Back by popular demand....the blog!

I keep thinking that I'll get some inspiration to write some thought provoking blog so I keep waiting for inspiration to strike. I guess you actually have to sit still for a second for that to happen. For now (and most likely for a while) I won't be sitting still very long.

My sweet husband even let me have a whole day off on Saturday to do whatever I wanted to do and what did I do? I got busy making Christmas presents. Now granted crafting makes me happy but it's filling my head with planning rather than thinking so maybe soon I can steal a little moment or two to just think. If my computer happens to be around I may get to document the inspiration that should follow. We will see.

Now for news. Penny has had lots of follow up appointments with all her specialist. All reports have been good so far. She really is doing so well in general. Her CO2 was 52 at her pulmonology appointment so we didn't get to wean her rate but at cardiology they upped her pulmonary hypertension medicine so hopefully by the time we see the pulmonologist again her CO2 will be better.  She's starting to sit up on her own for longer amount of time, she's clapping, she can even stand up with support! She's such a happy baby. I can have a terrible day at work and just want a nap and just one smile from that sweet girl and it's like the bad day never happened.

Lydia has the same effect but her smile has TEETH in it!! Yesterday her second little tooth broke through and we are so glad too because it seems like teething is the most torturous thing for babies! I know we all have done it and we all have to do it or we have to gum our food our whole life...but it sure is difficult! Sweet Lydia is eating really well and even ate her dinner with us at the table last night. We had Chinese food so she had stir fried carrots and greens and white rice. She really liked it! We are still working on Penny's eating but Lydia is leading the way and I'm sure she'll teach her sister the ways of the good eaters. They come from a long line a good eaters.

Oh I forgot! Penny also got her developmental analysis back and she's a ROCK STAR!  She is only 40% delayed in motor skills but she was tested before she was clapping and sitting up by herself.  She's only 25% delayed in communication which is pretty amazing for a trach baby. She is.....drum roll please....NOT DELAYED socially, emotionally, and cognitively!!!  Can you believe it?!  God is SO good!

Jonathan has left for his European tour and spent the day today in Turku Finland visiting medieval castles...pretty cool huh?! We are so grateful for technology too.  The hotel he's staying in has wifi so we have been video chatting every day so far! It's a far cry from what families with traveling daddies used to go through! I'm pretty much spoiled.

I apparently have picked up a virus from one of the oh so generous highschoolers I work with.  The one who was coughing last week got the "stink eye" from me all day.  I've got a cough now so I'm doing my Michael Jackson impersonation wearing a mask around the house.  I already have his skin tone, but my dance moves need a little work.

Now for the good stuff...the pictures! 

"look ma! no hands!" -Jonathan

"look ma! no teeth!" -P

 "high five good lookin!" -L

 Lydia taking rolling over lessons from Eliza

 "I'm not sharing so back off!" -P

 Penny's view from the floor

 sweet snuggles with Daddy

 "check me out! I'm sitting on the couch!" -P

 two standing girls....that's just crazy

 "say something about my hat. I dare you."-P

 Penny's Limousine 

 "You

 sweet little moon face girl

 snuggles and giggles go well together

 "Excuse me waiter?  Penny needs more rolls please." -L

 the grass is always greener on the other side

spoiled rotten and loooovin it

 I'd like to draw your attention to the impressive booger bubble Penny was blowing....this girl's got skills!

 Penny can hardly contain her excitement over Mrs Sophia visiting

 Ms Talia was pretty excited too

 This is a far cry from the one and a half pounder they first met

with great teeth come great responsibility

Lydia and her "Lambchop" from her Great Nanny

"you guys are too slow...I'm going to ambu myself!" -P

serious faces

daddy Lydi time

"don't worry dad...I got this" -L