What a Day!

...and on my birthday, no doubt!

This morning Joshua had an appointment to see his physical therapist, Mrs. Amanda, one last time in order to graduate from PT. I had planned to head out early to get my blood work done for my thyroid, but there was no way we could get out the door an extra hour early, so I decided to put it off until after lunch. Well, don't you know everything seemed to happen this morning while we got ready. Joshua grabs everything off the table these days, and the taller he gets and the longer his arms grow the more he is able to reach. Well, don't you know he got a hold of Rebekah's cup of juice off the table and spilled the rest of its contents onto the floor, but not after squeezing his yogurt cup all over himself at breakfast and then refusing to eat. Then, of course, it was like pulling teeth to get Rebekah to put her shoes and socks on to leave, and she wouldn't let me fix her hair. Boy, have mornings been a battle lately with her! Yesterday she made herself late for preschool because she wouldn't put her shoes and socks on. Life can be challenging in our household at times. I'm guessing this is normal, but it sure makes me feel better to hear that other kids struggle with this also. Please tell me I'm not alone!

So, we finally got out the door and Rebekah to my mom's then off to Joshua's last PT appointment. Amanda passed him with flying colors. She saw him running up and down the hallway as we were waiting for her. During his check-up she watched to see how he stepped over objects and to see how his walking and running was going. She noticed that he walks on his toes some for balance, but it's not so much that she is worried about it. It is just something to watch for and to make sure it doesn't become a habit that will have to be broken later.

After lunch at my mom's I headed over to my endo's office to have my blood work done to check my thyroid. There I saw one of the office staff, Carolyn, who is just the nicest lady! She's always so friendly, and I was glad to see her this afternoon. She thinks I look like I've lost weight since my last appointment and told me that I can get the results of my lab work either tomorrow or by Friday morning for sure. In a way I'd like it to be my thyroid just so that I can take a little pill and feel better, but in a way I don't want it to be my thyroid because that means my body isn't functioning properly. I may just be doing too much and not getting enough sleep, but at least I'll have some answers very soon.

This afternoon we got home, and although I had promised Rebekah we would make a gingerbread house this afternoon it just didn't happen. The kitchen floor was dirty and needed mopping anyway, but after the stickiness all over the floor from Joshua's spill it had to be done. I didn't even finish mopping when Joshua woke from his nap (a short nap, no less), so we're going to make the house tomorrow. I just felt so worn out by this afternoon. I was so glad to see Darrin when he got home (and with roses, I might add)! I about lost it, though. I've just been stressed today from all that needs to be done at home and the fatigue I've had. I don't have the energy to keep the house clean like I need it. Oh, a housekeeper would have been a great birthday present today!

Although the day was rough I had a really nice evening. We all went out to dinner with my parents to Provino's Italian Restaurant. It is one of my favorite places to eat, especially for a romantic dinner. They also give you a free meal on your birthday with ID. We had an unusually long wait for our meal, but we're not sure if it was because they were busy or if the food my parents ordered was unique and required more time. Provino's is usually busy, though, so it may have been the food. Joshua got particularly antsy, and after 3 rolls I nearly got him out of his high chair to stretch his legs when the food arrived. Here are a few pics at the restaurant.

Rebekah sits with her Granddaddy as we wait for our table


Me and my sweet boy


Joshua and Granddaddy


Rebekah wanted to sit between my parents at the table


Darrin and I rarely get our pic made together, especially just the two of us.


What a precious face!


Snuggle-face with Grandmommy


We finally got our food, and mmmmm! was it good! Joshua was so hungry, even after 3 garlic rolls, that he kept fussing for another bite of lasagna. And to my surprise, after getting a free meal I also got a free dish of ice cream with a cookie and a candle. I let Rebekah help me blow out the candle. (The girl LOVES birthdays!)


After dinner we went to my parents' to open gifts. My mom made me an apple pie - thanks, Momma! - but we didn't eat any because we were so full from dinner. My dad's birthday is exactly a week before mine, so we gave him our gift to him and I opened my gifts.

I got a sewing basket and kit and some cash from my parents, and Darrin and the kids got me a new camera. Now, I have a nice DSLR for most things which I LOVE, but I got this little camera, a Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS to throw in the diaper bag or my purse when I don't want to lug my Rebel around.

We are now home, the kids are in bed, and Darrin's hitting the sack as well. I think I'll go join him. It's been a big day!

Sickness

This week, and particularly this weekend, has been rough for our family. Earlier this week Joshua had a couple of days of clinginess and not wanting to nap. Every time I put him down for a nap he fought it, and once he did go to sleep he awoke after only about 45 minutes. I decided to take Joshua to see the pediatrician, and he not only has another ear infection (possibly not healed from the last time), but his other ear is infected as well, so he's got a double ear infection. Joshua is still really cuddly with me and struggles going down for a nap, but he seems to be better, although he is nursing a lot more this week.

