*Boof*

Neurology Update

Smile!

We had an appointment yesterday with Dr. Chez, the neurologist who saw Christopher in the NICU and gave us the original diagnosis of possibly Moebius Syndrome. He seems to be quite an influence in the Sutter neurology department. He basically had nothing new to say and answered all our questions. He typed a lot. It's funny... medical records are now mostly computer based yet it takes away from the personal interaction, or so I felt. There were long moments that nobody was saying anything and he was just sitting there typing away. And typing rather quickly, so obviously he was putting in a lot of information. The plan of action on his end is to see Christopher back in his office at 6 months old to watch his social development (signs of autism), etc. I'm not sure what we expected to get out of the appointment. We didn't get much. Except the confidence that this guy probably knows what he's talking about.

Our Typical Saturday Night

(Yes, the baby is crying...)

:)

Erinisms

She's almost three and blows us away with comments she makes sometimes. For instance:

• We were driving down I-5 Saturday and there were cows (duh, there are only cows on I-5) and Kate was pointing them out and said, "There's a man on a horse, too!" and a few seconds later Erin says, "There's a cowboy, Mommy!" It's just funny when she puts her vocabulary to work when you least expect it. In retrospect, it doesn't sound so amazing, but at the time Josh and I looked at each other and practically high-fived over the ingeniousness (new word - possibly a Bushism) of it.

• Last night I put on some star shaped sunglasses and she yelled out excitedly, "You're a rockstar, Mommy!" Again, we glowed. Why? Because she's too cute. And I am a rockstar by the way. Even if it is only in the eyes of my second born.

• She saw an Anonymous Family Member's poop in the potty and said, "You made ice cream poop!" Way to go A.F.M.! Keep up the good fiber!



• She came up to me after dinner one night last week and told me, "Mommy, you're my best friend!", then followed with a hug. Love this girl.
  
  
• She very independently decided to change Christopher's diaper and get his "boogies" one day. Even to go as far as placing a baby wipe over his face long enough to make him scream without breathing. Um, I'm not ready for that kind of help yet. But thanks, little one.

• And never ever leave her alone with markers. If you notice it is suddenly very quiet in the house - Barbies beware - Erin probably has a marker with your name on it. And most likely has found a new canvas for drawing on.

Conversations with Kate

In the car on the way home last night:

K: Mom?

M: Yes?

K: Where does wood come from?

M: It comes from trees.

K: No, where does wood come from?

M: Trees.

K: No, I mean how do you make wood?

M: Boards are cut from trees. Trees are made out of wood.

K: How does the wood get on trees? Like bark?

M: It grows that way. Trees grow really tall and people cut them down and can make lots of boards out of them.

K: No, lets start over.

M: Ok...

K: How are leaves made?

M: They just grow on trees.

K: NO! I don't think you are understanding. Do you?

M: I'm not sure what you're asking, honey.

K: How do they GROW?

M: With sun, soil and water.

K: Oh.

(few minutes of quiet...)

K: Mom?

M: Yeah?

K: Where does metal come from?

Perfect Hands

Sweet baby fingers.

Cancer and Virgo - A Working Team

I thought this was a great horoscope about how Josh and I work together as a parenting team. It is very true! I'm the Cancer, he's the Virgo... Got it from babycenter.com (scroll down to see how signs relate). It's kind of fun because you can do Parent + Child and Child + Child. I'm fascinated by relationships...

A Working Team
Cancer + Virgo
The two of you make a no-nonsense parenting team. Not that you can't relax and have fun. You certainly can, when the time is right. But "work before pleasure" is the principle you'll teach your children and model yourselves. You both need to feel secure and will do whatever it takes to ensure that your family is safe and that your children have the best opportunities you can afford. The Cancer parent is a nurturer, sensitive and emotional. You seem to just "know" when your child is ill or injured. Be careful not to be overly sensitive, though. Don't take offense where none was intended. The Virgo parent is all about standards and perfection. You expect a lot from your kids, and generally they will try to rise to the challenge. Try to remember that they are children, and don't set the bar impossibly high.

Good Morning!

Good morning 2009!