5 years ago
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Micah was babbling in the back seat
I heard him say "William, open up, AWhhh" This is often what we tell William when we're trying to feed him.
My baby forever and ever
I asked Tommy if he could be my baby forever and ever he told "I can't I have to grow up and be a Train driver!"
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I was in tears today...
I called around to insurance, and Home Health care providers trying to get someone who could provide better care for William, and also some help with his care, as I estimate I spend 4-6 hours a day feeding him, probably should be more, and he can eat so it's not right to do surgery for him just because I don't have the time. I was in tears when I reached a pediatric home health provider after 20+ minutes on the phone with insurance only to find a provider that doesn't do pediatrics. The talked to me and referred me to a few providers that do pediatrics. I called the first one, told them our story about William eating 2oz in 9.5 hours, and that we need some assistance with his care but aren't sure how to get insurance to cover it. They said they would help and took my information. I was in tears while giving them my information because I finally found someone who could help. We talked and they are going to ask for up to 70 hours a week of PDN (private duty nursing) for William, and gave me what I needed to have my doctor fax to them. Orders for up to 70 hours, medical information, letter of medical necessity.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tommy Reading
We recently checked out some train books from the library, and they've become part of bed time routine. One of the book has been simple enough that Tommy's been reading it from the first time we opened it. It's called "This Train", He loves it and has been so proud to show everyone how he can read every word! And he does a GREAT JOB!
Frustration with Back-Up Childcare
I took the kiddos to the drop in child care place on Thursday because our beloved sitter, and WE DO LOVE HER TONS!!! Was sick, I'm so sad she was sick! And Tommy had problems with behavior at the drop in...and hardly ever does with the normal arrangements :(. And William had ONE oz of bottle in the morning, and about ONE oz of food at noon :(, and a cracker in the afternoon! Then they dropped the bottle at the 4:30 feeding, and based on how he cried on the way home I'm sure he had NONE of that bottle. I called the Home Health people, the pediatrician, and our speech lady, to find if there was anything we could do to provide him better care on the days I work and have to use back up arrangements as it's not acceptable for him to eat only an ounce of food in the 9.5 hours I was gone from 7:30am - 5pm.
Home health gave us the name of a program we may qualify for MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program. And then the name of a person to call about doing one over night stay in a Nursing Home so that we can jump to the front of the line in the program. They are apparently the only ones that cover assistance and resbite care programs for children based on the only the child's income, and Medical Need.
Home health gave us the name of a program we may qualify for MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program. And then the name of a person to call about doing one over night stay in a Nursing Home so that we can jump to the front of the line in the program. They are apparently the only ones that cover assistance and resbite care programs for children based on the only the child's income, and Medical Need.
Micah's new Diagnosis
Micah had a Heart Murmur at his last check up, and as such it is normal for them to refer to a cardiologist for review testing to verify if the murmur indicates anything significant. At the Cardiologist they found a Moderate sized Atrial Septal Defect (ASD).
At about 3 years of age findings indicate if the defect will be large enough to require closure, ore small enough to never need closure. At this point there is no required restriction or precautions and they want to follow up in a year.
At about 3 years of age findings indicate if the defect will be large enough to require closure, ore small enough to never need closure. At this point there is no required restriction or precautions and they want to follow up in a year.
The Road Less Traveled...
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
...Robert Frost
The last 3 lines say it all....
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
...Robert Frost
The last 3 lines say it all....
Thursday, July 2, 2009
William eating
William ate Oatmeal, and tortillas and cheese yesterday
Today he had some pees and pork roast
He's wanting to have what everybody else is eating, he's taking bites and chewing his food, occasionally he looses it, but if you poke it back in he eventually gets it and swallows. This is GREAT progress for him! He's also making more noises, and different noises (great progression towards speech!)
I'm excited what this last week has brought for him!
He's also trying to crawl, following commands about which arm to move, wanting to crawl and move.
He loves dancing with Tommy, and floating in the water of the pool, and joining right in with his brothers!
Today he had some pees and pork roast
He's wanting to have what everybody else is eating, he's taking bites and chewing his food, occasionally he looses it, but if you poke it back in he eventually gets it and swallows. This is GREAT progress for him! He's also making more noises, and different noises (great progression towards speech!)
I'm excited what this last week has brought for him!
He's also trying to crawl, following commands about which arm to move, wanting to crawl and move.
He loves dancing with Tommy, and floating in the water of the pool, and joining right in with his brothers!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Train Ride
We took the Heartland express to OKC from Ft Worth, it was fun for most. Both Tommy and Micah are big train lovers, and W's seems to love trains too. Micah will look at books for a long time especially if the book has any trains in it. He loves both books and trains. While in OKC we went to a minor league Base Ball Game, and White Water where both Tommy and Micah loved the water. William liked floating in the water too, but also took a nap in the stroller in the shade while we were there too.
Unfortunately after the trip Rob woke up Monday morning unable to get out of bed due to his back pain. He spent the week in bed, and riding laying down in the expedition to the doctor for some pain meds, then started to feel better after a steroid shot on Friday. We went for a consult with the surgeon Today, who's not recommending anything till after a fresh MRI, but based on his symptoms may need a diskectomy sp?.
Wednesday last week we met with the equipment guy and decided on a wheelchair for William, and picked colors, black and red, and did measurements. We hope to see the equipment sometime in August or September (after insurance approval, ordering, building, assembly, and delivery).
Micah is in his third week of swim lessons and doing great! He's jumping into the pool and swimming, but still needs to get more comfortable in a float to graduate.
Unfortunately after the trip Rob woke up Monday morning unable to get out of bed due to his back pain. He spent the week in bed, and riding laying down in the expedition to the doctor for some pain meds, then started to feel better after a steroid shot on Friday. We went for a consult with the surgeon Today, who's not recommending anything till after a fresh MRI, but based on his symptoms may need a diskectomy sp?.
Wednesday last week we met with the equipment guy and decided on a wheelchair for William, and picked colors, black and red, and did measurements. We hope to see the equipment sometime in August or September (after insurance approval, ordering, building, assembly, and delivery).
Micah is in his third week of swim lessons and doing great! He's jumping into the pool and swimming, but still needs to get more comfortable in a float to graduate.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
8 appointments in one day....man I must be crazy...
ECI OT and Nutrition for William
PT and CST for William
CST for Tommy
Chiro for Myself and Micah
and the Dentist for myself this morning
Oh and Lunch with just HUBBY AND ME:) because we also had Resbite service here today.
Oh I also forgot Micah's swim lesson thanks to my mom.
Just slightly staying busy....
PT and CST for William
CST for Tommy
Chiro for Myself and Micah
and the Dentist for myself this morning
Oh and Lunch with just HUBBY AND ME:) because we also had Resbite service here today.
Oh I also forgot Micah's swim lesson thanks to my mom.
Just slightly staying busy....
15 month Well Check
Micah:
Height: 32.5" 96%
Weight: 22# 13oz 51%
Head Circum: 18.5 81%
Next Appt 2yr
William:
Height: 31" 48%!!!!!!!
Weight: 16# 13oz 0.02%
Head Circum: 17.5 2%
Next Appt 18mo
William we changed his medication to one that didn't have splenda in it. This Pedi doesn't ever prescribe anything with artificial sweeteners, and won't let the reps leave samples in her office. It's processed through the liver, and can cause liver failure. She firmly believes children should NEVER have artificial sweeteners. Especially a child already on medication processed through the liver. She referred me to http://www.suepalmer.co.uk/toxic.php if more information was needed, and the book on Toxic Child.
She also prescribed William a pediatric Manual Wheelchair, we meet with the rep next wednesday to place our order!! The best pictures are in this catelog: of what we are looking at: http://www.ottobock.ca/cps/rde/xbcr/ob_us_en/04040502.1C-TherapistGuideV2.pdf They also mentioned something like this: http://shopping.msn.com/ImageViewer.aspx?mcatId=4796&dpid=7&itemid=1009135218&hsv=HDs2MFMNx%2bk%3d, but it would have the similar supports seen in the Kimba in the other magazine.
Height: 32.5" 96%
Weight: 22# 13oz 51%
Head Circum: 18.5 81%
Next Appt 2yr
William:
Height: 31" 48%!!!!!!!
Weight: 16# 13oz 0.02%
Head Circum: 17.5 2%
Next Appt 18mo
William we changed his medication to one that didn't have splenda in it. This Pedi doesn't ever prescribe anything with artificial sweeteners, and won't let the reps leave samples in her office. It's processed through the liver, and can cause liver failure. She firmly believes children should NEVER have artificial sweeteners. Especially a child already on medication processed through the liver. She referred me to http://www.suepalmer.co.uk/toxic.php if more information was needed, and the book on Toxic Child.
