the Love. I initially started the blog as a way to get Alex’s story out there and keep friends and family in the loop. It has since evolved into more of a personal blog for our family because I want this to be something for Alex and Evan to look back on. I enjoy sharing our experiences on here because since having a family, my journaling has been put on the back burner and having this blog somewhat forces me to keep up on it.

To all of you who follow and take time to read Double the Love: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I try my best to make each blog enjoyable and somewhat fun for you to read. There are times when I just have to get my thoughts and feelings out about Alex and his CP. Even after more than 2 years, I still have my moments where I just don’t understand why things had to be this way. But because things are this way, this blog was born. Otherwise I would have never thought to do something so cool!

The year has gone by fast and the boys are growing and getting so big. Last year at this time, Evan had just started walking, both were still taking a bottle and could still pass as “babies”. That time has passed now, Evan is all over the place, building castles with his blocks, coloring in coloring books and taking ornaments off the Christmas tree when he shouldn’t. He can easily eat two pieces of pizza and loves dessert. Alex is rolling and sitting very well, and although his Farm is still his favorite toy, he has taken a liking to his box of shape blocks which he LOVES taking them out and putting them back in. He too loves pizza and favors white milk over chocolate.

As hard as some days are with two boys at two, it definitely has its perks. Almost every day, they make each other laugh in some form. Whether it be Evan running back and forth from the kitchen to the living room or Alex making a funny sound with his mouth, there is rarely a quiet moment in our house anymore. They love to have screaming matches as well as cry and whine at the same time.

I never in my wildest dreams imagined myself with twins, but it truly has been a blessing. It is non-stop from the time they get up until they go to bed, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think my life would have been boring with one child. Guess I will never know right?

Looking back on this past year, it’s been a pretty good one. Thank you for all of your support! Hope you keep following us along in our journey.

BITS -N- PIECES VOL. 9

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Somehow I managed to let the month of November get away from me. (Imagine that!) Our schedule is still busy. Alex started his new Euro-Peds program and is doing very well. I usually take him back to the room and get him settled and then I leave so Emily and Rachel can do their thing and I am not a distraction for him. He has been working on sitting, rolling and doing some sit-ups on the ball to build up his core strength. They are trying to get him to bear weight through his arms, but he is a stinker when it comes to that. HE DOES NOT LIKE IT!

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He is starting to sit better on his own. There are days where he does really well and other days it just doesn’t work for him. It is so hard for me to understand because I have no idea what he is experiencing. He loves to stand on his own in front of us as well as in his stander. I can tell he is to a point where he wants to get up and move but just doesn’t know how to yet. We usually hold him under his armpits and let him walk around the room. His steps are really nice and I am hopeful that someday he will walk, it just may take awhile. We are still waiting on his gait trainer. It was supposed to be in on the 16^th, but there were parts on back order (big surprise) so we are still waiting. It is supposed to be in sometime next week. (Fingers Crossed)

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He and Evan are still going to their play group at school once a week. They both have so much fun while they are there so I know pre-school will be a piece of cake for them. Eric got to take them this past week for the first time and I am so happy he did. I have been telling him all about it every week since they started and it was nice for him to be able to experience it with them!

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Evan is really into Mr. Potato Head and Coloring right now and Alex loves picking blocks out of a box or container. He is even starting to put them in as well – which is a great milestone for him. They are both turning into adorable little men.

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I have been Christmas Shopping like crazy and am really looking forward to celebrating this year. I think the boys are really going to enjoy it. We actually took them to see Santa today and I thought for sure they would scream and cry. Nope, they both sat on his lap and smiled like it was nothing!

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Eric’s birthday is tomorrow so we will be celebrating as a family. (Not sure what we are doing yet – I told him he had to pick!) Tonight we had a nice dinner out with our friends. We haven’t been out in a group in awhile, so it was really nice to enjoy small talk with no interruptions from the kids!

Challenges

Life without change, challenges and choices would be boring. As we await the results of who will be our President for the next 4 years, I am realizing just how much change my family has gone through and how many challenges we are facing right now.

