I simply adore waking up to this lovely lady each morning... 

Pure joy.  That's what she is!

Obviously, we still have a ways to go with modesty.  The towel didn't last long before we had an all out streaker on our hands!

"Um...excuse me...exactly, where do you think you're going there, young lady!?"

Have a great day!

Check out Miss Priss walking on the video blog!

Oh, honey!  That's just beautiful!

Isn't she just the picture of a loving mother...with her baby face down on the bench?  Very tender and nurturing, that one!  Check out my little ladies on the video blog.

When did she change her look so drastically?

Also, an announcement... I am embarrassed to say that I never rewarded the winner of my baby guessing game (shame on me!), so in honor of Grace's first birthday, I'll be sending the winner...Papa...my dad his very own photobook of his grandbabies.  I'll post a preview picture of what will be included in the book later this week.  Sorry, Papa, but I think you'll be pleased!

I'm also thrilled to report that Grace had a doctor's appointment Monday of this week and now weighs 18 pounds 13 ounces!  We were so excited.  The office graciously allowed us to change our well check to a sick visit, and I'll take her back in July (when the new insurance kicks in) for the extensive well baby visit including vaccinations, iron check, etc. 

At the appointment, I expressed concern with our cancelling Grace's PT but was reassured by the pediatrician that Grace can wait until July to get a visit with the PT.  She may need a little bit of help, but the home program we started with was for babies that can't crawl.  She's outgrown its effectiveness.  Our doctor said that she wouldn't be concerned with Grace's version of mobility at all except that she still shows such a preference to her left side.  She thinks maybe we could get a new home program for crawlers and/or toddlers since she's so close to walking.  Hopefully that will be the case.

I shared with the pediatrician that Grace was still uninterested in eating stage 3 babyfood or anything homemade.  She said maybe that would change in the coming month since she's started putting everything except food in her mouth.  So as soon as we got home from her appointment, she ate half a jar of something more texturized.  She still gags some but it's definitely improving.  However, I can't seem to get her off formula without her having projectile spitting up/vomitting, so I'm sticking with what works for her sensitive little system.

My sweet little Grace,

I'm amazed that a whole year has flown by since you were born!  So much has happened in our lives since you've joined our family.  Between buying a house and moving 300+ miles to having various health related concerns with various members of our family on and off for the past year, it has, certainly, been busier than it used to be.

Right now, you're on the verge of walking, and you've gone from being the child who never put anything in your mouth, including table food, to the child who puts everything in your mouth except table food.  (Which stinks because I doubt you'll even attempt to consume the birthday cake I'm making you for Sunday afternoon!)  I spend many of my waking hours cleaning floors and fishing odd, foreign objects out of your throat.

Today, you turn a whole year old!  You are one of the most content and peaceful children I've ever known.  It truly amazes me how patient you are with your siblings.  The Lord has blessed you with a sweet heart and a gentle spirit. 

You go Monday for your one year well check, and we'll see just how big you've grown.  I think you're still on the smaller side, but you've done a good bit of growing since we last visited the pediatrician.  I still get nervous when we head over there and they put you on the scale.  Thankfully, nothing was ever really wrong with you back when they were testing you for various illnesses, but I can't help but feel butterflies when it comes to checking your weight.

You're a very busy little girl with a lot of life to explore.  You "crawl" everywhere, and I'm trying desperately to get you to walk because your crawling style is so weird!  You've learned how to get up the stairs, and I can't find any safety gates that fit our stairs.  So we have to go to great lengths to keep you off them.  And you're quiet about all of your mischief. I think it's a girl thing because Hannah's pretty quiet about all she gets into, too.  The boys were incapable to quietly getting themselves into trouble!

You've gotten one tooth, and there are several others that are trying to pop through. Your hair is getting a teeny bit of curl in the back. The little chunky rolls on the top of your thighs are as sweet as can be.  Our family refers to your cheeks as kissy cheeks!  And they are definitely kissable, that's for sure. 

Oh, sweet girl.  A year!  We are so blessed to have you, and we are thankful for you and all that you mean to our family!  I love you, my little one-year-old!

Love,

Mommy

Grace's first tooth came through Sunday evening...finally...ten days before her 11-month birthday.  I was beginning to wonder if we'd see her first birthday before her first tooth.  It's so cute, I just about can't stand it!  Thankfully, she continues to do well. 