She also prescribed William a pediatric Manual Wheelchair, we meet with the rep next wednesday to place our order!! The best pictures are in this catelog: of what we are looking at: http://www.ottobock.ca/cps/rde/xbcr/ob_us_en/04040502.1C-TherapistGuideV2.pdf They also mentioned something like this: http://shopping.msn.com/ImageViewer.aspx?mcatId=4796&dpid=7&itemid=1009135218&hsv=HDs2MFMNx%2bk%3d, but it would have the similar supports seen in the Kimba in the other magazine.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tommy-ism
Tommy skinned his knee, and Rob asked him if he needed mommy to kiss it and make it feel better, to which he said "No, that doesn't help, God will make it better"
The faith of a small child....
I love that child!
The faith of a small child....
I love that child!
I sat by the lake and looked at the sky...
and as I looked a fly when by. (a quote from one of our favorite books).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cutting back on the Medicine
I've been able recently to cut back on the Diazepam that I've been giving William (we also started reflux meds around the same time a couple of weeks ago). He was at 2.0mg 3x a day, and after we started the reflux meds I cut back to 1.7, then 1.5, and now yesterday we did 1.5 2x a day and I didn't give the 3rd dose because he still looked great! I'm probably going to cut it back even further to 1.2. He generally seems more awake, interactive, and moving more, also with him rolling over. Also, he's still napping, he's hungrier (that's a good thing), he's still happy and smiling most of the time. I remember before he started the medication he was very uncomfortable all the time, it wasn't till after the medicine he started smiling.
Last night William was playing with my hair and grabbing it, I'd release his hand and he would immediately do it again with a smirk on his face. I need to setup some net of toys for him to play under with things he can grasp like hair or beads so he has a spot to play.
I was thinking maybe a foam mat on the bottom (like memory foam) with PVC pipes around it going up to a net/plexi glass above with holes in it and toys tied hanging from that, some plastic hair, scarves, toys for him that are easy to grasp, some beads. Anybody have on old bed top liner/pillow top that they are getting rid of?
Last night William was playing with my hair and grabbing it, I'd release his hand and he would immediately do it again with a smirk on his face. I need to setup some net of toys for him to play under with things he can grasp like hair or beads so he has a spot to play.
I was thinking maybe a foam mat on the bottom (like memory foam) with PVC pipes around it going up to a net/plexi glass above with holes in it and toys tied hanging from that, some plastic hair, scarves, toys for him that are easy to grasp, some beads. Anybody have on old bed top liner/pillow top that they are getting rid of?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Playing in the Ball pit!
Here's William's chance to play in the ball pit. He did enjoy it, I just love the colors in this picture!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
William just ROLLED OVER!!!!
William just Rolled over for the first time, it wasn't a flop, as he's so great at doing it was a true roll!!! He was laying on the couch next to Rob and talking up a storm, and rolled to his right side!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Hangin with Deuce
Robert Conrad Southwest Party Factory, LLC. dba: Party America Frisco 3333 Preston Road Suite 1200 Frisco, TX 75035 972-668-1961
Watching baseball with Daisy
Robert Conrad Southwest Party Factory, LLC. dba: Party America Frisco 3333 Preston Road Suite 1200 Frisco, TX 75035 972-668-1961
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Couple of recipes I made
I made these tonight going for high calorie as William has trouble gaining weight:
Avocado Pinto Benas
3 avocados medium
1/2 cup EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup Pinto Beans Cooked boiled with bacon grease and salt
Makes 16 1 oz Servings
Estimated Calories per oz: 100
Butternut Squash
3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1 8oz Cream Cheese
1 1/2 cup Steamed Squash
Makes 16 1 oz Servings
Estimated Calories per oz: 68
Anything over 20 calories per oz is good as Breastmilk is 20 calories per oz.
--
Mommy to Tommy 2 yrs 3/2006 + William and Micah 3/2008
http://www.conradzone.com
Avocado Pinto Benas
3 avocados medium
1/2 cup EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup Pinto Beans Cooked boiled with bacon grease and salt
Makes 16 1 oz Servings
Estimated Calories per oz: 100
Butternut Squash
3 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1 8oz Cream Cheese
1 1/2 cup Steamed Squash
Makes 16 1 oz Servings
Estimated Calories per oz: 68
Anything over 20 calories per oz is good as Breastmilk is 20 calories per oz.
--
Mommy to Tommy 2 yrs 3/2006 + William and Micah 3/2008
http://www.conradzone.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
William Follow up at Gastro Doc
We went to the gastro doc today, and he said to keep doing the new medication for a week and see how it works, and to call him on May 11th, and if it's not helping they they will try a different medication, possibly one that does more gastro emptying.
Tommy's School
Tommy's been having fun at school. They said he's been a big helper, and very responsible. He really enjoys it.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Eye Doctor
We went to the eye doctor for William today. His eyes pull to the right, and I wanted to make sure we were doing everything we could be doing. He examined him, dilated his eyes, and examined the back of his eyes. Everything is normal for his condition. He wants to see him back again in 6 months. At this point all he can recommend is additional testing at the eye place in downtown...forgive me the name slips my mind at this time.
EGD Results
EGD Results showed reflux. We've started him on reflux medication. He's still not feeling well.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
William had an EGD today.
They put him to sleep and then run a scope down his throat, take pictures and biopsies of his throat, stomach lower stomach and intestines. He tolerated it well, but was very stiff afterward. Everything looked normal, but we'll get the testing results in about a week.
Tommy Starts School on Monday
Tommy starts school on Monday. There will be 4 kids in his class 2 boys and 2 girls with 2 teachers. I'm excited! He will go Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-12:30.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bluebonnets 2009
Blue bonnets are looking Great. Micah is entertaining himself, and Tommy is loving on William!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dr Visit today
Tommy got to go to the res-bit program at his school today while we went to the GI doctor's appointment.
Dr looked at William and was very good with him, made him smile and treated him like any normal kid. We'll have to do a scope thingy to check his stomach, throat, and upper intestines to see if there is any problems. Since he's going to have to be out anyway for the GI thingy, were going to do an MRI on him since he's out anyway.
On another note we noticed Micah now has 7 teeth and is working on number 8 (2 more lower teeth.) He's also crusing the furnature a little more librally (ie holding on even less, and walking about 3/4 the way across the room now. Also he finds any loose items and they suddenly become crusing toys to push around the room (ie chairs at the doctors office).
Oh and Tommy this evening while I was cooking dinner decided I was a bad Girl and had to stand in timeout. So I stood there like a good girl (trying to be a good example) while daddy pleaded with Tommy to let me out of timeout so I could cook dinner.
After dinner Tommy went with me to get my tire hole looked at on my car. We put air in it and headed to discount tire. They checked it, and found a nail that had damaged the side wall, so they put the donut tire on because they didn't have any used tires that we could put on (and it was closing time when we pulled up). We'll call them tomorrow to see if they have any used tires.
Dr looked at William and was very good with him, made him smile and treated him like any normal kid. We'll have to do a scope thingy to check his stomach, throat, and upper intestines to see if there is any problems. Since he's going to have to be out anyway for the GI thingy, were going to do an MRI on him since he's out anyway.
On another note we noticed Micah now has 7 teeth and is working on number 8 (2 more lower teeth.) He's also crusing the furnature a little more librally (ie holding on even less, and walking about 3/4 the way across the room now. Also he finds any loose items and they suddenly become crusing toys to push around the room (ie chairs at the doctors office).
Oh and Tommy this evening while I was cooking dinner decided I was a bad Girl and had to stand in timeout. So I stood there like a good girl (trying to be a good example) while daddy pleaded with Tommy to let me out of timeout so I could cook dinner.
After dinner Tommy went with me to get my tire hole looked at on my car. We put air in it and headed to discount tire. They checked it, and found a nail that had damaged the side wall, so they put the donut tire on because they didn't have any used tires that we could put on (and it was closing time when we pulled up). We'll call them tomorrow to see if they have any used tires.
Friday, April 10, 2009
BTW .... Teeth
William now had 2 teeth. He just got another one today, he got the first one just after his birthday party.
Micah has 6 (4 on top and 2 on bottom). He got 2 just after thanksgiving, and 3 after christmas, and 1 he's been working on for a while.
Micah has 6 (4 on top and 2 on bottom). He got 2 just after thanksgiving, and 3 after christmas, and 1 he's been working on for a while.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
William Detailed Update.
Equipment:
http://www.showeryourbaby.com/cochbysapr.html
ECI brought this chair by and I really like it, it's a little big for us still and he can still fall over it in, but it's much better than previous options. Also, our ECI told us that April is a great time to apply for equipment because it may take a while to be approved, and then by the time it's approved we'll have met our out of pocket and deductible etc, so what do I need? I'm looking at a kid kart special needs stoller possibly, something that we can take to family's houses so William can interact with others and participate sitting up. With him sitting in the chair more and being engaged with us, he's making more noises and trying to talk and even giggling (see the video below).