Alex started his new Physical Therapy program at Euro-Peds on Friday. He did better than I thought he would. I figured with new faces and having to go back to the gym alone, he would have had a meltdown. Apparently I was wrong because when I went back to have a peek, he was having a ball with the two girls Emily and Rachel. I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy for him. Unfortunately, we are in a lull right now with Insurance, so we are awaiting approval for the program. We are hoping to resume on Friday.

In other Alex news, his Gait Trainer has been ordered! It’s been seven months since we started the whole process and within two weeks or so, we should have it! It was such a long frustrating process, but I never gave up. I promised him I would keep fighting – and that I did. I am so happy for him and I cannot wait to see him in it for the first time!

Evan, Evan, Evan….I do not know what I am going to do with that boy! He is not into toys at all right now. About the only toy related things that interest him are his Mr. Potato heads, Coloring Books and Crayons and an Elmo Book that has the little buttons for sound. Just yesterday, he got into the cupboards, pulled out my cutting boards, a colander, multiple spatulas and a frying pan and had them all laid out on the stairs. We finally had to child proof the drawers so he would stay out of them. He was trying to open them today and kept saying “Uh Oh” because he couldn’t get them open. He is growing up and I am not liking it!!!

After a couple of months of job searching and interviewing, Eric received a new job offer last week. He accepted and his first day was yesterday. We thought it was a good choice for our family until he got another offer tonight! Now another decision has to be made! I am so happy and so proud of all of his accomplishments. On top of this job transition, he is going to school to get his Bachelor’s Degree, studying for more IT Certifications and helping me with the boys. I hope he knows how grateful we all are that he does so much for our family.

As for me, no real big changes, just the daily challenge of raising two year old Twin Boys!!! I am trying to make time for myself more and I have recently gotten back into Scrapbooking. I have been working on Alex and Evan’s books which are coming along quite nicely. Being Boys, I am not sure if they will appreciate them as much, but even if they don’t, I know I will enjoy them! I may also take up “Mall Walking” this winter. I went for the first time this morning and it was nice. It gives me a chance to get a little exercise in while getting out of the house. I am going to miss my walks at the park, but I cannot handle the cold, so indoors for me it is!

Every new day has its own challenges. I have learned that, being a parent of both a special needs child and a typically developing child. You can either run away and hide or you can embrace it and learn as you go.

Then, today happens...

After the initial shock wore off of finding out I would be having two babies instead of one, I often envisioned what they would be like as toddlers running around getting into things they shouldn’t and really enjoying eachothers company. That vision so far has not come true and I am not sure when it will.

The reality is, is that my walking toddler often goes off and plays on his own while my non-mobile toddler will lie on the floor and play with his toys or he now has resorted to rolling to entertain himself. I often sit with him on the floor to get him up off of his back or he will go into his stander to get some good weight bearing and play with his toys. Evan, on occasion will interact with Alex but it’s nothing like I dreamed of early on and it is one of the most heartbreaking things I have had to come to terms with.

I am so afraid that because of Alex’s disability, my boys won’t be as close, won’t share as much or won’t have a strong bond. I know it’s too early to tell, but it’s a fear that I have in my heart.

Then, today happens.

I took the boys to their class today (even though it was sleeting and the winds were blowing like crazy). Things went as they usually do, Evan went off and played on his own and Alex was left with me or one of the teachers. Instead of playing outside today, we went to the gym where they have an array of tricycles, wagons and cozy coupes for kids their age. Evan was off playing when I decided to put Alex in the wagon instead of keeping him on my lap the whole time. I planned on pulling him around when out of nowhere, Evan swooped in and pulled his brother all around the gym. I was so happy in this moment.

After school, we came home and spent the rest of the day inside. The boys had lunch, napped for a couple of hours and just before dinner I put Alex down on the floor with some blankets around him – but not supporting him. I was pleasantly surprised with how long he was sitting unsupported. In a 10 minute period, he only toppled over twice. I was actually sitting across from him for the first time instead of behind him, and guess who else was sitting right next to him….Evan. I am not lying when I say that Evan was SO happy to be sitting on the floor playing with Alex. They were taking blocks out of a box and then I brought out the mega blocks and they had a ball. It was short lived because Alex got tired, but for the first time I got to witness my boys playing together on their own just like I had envisioned. The tears were flowing and I can’t tell you how incredibly proud and happy I was in that moment.

Never Give Up.

