Two more from today...

Scene: Driving on Hwy 280 and stopped completely. An accident had just happened and I am telling her that we need to be safe when we drive.

Avery: Yeah, because we wouldn't want to lose our bottom!

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Scene: Chatting about friends coming over to play

Avery: I am going to be on my swing!

Me: No, we will let Timmy choose what swing he wants to go on because he is our guest.

Avery: Oh yeah, just like Belle in the castle!

Avery-isms

The Scene: Driving through Gilroy on First street. We pass a huge cemetery on the right.

Avery: Mom, is that where God rose from the dead?

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Avery: Mom, Can I please have a baby sister??

Me: No.

Avery: I am going to find those pills and throw them away! (in reference to the birth control)

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Scene: In the backyard, playing on the swing set

Avery: (As she tries to get up on the swing) Mom, I need a hand over here!!

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Scene: Avery playing with her baby

Me: Avery, why does your baby not have any clothes on?

Avery: She threw up all over them

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Letting Go

It's time.
I have been reluctant to try and make Riley sleep in her crib over the past few months. She has been in our bed. At first, she was sick. Then she was in the hospital and recovering from surgery. Then, it just became habit. I have not left her with her anyone besides my parents since surgery. I have not put her in the nursery at church or at the YMCA. I am just nervous. She still has breath holding spells and I do not want anyone else to have to go through watching her have one. They are scary. But, the time has come to start having her do things toddlers her age are doing.
Last night, we started with sleep.
I was geared up for a long night of crying. She was not happy when we put her down. but about 10 minutes later, she was snoring. She woke up 2-3 times and we just went in and soothed her for a second and she drifted right back to sleep and did not wake up until 7:30 am this morning. What a fabulous night of sleep. Today, while I was at yoga she told Jaron she wanted her bed and he layed her down and she took an hour nap...no fussing.
Alot of times, the second night is the hardest. We read our stories, prayed, kissed goodnight, and to sleep she went. No fussing.
I am enjoying a margarita and some dutch-oven made cobbler. Later, I will have an night of uninterrupted sleep on my tempurpedic bed.
What a lovely life I lead.

Busy

Life is busy lately. I have not found the time nor the motivation to keep up with the blog very well. I guess that can be viewed as a good thing; not much to report. Riley did have her 18 month checkup yesterday and she weighed in at 24 pounds. Awesome! This puts her in about the 40th percentile, I think. She had one shot and I think she is suffering from a reaction to it today. She is super tired and cranky. I think she may also be running a slight fever. It is a total bummer since we were going to head over to the beach today with some friends. It has been beyond hot here the past few days and we are melting. Thankfully it is supposed to start cooling down tomorrow otherwise I was going to hang out all day at Yogurtland and eat enormous amounts of toasted coconut frozen yogurt.

Here are some pics from the last couple of days...

Playgroup Friends

Beyond Grateful

There are certain days when I am overwhelmed with an intense feeling of gratitude. Today is one of those days that I stare at my miracle baby and am so thankful she is well. I am thankful that an MRI was ordered before an unnecessary surgery, that she was transferred to an amazing hospital the very day we found out she had a brain tumor, that we were given an amazing neurosurgeon, as well as his fabulous team, to perform her surgery, her surgery was a success, the tumor was low-grade, no further treatment was needed, all of her symptoms in regards to the tumor disappeared after she recovered, and she is now happy and medication-free. Wow! I am so aware of how Jesus took care of us through this process.

I am also well aware of how my lovely Avery took on the burden of a sick sissy so beautifully. She had some rough times, but considering she was away from mommy and daddy for 17 days I do not blame her one bit. She is such a trooper and has such a strong spirit. She is a protector and feels so deeply for others.

As I have been hearing and reading more sad stories of families who are in situations that do not produce a good outcome, I am even more thankful Riley is growing and doing well.

I will always have a special place in my heart for the patients and staff at LPCH.

Thank you to all those who prayed and gave to our family during our time in the hospital. We love and appreciate each of you.

Easter

On Saturday we went to one of many local parks where our church was hosting Hunt, a large Easter egg hunt for the community. The girls had a ton of fun. Avery was very selective about what she wanted to pick up and searched out 2 golden eggs (to be redeemed for prizes). Riley did great at picking up eggs and placing them in her basket. It was a beautiful day.

My dear friends Molly and Heidi


After Hunt, we went back home and had our own search for eggs in the backyard. Avery especially had fun searching high and low for eggs Jaron, my dad, and uncle had hidden for her. The girls got fun baskets from my parents filled with lots of fun items. We enjoyed a fun afternoon together and then dinner out. Yum!

On Easter Sunday we headed up to Pittsburg for some time with Jaron's family. His dad's company put together 2 great baskets for the girls. It was filled with so many fun things, clothes, bubbles, coloring books, stickers, candy, books, etc.. We had lunch together and then had a wonderful visit.

Ballet

Avery started ballet class last week. The class was a gift from my uncle Scott for her birthday. I found a class at a community center and signed her up for he 8 week session. She made it through about 10 minutes before crying and saying she was too tired. I was able to convince her to go back and try some more. She lasted another 15 minutes or so and then was in meltdown mode. I should have been more prepared for this as this is how she typically reacts to new situations. She takes a long time to warm up and feel comfortable. We got a ballet dvd from the library so she can practice some of the techniques and I have been talking with her about it a lot so hopefully she will feel more comfortable at the next class. But, after we got home from class, it was all she could talk about so I know she is interested and excited about it, just a little frightened because it is something new.

Cereal

Avery with her cereal bowl (almost 2 years old)

Riley with her cereal bowl (18 months)

Dirtcakes and Pizza

Stealing the schedule

Today is a new day. Today is the day I stop eating everything in sight, particularly frozen yogurt, cheesecake, pretty much all sweets in general. I think, actually I know, that my eating has been out of control since mid-February when Riley went into the hospital. We were blessed with a ton of food brought by a ton of people most of which included some kind of treat in the mix. I also had a Starbucks white mocha almost every day Riley was in the hospital. I literally gained 8 pounds. My clothes are a bit snug and I feel like it is time to put things back in order.

My friend Charlie made a schedule of sorts for her two kiddos to see what the week would look like for them. I stole the idea, thanks Charlie!, and now it is in print so Avery can help me be accountable as well. I included daily activities such as watering the garden, a walk, and playing on the swing set, and weekly activities such as Avery's ballet class, church, and a trip to the library.

I am also writing down everything I eat. I did Weight Watchers for a few months after Riley was born and used their online program to keep track of everything. It worked so well for me to see it all in writing. I am not going to sign up again, but I am going to keep a journal.

I worked out this morning, walked to the Library, and have written down everything today and I already feel so good. I feel happy. It feels great to have some control again and feel like a good mother by focusing on both of my kids rather than stressing over throw up and brain tumors.

So, I am not depriving myself, but am not indulging in everything. So, if you see me with a treat in one hand a Starbucks in the other swat them to the floor and give me the stink eye.

SF Zoo

MB Aquarium

Tuesday was the final day before our aquarium passes ran out so we had to take advantage. Luckily, the weather was gorgeous! The girls had a great time. Avery and Riley both loved seeing and touching the seastars. We ended the day witha meal at Bubba Gumps. Yum!