Nutritionist:
The nutritionist came by again today. Wiliam was 16lbs 11oz (up 11 oz from last time) This was a GOOD gain for the time period especially with him being sick and not eating well for most of the time. She's coming once a month till we get William back on the growth charts. She calculated that my avocado salad with honey mustard dressing and sesame seeds that I made William in the food processor is 100 calories an ounce. He needs about 1000 calories a day, and he gets between 600-900 from milk and oil we feed him. He gets oil 2-3 times a day (1 tbs with a dash of honey for flavor). Then he gets 2-3 8-10 oz bottles.
Gastro Doc:
Williams had some symptoms of reflux lately, arching, spitting up if laid down after eating, a puddle forming under his head if he's laid down, throwing up if the Diazepam doze is too low. Swallowing at random times. So we have an appointment on Monday to see the doctor that the Nutritionist recommended.
Eye Doctor:
William's vision has always pulled to the right pretty bad, and we've thought that we should take him to the eye doctor for a while, And his right eye seems to be the weaker eye, especially when he's sleepy. As well as he still has the Nastagnis(sp?) shaking of his eyes as he focuses (a normal symptom of the mediation he is on). So I made an appointment for Tuesday the 28th with a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Handicap Sticker:
I'm considering asking the doctors for a handicap sticker as if I'm out with all 3 kids it can be kinda tricky getting them all out together especially now that William has outgrown his baby car seat.
http://www.showeryourbaby.com/cochbysapr.html
ECI brought this chair by and I really like it, it's a little big for us still and he can still fall over it in, but it's much better than previous options. Also, our ECI told us that April is a great time to apply for equipment because it may take a while to be approved, and then by the time it's approved we'll have met our out of pocket and deductible etc, so what do I need? I'm looking at a kid kart special needs stoller possibly, something that we can take to family's houses so William can interact with others and participate sitting up. With him sitting in the chair more and being engaged with us, he's making more noises and trying to talk and even giggling (see the video below).
Nutritionist:
The nutritionist came by again today. Wiliam was 16lbs 11oz (up 11 oz from last time) This was a GOOD gain for the time period especially with him being sick and not eating well for most of the time. She's coming once a month till we get William back on the growth charts. She calculated that my avocado salad with honey mustard dressing and sesame seeds that I made William in the food processor is 100 calories an ounce. He needs about 1000 calories a day, and he gets between 600-900 from milk and oil we feed him. He gets oil 2-3 times a day (1 tbs with a dash of honey for flavor). Then he gets 2-3 8-10 oz bottles.
Gastro Doc:
Williams had some symptoms of reflux lately, arching, spitting up if laid down after eating, a puddle forming under his head if he's laid down, throwing up if the Diazepam doze is too low. Swallowing at random times. So we have an appointment on Monday to see the doctor that the Nutritionist recommended.
Eye Doctor:
William's vision has always pulled to the right pretty bad, and we've thought that we should take him to the eye doctor for a while, And his right eye seems to be the weaker eye, especially when he's sleepy. As well as he still has the Nastagnis(sp?) shaking of his eyes as he focuses (a normal symptom of the mediation he is on). So I made an appointment for Tuesday the 28th with a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Handicap Sticker:
I'm considering asking the doctors for a handicap sticker as if I'm out with all 3 kids it can be kinda tricky getting them all out together especially now that William has outgrown his baby car seat.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Bad Bad Blogger....sorry we've been having fun and I haven't been sharing!
First:
William is Laughing!
We didn't capture the whole out giggle, but you get the idea!
Micah is taking steps, and really trying to communicate! (Insert pictures here...ya...bad mommy no pictures to put here...mainly because he's always saying "UP" to me and making me hold him and it's hard to hold a camera while holding a baby.
Tommy's going to start a preschool soon 2 days a week 6 hrs a week. 9:30-12:30 Monday and Wednesday. It's called the CC Relief Nursery, for families with more than 2 stressors to give us a break and positive role modeling for Tommy. Also they do breakfast, lunch, and snack, and better yet ITS FREE! They have 2 teachers and 2 volunteers for 8 kids!! Pray they get volunteers soon and as soon as they do they can start having classes monday and wednesday!
Also, Tommy is loving swimming and getting outside again! We've had a few warmer days and it's great. He helped his dad mow with the bubble mower, and they they both took a swim afterwards. Along with playing in the creek for hours (sorry papa, we got our cool new shoes all muddy, but mommy washed them) with daddy and having fun!
William is Laughing!
We didn't capture the whole out giggle, but you get the idea!
Micah is taking steps, and really trying to communicate! (Insert pictures here...ya...bad mommy no pictures to put here...mainly because he's always saying "UP" to me and making me hold him and it's hard to hold a camera while holding a baby.
Tommy's going to start a preschool soon 2 days a week 6 hrs a week. 9:30-12:30 Monday and Wednesday. It's called the CC Relief Nursery, for families with more than 2 stressors to give us a break and positive role modeling for Tommy. Also they do breakfast, lunch, and snack, and better yet ITS FREE! They have 2 teachers and 2 volunteers for 8 kids!! Pray they get volunteers soon and as soon as they do they can start having classes monday and wednesday!
Also, Tommy is loving swimming and getting outside again! We've had a few warmer days and it's great. He helped his dad mow with the bubble mower, and they they both took a swim afterwards. Along with playing in the creek for hours (sorry papa, we got our cool new shoes all muddy, but mommy washed them) with daddy and having fun!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Yearly Checkups
Here's the stats for all you stat addicts:
Tommy (3 years)
Height: 38.5in 32%
Weight: 38lbs 4oz 85%
Head Circumference: 21in: 92%
Concerns: I had a concern about him acting crazy when it's been a while since he's eaten possibly concern for his blood sugar, and so she checked that and it was normal. She discussed what he was doing and everything was exactly as it should, she suggested teaching him his address and phone number, and stranger danger safety.
William (1 year)
Height: 29in 25.7% (Yeh! he's on the charts!)
Weight: 16lbs 0.05% (following the same curve of the chart, but off the bottom)
Head Circumference: 17in 0.55% (following the same curve of the chart, but off the bottom)
No suggestions with him, other than we were meeting with the nutritionist that afternoon, and we discussed the help and therapy he was getting and they were happy with that.
Micah (1 year) (he was plotted on the girl charts oops need to correct that with the doctor, so this means that the precentiles are a little high for him)
Height: 31in 95.86% (probably more like 85% on boy charts)
Weight: 20.94lbs 49.25% (probably more like 25% on boy charts)
Head Circumference: 18.5in 93.2% (probably more like 45% on boy charts)
Concerns/Directions: We had a concern about diaper rash and pee burn, and she suggested malox, so we're trying that, and she suggested getting rid of bottle and putting him fully on sippys, which we already did, and a few other developmental things, that I'm not sure I remember. It was a quick appointment, with no major issues or concerns, she was very happy wtih language and other development for him too.
Tommy (3 years)
Height: 38.5in 32%
Weight: 38lbs 4oz 85%
Head Circumference: 21in: 92%
Concerns: I had a concern about him acting crazy when it's been a while since he's eaten possibly concern for his blood sugar, and so she checked that and it was normal. She discussed what he was doing and everything was exactly as it should, she suggested teaching him his address and phone number, and stranger danger safety.
William (1 year)
Height: 29in 25.7% (Yeh! he's on the charts!)
Weight: 16lbs 0.05% (following the same curve of the chart, but off the bottom)
Head Circumference: 17in 0.55% (following the same curve of the chart, but off the bottom)
No suggestions with him, other than we were meeting with the nutritionist that afternoon, and we discussed the help and therapy he was getting and they were happy with that.
Micah (1 year) (he was plotted on the girl charts oops need to correct that with the doctor, so this means that the precentiles are a little high for him)
Height: 31in 95.86% (probably more like 85% on boy charts)
Weight: 20.94lbs 49.25% (probably more like 25% on boy charts)
Head Circumference: 18.5in 93.2% (probably more like 45% on boy charts)
Concerns/Directions: We had a concern about diaper rash and pee burn, and she suggested malox, so we're trying that, and she suggested getting rid of bottle and putting him fully on sippys, which we already did, and a few other developmental things, that I'm not sure I remember. It was a quick appointment, with no major issues or concerns, she was very happy wtih language and other development for him too.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
William and Micah are ONE!
William Josiah, You are quite the child, I'm so glad you are here. You've taught me so much already. We've been through so many struggles already, and more to come. You have the determination to make it, and you will succeed. Here's a little of what you are doing now and what you are like: You are holding sit for several seconds to several minutes, you can follow simple directions and answer simple questions, You love to stand, and laugh and giggle, you listen so intently to all that's around you, you say hi to almost everyone, and chat with those around you. You light up when anyone pays any attention to you and you draw the light from the whole room when you do. You capture the heart of every therapist and all those that try to help you. You are so happy and content despite your struggles, You are ever watching all that's around you, and learning so much. Your name truly fits, you are Strong, and healed by God.
