Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Life - and smelling the flowers

Today we had our 2nd session with the speech therapist. I really like her therapist, Ashley. This past week we have been working on B's, D's and P's. I hear some progress, especially with the B's. We have also been working on blowing things - mostly bubbles, to strengthen those lip muscles. Her "homework" is a lot more fun than the other kids' homework! Michelle did pretty well for about the first 10 minutes, but after that she wasn't so cooperative. At least I am picking up a lot of cues and things to work with her during the week.

She is trying new words every day. It's amazing to see all these connections being made in her little brain. Just a few minutes ago she picked up her pretend cell phone and said pretty clearly, "Da-Da, come home!"

She is fascinated with all the spring flowers. Flower has become one of her favorite words, and whenever we are out she is on the lookout for flowers. We also had fun this past weekend taking her to the petstore. She loves the "meow's". (She can't say cat, but she can certainly make their sound.) Unfortunately, we can't have a "meow" since Mommy and Billy are allergic to them. But we have fun visiting them at Petco!

She hasn't been sleeping well lately. For a while the night terrors seemed to be getting worse, but I think the past few nights have just been a cold keeping her awake. (It's hard to tell if it's a cold or allergies?) She has been up several times a night, which makes both of us tired. Oh well, as my friend Julie so wisely said, we are making up for missing out on those little baby days.

Life is busy and hectic, but good. I have never felt more stretched than I do now, trying to manage our busy household and teaching. But I wouldn't have it any other way. My biggest challenge is to try and enjoy each day, even with the stress of life. I know this time with Michelle will fly by - I've already seen it with my older kids. We are trying to take a little time each day just to smell the flowers!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Family Pictures

Michelle had a great time hunting Easter eggs. She got the hang of it pretty quickly, with a little help from the grown-ups. She also LOVED her Elmo Easter basket!

This was the 2nd time Michelle had met her Grandfather, whom we call Bumpa. He helped her look for eggs and spent Easter with our family.
Had to include this picture of big brother Joshua - silly rabbit!
Michelle and Mommy.


Granddaddy Merritt and all his grandchildren on his birthday. We had such a fun visit with family.
Having fun dying Easter eggs with cousin Walker.

The Merritt Family - welcome Michelle.

Bill told Michelle to smile and pointed to her lips, and this is what we got!

Cousins are so much fun!

Michelle remembered NaNa from when she came up to help with her surgery. I thought this was a sweet photo.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Monday, April 6, 2009

Heading south for spring break

Just a quick update - we came to visit my (Midge's) family for spring break. We had a family get together at my brother's house Saturday night, and needless to say, Michelle was a big hit. I'll try to post pictures when we return next week.

Saturday was also my birthday, and Michelle gave me a very sweet present. As we were getting ready for bed that night, she said, "I lub you." It was the first time she had said it, so it made my birthday extra special!

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