 

 

Fall Fun Photos

 

 

We went to the Cider Mill on Sunday and I wanted to share some photos from the day!

 

 



The Wait is Finally Over!

The Gait Trainer we have been waiting on for six months has FINALLY been approved. We are now waiting for a letter to be signed by the Doctor so it can go to insurance to get paid and the parts can be ordered. Many of you may recall what a frustrating process this has been for me, but I never gave up. I kept fighting and fighting and my hard work finally paid off. I made a promise to both of my sons early on that I would always fight for them and never give up. Believe me, I felt like it many times having to deal with so many ignorant people during this process, but I just took some steps back, took some deep breaths and kept on it. I am so happy for Alex. I really think this will help him so much and hopefully kick start his walking.

I am also pleased to announce that Alex has been accepted into a new Therapy Program called Euro-Peds. I mentioned the program earlier in the month in a previous post and I am so excited for him. He will finish up his current therapy program on October 31^ST and move onto Euro-Peds in early November.

Euro-Peds is a more intensive Physical Therapy program. He will be attending one hour sessions three times a week for three months. That should cover the time my current PT will be out on Maternity Leave so he won’t have much down time in between programs. I am not crazy about the three day schedule, but that is what they require so that is what we will do. It’s a lot having three therapy appointments a week plus school and some weeks….Doctor Appointments, but I will do whatever it takes to make sure Alex gets what he needs. As long as I get some down time for myself in the evenings (which I have been making a good effort toward that) and Evan gets ample play time during the day, then things should run smoothly.

When I dreamed of having a family growing up, I never imagined it being this hard. You go about life thinking that everything will be fine, you will have healthy children and life will be a piece of cake…until something happens to your child, your world is flipped upside down and you wonder why me? Why my child? Let me just say that my two sons are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and although my life isn’t a piece of cake, it has made me a stronger and more well-rounded individual who doesn’t take life for granted. I appreciate more and respect others that are in the same boat as me because I know what it feels like. I firmly believe that I have been put in my situation for this very reason and I know someday I will look back and be proud of who my children have made me and I hope they can say the same.

 

 

Eric and Keri: Our Love Story

When I first started this blog it was supposed to be all about life with twins but over time it has evolved into more of a family blog. Today’s post is all about my journey with my husband Eric. We have been married six years today.

Eric and I met nearly 12 years ago on October 31, 2000. My best friend and I along with his best friend and him were all working at the same store together in the mall. Eric and I were on different schedules and weren’t even aware of one another until my best friend Stephanie introduced us. She couldn’t wait to introduce us because she was convinced he was “my type”. I wasn’t really interested in being set up with anyone at the time, but I decided to meet him anyway. He walked into the store wearing a pair of blue goggles around his neck. Yeah, it was a little weird but I didn’t want to judge. When she introduced us, he “high fived” me. I was taken aback by this but he was cute so I wasn’t giving up yet. My shift was over so I left for the night but that weekend we crossed paths again and he accompanied me on my break since his shift was over. We had good conversation and we exchanged phone numbers. He called a couple of nights later and asked me out on a date.

November 9, 2000 was our first date. He took me to dinner at Chili’s and we went to the movies and saw The Legend of Bagger Vance. After the movies he drove me home where we sat in his car and talked for three hours. He kissed me goodnight and that was my last first date. We fell in love pretty quick but took our time enjoying our relationship.

 

October 17, 2004 we got engaged in Frankenmuth Michigan. He arranged a horse and carriage to take me to a Rose Garden where he was waiting dressed in a suit. He got down on one knee and proposed to me. We then rode back into town together where he had dinner reservations. When we walked into the room, both of our families were there to surprise me. I was blown away at how well he had planned all of this with everyone knowing but me! He did good; I was on cloud nine.

 

We had planned an outdoor wedding with no indoor backup. The day before our wedding there were snow squalls all day long and one of them happened during our rehearsal. But nothing was going to stop me from marrying the love of my life, so on October 13, 2006 Eric and I got married inside a tent at Depot Park (instead of at the gazebo). It was 45 degrees outside and there may have been a snow flurry or two, but none of that mattered because it was our wedding day!

