BIG WEEK

Yesterday, Sadie's walker arrived. I held back those tears as she completely adjusted and ran across that room.   I took it into the preschool in hopes they would make it work in that small environment and it did! The kids were so excited to interact with her eye to eye. This afternoon, she is very happy to be "walking" and she is wearing her glasses without immobilizers. God is sooo good!

I know she doesn't look thrilled in this picture (she is watching a movie) and I couldn't get a good video, but I promise she loves it! Our cabinets, couch, and armoire are seriously hurting, but it is so worth it.

In other news, there has been lots of snow here in Nebraska, but no complaints. Ben (and Greg) are loving it.

Happenings

This picture makes me laugh!

Sometimes your husband comes to see you when you're getting your hair done and have no makeup on and decides to snap a picture.

Snuggle time. I don't know why Louis is on the couch.

Now, on to some happenings...

Ben: splint was taken off on Monday, eating like a horse, more manipulative than ever, sleeps with his alarm clock 1 inch from his head, demands to ride his bike to school with a wind chill of -8 degrees. That pretty much sums it up :)

Sadie: has found mobility is the only way. If she is not moving, she is not happy. If you are eating, you better make a double portion (even if she has just eaten). Starting to figure out the Ipad. We are using an app called my first AAC (adaptive communication) that allows her to choose between two items. Right now, we are using a cow and dog puppet. She usually chooses the dog on the computer and Greg does a big production with the puppet. We will travel to Omaha next week for Sadie's developmental clinic appt. We will meet with multiple docs and therapists and are hoping for any new insight!  We also rec'd a letter offering us a 50% discount on Sadie's genetic testing that was done last year. We owed almost $4000 and were able to pay it off! That is officially the last medical bill owed :)

Greg: busy with house projects, work, and derby car preparation for scouts.

Me: just the norm, but trying to cook something new almost every night. So far this week...stuffed bell peppers (lean sirloin, navy beans, artichokes, tomatoes and parmesan-Sadie ate 2 1/2 servings of the filling!); lettuce wraps (diced pork, garlic, carrot, celery, bell pepper, green onion and my own peanut sauce-this was my favorite!); chicken parmesan with whole wheat penne (Ben ate 2 servings!); baked fish (breaded with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs) with a side of black-eyed peas; mini pizza roll-ups (crescent roll dough stuffed with artichokes and diced tomato, turkey pepperoni, mozzarella and parmesan cheese--Ben ate 4!); vegetable/beef stew with cornbread muffins.  The best part? Every meal cost less than $5 to make and we always had leftovers for the next day!

Hopefully, I will get back on the blogging train. Til next time!

Christmas 2011

We are blessed to celebrate Christmas 3 times this month!  The first was in Ord. We had two family dinners and a day at the farm sledding and 4-wheeling.  Unfortunately, Ben fractured his thumb and will wear a splint for the next 2 weeks.  He is not in pain, but has what he calls "the mother of all bruises" on his left hand.  At least we were able to dodge another cast.
Ben received multiple lego sets and some $.
Sadie received clothing, $, and some great developmental toys.
Greg and I were gifted with money to buy Sadie some new equipment!

Our second Christmas was on the actual day and we had a quiet day with just us four.  We stayed in our jammies all day (I was the only one who took a shower and put on fresh jammies).

The kids (including Greg) loved of all of their gifts.

Ben: rollerblades/pads, ESpark motorized scooter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book, Pictionary, crayon maker, new markers, Pirates of the Carribean lego set, Wii game, and a new sporty watch.
Sadie: toddler slide, hand puppets, texture ball, playdough, and books
Greg: Ipad 2 and a 55" screen TV
Me: white gold and diamond cross necklace - I really hope Miss Sadie does not rip this one off my neck!

We had a wonderful Christmas lunch of stuffed pork loin, wild rice, and blueberry cobbler. Yes, I actually cooked everything from scratch! It was truly a miracle.

Today begins the 3rd and final phase of Christmas. My sister and her family will be here within the hour. I can't wait!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Post Bath

Thanksgiving 2011

Getting ready for the festivities

When are they coming?

Now I know where she gets this expression

Katie, Ann and Ron

DJ and Melissa

Sweet Brothers (had to force this one, but glad I did)

Disturbing, but funny. Grandma Deb initiated this.

The kids decide to play on a big pile of dirt.  This could have resulted in injury, but we had some people in the medical field at the house, so all was good

Anna decides to have a second meal. She is the cutest thing!

I had many more pics, but I am photography challenged and they were dark

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of food, football, basketball and family!

Dad Is Fun!

Exercise

Just wanted to document what I am currently doing with the trainer so I can see my progress as the weeks go by :)

Today:
1. Bike for 1 mile to warm up
2. Elliptical for 15 minutes
3. Run/walk 1 mile on the track - she lied to me and made me run most of it :(
4. Abs: planks, obliques, crunches
5. Treadmill for 1 mile: allowed to run or walk, but I'm a people pleaser so I try to run as much as possible
6. Back up to the track for another mile; at this point I could only walk :(
7. Weigh-in and measurements. Not too fun, but at least I will be able to see the progress.
She said this was only the beginning...SCARY

I realize this might seem like a joke to some, but I haven't worked out in months, so it is very difficult for me.
I do Body Pump on the off days and am about to up my weight. Again, SCARY!  She also wants me to take her Pilates class on another day.  Starbucks is my best friend right now :)