Micah Joe, You are a blessing from God as your name indicates. You have also taught me alot. You are patient, and inquisitive, and independent, yet vocal when you have a need or opinion. You are playful and happy. Here's a little of what you are doing: You are playing with your older brother, and following him where ever he goes. You are riding the scooter all by yourself, and trying to ride Tommy's tricycle. You are taking steps when you don't pay attention to how you are going to get there. You can crawl faster than lightening, and you try to say anything that those around you say. You are talking complete sentences, and letting us know your needs. You say, "Mama, I want ba-ba!" very clearly, along with "All done.", and "Hot.", "Hi.", "Hi there!", "Hi William", and other things that I can't think of right now. You love to be outside, and climb the play ground equipment by yourself (scaring mama).
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Tommy
My Oldest baby is 3 today! I can't believe it. Wow how the last year has just flown by. Tommy's personality is really coming out in the last year. He's got such a tender heart. He love his brothers and those around him and love to play. He's an active guy and love to run and jump and slide. He's really enjoying having Micah chase him around, and playing with him, and he also enjoys giving William hugs and cuddles and seeing him smile.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Williams Eyes
William can answer basic questions with his eyes. I ask him where is piglet and where is a car having one on each side and he looks at the one I ask him about, and grins with a "uuuuhhhh!!!" Excited noise. I'm going to be asking ECI this week how can we expand on this and teach him things, alphabet, body parts, etc!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Micah walking and talking
Micah is making strides towards being a walker. He will hold a stand for several seconds and I was trying to show nana this at f
Gymboree and he took several steps forward to me with out holding on!! These were his first steps! He also copi g any noise you make and any word you say almost. I'll come ban later and list more of what he's been saying.
Gymboree and he took several steps forward to me with out holding on!! These were his first steps! He also copi g any noise you make and any word you say almost. I'll come ban later and list more of what he's been saying.
William talking.
Williams been trying more and more to talk and say some things. His words include mama, hi and hi there, but can be difficult to understand as mama is uhhuhh. Hi is very clear and hi there is hi with a second sylable. Hi gets so happy and glowing when he tries to talk.
We've been reAlly pushing 3 meals a dayvfor the last couple of days and he feels much heavier. I weighted him on the home scale and he was 18.6 lbs. If that is accurate (big if) that's 3 lbs in a month! I'm really excited about that!! I make his meals about 300 calories so in 2 meAls 4 oz each he's getting double the calories he gets in 30 oz he drinks a day!
We've been reAlly pushing 3 meals a dayvfor the last couple of days and he feels much heavier. I weighted him on the home scale and he was 18.6 lbs. If that is accurate (big if) that's 3 lbs in a month! I'm really excited about that!! I make his meals about 300 calories so in 2 meAls 4 oz each he's getting double the calories he gets in 30 oz he drinks a day!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I'm growing Mama
Look at this old post, and note the outfit William is wearing:
http://conradzone.blogspot.com/2008/04/look-mano-tubes.html
Then Look at this picture:
http://conradzone.blogspot.com/2008/04/look-mano-tubes.html
Then Look at this picture:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
William's Therapy
Click this picture to find a link to more therapy pictures. Here she's working with him on something where he can touch the ground with his feet, and hold on with his hands.
1956 Mercury M100 Ford F100 For Sale
My husband is selling his Pride and Joy, so I had the privileges of taking pictures of it for the ad.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Kissy Face
William that's right William! was making Kissy faces Friday. We were at Gymboree, and at the end of class Gymbo the clown on a stick give kisses to the kids and ways bye bye. And after William got his kiss he was making smooching noises several time. He also did it as we were leaving to go and I was giving him kisses, he did it too. He totally meant to and it was so great to see him participate so much. This is good for his Oral motor!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Just have to Brag
Tommy who's not quite 3. Told the sitter Sunday evening that he needed to do his chores, and proceeded to on his own move the clothes from the washer to the dryer, and checked the lint trap! (He of course needs supervision so we make sure another sock event.)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tommy made the Midweek Reminder at our Church
Here's the story:
I can not tell you how excited I am that Discipleland and our new Take it Home program is going so well. After our first Sunday in Discipleland, I received notes from several parents telling me that their kids did not want to leave Discipleland that morning. That is always a good sign!! Every two weeks, the kids are given a new Bible verse to memorize at home with their family. On week two, little Tommy Conrad returned to Discipleland so excited!! He could not wait to tell me his Bible verse. Tommy is only a month away from being 3-years old and in his sweet little two-year old verbiage, he proudly recited his memory verse to me. It is so exciting to see children like Tommy so excited about learning God's Word!! Another great story is from the Biel household. On January 18th, the Biels participated in our first Take it Home: Family Devotions class. In the class, participants were given stickers that their children could put on a calendar for each day they completed their family devotion. The Biel kids were taking turns being the "sticker person" for the day. Karla told me it was great to see her kids were excited about this activity and would be sure and remind her and Kenny that it was time to do their devotion, especially when it was the day for him or her to be the sticker person. I can not tell you how it warms my heart to see little ones this excited about their spiritual journey. Each day is a new adventure with God. Just watching their excitement is enough lift my spirits and get me excited about my own journey. I am so blessed to be participating in this part of their journey!!
In Christ,
Pastor Shannon
The Reverend Shannon Grubbs
Associate Pastor to Children & Families
I can not tell you how excited I am that Discipleland and our new Take it Home program is going so well. After our first Sunday in Discipleland, I received notes from several parents telling me that their kids did not want to leave Discipleland that morning. That is always a good sign!! Every two weeks, the kids are given a new Bible verse to memorize at home with their family. On week two, little Tommy Conrad returned to Discipleland so excited!! He could not wait to tell me his Bible verse. Tommy is only a month away from being 3-years old and in his sweet little two-year old verbiage, he proudly recited his memory verse to me. It is so exciting to see children like Tommy so excited about learning God's Word!! Another great story is from the Biel household. On January 18th, the Biels participated in our first Take it Home: Family Devotions class. In the class, participants were given stickers that their children could put on a calendar for each day they completed their family devotion. The Biel kids were taking turns being the "sticker person" for the day. Karla told me it was great to see her kids were excited about this activity and would be sure and remind her and Kenny that it was time to do their devotion, especially when it was the day for him or her to be the sticker person. I can not tell you how it warms my heart to see little ones this excited about their spiritual journey. Each day is a new adventure with God. Just watching their excitement is enough lift my spirits and get me excited about my own journey. I am so blessed to be participating in this part of their journey!!
In Christ,
Pastor Shannon
The Reverend Shannon Grubbs
Associate Pastor to Children & Families
William Stretching
Here William is stretching in his sleep. It's times like these his body moves freely, with no trouble. Glimpses into a life without a fight.
William Eyes
Here's a picture where William isn't holding his eyes to the right. I really feel in this picture you can see the happy baby that he is. The baby that's not trying to fight his body do do everything he can do. The baby that's bright eyed and glows when someone talks to him.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
This week we therapy was canceled Tuesday and Wednesday due to in climate weather. Then we had Physical Therapy on Thursday. Tommy gets to swing on the swing and jump on the trampoline at Therapy. Then we go on a walk around the building while William gets some CST. During our walk Tommy rode 2 alligators (elevators), and did some crawling down the hall with Micah chasing him.
William worked on his rolling, did some spinning, and some standing. He's making slow and steady improvements, and he tries so hard. We're trying to determine the perfect amount of therapy for William in this coming year, where he can make the most improvements while costing us the least amount of money in the process. Deductibles and out of pockets start over when we've just come out of the most expensive medical year ever, but who can put a value on a life so sweet and precious. One that has touched so many already. I just know that God has something special in mind for this little man, all of my little man, but it's so evident with William. So we plod on feeding him as often as we can and holding him at every opportunity, and helping him move his body when he's frustrated because he doesn't just want to lay on the ground and do nothing. He's showing more and more motivation each day that he wants to interact with him surrounding. If we hold him under his arms and help him walk or kick a ball he just lights up with a smile that touches everybody's heart. We go to a gymboree class on fridays and he loves seeing the other babies his age, and playing with them and watching them. We walk in the room and he glows. He tries to mouth the play balls, and roll on to his tummy to go after a toy. He shines when we do the freeze dance, and tries to tap the ground during parachute time when "we hear thunder", and the pitter patter of the rain. He recognized the repition of the class. If anyone want to share this experience with me they are welcome to come to a class with us, I've got two babies after all, and a 2nd set of hands to guide Micah and William through the class always helps. Most of the time Micah sits with the teacher during the class, and he love the interaction and plays peek-a-boo during parachute time.