 

Like any couple, Eric and I have had our ups and downs. We work at our marriage every single day of our lives and because we make the effort, that is what keeps us strong. Having twins has been more than challenging on us as individuals as well as husband and wife. Having a special needs child is even more challenging, but it has totally changed our lives for the better. We appreciate the things that some people take for granted, I think we support one another more when we get frustrated or stressed. We understand more, we love deeper and we laugh together A LOT! We are goofy together, we have fun with our kids and most of all we balance each other out. I cannot imagine doing all of this with anyone but Eric. Who would have thought that the guy who wore goggles around his neck and high fived me when we first met would go on to be my husband! (Love you hun!)

Eric is my better half, my best friend, father of my children and the love of my life. I am so happy to be his wife. Happy Anniversary to the man I fell in love with 12 years ago and married 6 years ago today.

 

Twin Friends

I have been telling Eric for a long time that I wish I could meet someone that knew what I was going through as a Mom. Someone who not only had twins, but one with special needs as well. Then, one day back in the spring, I changed Alex’s OT schedule to mornings on Mondays and met a girl Rhiannon and her twin boys Blake and Casey. I could tell by our first conversation that not only would we get along, but we were going to be friends for a long time.

We continued to see each other every Monday morning and we would talk and talk and talk during Alex and Casey’s appointments. Casey has Down Syndrome while Blake is a typical developing toddler just like Evan. We learned that our boys were only four months apart in age and we only lived about a half hour from each other.

Summer was kind of crazy for both of us so we didn’t have a chance to get together until early September and have seen each other three times now outside of therapy. All of us always have such a nice time when we get together. The kids are always exhausted from playing! To have found someone with twins so close in age is such a blessing.

Rhiannon told me that she was looking for someone like me as well. Someone to relate to, someone who understands what we go through on a daily basis. I know we were brought together for this very reason and I hope to continue to build on our friendship for years to come.

 

Here are the 4 boys together!

 

Alex, Evan, Blake and Casey

 

Bits -N- Pieces Vol. 8

Happy Fall!

 

My favorite time of the year is here and we are really trying to make the most of it with Alex and Evan being a year older. We have been going to the park a lot lately, taking advantage of the warmer fall days, trips to Cider Mills and hopefully picking out pumpkins this weekend. I have been slacking a little lately with taking pictures, but I promise to get on that!

School is going great for Eric and the boys, I on the other hand decided after only 3 days to drop out. I just couldn’t do it and although there were people around me questioning my decision to even go to school I thought I could be Super Duper Mom (instead of just plain old Super Mom) but I was wrong. I think the timing is a little off, so I am not going to rule it out, I just can’t do it right now. I am actually proud of myself for recognizing that it wasn’t for me instead of getting too far in and getting in over my head.

I personally have been feeling very overwhelmed lately. I think it’s just adjusting to the new schedule and having 2 whiny, screaming two year olds. There have been many days when I myself have had to count to 10 and take a time out to get my sanity back. At first I thought it was me, but in talking with other Mom’s (in particular Mom’s with Twins) I found that I am not alone. Being a stay at home Mom is so rewarding and so exhausting at the same time, but like every job it has its pros and cons. Most of my days are 12 hours + with 10 of them being on my own. I guess I didn’t realize it was going to be this hard.

Alex got his AFO’s a couple of weeks ago and so far they are working out ok. He can’t really tolerate them for more than 4 hours at a time. I just think they are a little more intense than his old orthodics. I think with time though, he will adjust.

So I actually received a positive call from our secondary insurance company the other day regarding Alex’s gait trainer. If you remember, we have been working on this since April. We were asked for more information back in July and then in late August they denied us for requesting too many components instead of telling us what they will and will not pay for. Well, someone called the other day to tell me they were missing some forms and allowed me to obtain those and fax them over instead of flat out denying him again – which I thought was nice of them. I thanked her multiple times and now we are just waiting to see what they say. I sure hope for Alex’s sake that he gets it this time because he sure could use it.

Last but not least, I filled out an application the other day to get Alex enrolled in an Intensive Therapy Program while his current PT goes on Maternity Leave next month. This program is called Euro-Peds and it is a three month program of Physical Therapy 2-3 times a week for 1.5 hours a session. I really think Alex would benefit from this if he gets accepted and insurance will cover it. Keep your fingers crossed!

