Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas
and all through our home
hmm. . .I am way too exhausted
to finish this poem.
So, I will just post these pictures instead.
Merry Christmas to all. . .I am headed to bed.

Christmas #1: Grandma and Grandpa Glunt's

What a pretty baby doll!

Cousin Kaleb

Cousin Aidan

Cousin Rebekah

Cousin Katie

Not quite sure what was going on here. . .LOL

Olivia unwrapped her own presents today like a big girl!

Playing good gift/bad gift.

I can't believe someone called this a "bad" gift!

Christmas #2: Grandma and Grandpa Sailing's

Hello cuz!

Our attempt to get them to pose together.

Psst. . .what did you get?

My brother and his wife, Shelley, and daughter, Izzy.

My dad and husband on their new step stools.

Dora!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Princess Messy

Back on Sept 14, 2007, Carol made the comment, "I hope that one day you will be able to thank God when one of them spills kool-aid on the carpet." Well, it wasn't kool-aid. . .it was Blueberry Pomegranate V8 Fusion (aka Purple juice) but Olivia did a number on the carpet with it. And, yes, after I cleaned it up and steam cleaned the carpet with our new Hoover Steam-Vac, I did thank God. I remember how far she's come and how I longed for her to do those "normal" child things. While I was steam cleaning the carpet, Olivia emptied out an entire cabinet, crawled in it and played "Dark / Light." It's one of her favorite games to play. She shuts herself in the dark and says, "Dark" and then she opens the door and says, "Light." And, while I was putting everything back into the cabinet, I'm pretty sure she made a mess somewhere else. But, I truly am still grateful for it all!!

Driving Miss Olivia

Olivia had a blast this afternoon riding in her cousin Izzy's new mustang convertible. I tell ya. . .I thought I was looking 14+ years into the future. . .They were hilarious!

Preemie Profile

Be sure to read the following article about Olivia and Logan!!

http://www.growingyourbaby.com/2009/11/19/preemie-profile-23-week-twins-olivia-logan/

Gingerbread houses

Today, we made gingerbread houses at my parents' house. It was a lot of fun, except Olivia wasn't quite sure what she was supposed to do. She did enjoy the M&Ms, though.

Me and Olivia's house

Shelley and Izzy's house

My dad's gingerbread garage. . .only my dad would make a garage instead of a house.

Twelve Days Of Fitness

I have a HUGE prize to give away on the blog. A prize valued at $120.00!! Unfortunately, because of what it is, only those who live in the Wichita, KS area are eligible.

It may look like a simple makeup bag, but with this bag you will get 12 paid Jazzercise classes. They must be redeemed at the Jazzercise at 21st and Ridge. First class must be redeemed by January 31, 2010 with all 12 classes completed by March 31, 2010. What a great way to get started on your New Year's Resolutions! To be eligible, you must:

Leave a comment or send me an email telling my why you would love to receive this.

Be able to attend the classes at 21st and Ridge in Wichita, KS.

Entries must be received by December 31, 2009!! Good luck!

Just a sweet Olivia smile to brighten your day. . .

Thursday, December 17, 2009 - Update

Autumn went into the vet today because I have had some concerns regarding her health. She continues to vomit and have coughing/wheezing spells. They ran a multitude of tests and x-rays on her. Our vet discovered that something wasn't right with her lungs. I worried about all of the things that it could be. You see, I absolutely love this kitty and there isn't much I wouldn't do for her. The diagnosis? Feline asthma. Autumn had a steroid shot and may have to go on oral steroids. And, if you're wondering. . .they actually do have inhalers for cats if needed. Fortunately, Autumn lives in a household that cares very much about lung function because of what Olivia has gone through. We try to keep allergens down, have an air purifier and don't let smoke anywhere near us. It seems that not only is Autumn the perfect cat for us, but we're kind of the perfect family for her. Of course, we have had to make some changes like switching to a more dust free, paper based litter and I've noticed that it bothers her when I wear perfume. It seems ironic that we aren't allergic to Autumn. . .she is actually sort of allergic to us. Anyway, Autumn is back home and seems to have forgiven us for everything she went through today. Hopefully, she will be feeling better soon.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - Update

