What a Year

I was just sitting her thinking of last Christmas and everything that has happened to this Christmas. Last Christmas we were with family in South Carolina and Georgia enjoying a warm break from Canada. I was finally pregnant with our 2 precious babies after years of infertility, countless doctor's appts, numerous and costly procedures, many heartaches, and a very emotional experience. We had no idea at the time what this year was going to bring last Christmas. Shortly after we found out that Lilly had stopped growing and was in danger. We turned our worlds upside down to do whatever we needed to do to ensure the pregnancy went as long as possible to give BOTH babies the best outcome possible. With the help of our doctors in Connecticut, we made it to 32 wks, and had 2 beautiful babies. We did have a long road after they were born, and they both faced many ups and downs, especially Alex. But they proved to be strong, and came home after 7 wks. Then Chris had interviewed for a new job, so that we could move closer to family and back to the US. We then moved our new family of 5 to Pennsylvania. Things have "calmed" down a little since we moved in, and we are starting to getting into a rhythm of having 3 children and mostly on our own. We love it when our moms have time to lend us a helping hand. We welcome the extra hands.

The babies are doing great, and Lilly is finally starting to eat a little better. Julian is growing into such a bright little boy. He makes me smile and laugh daily. we couldn't be more blessed this christmas to enjoy our family to what is has become this year. I can't wait to see Julian experience Christmas again this year. I also can't wait to see the babies experience their first Christmas!

I look forward to what the next year has in store for us as well. This past year was difficult but brought many blessings.

Well, another weekend is over and time to start the new week. I really hate when sunday is over, especially when Chris is going out of town. I made it this past week by myself, Chris had a meeting in Bridgewater with late dinners and early starts. He was here, but not here. I did have a nice treat from a visit from my parents on their way to South Carolina/Georgia for the christmas holiday. It was so nice to have some extra hands for the night and early morning. Julian was thrilled to see them, and I was sad to see them go. We look forward to seeing them again on their way home.

This past week, Julian enjoyed the left over snow, and we even got a few more inches Tuesday night before it started to rain. One day they had a snow delay at school, which really shortens a half day kindergarten, so we called it a "rest day". Julian like that. It was funny having a snow delay, after being in Canada where they never shortened school because of the snow. I think I drove Julian to school in blizzard conditions.

Alex has cut his second tooth, and is doing great eating. I am thankful I have at least one good eater in the house. One child I won't have to worry about eating. Lilly still has her good days and bad days eating. And when she doesn't want to eat, it's not going to happen. She is really taking off on crawling. She is really fast, and you have to watch her every second. I've weighed her lately and I think weight isn't gaining as fast because she is such an active child.

I've done a lot of online shopping and have gotten away a couple of times to do some christmas shopping. A few more things, and I think I'm done. Then, I just have to find time to do some wrapping.

well, I'm just going to pray i make it through another week.

I did find some time this week to do my christmas cards, which I should get soon and send out. I'll show you my pictures on the card, but you will see them again. I think they turned out pretty good, especially if you were here and heard the background noise going on.

more snow day pics

First snow in PA

Today we had our first snowfall. Julian has had so much fun playing outside. It has reminded me so much of our time in Canada. I had to go to Target today to get him a sled so he could go down the hill in the backyard. He and Chris were having a ball, and Duke was enjoying chasing them down the hill. They even built a snowman in the front yard. It is times like this when I am glad that we have taken advantage of the moves for Chris and have gotten to experience things we wouldn't have gotten to if we had stayed in South Carolina. ( Don't get me wrong, I would still move back in a heartbeat) We will enjoy these times and look back and cherish these memories one day.

We have decorated for Christmas, and have started the "Santa" buying. I have a feeling Christmas will be here before we know it.

I forgot to mention also that Alex has finally cut his first tooth. He wasn't very comfortable during that but hopefully the others won't be as painful. (Wishful thinking on my part)

Lilly's follow with GI

Friday, Lilly had her f/u appt with our GI doctor. She weighs 13 lb 11 oz. She gained on avg 19 gm/day over the last 7 wks. (15-30 gm/day is where they want her). Not as great as the last visit, but she is much more mobile and active now to burn calories, but they are extremely happy with her progress. Developmentally she is doing great. Weight for her height she is in the 25%. We still have better eating days than others, but overall I think she's doing good for my little 2 lb baby at birth. We are going to keep things the same, make no med changes and they want to see her back at her birthday. Can't believe they will be 1 before I know it. The year is flying by. It's been a busy, hard at times, year. But, I can't imagine my life any other way. I look at my 3 children and think how lucky I am to have each one of them. They are all so special, and I just melt when they smile at me.

I forgot to mention the other day that we now have a "stander". Lilly has started crawling to things and pulling up on them to standing. It's so funny watching my little girl do that. I don't know if I mentioned earlier this week they went to PT and OT to check for developmental status. They said they were both great for their age, doing just what they expect them to do.(They only expect them to be at 6 months because they were 2 months early.) Alex is starting to try to crawl. He can scoot around a little.