On the flip side, Joshua is walking around full-time now. He only crawls to get to something to pull up, but he's walking all over the place these days. He's enjoying his newfound skill.

Thursday night/Friday morning in the middle of the night I woke with chills and aches in my legs. After taking some Tylenol I felt better, and after eating breakfast and taking a shower I felt stronger, so I ran some last-minute errands to prepare for Rebekah's party that was planned for today. By the time I got home I had the chills and aches again. I had a low-grade fever of 100.1. Rebekah was asleep on her bed by this time, which is unheard of for her, and when she woke 3 hours later I checked her temp. It was 101.2 orally. I called the moms of Rebekah's guests and rescheduled the party for next week. I was disappointed in a way, but relieved because I really didn't feel well.

Darrin also went to the doctor for a sinus infection, but it was caught early, so he's feeling much better already. Rebekah is feeling better also, but at times she says she is well and other times she says she is sick. I'm still not completely well yet. Hopefully in another day we'll all be feeling lots better.

Little Things They Do and Say

I've been really bad about blogging lately! I apologize to all my few and faithful readers! Life has been very busy planning for Rebekah's upcoming birthday and party. She will be 4 years old in a week and a half, and on Saturday we are giving her a small party. Although the party will be intimate, I am preparing all the food which is so much more work than buying pre-packaged things and having a cake made. So, things are a little crazy around our house getting ready for the weekend.

Since my last update on Joshua he is walking more and more consistently. He still crawls some, but I'd say he's walking about 75% of the time now. He really loves to be on his feet. In addition, his nap schedule has been off a lot this week due to shopping trips to buy things for Rebekah's party and such, so Joshua is much crankier in the evenings and only wants me. It makes it very difficult on me when he wants me to hold him constantly, and sometimes he's still not completely content. Sometimes nursing does the trick, but I'm ready for him to drop this last middle-of-the-day feeding anytime now. I know that sounds horrible, but it is totally for his contentment, and most of the time he's barely sucking.

On a totally different note, both the kids have eaten something that is off-limits. Joshua got a hold of some miniature Nutter Butter peanut butter sandwich cookies. Rebekah had several in a bowl and left them on the couch just where Joshua could eyeball them. Then later he found a box of Crunch'N'Munch that Rebekah had left out on the floor. Of course, I was much more concerned about the latter due to popcorn and peanuts being a choking hazard, but I was able to confiscate the pieces from his mouth before they became a problem. So far, Joshua has not had a reaction to any of the peanut products, so I think peanut butter is safe, but I will probably hold off feeding it much until he's closer to age 2.

Rebekah also ate something inappropriate. A rubber band. Yes, she nibbled a piece of rubber band and swallowed it. I have no clue if she's passed it yet. Hopefully it doesn't cause problems! Joshua passed a teeny tiny styrofoam ball that is supposed to resemble a berry on some of my fall stuff. I know I sound like the most negligent mom in the world, but I guess stuff like this happens, but it all seems to be happening at once. Well, it is. All in one week.

Joshua's language is developing more. He is learning his manners so well! He says "tee" for "Thank you" and replies with something that sounds much like "You're Welcome" that strangers understand it. I was at Wal-Mart getting help with Rebekah's birthday present, and the employee told Joshua that he was a beautiful boy. I told him to say "Thank you" and he replied, "You're Welcome." The woman asked me how old he was. She was totally shocked!

Rebekah has been extremely sweet lately, almost too much, but I love it! She constantly says, "I love you, Mommy." One day it was even up to every 2 minutes or even less that she would tell me she loved me. She tells her Daddy the same thing, but not as much. She sometimes follows up with hugs and kisses too. So sweet!

Darrin and I have really noticed how much Rebekah has not been picking on Joshua nearly as much lately. She is kind to him and really loves on him more. It's really sweet to watch, and it makes me proud to see her maturing in such a way.

On a final note, Rebekah said something really funny tonight on our way home from Cubbies. Rebekah had asked me to spell all the names of her classmates and leaders in her Cubbies class. After I spelled Will's name we talked about the fact that he has a new baby brother. A few minutes later Rebekah told me that she was going to have a little sister. I said, "Uh! Do you want a little sister?" She told me she did, and I told her she would have to talk to her Daddy about that. So I had her tell Darrin what she said, and then she said she was going to be a big brother. LOL! Where does she come up with these things?

Near the End of Physical Therapy

Yesterday was Joshua's last official physical therapy session. Praise the Lord for what He has done and how He has helped Joshua overcome his obstacles due to low muscle tone! Joshua was walking 50% of the time, and even today he is walking more than that. He is making progress every day and desiring to be up on his feet more and more. He even walked through our sloped back yard for several yards before he took a fall!