Olivia and Izzy. . .BFFs

Olivia, Izzy and Ruven

This week has been busy, busy. Our days are filled with playdates, visits to grandma and grandpa's, errands, and tons of other fun things. Olivia is doing great, although we can't get rid of her stubborn cough. She can now count to 10, knows many of her letters and their sounds, many animal sounds and has a hilarious sense of humor. When you ask her what she wants to drink, she says "pop. . . . weasel" like the song. And, she knows that she rarely gets pop. . .she just likes to sing the song. The other day, we were playing with a rock and when I told her what it was, she grasped it in her hands and started rocking back and forth, saying "Rock, rock." She tries to lay down on her Little People's bed and starts snoring. Her Little People's swimming pool is a "baftub" and she tries to sit in it as well. She makes me laugh every day. Her fine motor and social skills are just exploding. She still talks about "ebekah" and how she played on the slide with her. She loves playdates! And. . .she's growing. . .at last!! She can no longer fit into her pants from last fall. She is about 21.5 lbs and 34 inches tall. Woohoo! Way to go, Olivia!

Santa Claus

Olivia met Santa today! It was a spur of the moment thing, actually. We just happened to be at the mall when he was there and no one was in line! I had no idea she would do so well and was half expecting a picture of her screaming and crying or simply refusing to sit on his lap. That's how most children her age react. Given our last professional picture attempt, I was nervous. Children always amaze us, don't they? Olivia was a little unsure at first, but then she started saying hi to him and telling him, "Ho Ho Ho!" The rest of the afternoon it was, "Santa Claus this and Santa Claus that." It was awesome and it just reminds me of what a big girl she is getting to be!

More Fun On The Slide

I discovered that it's more fun to have someone to slide with.

Today, I got to slide with my cousin, Rebekah. We had a blast! Don't we look like we could be sisters? We even the make the same funny expressions.

Taking a quick break. . .umm. . .this doesn't feel quite right.

Rebekah

Olivia

House For Sale

As I've mentioned before, Ryan's brother and his family are moving to California. As much as we don't want them to leave, we also want it to go as smoothly as possible for them. That means. . .selling their house here in town. There is an open house tomorrow, Dec 13th from 2 - 4 pm. If you're interested, check it out. It was designed and built by my brother-in-law and you cannot find another house like it anywhere. They are sad to leave their home, but hoping someone will love it as much as they do.

13801 W Hardtner Wichita, KS

Be sure to tell them that Olivia sent you! :)

Friday, December 11, 2009 - Update

Stacie and her precious little girl, Madison.

Watch me put this whole pretzel in my mouth!

Our attempt at a group shot. . .at least Madison was excited about it. :)

Motherhood. . .what a blessing. My heart hurts for those whose dreams of motherhood have not yet come true. It hurts for those who are mothers of children in heaven. Please know that you are constantly in my prayers. I'm truly blessed to be able to not only experience motherhood, but experience it with my best friend (since 8th grade), Stacie. Neither of us thought our dreams would ever come true. Today was spent watching our girls laugh and play. Truly miraculous. . .

Two Years Ago. . .

Two years ago on December 10th, we were finally able to bring Olivia home from the hospital. She was 105 days old. What an amazing feeling it was. . .to walk out of the hospital with my baby. Knowing that I never got to take Logan home. . the thought of not being able to take Olivia home absolutely terrified me. I feel so lucky and blessed to be her mom and watch her thrive at home for the past 2 years. Tonight, the three of us were sitting around the table and Olivia started mimicking Ryan's voice and hand gestures. It was so incredibly funny. . .we were all laughing until we couldn't laugh anymore. I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. I can't think of a better way to spend Olivia's 2nd homecoming anniversary!!

Look at how big I've gotten!

I can't believe I was your size when I was born.

No one will ever forget how far I've come. . .

Happy Homecoming Day!

Okay, so her homecoming day isn't until Thursday, but I needed an excuse to give her a present. As she grows older, we are going to celebrate her birthday along with her homecoming day. For as much as she went through, she deserves two special days. We probably won't get her a big gift every year, but this year we decided to and. . . .it was a hit! She LOVED her new slide. I purchased it online and didn't realize how HUMONGOUS it was going to be. I don't even feel comfortable letting her go up the slide without standing behind her.

The look of pure excitement. . .

and pure joy.