 

As always, thanks for reading our blog!

 

School, Therapy and Everything in Between

School is off to a good start for Alex and Evan. Both boys are loving it. Evan got to tag along for the first time this week and although he didn’t do very well during circle time, he had a blast playing with all of the toys and going down the slides at the playground. He is such a ham.

Here they are playing together

 

Evan will begin speech therapy in a couple of weeks. I had him evaluated last week because he isn’t talking yet. Ok, let me clarify, he talks….just not as much as he should. He has his own language and I can understand most of what he is talking about, but he should have more words by this age and he just isn’t there yet. I thought at first I may be jumping the gun because Evan is a very physical kid and he is excelling everywhere else and he also has a twin with whom he speaks to very often. Those could both very well be factors in him just not feeling like he has to talk yet. I just don’t want to sit on it in case there is a problem. I have seen such success is Alex’s Physical and Occupational Therapy that I am not afraid to move forward. I think Evan will do just fine once he gets going. His class will be on Tuesday mornings after Alex’s class so I will keep you posted on how things are going.

Speaking of School, Eric and I both begin our fall classes next Thursday. Yep, I am overwhelmed already, but I think it’s just me getting myself worked up. I have been out of school for awhile now, so going back with two classes, plus my already busy schedule with the boys is a bit daunting. I am sure once I find my groove, I will be fine.

Alex is getting his AFO’s tomorrow!! I am excited to see how they will work and how they will help him. I will post pictures when he gets them!!

So the Gait Trainer (Walker) process is even more of a mess now then it was a few weeks ago. I will admit that I am frustrated with all parties involved and after talking with Alex’s school PT today, I think I am going to back down and not stress about it. As much as I would love for Alex to have the walker, he still needs to build his core, learn how to sit on his own and maybe even crawl. Those things are much more important to me. At least he has a stander, so he is weight bearing on his legs and even though he is strapped in, he is still working his core. He needs a strong core in order to walk, so I think that is what we should be focusing on. I don’t want to get too far ahead of the game and frankly the stress is killing me right now.

The weekend here is supposed to be beautiful so we will be taking advantage of that. There is an outdoor craft and art fair nearby that I plan on going to, I am sure we will take the boys to the park and maybe even the apple orchard down the road. We’ll see. I love this time of year and there are always so many neat things to do! Plus, living in Michigan, we all know what is coming (snow and cold) so we have to enjoy these next 6-8 weeks before we are holed up for the winter!!!

Handsome Little Men

September is here already and I am still asking "Where did the summer go?"

It's been a busy week with therapy appointments and Alex starting school. I know you may think Alex is a bit young for school, but it's an hour and a half class through his Early On program once a week.

He did really well on his first day. He didn't cry or get upset at all. He enjoyed his time with the teachers and therapists and had a great time playing. He had a huge smile on his face during story time which just made Ms. Bridgette's day! Evan will be tagging along next week since siblings are allowed even though it is a Special Ed class. He will have a blast I am sure. It's hard to believe that they will be in preschool next year. EEK!

On Monday we took the boys to the park and I took some pictures of them since taking them to the studio has proven to be quite a task with two 2 year olds. I am pretty happy with the way they turned out. I couldn't get any really good shots of them together, but individually they are super-cute!!

They melt my heart. I am so blessed to have two handsome little men!

August Update

ALEX

Alex is doing really well and is coming right along with his therapy. Still no Gait Trainer, it has been almost 5 months since we ordered it and we continue to have set back after set back. I am trying to stay optimistic, but it’s hard because I am so frustrated with the whole process.

He got fitted last week with some new shoes as I like to call them. They are AFO’S which are a type of Orthodic to help the position of his feet and toes as well as keep his foot flat while learning to walk. The pair he has now, were to stabilize his ankles, but the new pair will be taller and go up onto his calves more. They should be in soon so we will have to see how well he does with them.

Last Friday he received Lidocaine Injections in his legs per recommendation of his Physiatrist. The shots are administered behind the knee while lying on his stomach. The purpose of the injection is to block his nerves going to his calf muscles to keep them from tightening. So far, it is working well. I am amazed at how squishy his calves are – but in a good way. I am so used to them being tight that it’s a nice change and he seems to be adjusting well. We really aren’t sure how long the effect will last but we are happy with the results so far. He is a trooper. He did so well the day he got the shots.