William worked on his rolling, did some spinning, and some standing. He's making slow and steady improvements, and he tries so hard. We're trying to determine the perfect amount of therapy for William in this coming year, where he can make the most improvements while costing us the least amount of money in the process. Deductibles and out of pockets start over when we've just come out of the most expensive medical year ever, but who can put a value on a life so sweet and precious. One that has touched so many already. I just know that God has something special in mind for this little man, all of my little man, but it's so evident with William. So we plod on feeding him as often as we can and holding him at every opportunity, and helping him move his body when he's frustrated because he doesn't just want to lay on the ground and do nothing. He's showing more and more motivation each day that he wants to interact with him surrounding. If we hold him under his arms and help him walk or kick a ball he just lights up with a smile that touches everybody's heart. We go to a gymboree class on fridays and he loves seeing the other babies his age, and playing with them and watching them. We walk in the room and he glows. He tries to mouth the play balls, and roll on to his tummy to go after a toy. He shines when we do the freeze dance, and tries to tap the ground during parachute time when "we hear thunder", and the pitter patter of the rain. He recognized the repition of the class. If anyone want to share this experience with me they are welcome to come to a class with us, I've got two babies after all, and a 2nd set of hands to guide Micah and William through the class always helps. Most of the time Micah sits with the teacher during the class, and he love the interaction and plays peek-a-boo during parachute time.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Jack
Jack was over at our house to play Wednesday, and apparently he had a great time and can't wait to come back. We hope he'll come back by soon too. Tommy would love to play with him again soon.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Roughly 99 Gallons!
William and Micah are 317 days old, And William has been eating pumped milk, and just for hecks sake, I decided to see how much milk I've been pumping for him. He takes about 30 oz of milk a day, but I'm guessing I average pump about 40 oz a day more at the beginning and right now I've been just meeting his needs. So that's 40oz * 317 days = 12680oz, using google to convert oz to gallons (type "12680 oz to Gallons" in the search box) I get 99.06 Gallons! WOW!
Btw that's a savings of $2,443.00 at $0.19 an ounce for Neosure formula (1 can makes 85.5 oz at $16.49 a can)
or
Banked Breastmilk at $3 on ounce that would be $38,040 value for what he is actually receiving.
Btw that's a savings of $2,443.00 at $0.19 an ounce for Neosure formula (1 can makes 85.5 oz at $16.49 a can)
or
Banked Breastmilk at $3 on ounce that would be $38,040 value for what he is actually receiving.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Neurologist Appt
We had our Neurologist check up on this past Wednesday. William showed off all the new stuff he was doing. He on command looked at me with his eyes. He sat for a few seconds. He weighed in at 15lbs 4oz and was a Wopping 29" tall. He grew 3 inches in about month. We talked about his eyes, and he said that's normal for William's condition, and just a matter of lack of muscle control while trying to focus. We talked about his vision, and how if he continues to pull to the right after he's a year then we will need to talk to an eye doctor to see if there's something they can do to help him. Also, we talked about his tight hamstrings, and if the therapists can't stretch them then we may do botox, but that the therapists will know when. He was trilled with his progress. We also talked about his language skills and how he'll communicate in the future. That expressing and talking himself will be hard. He'll understand more than he'll be able to tell us, and that as his mother I will know his gestures better than others. He also asked what Micah was doing in his communication skills, so he could compare them. He was trilled William will say hi, and that he's sitting, and trying to roll, and holding his head up.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
William at Gymboree
We go to Gymboree play gym with the babies, during Tommy's nap.
Micah like's crawling on all the obsticals, hiding in tunnels and tents.
William loves the freeze dance, bouncing on any gym piece, and looking through tunnels really helps his eyes. And during our class I get one more hour of working with William and playing with him, kind of like an inexpensive therapy time for William, since he has to spend so much time just sitting in his seat looking around the room at home.
And Tommy can go to the open Gyms with either Just Mommy or with his brothers too. Tommy really loves it when he gets Tommy time (Just Mommy and Tommy) at Gymboree. He asks about it, and if it's been a while since we've been he'll ask to go.
Friday Morning we went to open gym, and at the end they do Gymbo clown stamps on feet, hands, and tummys. The big kids were all lined up for stamps and William was sitting with me a row behind the big kids. All the big kids got their stamps, and William was squirming like he wanted something. I told the teacher I think William wants a stamp, and she asked him and he made this "Ahhh!" sound like yes I do want a stamp, and got this big grin like he thought we'd never ask. So he got a Gymbo stamp on his hand and he smiled so proudly. He also smiled so proudly every time I repeated the story to friends at play group, and to Daddy and to Grandma. This is also one of the first time's I've seen him "ahead" of Micah, Micah was there, and was more interested in climbing and being active on the toys than in the Gymbo stamps, so he was paying no attention to everybody getting stamps.
Micah like's crawling on all the obsticals, hiding in tunnels and tents.
William loves the freeze dance, bouncing on any gym piece, and looking through tunnels really helps his eyes. And during our class I get one more hour of working with William and playing with him, kind of like an inexpensive therapy time for William, since he has to spend so much time just sitting in his seat looking around the room at home.
And Tommy can go to the open Gyms with either Just Mommy or with his brothers too. Tommy really loves it when he gets Tommy time (Just Mommy and Tommy) at Gymboree. He asks about it, and if it's been a while since we've been he'll ask to go.
Friday Morning we went to open gym, and at the end they do Gymbo clown stamps on feet, hands, and tummys. The big kids were all lined up for stamps and William was sitting with me a row behind the big kids. All the big kids got their stamps, and William was squirming like he wanted something. I told the teacher I think William wants a stamp, and she asked him and he made this "Ahhh!" sound like yes I do want a stamp, and got this big grin like he thought we'd never ask. So he got a Gymbo stamp on his hand and he smiled so proudly. He also smiled so proudly every time I repeated the story to friends at play group, and to Daddy and to Grandma. This is also one of the first time's I've seen him "ahead" of Micah, Micah was there, and was more interested in climbing and being active on the toys than in the Gymbo stamps, so he was paying no attention to everybody getting stamps.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Birthdays
My hubby's birthday is Tuesday the 13th...Happy Birthday Dear, to the man that makes it all work, that supports me in everything. I Love you!
My wonderful hubby threw me a surprise party for my birthday which is Wednesday. It was so nice to have friends and family there just for me. I was so touched! Thank you everybody who came, decorated, or helped in any way.
I also had to mention that my In-Law's got us a new car for our birthdays, an older Ford Expedition! I'm so excited to have a car that our whole family fits in! I'll have to take a picture of inside and out and post it here so everyone can see!
My wonderful hubby threw me a surprise party for my birthday which is Wednesday. It was so nice to have friends and family there just for me. I was so touched! Thank you everybody who came, decorated, or helped in any way.
I also had to mention that my In-Law's got us a new car for our birthdays, an older Ford Expedition! I'm so excited to have a car that our whole family fits in! I'll have to take a picture of inside and out and post it here so everyone can see!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Micah and Tommy Playing
This past Monday Micah and Tommy really played together!!! They played for about 45 minutes with this shawl baby carrier that I have. They played peek-a-boo, Pull Micah, and just plain playing together. Both boys had a blast.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
William with Christmas Lights
Yes his has his Christmas stocking on up to his waist.
William and everybody else had a head cold over the Christmas break. William went from eating solids every day 1-3 times a day, to completely rejecting solids. The drainage down his throat was just too much for him, he would gag at every bite, so instead of having a bad experience, we stopped solids all together. He was eating 3-4 bottles a day while he was sick and on the worst day he at one in the morning, nothing till late in the evening, then he drank 8 oz and an hour later another 8 oz. His weight was 2lbs higher than October right before he got sick.
Just the last 3 days he's started eating solids again and taking mostly the same amount of milk.
In talking with his therapist his outlook for the future. His PT believes he'll be much stabler sitting up by his birthday in just a few months. He'll still have some trouble, but he's improving. Also they believe he will find a way as he understands more to get to toys and things he wants. Also, the therapist have told us that it's good to find others that can feed him, because later it will become a trust thing who he lets feed him, so it's good to have a number of people feed him now. This includes therapists, babysitters, and grandparents.
I hope to update the progress video again soon. I've been bad at updating it.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Micah
I'm not sure if I've mentioned, but Micah has 2 teeth now, you can clearly see them in this picture.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Doula Certification
I looked up yesterday and realized that I only had till the 28th to get my doula certification turned in or I would have to start all over. So I wrote the essays I needed to and mailed the certification packet this morning should be there by friday.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Seeking Sitters Response
I received a personal call from Jennifer this evening to make things right. She agreed that the sitters' communication was unprofessional, and that the sitter was not aware of William's special needs before she arrived, those in combination with everything else made her feel like she needed to leave. Williams special needs have been noted in our file for other sitters to be aware of before taking a job at our house. Also the list of sitters she referred for me all had background with special needs children. Also, the agency has a 3 strikes policy with their sitters and they are closely watching her in the future.