She couldn't wait

to go down her slide

again

and again

and again

and again. . .it went on like this for some time. Then, she had to find toys and stuffed animals that she could push down the slide. That was almost as fun as sliding down it herself. I know what we'll be doing all day tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - Update

What a boring day! The weather has been bad, so Olivia and I stayed home all day. Boy, how did I get through 2 winters of being holed up in the house? No wonder I was so horribly depressed and tired. I contemplated giving Olivia a Christmas present just to have something else to do. We've read books, done puzzles, played Little People, watched Praise Baby, watched Elmo, colored, listened to music, danced, ate snacks, destroyed the house, cleaned up the house, destroyed it again. . .I'm out of ideas. And, we didn't even nap, which would have sped the day up nicely. And, it seems there's going to be more of this tomorrow.

Monday, December 7, 2009 - Update

Run, Run, Run

I wish I would have gotten a picture of just Olivia in her Christmas dress. She wouldn't sit still for a picture and just ran around the house. I think the dress was a super hero costume in disguise. Boy, I wish I had her energy. Especially today. Not a very good day. Nothing major has gone wrong, but all the little things are getting to me. Such as:

I finally went to decorate Logan's gravesite for Christmas and his fall flowers are frozen to the vase. So, I can't change them out with poinsettias or put the candle ring around the vase, but I almost froze to death trying. It's only supposed to get colder this week and I hope I can get it done BEFORE Christmas. Now, he has a Christmas tree with fall flowers.

I have a headache. . .again.

My doctor is trying me on a new medication. He prescribed just 2 weeks of it in case I don't tolerate it. Then, I wouldn't have tons left over. Well, my insurance still charges me $35 for the full month. Then, if I want another 2 week supply in 2 weeks, I have to pay another $35. So, I'm paying $70 for something that should only be $35.

Olivia is still coughing, so I can't take her to get her second H1N1 vaccine and she's due for another one.

My computer is super slow today and I can't log into my online banking and I need to.

I had planned on ordering my Christmas cards and picking them up at Walgreens today. Well, it was cheaper to pay shipping and have them sent than to pick them up.

It's cold.

And. . .why do I have to go in and edit the html to put spaces in between my random thoughts. Isn't that what the enter key is for?

Okay, I'm done complaining. I feel better now.

Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Update

Just the girls

The whole gang together

Olivia and Julia

Classic Olivia

Today, we went to church as a whole family for the last time. . .at least, for a long while. My brother-in-law, Joel, leaves on a plane this afternoon to begin his new job in California. He is flying back for Christmas, and then they are all driving out to begin their new adventures in California. It's sad. It feels like the family is being torn apart. We had to get pictures taken of Olivia and her cousins in their Christmas attire. I feel grateful that they've lived so close for so long. I have been able to get to know my nieces. Their family has been a huge blessing to us. . .especially over the past two years. I wouldn't have made it through without their love, prayers and guidance. They will be so missed. Thankfully, we have a few more weeks with Laura, Julia and Rebekah and they just may get tired of seeing us.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - Update

Trying on my Christmas bow. My mom is hoping I'll keep it on for Christmas pictures.

We're all feeling better today, thank goodness. My husband actually took me to see New Moon today while my mom watched Olivia (thanks mom.) It was nice to get out of the house and I've been dying to see that movie. Funny story. . .while Ryan was in L.A. he saw a scene for a movie being set up at a restaurant. He knew that Pierce Brosnan was in the movie, but didn't know what the movie was. We saw the preview today of a movie called Remember Me and Ryan recognized the restaurant. Sure enough. . .it had Pierce Brosnan in it along with Robert Pattinson a.k.a Edward Cullen (for you Twilight fans.) So, my husband kinda/coulda/almost saw Edward. Ryan did later eat at the restaurant that they had been filming in. Hey, we live in Kansas. . .we don't often come that close to celebrities. Well, unless you count my daughter. :)

Fatherhood

You know you're a dad when. . . .

Thursday, December 3, 2009 - Update

When I took Olivia into the doctor on Wednesday, I also asked them about the cyst on her neck. They believe it is a keloid cyst (and not a sebaceous cyst.) Keloids are formations of scar tissue that grow because the body over-defends itself as a result of trauma or surgical incisions. As you know, her skin was extremely underdeveloped at birth (even more than Logan's.) I believe the cyst was caused by her central line that went into her neck. . .something that was needed to help save her life. The problem is that the removal of keloid cysts can cause more injury to the skin which can further exacerbate them. And. . .having one keloid cyst increases her chances of developing more, so they don't recommend ANY elective surgeries. . . not even ear piercings. Yeah, try telling that to a little girl! Anyway, I have to take her to a dermatologist to get their professional opinion and a plan of action. I'll probably wait until spring to do something. Sometimes cortisone injections are recommended alongside surgery. I don't want my sweet girl to have to go through anything else. She is already facing a possible second eye surgery.

