the one about Lily

I just sent an update to my family and some close friends on Lily's health. I figure those of you who read this care about me and my sweet girl, so I'll put the update here for you as well. I'm grateful for Lily, for this journey we've been on, and for all the rich lessons God has taught me as we've walked it.

 Here's Lily eating-yay! She'll be 16 months Sept 2.

I thought I'd send an update on Lily since it has been a while. During May and June Lily met four times with an Occupational Therapist from the Bell Center. The OT helped incredibly with Lily's refusal to eat solid foods. She also saw some problems with Lily's ankles and recommended special shoes. Within two weeks of getting her shoes Lily went from not standing at all to cruising around the furniture! As far as her eating is concerned, she is making real improvements.

We saw Lily's GI specialist today. I went in fully expecting this to be our last appointment. Although there are no longer any signs of reflux, the GI specialist said she isn't going to release Lily as her patient until she is at a healthier weight, walking, and eating more. She is doing this for my benefit, because whenever we meet with her we also see a Nutritionist. They advised me to start Lily on Pediasure to help her gain weight. They also referred her to a Physical Therapist at Children's to start meeting to help teach her to walk.

Overall, Lily has made big improvements since May but still has some more obstacles ahead. However, all it takes is a 3 hour doctor's appointment at Children's Hospital to humble me and remind me that our problems are so small compared to many other families!!!

Here are a few bullet point concerns for Lily for you to keep in your prayers:

1. Lily needs desperately to start drinking from a cup. This would help her drink pediasure and whole milk and make her eating times more independent.
2. Lily needs to start eating more foods-especially nutrient rich foods. Other than strawberries and bananas, she currently will not eat any fruits or vegetables.
3. Lily needs to sleep through the night!!!! (I'm not sure how much of an effect this has on her health, but it has a huge effect on mine!!!)
4. Pray for her ankles and hips as she starts to walk, and for the strength to reach this next milestone.
5. Finally, pray for wisdom for Adam and I as we meet with different doctors and therapists, pray for patience for us-getting through a meal time with Lily can be very frustrating, and pray that God would continue to provide for Lily's care financially (as He always does).

Thank you so much family and friends! I am grateful that you care for our baby girl!

the one when I ingnored my children

Today I intentionally ignored my children as they played outside at the water table so I could do this. I may have a problem...

It's things that Chloe Belle says. so precious...

the one with subway art

I have always loved subway art and wanted to make some of my own, but I've never taken the time out to be so frivolous. But I did tonight and I had soo much fun! Here it is-verses from my James memory project!

Here's the awesome post that told me all about how to do it! yay!

the one with the same

 same age, same onesie, same kitchen. same fraggle rock hair.

the one about batman

I understand that my blog is pretty cheery kitchen-kids-Jesus fare, but I really need to complain, and if you can't complain on your own blog, well, then, there's no hope for us.

I saw The Dark Knight Rises yesterday. I am  HUGE Batman fan, and have been since I was a small child.

I HATED IT. Three hours of my life that I will never get back. In addition, Christopher Nolan ruined a little of the Batman lore for me.

I spent some time reading reviews of the movie for the first time this morning, and was glad to find many people who agree with me. Read this:

Without dipping my toes too far into spoiler territory, there's a difference between closure and closing, and by choosing to make The Dark Knight Rises not just his last Batman, but the last Batman, Nolan essentially tells the story that should never be told, and does so in a way that leaves the status quo so cracked that the only way to put Humpty Dumpty back together is to reboot the thing yet again. Which is a shame.

from Zaki Hasan's review.

This story should never have been told. yick.

the one about summer so far

 Lily met with an AMAZING occupational therapist for 6  weeks. Praise the Lord, she is finally enjoying eating, she's learned how to swallow solid foods, and she's gained a little weight! BEST part of summer so far!!!

 Chloe Belle has spent tons of time playing with friends, and generally being awesome. No surprise there.

 Lily isn't so much interested in spending time with friends as she is being cuddled and treated like a baby at all times.

 I started keeping Brooke Allen three afternoons a week. Chloe Belle is facinated by her. Lily mostly tries to crawl over her.

 Every week we have a fun new color on our fingers and toes.

 Lily has spent some time exercising all stylish and 80s style.

 I've loved being a stay at home mommy and playing with these two all day long.

 We started having tea parties. Monkey is a big fan.

 Check out that little pinky in the air. She's a rockstar.

 Fourth of July with favorite people. Love these kiddos.

 happy.

And of course, Chloe Belle has gotten some quality time with her #1 favorite: "my Noah" as she calls him.

 We've been to a dozen weddings this summer. I love Mrs. Coats!

 Mrs. Lang

 I don't think this was for a wedding, but they sure are cute!!

 Mrs. Hall-this was hands down the most fun wedding I've ever attended!

 Having fun at Chris + Brooke's wedding! So pumped for Kate + Bradley!

I love my man.

the one where I say hello

Hello there friends. 

It has been 5 1/2 weeks since I left my job and started the journey of being a stay at home mom. I can't believe its been that long. Didn't know my life has changed so radically? Here's a short blog post about my decision to leave.

Anywho, I've really enjoyed my time at home. It certainly has had it challenges; some of which I was expecting and some I didn't see coming.

I'll try and catch you up a bit and I'll try to post more. Oh well, we know how that goes.