I am very happy with their response, and because of this would refer them to my friends to use. But I woulds still suggest blocking this sitter from your preferences. I'm very glad their system allows you to block sitters you don't like so they will never be asked to come back again if you had a bad experience with them.
Also, Jennifer gave me her cel phone and told me I could call her and see who's available before placing a request.
I am very happy with their response, and because of this would refer them to my friends to use. But I woulds still suggest blocking this sitter from your preferences. I'm very glad their system allows you to block sitters you don't like so they will never be asked to come back again if you had a bad experience with them.
Also, Jennifer gave me her cel phone and told me I could call her and see who's available before placing a request.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
William Weight Check
William Gained almost 2 lbs since October! Today he was 14lbs 8oz at the pedi today. YEH!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Please Pray for baby Lia
An internet friend of mine her baby is very sick and in the NICU. If you want to read her story and how Lia is doing you can visit her caringbridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lia.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sitter Problem of December 4th
Here's the email I sent to the owner today.
Dear Jennifer,
I've thought repeatedly of/over the course of events that occurred on December 4th, and I'm dissatisfied with the response that I've received from both you and your sitter, and the agency as a whole in an attempt to resolve this issue that occurred with the sitter being uncomfortable in my home.
Here's what happened again that evening. I requested a sitter between about 4:30 and 5 for 5:30 that evening, the agency called me back about 5:15 to confirm the details and said they had someone in mind, and just needed to make a few calls and was it ok if they didn't come till a little later, and then called back to say they had someone that could be there about 6:15 and she was coming from Arapaho and Preston. The sitter called at 5:45 and asked for directions. I gave her directions and she arrived between 6:15 and 6:30. I told her who needed a bottle, and gave her pjs and diapers. She got the twins names confused several times, I showed her my filled out seeking sitter book, showed her where the babies sleep, and told her how to put them down. We returned to the living room, and she proceeded to get the babies dressed for bed, and we left as we were running late. We drove down to downtown Dallas, and had just pulled into the parking lot, paid for parking, when my phone rang. It was the sitter, and I figured she had a question about bed time, since we had to leave quickly, and I told her to call if she had any questions. I answer and she tells me she's uncomfortable with the environment and we need to come home and she's spoken to Jennifer about it. I ask her what she's uncomfortable with, and she says she's not comfortable saying, but that William had fallen asleep, and didn't eat, I asked her if it was because he didn't eat and told her that was ok because he just had a bottle before we left. She restated that she was uncomfortable, and something about putting Micah in the master bed. I couldn't understand why she couldn't just say what was wrong so we could find another solution, but I assumed the worst and called my mom since she lives only 5 min away so she could rush right over. I called the sitter back and left her a message that my mom was coming over so she didn't have to spend one more min there if she was uncomfortable, and that she could check her id and compare it to what was listed in my seeking sitter book, and she called me back and said that she'd checked with the agency and that was ok if my mom came over. My mom arrived 5 min before we were able to make it home as traffic wasn't as bad as I imagined it could be, she said the sitter ran out the door after she arrived said something about putting a baby that can crawl in the master bed to her, and my mom said she seemed overwhelmed. Also, when my mom had arrived Tommy had wet his pants. When we arrived home my mom had just changed him, and was getting him ready for bed. She told us what she had done, and had to leave to return back to get her work done. I also called the agency on my way home and they told me they didn't know what was happening, and that someone would call me tomorrow. When Jen spoke to me the next day she stated she wouldn't charge me for Miranda's time she was there, and never gave me an explanation why the sitter had to leave, but also something about Miranda being uncomfortable with the fish tanks, another inconsistency in the story.
You asked me if I as a former sitter myself was ever uncomfortable in my environment, and nothing short of Sexual Harassment would have caused me to be discontented in my environment where I needed to break a commitment of my word and leave the situation immediately.
Also, you had stated that Miranda is an independent contractor for your agency and free to choose to leave if she deems the situation inhospitable. Miranda also told me that she had informed you and discussed with you that she was uncomfortable and needed to leave and that it was ok with you. It really makes me nervous with using your agency that you want to just keep this between us when a sitter you only contract with has broken her word and failed to complete a sitting commitment that was arranged, and that she was given permission to leave, and that you intend to use her again as a sitter for other families where she can do the same.
What if the event we had to go to was more important, or farther away and we could not get back home, or our contact number failed to work? How do I know that your agency has dependable sitters when you continue to contract with this sitter who has proved undependable in this situation? How do I know other sitters haven't done the same? Also, I find it rather unacceptable that you agreed to only not charge me for her time there, she never presented a time card for me to sign, and as such would appear to be more of a no-show sitting. I would expect any sitters that weren't comfortable to express that before the parents leave, so we could have made arrangements to take the children with us to the event, or leave them with someone else. As the situation occurred we were left with a $10 dollar parking charge that wasn't used, and $150 tickets that weren't used, and my mothers time in leaving *her work* to relieve the sitter. Nothing was done to compensate us for our financial loss due to the sitters inadequacies, or make the situation right, other than not charging me for an event you couldn't charge me for anyway. In fact i was asked to keep the "personality conflict" between myself and the agency, something I'm not at ease with doing when the agency still chooses to user her as one of their sitters. My other friends have similar parenting styles as me, and I'm not cozy with referring them to an agency, that cost me so much money and sent an incompetent sitter to my house who was not equipped to handle any situation.
I will add that I appreciate the agencies also offer to setup at list of preferred sitters for me that they would recommend for my family in the future, but this consisted of only 6 or 7 sitters, and I'm afraid that because my preferred list is so short that one of those won't be available, and that I may end up with another mystery sitter or no-one when I need someone, and may be facing the same issues we had before, or that the agency will serve to defend their sitter again instead of support their client as happened with the December 4th incident.
Also, if the agency still chooses to contract with Miranda, or other sitters that have had problems, is she/they being limited to older kids or only 2 kids instead of 3 or more, or situations like churches with supervision, or something else to prevent a similar situation; for me to feel satisfied with the resolution of this problem so I can continue using seeking sitters again for my sitting needs I need more explanation of steps that are being taken on the agencies side to prevent a mismatch like this in the future.
Also, should the agency do a questionnaire for the sitters and families about personal political beliefs that may cause a sitter to be uncomfortable an unable to preform their job in a families home? Pets, allergies, sexual orientation beliefs, nontraditional parenting style, hunting, animal rights, gun ownership, religious preferences etc. Due to the sensitives of these questions I'm not even sure you can ask them, but I wouldn't want a sitter coming to my house where my fish or dog will make her unable to care for my children, or I could lock up the dog or cover the fish tanks before a sitter's arrival.
Thanks for taking the time to address my concerns, and I look forward to your resolution to this problem so I may continue to use SeekingSitters for my babysitting needs in the future.
-Lydia Conrad
Dear Jennifer,
I've thought repeatedly of/over the course of events that occurred on December 4th, and I'm dissatisfied with the response that I've received from both you and your sitter, and the agency as a whole in an attempt to resolve this issue that occurred with the sitter being uncomfortable in my home.
Here's what happened again that evening. I requested a sitter between about 4:30 and 5 for 5:30 that evening, the agency called me back about 5:15 to confirm the details and said they had someone in mind, and just needed to make a few calls and was it ok if they didn't come till a little later, and then called back to say they had someone that could be there about 6:15 and she was coming from Arapaho and Preston. The sitter called at 5:45 and asked for directions. I gave her directions and she arrived between 6:15 and 6:30. I told her who needed a bottle, and gave her pjs and diapers. She got the twins names confused several times, I showed her my filled out seeking sitter book, showed her where the babies sleep, and told her how to put them down. We returned to the living room, and she proceeded to get the babies dressed for bed, and we left as we were running late. We drove down to downtown Dallas, and had just pulled into the parking lot, paid for parking, when my phone rang. It was the sitter, and I figured she had a question about bed time, since we had to leave quickly, and I told her to call if she had any questions. I answer and she tells me she's uncomfortable with the environment and we need to come home and she's spoken to Jennifer about it. I ask her what she's uncomfortable with, and she says she's not comfortable saying, but that William had fallen asleep, and didn't eat, I asked her if it was because he didn't eat and told her that was ok because he just had a bottle before we left. She restated that she was uncomfortable, and something about putting Micah in the master bed. I couldn't understand why she couldn't just say what was wrong so we could find another solution, but I assumed the worst and called my mom since she lives only 5 min away so she could rush right over. I called the sitter back and left her a message that my mom was coming over so she didn't have to spend one more min there if she was uncomfortable, and that she could check her id and compare it to what was listed in my seeking sitter book, and she called me back and said that she'd checked with the agency and that was ok if my mom came over. My mom arrived 5 min before we were able to make it home as traffic wasn't as bad as I imagined it could be, she said the sitter ran out the door after she arrived said something about putting a baby that can crawl in the master bed to her, and my mom said she seemed overwhelmed. Also, when my mom had arrived Tommy had wet his pants. When we arrived home my mom had just changed him, and was getting him ready for bed. She told us what she had done, and had to leave to return back to get her work done. I also called the agency on my way home and they told me they didn't know what was happening, and that someone would call me tomorrow. When Jen spoke to me the next day she stated she wouldn't charge me for Miranda's time she was there, and never gave me an explanation why the sitter had to leave, but also something about Miranda being uncomfortable with the fish tanks, another inconsistency in the story.