In other news, Olivia is still sick. . . as is my husband. Both have a pretty bad cough and I've been bothered by sinus pressure and a sore throat. We just can't seem to get healthy around here. I guess that's what happens when you open yourself up to the outside world. :) We still try to be careful with germs, but Olivia needs social interaction with other kids for her development. She has been thriving because of it. I had to let her run around with two boys at the doctor's office because she couldn't stand to watch them play and not be a part of the fun. Thank goodness she didn't find the slide in the play area. Olivia now makes friends everywhere she goes and it's such a blessing to watch.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - Update

Well, I ended up taking Olivia to the doctor today because of her cough and the fact that she woke up with hardly a voice. They think she has croup and was started on steroids. Her lymph nodes in her neck are swollen as well. She's handling it like a trooper and doing fine. Don't tell her that she is hoarse, though, or she'll say "Neigh!" And, she was supposed to meet Santa Clause on Saturday. . . .

Happy Birthday, Aunt Roara!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - Update

What a helper!
Olivia loves to clean.

Olivia always wants to help me. . .no matter what I'm doing. Recently, she has started vacuuming alongside me. She tries her hardest. How can I get mad at her for unrolling the toilet paper when she does it so that she can clean? And, she takes the clean clothes and puts them in the hamper. I tried to explain that the clothes go in the drawers, so she took the dirty clothes out of the hamper and put them in the drawers. Everything may take twice as long, but what a joy it is to see her trying to help out so much! It makes my heart smile!

In other news, Olivia made it to 21 lbs last night. Hopefully, we continue to grow. She is eating really well since we've got her reflux back under control. I stood her up next to the growth chart today and it looks like she is over 32 inches. She was only 30 inches 3 months ago, so maybe a growth spurt is in store. Keep your fingers crossed. She also has developed a bit of a cough today. I'm hoping it doesn't turn into anything.

Monday, November 30. 2009 - Update

I like to wear hats sometimes.

But, sometimes I don't like to smile.

When did it happen? I'm trying to put my finger on it. When did my daughter start speaking in sentences? When did she start singing songs in the car? When did she start having her own opinions and thoughts? When did my baby girl grow up? We waited so long for her to do so many things. . .and she's doing them. It's amazing! Thinking back to the NICU days. . .we didn't know how much she'd ever be able to do. We weren't being pessimistic. . .we were being realistic. She continues to surprise us and learn and grow and blossom. It's amazing to watch. . . .I'm just not sure when it happened.

An Afternoon of Opera

Kim, Me and Alex with Julia. . .the star of the show.

Ryan with niece, Rebekah

We saw Amahl and the Night Visitors this afternoon. My niece, Julia, did an awesome job as Amahl. I didn't know she was quite that talented! Of course, my sister-in-law, Laura, did an amazing job as Amahl's mother. What an amazing voice she has! If I could sing half that good or even a quarter. . .or 1/100s, I would be happy. My other niece, Rebekah, was the best shepherd ever. I loved watching her dance. It was a great day and I was so proud to watch them perform. They are the ones moving to California after Christmas. I just hope they don't forget us when they make it big in Hollywood.

Ah, Christmas.

I don't know why there's a tree in our house, but I know that it's special.

Putting on the first ornament.

I Believe

The reason for it all.

Our decorating is complete.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

I wanted to encourage all of you to see Amahl and the Night Visitors presented by Opera Kansas. Why? Well, for one. . .it's a great Christmas story. And, my nine year old niece, my beautiful niece, Julia, is the star of the show. She will be playing the part of Amahl!! My sister-in-law, Laura, will be playing Amahl's mother and my niece, Rebekah, is a shepherd. I am so excited!! I can't wait to see it! I'd love for all of you to come out and see it too.

'Amahl and the Night visitors'

What: One-hour opera by Gian Carla Menotti

Where: Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center, WSU campus

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday

How much: Tickets are $12, discounts available. For more information, call 316-978-3233.