She definitely has a sensitive stomach and gags if I attempt babyfood with any texture at all whether it be stage three or homemade.  Everything I've tried to make at home doesn't have that same perfectly smooth texture that jars have. Anything granular or fingerfood-ish is rejected at the door!

She's spoiled rotten, I tell you what!  But definitely a little doll-baby!

Things are going pretty well.  She's crawling like a pro and pulling up on things fairly easily.  I cannot tell you how thankful I am for her health.  So thankful that she's just her own little person.  Happy and healthy!

To check out just how opposed my Hannah is to worms or just for a good laugh, head to the video blog!

Let me start by saying that we have not bought an external hard drive yet, and until that day comes, there will be no new pictures.  Sorry, folks.

Tuesday, Grace and Hannah had doctor's appoinments.  Grace gained 11 ounces!  We were so excited that I almost did a little dance and shouted for joy right there in the doctor's office!  Since our pediatrician was hoping for 3.5 ounces, we were both thrilled.  She had been sleeping an awful lot which worried me until I found out how wonderful she'd done.  She was very busy growing during those long naps!

All the genetic bloodwork came back normal, and we went in Friday to have the repeat urinalysis done.  The bag slipped off three times, and after being at the hospital for four hours with four children plus the hour ride to and from, we were all ready to get home .  They finally just took what little bit actually went in the bag and told me they'd see what could be done with that.

At the beginning of all this, I really felt like she was fine, just small.  But as she continued growing abnormally and we started going in for testing and watching the lab techs poke and prod and manipulate her little body for testing, it began to mess with my head.  I began to worry and doubt.  So while she hasn't grown normally...let's face it, 11 ounces in a week isn't normal either...she may be growing "normally" for her.

I asked the pediatrician if she thought the formula is what has made the difference. (since I was on an antibiotic and she was on a bottle all week...)  She doesn't think it's neccessarily that since she's been consistently sick since the middle of December.  But I was concerned that my supply was down from trying to pump all week.  Basically, I'm to use my instincts.  If I think she needs more, give her more.  She's going back and forth between nursing and a bottle until I feel more confident that my supply is back up.  Pumping wasn't the same, and I admire anyone who pumps full time.  Our pediatrician recommended a specific prenatal vitamin that is supposed to boost your supply. (If anyone has any tips in that area, please leave a comment.) 

Hannah's appointment went fine.  She showed her little two-year-old self, and she had to have two shots.  (Our office in Florida and this office space the vaccinations out a good bit more than they did when my boys were this small.)  They also checked her iron and glucose.  She's healthy as can be!  Also, last year about this time she was a bow-legged as ever and now, she's knock-kneed (sp?)!  Ha...poor thing gets it from both side of the family.  I wonder how she'll be when she grows up.

We're headed out of town tomorrow!  We're so exctied to be going to visit our Florida folks!  Daniel tried to start packing last night. (You know, at bedtime...that's when everything that needs to be done occurs to him.) He's been counting down every day.  Since the family we're staying with have two of the puppies...from way back...the boys want to bring Beau.  ("He's their daddy.  They probably want to see him!") I've assured them that it's not the same and that we cannot bring him. 

So...until I get that hard drive...

We've gotten back Grace's lab results, and there's no cystic fibrosis.  Also, the test that came up positive last urinalysis has come back normal!  The organic acid analysis they did came back abnormal, but that could be because she'd been sick.  I'll take her back Friday to repeat it before they do any testing based on the first one.

None of her blood work has come back yet, though.

Her appointment yesterday was wonderful.  Although she's still not growing "normally," she did gain back what she lost.  So we're moving in the right direction. 

We are so very thankful!  Honestly, I didn't really think she had CF, but it scared me that it was a possibility enough to test for it.  She had four or five of the symptoms associated with it, but those could also be associated with a cold or allergies or the flu.  I think something may not be quite right, but I don't think it's drastic at all because developmentally, she's completely normal.

She's doing better and hasn't vomitted since we quit adding the polycose to her food.   I have no doubt that her little body couldn't handle too much of that stuff. I'm on an antibiotic right now that Grace can't have, so she's on a bottle full time for the next few days, and she's not protesting too badly.  Her pediatrician said if she's like most babies, she'll go right back to nursing.

It was a wonderful day!

Grace had a weight check yesterday, and we found out two things: a- Her urinalysis had insufficient urine, so there were no results to look at. And b- She's lost weight.  It wasn't much of a loss, but averaging the last four weeks, she's gained 2.5 ounces.