You asked me if I as a former sitter myself was ever uncomfortable in my environment, and nothing short of Sexual Harassment would have caused me to be discontented in my environment where I needed to break a commitment of my word and leave the situation immediately.
Also, you had stated that Miranda is an independent contractor for your agency and free to choose to leave if she deems the situation inhospitable. Miranda also told me that she had informed you and discussed with you that she was uncomfortable and needed to leave and that it was ok with you. It really makes me nervous with using your agency that you want to just keep this between us when a sitter you only contract with has broken her word and failed to complete a sitting commitment that was arranged, and that she was given permission to leave, and that you intend to use her again as a sitter for other families where she can do the same.
What if the event we had to go to was more important, or farther away and we could not get back home, or our contact number failed to work? How do I know that your agency has dependable sitters when you continue to contract with this sitter who has proved undependable in this situation? How do I know other sitters haven't done the same? Also, I find it rather unacceptable that you agreed to only not charge me for her time there, she never presented a time card for me to sign, and as such would appear to be more of a no-show sitting. I would expect any sitters that weren't comfortable to express that before the parents leave, so we could have made arrangements to take the children with us to the event, or leave them with someone else. As the situation occurred we were left with a $10 dollar parking charge that wasn't used, and $150 tickets that weren't used, and my mothers time in leaving *her work* to relieve the sitter. Nothing was done to compensate us for our financial loss due to the sitters inadequacies, or make the situation right, other than not charging me for an event you couldn't charge me for anyway. In fact i was asked to keep the "personality conflict" between myself and the agency, something I'm not at ease with doing when the agency still chooses to user her as one of their sitters. My other friends have similar parenting styles as me, and I'm not cozy with referring them to an agency, that cost me so much money and sent an incompetent sitter to my house who was not equipped to handle any situation.
I will add that I appreciate the agencies also offer to setup at list of preferred sitters for me that they would recommend for my family in the future, but this consisted of only 6 or 7 sitters, and I'm afraid that because my preferred list is so short that one of those won't be available, and that I may end up with another mystery sitter or no-one when I need someone, and may be facing the same issues we had before, or that the agency will serve to defend their sitter again instead of support their client as happened with the December 4th incident.
Also, if the agency still chooses to contract with Miranda, or other sitters that have had problems, is she/they being limited to older kids or only 2 kids instead of 3 or more, or situations like churches with supervision, or something else to prevent a similar situation; for me to feel satisfied with the resolution of this problem so I can continue using seeking sitters again for my sitting needs I need more explanation of steps that are being taken on the agencies side to prevent a mismatch like this in the future.
Also, should the agency do a questionnaire for the sitters and families about personal political beliefs that may cause a sitter to be uncomfortable an unable to preform their job in a families home? Pets, allergies, sexual orientation beliefs, nontraditional parenting style, hunting, animal rights, gun ownership, religious preferences etc. Due to the sensitives of these questions I'm not even sure you can ask them, but I wouldn't want a sitter coming to my house where my fish or dog will make her unable to care for my children, or I could lock up the dog or cover the fish tanks before a sitter's arrival.
Thanks for taking the time to address my concerns, and I look forward to your resolution to this problem so I may continue to use SeekingSitters for my babysitting needs in the future.
-Lydia Conrad
Monday, December 15, 2008
North pole express
On the north pole express we capture all the boys in their matching pjs with rob.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Santa Visit
Right before thanksgiving we visited santa, and I finally got around to posting the picture.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Seeking Sitter's response:
We greatly apologize that Miranda was not a good fit for your family as we do work hard to match up a Sitter's skill set with a family's needs even in a last minute situation. Sometimes we can not control personality or what they may not like in the environment, but we are certain they are good childcare provider. I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts and concerns about her. Please understand too, that she has done many events with us and has not had any negative feedback until now. As I mentioned on the phone we will not bill you for her time there.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Bad Experience with SeekingSitters Agency
Here's the feedback I left the sitter tonight:
Our sitter was: Miranda C.
Sitter called 30 min after we had left to say she was "uncomfortable with the environment" and that we needed to come home right away. Ruined the whole evening. No explanation, and apparently she'd been talking with the owner, but I couldn't talk to her till the morning. Cost us $150 in tickets. If she could have told us the reason we could have found something that works. Very bad communication skills with both Seeking Sitters, and the sitter. Also, I would suggest Seeking sitter's educate their sitter's on safe co-sleeping, so a sitter knows what surfaces are safe for a baby to sleep other than a crib. I called my mom to come over right away, and my mom dropped everything and was there in 10 min, my potty trained toddler had peed his pants because of the stress she put him through, and she quickly ran out the door, 2 min before we got home.
We'll see what they have to say tomorrow when they call me back.
Our sitter was: Miranda C.
Sitter called 30 min after we had left to say she was "uncomfortable with the environment" and that we needed to come home right away. Ruined the whole evening. No explanation, and apparently she'd been talking with the owner, but I couldn't talk to her till the morning. Cost us $150 in tickets. If she could have told us the reason we could have found something that works. Very bad communication skills with both Seeking Sitters, and the sitter. Also, I would suggest Seeking sitter's educate their sitter's on safe co-sleeping, so a sitter knows what surfaces are safe for a baby to sleep other than a crib. I called my mom to come over right away, and my mom dropped everything and was there in 10 min, my potty trained toddler had peed his pants because of the stress she put him through, and she quickly ran out the door, 2 min before we got home.
We'll see what they have to say tomorrow when they call me back.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Quick Update on Micah
Micah is crawling around all over the place, and pulling up on everything.
Saturday night I noticed Micah got his first tooth! Bottom left.
He's also been saying a few sentences:
All done.
Hi there.
I want Ba-Ba.
I want dink.
The "Hi, there." copied my mom saying it several times, so I'm positive we're not hearing things, and he's repeated it for several people, and everybody clearly understood.
His other words include:
Daddy,
Momma,
Hunter,
More,
Ba-Ba,
He gestured that someone hit him yesterday when the sitter was asking her own child if she had just hit Micah, he was telling her yes she had.
He is very vocal, and if you aren't right or he wants mama its the end of the world, especially if he knows I'm around and accessible.
Oh and Micah and Tommy have really started to play together, they will do things to make each other laugh, and Micah tries to follow and do everything that Tommy does, including climb slides, bounce in bounce houses, jump and dance.
Saturday night I noticed Micah got his first tooth! Bottom left.
He's also been saying a few sentences:
All done.
Hi there.
I want Ba-Ba.
I want dink.
The "Hi, there." copied my mom saying it several times, so I'm positive we're not hearing things, and he's repeated it for several people, and everybody clearly understood.
His other words include:
Daddy,
Momma,
Hunter,
More,
Ba-Ba,
He gestured that someone hit him yesterday when the sitter was asking her own child if she had just hit Micah, he was telling her yes she had.
He is very vocal, and if you aren't right or he wants mama its the end of the world, especially if he knows I'm around and accessible.
Oh and Micah and Tommy have really started to play together, they will do things to make each other laugh, and Micah tries to follow and do everything that Tommy does, including climb slides, bounce in bounce houses, jump and dance.
Quick Update on William
William is eating and drinking so much better since we started offering solids regularly. Oh yeh we're now offering solids regularly ;). I've made several high fat baby foods for him:
Chicken, green beans, sweat potatoes, olive oil
Banana, apple, carrots, and olive oil
Turkey, sweet potato, zucchini, carrots and celery, and safflower oil
Chicken, zucchini, carrots, celery and spinach and safflower oil
Avocado
Any thinning is done with milk or oil to keep the calorie content up
Today he ate:
7 oz with the sitter and 1 triangle of turkey mix (about 1.5 oz each)
8oz @ 3pm
2 triangles of 1 chicken, 1 avocado mixed
2 triangles of chicken avocado mixed
9oz of milk @6pm
5oz @ 7pm
Boy was his tummy full!
Also, he's loving his new chair (the bucket)! Sitting vertical can help with digestion, and motility of his gut, bone growth, strength, all things kids with CP can have problems with, as the brain damage can effect all muscles even the muscles of the gut.