In December Joshua will have a follow-up with PT to make sure he is continuing to progress normally. He will most likely always be late reaching milestones for a while because he was late walking, but he should reach them in a timely manner according to the time it took him to walk.

Joshua had a good therapy session yesterday with Mrs. Amanda. He spent a fair amount of time walking for her and playing on his feet. I took a few pics of his last day of therapy.


Bubbles have always been a favorite of Joshua's in PT. When he would get frustrated or upset they would help him to calm down and get back on track. He was also motivated to stand and take his first steps when the bubbles were out.



Joshua and Mrs. Amanda


Thanks so much, Mrs. Amanda, for your patience and guidance in helping Joshua overcome his struggles and fears due to low muscle tone. We are so thankful for you as you've worked with Joshua over the last 8 months!

Joshua is Walking!!!

After so many months of working with him through physical therapy and exercises at home, my prayers are being answered! Joshua started taking some steps last night and continued today. Knowing the struggles and insecurities that he has had makes this moment even more special. I'm so proud of my little guy!!! And you can tell in the video that he is proud of himself too.



Praise be to God that Joshua is finally taking those steps and learning to walk independently!

Sibling Walks

Rebekah helps Joshua walk. What a great big sis!

Rebekah helps Joshua walk. What a great big sis!

Weekend at Grandy's

Last Friday we went to visit Darrin's mom for the weekend. That afternoon we spent some time in the back yard while the weather was nice and overcast. I grabbed the camera to get a few shots of the kids with MIL.

Joshua decided to show off his standing skills. He stood for long periods of time before he had enough.


Walking with Daddy...Joshua got to where he wanted to walk a lot while holding our hands, usually with both hands. He continues to do this quite a bit every day.


Rebekah loved running to her Daddy and flying through the air!


Ann loved her flower pot the kids made for her along with the other gifts we gave her!


Hello?


Ummm...it's for you.


On Saturday Ann and I took the kids to the county park and Kids Kingdom playground while Darrin helped his brother with the horses. Rebekah had a ball playing and making new friends while Joshua practiced his newfound walking with support skills. That afternoon I hit a children's boutique and bought a couple outfits for next summer for the kids since they were on clearance. Can't beat a good sale! That night Derek and Robin came over for dinner and we celebrated Ann's birthday.

One great thing about the trip was that Joshua slept really well the first night, and although he was somewhat restless the second night he never cried or even whimpered. I think he stood up in his pack'n'play once, but he settled right back down. Rebekah never slept well when she was this little, so it's nice to be able to travel and feel at least somewhat rested.

Joshua also warmed up to his Grandy much more quickly this time than the last. Of course, Rebekah was so excited about this trip she was ready to head out the door as soon as her shoes were on before we had even finished packing! The kids had so much fun with their Grandy, and she enjoyed them thoroughly herself. It was a fun trip!

Joshua's Gross Motor Update

After taking a break from marked improvement in his gross motor development Joshua is making some significant progress again. He is taking a couple steps here and there from table to chair or to reach something he wants. Yesterday after watching Rebekah push her doll stroller around the house Joshua wanted to play with it too. I weighted the front of it with a heavy book so that it wouldn't tip over on him. Joshua had so much fun pushing the stroller around! When he wants to do so he is also walking while holding our hands. He won't let go of one hand to walk, but he used to let his legs go when we would hold his hands so that we had to pick him up, but now he will hold our hands and walk.

Today Joshua had physical therapy and showed Amanda what he could do. He also stood to play with bubbles then took several steps in a number of directions to reach for the bubbles. I have a feeling it won't be long before he's walking. Amanda is backing off PT to monthly now, and our next visit may be our last, depending on how well Joshua is doing by then.

Walking, Talking, and Eating

Joshua is showing some more progress lately in his gross motor skills. He is now walking while holding our hands. Before, every time we grabbed hold of his hands and tried to get him to stand and walk he would let his feet go like he wanted us to pick him up. Now he is bearing weight on his legs and walking while we hold his hands. One of my friends suggested putting a hula hoop around him to hold while we guide it around the room for him to walk. I'm going to pick one up on my next trip to Wal-Mart.

Joshua is also saying new words and seems to understand a great deal. The other day Joshua was fussing after a nap. I tried all sorts of things to settle him down and nothing worked. I finally asked him if he was hungry and wanted a snack. Joshua immediately calmed down. I then asked him if he wanted a cracker and he replied, "Yeah". That was exactly what he wanted too!

This morning when I brought Joshua into our bedroom to see Darrin and Rebekah he went straight to his daddy on the bed. Darrin told him to say "Good Morning" to Rebekah, and Joshua said, "Good More". Just this evening he has also said 'tractor' and 'dog'. It's amazing to us what he is learning and saying!

Joshua has also decided to start eating with a fork by himself. Well, we stab the food with the fork and he is feeding himself.



Rebekah didn't want to be left out. She took a really big bite!