Our pediatrician sent us to the hospital for more labwork.  Ultimately, the labs are more to find out what her body is doing, not why it's doing it.  They're also going to try again with another urinalysis. 

We'll also be taking her in Monday to do an electrolyte sweat test.  This is to test for cystic fibrosis.  I found out yesterday that she was screened, as a newborn, for only the most common mutations of CF.  And from what I understand, the genetic testing screens, also, look for the most common mutations. 

Yesterday was a far more difficult day regarding her bloodwork.  Her blood kept clotting before they could get enough to fill all the tubes.  In the next day or so, I'm expecting some pretty rotten bruising.

We've discontinued the polycose in her food.  I think it was making her worse and contributing to the vomitting.  And that makes total sense if she does have something going on regarding her metabolizing carbs.  The polycose is primarily glucose.  It would be bound to make things worse.

I took her to the ER Wednesday morning worried that she was becoming dehydrated (after getting really sickTuesday night and twice Wednesday morning).  she wasn't, thankfully!  And they sent us home.

And I have to say one thing.  We went in to a Children's Hospital in Atlanta.  Going there for labwork and to their ER really put things in perspective.  There are some seriously, seriously ill and disabled children there who are dealing with a far cry worse and more complicated things than we are.  I'm so thankful for Grace and all of my children.  I wanted to go home and hug and kiss my babies after being there and seeing the difficulties that some people are going through right now.

I do ask that you please continue to pray for her.

It's hard to imagine that last year, about this time, we didn't even know Grace would be a girl, and now, my baby is seven months old (as of Monday).  She's sitting up very well now and wants to play constantly.  She's still a breath of fresh air and a beautiful blessing in our lives.

The Wednesday after her last doctor's visit, she caught a nasty cold.  She was having trouble eating, but she began to perk up some on Christmas Eve.  I knew she hadn't gained much weight, nor does the doctor expect really good gaining during a cold.  But she only gained 2.5 ounces at her visit Monday.  Our new doctor decided it would be in Grace's best interest to go ahead with labwork.

(Photo (above and in header)- courtesy of Erin from Erin's Artistic Expressions)

They catheterized her for a urine sample, and then, they took what seemed like an enormous amount of blood for blood work.  They're doing a standard CBC.  They're also checking liver, kidney, and thyroid functions, and they're doing a celiac panel.  The doctor said we should find out some of the results by the end of the day today, but the celiac panel would take at least a week. 

Honestly, I just about lost it during all that "taking of bodily fluids."  I've always done fine during shots, etc., but I hated watching them prick and prod her.  I feel for parents who've had to deal with a far cry beyond these tests.  It was difficult.

I'll post when I know more.

Also, I posted some Christmas morning videos on the video blog.

After much thought, worry, and prayer, Deron and I decided it would be best to seek another opinion on Grace's weight.  While I recognize the absolute need that she is three pounds underweight and needs to consume extra calories, I want another doctor to take a look at her and give me his perspective.  She definitely needs extra calories, but her current pediatrician hinted around that there might be some underlying reason why she's not gaining properly.  So we've done weight checks every two weeks.

("Wow!  These are awesome!  When I'm as old as insert chosen cousin's name here can I get a pocket knife too?)

If something is not quite right with Grace, I want to know about it.  I had to go to the current office and fill out a form to get her chart copied, so I can take it with me to the new pediatrician.  It felt weird because they asked if I was seeing another doctor, and I told them the truth.  I wanted a second opinion.  But this is my baby we're talking about.  My mama told me I never listen to the experts on anything else, so why am I worrying over what this doctor is saying.  Get a second opinion.

(You can't tell how tiny she is with those sweet cheeks of hers! That's where all her babyfat is!)

So that's what we're doing.  I have to wait until I have the chart to make the appointment, so I'm not sure when that will be, but I should find out soon.

Dearest Grace,

I postposed this "birthday" post in hopes that I could share the encouragement I received from the doctor at your weight check yesterday.  While you did gain weight, you did not gain enough. You're still teeny tiny and will have to go back in two weeks for another weight check.  So...for the next two weeks we are cramming your little tummy full of calorie-rich foods in hopes that we'll pack a little meat on your bones!  Honestly, I don't know what your pediatrician wants you to weigh, and I'll be asking that question at our next visit.