Our Thanksgiving Day

We spent this Thanksgiving with the Glunt side of the family. . .we alternate back and forth each year. We had a great time and I'm still stuffed. Olivia surprised us with how much she ate. She tried so many different things. . .it was like something I only dream about. Her favorites were the turkey and Aunt Laura's frozen cranberry salad. Olivia always loves playing with her cousins. This Thanksgiving was bittersweet because Ryan's brother's family (Joel, Laura, Julia and Rebekah) is moving to southern California after Christmas. That's a long ways from Kansas, where we call home. It makes you pause and remember how important family is. I treasure the time spent with both sides of our family. Olivia couldn't ask for better cousins, aunt and uncles and grandparents. We definitely have a lot to be thankful for.

Alex and Julia pulling the wishbone.

Hmm. . .what to try next. . .

Olivia and Grandma Mary

Ryan and his cuddly moo-cow. . .hee hee.

Katie reading Corduroy with Olivia. Sure, it's a Halloween Corduroy book, but it's her favorite.

The Lost Is Found

We found the turkey book! It's a Thanksgiving miracle! It was just waiting for all turkeys to be consumed, I guess, before it made it's reappearance. Now, it is safe for another year. It was hiding out in a plant all this time. Now, our hearts won't break when Olivia asks for her turkey book.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007

2008

2009

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Constant Reminders

I've been doing really good lately. I remember times when I literally couldn't leave the house. It was so tough to watch other people carrying on with their lives when mine was falling apart. I wanted to scream, "Don't you know that I lost my son and my daughter is fighting for her life!" It was difficult to even go to the grocery store. I am much better about things like that and can find many joys in my life. There are constant reminders, however, of what I lost. One, for instance, happened yesterday.

I was leaving a store with Olivia and trying to finagle my way out of the doors with a stroller. I don't know why every store doesn't have automatic doors. Anyway, a kind lady came rushing up and held the door open for me. She smiled and said, "I remember those days. And I had twins, if you can imagine that." I smiled graciously and walked away with tears in my eyes. This sweet lady had no idea that her words would stab me right in the heart. Of course, I know what it's like to carry twins, to experience love multiplied, to give birth to twins. I don't know what it's like to raise twins or push them in a stroller or hold them both in my arms. I'll never know. Constant reminders are around me every time I see a boy Olivia's age. Every time I look at toys or clothes for little boys. Every time I hear someone call out "Logan!" Every time I see boy/girl twins. . .and it will break my heart every time. But, I am also reminded of the miracle that I have and the sweet little boy who is waiting for me in heaven and my heart is pieced back together.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - Update

We had a playdate today with my friend, Angie, and her daughter, Hannah. Playdates are quickly becoming a highlight of mine. I love visiting with friends and watching Olivia interact with other children. By the way, Angie is a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, so if you envision one in your future. . .Angie is the one to go to. Olivia has been saying "Hannah" all afternoon. It's too cute. We had a great time and we hope to get together again soon.

Olivia And The Slide

We spent the afternoon with Shelley and Izzy. Olivia LOVES playing at their house! One of her favorites is the slide, but she usually slides down it feet first on her tummy. She worked up the nerve to actually sit down and slide today and once she did. . .there was no stopping her. I bet she did this continuously for 30 minutes. Good thing we asked Santa to bring her one for Christmas.

Saturday, November 22, 2009 - Update

Mer-wey Kissmas. . .Ho Ho Ho!

That's what I learned to say today.

And I got a singing Frosty the snowman!

Oh, and have you seen my turkey book?

The Case of the Missing Turkey Book

This might look like an ordinary collection of farm animal books, but it's not. It's one of the greatest toys of all time. . .well, according to Olivia. My parents gave them to Olivia on her first Christmas and they've been sitting on her bookshelf, collecting dust, for almost two years. Then, a few weeks ago. . .she found them and fell in love. It's the first thing she talks about when she wakes up. She takes the books out and counts them. . .1, 2, 3, FIVE! (That's her favorite number.) She tells you what each animal is and what sound they make. She carries them one by one to the couch, then to the floor, then to her room. She is crazy about them! Well, when I put the books up last night, I noticed that one was missing. Uh oh! I didn't know which one, but Olivia quickly noticed this morning that turkey was gone. We looked all over the house for the turkey book. Olivia kept saying "Turkey book? Weh are you? Gobble Gobble!" It just broke my heart and I wish I could find it for her, but it's nowhere to be seen. I find it interesting that the turkey is the one missing, ya know, with Thanksgiving around the corner.