Chicken, green beans, sweat potatoes, olive oil
Banana, apple, carrots, and olive oil
Turkey, sweet potato, zucchini, carrots and celery, and safflower oil
Chicken, zucchini, carrots, celery and spinach and safflower oil
Avocado
Any thinning is done with milk or oil to keep the calorie content up
Today he ate:
7 oz with the sitter and 1 triangle of turkey mix (about 1.5 oz each)
8oz @ 3pm
2 triangles of 1 chicken, 1 avocado mixed
2 triangles of chicken avocado mixed
9oz of milk @6pm
5oz @ 7pm
Boy was his tummy full!
Also, he's loving his new chair (the bucket)! Sitting vertical can help with digestion, and motility of his gut, bone growth, strength, all things kids with CP can have problems with, as the brain damage can effect all muscles even the muscles of the gut.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful!
I'm so thankful for my wonderful family, my 3 kids, my husband, my parents and my extended family.
I'm so thankful for our health. The prayers and support and help we've had over the past year with the birth of the twins. I'm so thankful for each of my boys, Tommy's exploration and independence, Micah's easy going understanding personality, William's continued improvement with his therapy, and view into God's miracles, I'm so thankful that he's alive and here with us, and for everything he has taught us all.
For all the friends that have helped us and supported us over this past year, and continue to do so. Especially Courtney in how she cares for the boys while I have to work, and Lori who's been helping us with Tommy when William has therapy, my MOMs Club who helped when William was in the hospital and provided meals after the boys were born. For our church and what I'm learning there. My mom who often comes running to keep my sanity at a moment's notice. For Rob's parents who often keep Tommy entertained during various therapy appointments, and Rob's dad's retirement that has enabled him to do so.
And of course number one Jesus our savior and redeamer and friend.
I'm so thankful for our health. The prayers and support and help we've had over the past year with the birth of the twins. I'm so thankful for each of my boys, Tommy's exploration and independence, Micah's easy going understanding personality, William's continued improvement with his therapy, and view into God's miracles, I'm so thankful that he's alive and here with us, and for everything he has taught us all.
For all the friends that have helped us and supported us over this past year, and continue to do so. Especially Courtney in how she cares for the boys while I have to work, and Lori who's been helping us with Tommy when William has therapy, my MOMs Club who helped when William was in the hospital and provided meals after the boys were born. For our church and what I'm learning there. My mom who often comes running to keep my sanity at a moment's notice. For Rob's parents who often keep Tommy entertained during various therapy appointments, and Rob's dad's retirement that has enabled him to do so.
And of course number one Jesus our savior and redeamer and friend.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Finding seats that work
Here's what we came up with working with ECI PT to fine ways for william to sit in a seat. He currently will tip over to all sides if left for too long, or will arch out of hard backed chairs. This seat supports all sides, and also limits some over stimulation, and allows him to have some upright time which helps digestion, bone growth and other things.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Organic Food Co-op
We recently joined an Organic food co-op, and I just picked up food for the first time today (tuesday)! It all looks wonderful, I can't wait to eat it!
Here's what we got for 2 weeks of produce:
Broccoli 1
Carrots 2 lbs
Celery 1
Lettuce, Red Leaf 2
Peppers, Sweet Mixed 1 pint
Squash, Zucchini approx. 1.50-2 lbs
Squash, Hard, Butternut 1
Tomatoes, Roma (Plum) approx. 1 lb
Yams, Medium Garnet or Jewel approx. 3 lbs
Apples, Gala 7-8
Avocados, Hass 2
Banana, Green 3.5-4 lbs
Oranges, Valencia 8
Pears, Bartlett 6
Here's what we got for 2 weeks of produce:
Basic Share $50
Beans, Green approx. 1 lbBroccoli 1
Carrots 2 lbs
Celery 1
Lettuce, Red Leaf 2
Peppers, Sweet Mixed 1 pint
Squash, Zucchini approx. 1.50-2 lbs
Squash, Hard, Butternut 1
Tomatoes, Roma (Plum) approx. 1 lb
Yams, Medium Garnet or Jewel approx. 3 lbs
Apples, Gala 7-8
Avocados, Hass 2
Banana, Green 3.5-4 lbs
Oranges, Valencia 8
Pears, Bartlett 6
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Adventures in Food
Micah is interested in food, so when he's acting hungry, and has just nursed recently, or we're eating and he's interested we put him at the table with some food in front of him and he gets what he can to his mouth. This style of food introduction is called "baby led weaning" you can read more about it on Wikipedia. Micah enjoys: tortillas, chicken, peas, apples, bananas, yogurt, cheese sticks, and I'm sure there's some other things I'm leaving off.
William is a bit more of a challenge to me, I'm not really sure how to do it since I've never fed a baby "baby food". So far I've offered him peas by holding them to his mouth and he eats them just fine, but can't quite get the food to his own mouth due to his troubles. So since he's interested in food, I needed to find some way to feed him. Micah was having Bananas and chicken tonight for dinner, so I took a piece of banana and chopped it with the pampered chef chopper, and did the same with some chicken, I offered them seperately, and got quickly tired of that, so I mixed them together, and added a little oil (for calories), and some applesauce since I was serving apple sauce to Tommy, and fed him with a spoon, just putting it near his mouth careful to not insert the spoon too far, and he ate the whole thing and then drank 2-3 oz of mommy milk!
William is a bit more of a challenge to me, I'm not really sure how to do it since I've never fed a baby "baby food". So far I've offered him peas by holding them to his mouth and he eats them just fine, but can't quite get the food to his own mouth due to his troubles. So since he's interested in food, I needed to find some way to feed him. Micah was having Bananas and chicken tonight for dinner, so I took a piece of banana and chopped it with the pampered chef chopper, and did the same with some chicken, I offered them seperately, and got quickly tired of that, so I mixed them together, and added a little oil (for calories), and some applesauce since I was serving apple sauce to Tommy, and fed him with a spoon, just putting it near his mouth careful to not insert the spoon too far, and he ate the whole thing and then drank 2-3 oz of mommy milk!
Photography
I've launched my photography blog, it won't be just my kids if I take pictures of others etc, but right now it's mostly my kids, and their cousins.
http://www.kingdomblessed.com/
http://www.kingdomblessed.com/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Halloween
Tommy was Thomas the Train for Halloween due to his obsession with trains recently, and he seems to be moving as fast as trains most of the time, so this in one of the only shots we got Halloween, I realized this as we were going to bed so I took a few more, they weren't much better either.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Halloween and greeness for all!
We've all been through the stomach bug now, you can see the picture below of Micah shortly after he got sick, I thought he looked quite green. I think this is why William wasn't quite right last weekend, I think that's when he had it. Tommy had it Sunday Night Monday, and wasn't completely better till Wednesday. I had it Wednesday evening, Thursday. Micah had it Friday am. And Rob had it while he was gone hunting. We're all much better now! Thank goodness! No fun!
On Halloween, we took the kids trick - or - treating to a few houses, and the the babies stayed home with my friend Kati since Micah was sick, and took Tommy up to church to play in the bounce house, and eat all they candy he so desired.
On Halloween, we took the kids trick - or - treating to a few houses, and the the babies stayed home with my friend Kati since Micah was sick, and took Tommy up to church to play in the bounce house, and eat all they candy he so desired.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
ER Visit today for William
Ok I wouldn't have taken Micah or Tommy even to the doctor over what William's problems were today, but being William I figured it better we get it checked out, so I called to Pedi, to see what she had to say and she agreed, also because he lost weight with the last weight check, so I took my time going down to Children's Rob came home from work early on his Most busy day of the year. So I fed William and then went down there. His symptoms were not eating as well as normal, little cough, little congested, little lethargic, threw up a little of what he ate this am, (but that can be normal for him with his burps), course we got there and he was acting just fine, smiled for the nurses, slept through the IV, ate 4 oz, ate another 6 oz about 2 hrs later. Shade (our doctor that I know from my March 2006 group of friends) (God was so taking care of us giving us the best doctor ever, and I'm so glad we knew our doctor!) was telling us he could be admitted for FTT (failure to thrive), but since he wasn't dehydrated and lung x-ray was clear (our 2 main concerns) then we were free to go, and we will be following up with our Pediatrician.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
MRI
We're trying to go for an MRI for William for the eye thing, the neurologist ordered it, but he's doing it less and less, so I need to ask the neurologist if it's really necessary, and if so, can I pick up the written orders for the MRI so we can get it done at a location that's baby friendly, and lets the mom remain with him during the procedure.
The Fair
The Fair was fun! We didn't do a whole lot, got there kinda late afternoon, walked around a bit, got some food, saw the parade, cars, Elsie (Bordon mascot milk cow), some booths, food and fiber pavilion, light show, William cried through a bunch of it, and there was nothing we could do, then he passed out and slept through everything else.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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