I believe you're just fine.  You are the sweetest little ray of sunshine, and you grin and "coo" at us all day long!  Everyone who knows you just falls in love with your smile!  You are a very pleasant "people person" type of gal, and I wonder how you will be this time next year! 

You're rolling over nicely now, but you won't do it when you have an audience.  I have to walk around the corner and hide, and then, I have to rescue you from the carpet.  You don't particularly enjoy laying on your tummy (and will roll over in protest), but when you do it, you have nice head control. 

This is a very fun age.  You're becoming increasingly interested in toys and love to hang on to one.  I laugh so much because you look so startled when you've got this thing in your hand.  Your expression says, "Wait...how did this get there?  And are my hands attached to me?"

You're still beautiful.  You're still so sweet.  I thank the Lord daily for you and the blessing you are to me and to this family!  I love you, my little cuddle-bug!

Mommy

To my sweet Grace,

Five months!  You're the sweetest, softest little thing, and I love being your mommy!  Your smile is enchanting, and your attitude is very relaxed and easy-going!  I love to hold you and kiss your soft hair, most of which hasn't fallen out! (Good for you!)  You love to listen to us sing to you.  And I can tell that you enjoy your siblings....you're very patient!

You like to sleep in the laundry room with the dryer sound.  It lulls you, and last night was the first night in a long time that you woke up for me.  I'm such a better mom, person, etc when I've had my rest, so I thank you for that, my dear!

It's so hard to imagine that last year at this time, we'd just found out you were on the way!  And now, you're rolling over and laughing and "talking" to us!  What a miracle you are!  I thank the Lord for blessing our family with you!  You're precious, sweetheart!

I love you more than I can express!  Happy five months!

Love, Mommy

Another month has flown by!  Grace is officially a little four-month-old! 

Do you see her tryin to hold herself up in the picture? 

It was this time one year ago that we found out that our little family of five would become a family of six.  I remember feeling so overwhelmed and, yet, so excited!  We had no idea what changes would happen over the course of the last year. 

Last year, about this time, we still had all three of the children in the backseat of our Taurus.  All the carseats...crammed...in the backseat...buckled but crammed!  We bought a van!

Last year, about this time, we had no idea that Deron would undergo two surgeries, ten days apart, and endure twelve weeks of physical therapy!  We had no idea that he would accept a new position at a new company 300+ miles away. We had no idea we'd buy a new house and move two months after Grace was born.  We had no idea that I would end up in the ER repeatedly, either.  (Which btw, we think my childhood allergy to eggs resurfaced because every time I've eaten eggs in their pure form, I've ended up sick again.  No gall bladder issues or anything like that...just eggs.)

She likes to "talk" too!

And now, my little four-month-old is beginning to roll over.  She can hold her head up rather well and loves to get attention.  We're debating on whether we need to buy a new crib.  Hannah isn't ready to come out of her crib, just yet.  And Grace will be ready as soon as she masters this rolling over business.  We may let her sleep in the play pen because Hannah will be ready to come out of the crib soon!

Grace is such a  light in our entire family!  She's spoiled rotten by all of us...especially Ethan!  Oh- How he dotes on this little baby of ours!  She's not sleeping as well as she used to sleep, but again, she's outgrowing her cradle.  I don't think I'm ready for her to come out of it yet.  I don't want her growing up so fast!

Her first few months of life were filled with moving and settling and event-after-activity-after-event, and I'm just ready for all my children to slow this growing up business down!  I mean it.  I'm serious.  I can't believe my fourth baby is already spinning around on the back of her head like the hands on a clock!  She's such a happy baby, most of time!  She gets fussy when things get quiet.  She's used to feet pattering about on the hardwood floors.  She's used to the constant chatter, constant questions, constant talking of her older siblings.

She is precious!  She loves life!  She loves people!  We could all learn a lesson from Grace.  She's happy and content and can make even the saddest heart smile.  Oh how much I've learned from my babies. 

What a smile! 

The Lord was so gracious to bless our lives with her.  I'm so happy that she came along when she did!  My last two babies were 16 months apart, and there are days when my lap is very full.  I still have two babies!  In fact, my boys refer to the girls as "our babies."  But, if I had it to do over again, I'd do it...no question.  I don't care what Dr. SoandSo says about child-spacing.  I'm so thankful the Lord blessed our family, our lives when He did with these sweet babies!  I cannot even describe how thankful!