On top of all of that, he got casted as well – poor little guy! His OT decided last week to cast his left arm in hopes of him utilizing his right arm more. That is the whole purpose of his OT sessions. He doesn’t seem to mind the cast. He still bangs on his toys with his left hand - cast and all. He also thinks he can hold his cup and pick up foods with it! It is super cute. He is doing alright with his right hand, but it’s going to take a lot of casting to break him away from his left hand. He favors it so much!

 

Next Tuesday Alex will be going to “school”. He will be attending class for an hour and a half on Tuesday mornings as part of the Early On program through the state. He will be in class with 6 other children with special needs and they will participate in circle time where they will read and story and sing songs. Then they will move onto different stations where he will be able to play. He will see an OT and an SLP while his is there as well. I think it will be a great change for him rather than them coming to the house. Evan is also welcome as a sibling to come and participate which I am sure he will.

 

Alex has enjoyed his summer by swinging, playing in the sandbox and listening to his favorite songs. (He LOVES music!). He also likes when we blow bubbles out on the deck!

 

 

 

 

 

EVAN

"Best Summer Ever” is how Evan would have to describe his summer so far. This kid has had a blast with everything this summer from his new sandbox, to his swing set, to the pool. His new thing is going down the slides at the park. He can’t get enough of it!

 

He has learned to use a fork and a spoon very well in the last couple of months and actually throws a fit if I try to feed him. He likes to do it himself and I have to say, he does a pretty darn good job.

He is into EVERYTHING – and I mean EVERYTHING! I used to have him barricaded in the family room and he decided he would start scaling the couch to get out. He is a little stinker!

Evan is all boy. He loves to get dirty, always has bumps and scrapes on him and he is non-stop from the time he gets up until he goes to bed. He is exhausting but fun all at the same time. I could do without the yelling, screaming and tantrums though.

 

His favorite toys right now are puzzles, wooden blocks and crayons. He could care less about the colorful, flashy toys that make all the noise. He’s a pretty simple kid as long as he gets his way!

 

 

 

Georgia Family Visit

Last week a bunch of my husband’s family came into town from Georgia for a family reunion and we got to host some of them. It was a lot of work, but so much fun. We had about 7 people staying with us for 5 days with most of them being kids. It was a lot of fun and Alex and Evan enjoyed themselves.

The first two days it rained which was a bummer, but we made the best of the time we had together. My Niece Mindy has 3 little ones who are 4, 16 months and 5 months and with my two 2 year olds, there weren’t many quiet moments in the house. This is the best we could do at getting them all together for a picture.

 

Bailey, Ethan, Alex, Evan and Madison

 

 It rained the morning of the reunion as well, but cleared up just after lunch so the kids could play outside. The adults got to go to dinner that night and we went swimming the following day at the local campground.

Kid Free Dinner!

 

We also did some shopping at the mall and took a trip up to the Largest Christmas Store – Bronners. It was my Niece Mindy’s first trip to Michigan so we had to take her there as well as A&W for lunch.

One of their last nights, we had everyone (17 people) all over to our place for Taco night.

The morning they left, they were gone long before the sun came up and my house was super quiet that morning. I missed them already. My niece Jessica decided to stay behind for a couple of more weeks, so she is staying with us and I am loving the help. I think she is also enjoying herself. She has her own room, unlimited computer time and cable tv. Those things mean a lot when you have 7 siblings!

I just want to say that having them in my house for 5 days makes me miss them so much more now. I have always been close to my husband’s sister and her family. They moved to Georgia three and a half years ago just three weeks before we bought our house – which was only about 5 miles away from theirs. I was really bummed, but having kids of my own now and with them being so close in age to my Niece and Nephews kids, makes me want to live closer to them. Unfortunately, I don’t think any of us plan on moving anytime soon. L We are hoping to get down there before the year is over for a visit.

Here are some more pics of their visit:

The two trouble makers!

Ethan

Robbie and Ethan



Sister in Law Tappatha, Myself and My Niece Mindy

These 2 were inseperable



AnnaMarie, Madison, Bailey and Brook at the mall

Matthew, Matt, Eric and John

Bailey