Much easier to put all of the pictures from the holidays into one montage rather than post them individually.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Fun in the Snow
Yeah, I know. I'm a big giant huge slacker. My bad. But I am trying to finish up everything that must be done before Christmas...which is a hell of a lot.
Here are some pictures of the girlie loving the first big snowfall of the year.
She also had her winter assembly the other day, which was very cute. But I haven't managed to get those off the camera as of yet. I also took a video. So as soon as that manages to get done, I will go ahead and put those up there.
Here are some pictures of the girlie loving the first big snowfall of the year.
She also had her winter assembly the other day, which was very cute. But I haven't managed to get those off the camera as of yet. I also took a video. So as soon as that manages to get done, I will go ahead and put those up there.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Rotten Egg Blue??
We all know Caitlyn is learning to read. And I have seen her really attempt to implement several strategies in order to decipher a word. Typically, "sounding out" really works for her. The other day she tried the strategy of looking at the first and last letter and guessing what the word is. (not really a strategy, but I think that is exactly what did)
Scene: Caitlyn on the living room floor coloring a picture for Mrs. Carson.
Caitlyn: I'm going to color this blue Mom.
Mom: I think that will look very pretty. What blue are you going to use?
Caitlyn: (with crayon in her hand, looking at the paper wrap on the crayon) "Rotten egg blue."
Mom: I think it says "Robin Egg Blue."
Caitlyn: Yeah, I guess a color with rotten in it wouldn't be too pretty.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Her first wake
Caitlyn has had her first experience with death this past weekend. I guess I can't really say it was her first as she was so close to death on a couple occasions when in the NICU. But this is the first one that she will remember.
We got a call early Wednesday morning to tell us that Matt's aunt Mary Pat had died. This was very sudden and the wake would be held on Sunday and the funeral on Monday.
I thought long and hard all day Wednesday about how to break this to Cate. While this is not the aunt that she is closest to, she does enjoy spending time with Mary Pat when we see her at family functions. For example, Mary Pat is the aunt that always plays Yhatzee with Caitlyn. When I go to Country Thunder in the summer, Matt takes Caitlyn to Wisconsin for Daddy/Daughter weekend. On this weekend, Grandma Rita and Mary Pat join them. Caitlyn loves hanging out at the beach with Mary Pat.
For a long time, Caitlyn would not go up and hug or kiss Mary Pat when we would see her. In the last year or so, Caitlyn actually looks forward to seeing her now. And when we do see her, she would give Mary Pat all the hugs and kisses that Mary Pat requested. It's sad to me to think that Caitlyn missed out on those first few years of hugs and kisses, but I think she certainly made up for it in the last year.
On Thursday, I told Matt that we needed to tell Cate about what happened. I knew that Caitlyn would certainly miss her presence at functions and would begin to ask where she was. Matt sat her down and told her that Mary Pat got very sick Wednesday morning and that she went to heaven to be with Matt's Daddy. What happened next, I was completely stunned by. Caitlyn reacted in a way that I didn't expect in the least.
I saw the corner of her mouth turn down and she let out a sob. She cried and cried and cried. It was at that very moment that I wanted to hurl myself under a rock and not come out. All I could think was that I caused this child this much pain! That if I hadn't told her, she wouldn't know what it feels like to have that complete sense of loss and uncontrolability. I couldn't stand myself for breaking her heart.
Later that night when I put her in bed, she got a litle weepy again. Though it wasn't near the emotion that it was earlier. But she said to me,
"I just wish Mary Pat could go to the cottage with us one more time."
And when she said that, it hit me. Caitlyn has a pretty good understanding of death and the finality of it. She understands that she won't be seeing Mary Pat at family parties anymore. She understands that they won't play Yhatzee at the lake anymore. And it breaks my heart that she had to learn that at only 6 years old.
I talked to her all weekend about whether or not she wanted to attend the wake and the funeral. And she was set on going. I spent hours talking to her about what she was going to see and what would be happening while we were there. When I had her explain it back to me, she had most of the details correct. With the exception of thinking that she would be seeing a skeleton in the casket! Once we got that all cleared up, she was comfortable with what was going to happen over the next couple of days.
Upon our arrival at the funeral home, she began to have second thoughts. We took one step into the viewing area, and she began to shake her head back and forth and walk backwards. She couldn't get out of there fast enough. We sat in the lobby for quite a while and she eventually made her way in to pay her last respects and say her good byes to Mary Pat.
She ended up not wanting to go to the funeral. Which is probably better anyway as there always seems to be so much sadness at that part since it really is the finale.
Last night she got a little weepy again, telling me that she wishes Mary Pat didn't die. But I have assured her that Mary Pat and her Grandfather are up there in heaven having a drag out game of Yhatzee and enjoying it to the fullest.
We got a call early Wednesday morning to tell us that Matt's aunt Mary Pat had died. This was very sudden and the wake would be held on Sunday and the funeral on Monday.
I thought long and hard all day Wednesday about how to break this to Cate. While this is not the aunt that she is closest to, she does enjoy spending time with Mary Pat when we see her at family functions. For example, Mary Pat is the aunt that always plays Yhatzee with Caitlyn. When I go to Country Thunder in the summer, Matt takes Caitlyn to Wisconsin for Daddy/Daughter weekend. On this weekend, Grandma Rita and Mary Pat join them. Caitlyn loves hanging out at the beach with Mary Pat.
For a long time, Caitlyn would not go up and hug or kiss Mary Pat when we would see her. In the last year or so, Caitlyn actually looks forward to seeing her now. And when we do see her, she would give Mary Pat all the hugs and kisses that Mary Pat requested. It's sad to me to think that Caitlyn missed out on those first few years of hugs and kisses, but I think she certainly made up for it in the last year.
On Thursday, I told Matt that we needed to tell Cate about what happened. I knew that Caitlyn would certainly miss her presence at functions and would begin to ask where she was. Matt sat her down and told her that Mary Pat got very sick Wednesday morning and that she went to heaven to be with Matt's Daddy. What happened next, I was completely stunned by. Caitlyn reacted in a way that I didn't expect in the least.
I saw the corner of her mouth turn down and she let out a sob. She cried and cried and cried. It was at that very moment that I wanted to hurl myself under a rock and not come out. All I could think was that I caused this child this much pain! That if I hadn't told her, she wouldn't know what it feels like to have that complete sense of loss and uncontrolability. I couldn't stand myself for breaking her heart.
Later that night when I put her in bed, she got a litle weepy again. Though it wasn't near the emotion that it was earlier. But she said to me,
"I just wish Mary Pat could go to the cottage with us one more time."
And when she said that, it hit me. Caitlyn has a pretty good understanding of death and the finality of it. She understands that she won't be seeing Mary Pat at family parties anymore. She understands that they won't play Yhatzee at the lake anymore. And it breaks my heart that she had to learn that at only 6 years old.
I talked to her all weekend about whether or not she wanted to attend the wake and the funeral. And she was set on going. I spent hours talking to her about what she was going to see and what would be happening while we were there. When I had her explain it back to me, she had most of the details correct. With the exception of thinking that she would be seeing a skeleton in the casket! Once we got that all cleared up, she was comfortable with what was going to happen over the next couple of days.
Upon our arrival at the funeral home, she began to have second thoughts. We took one step into the viewing area, and she began to shake her head back and forth and walk backwards. She couldn't get out of there fast enough. We sat in the lobby for quite a while and she eventually made her way in to pay her last respects and say her good byes to Mary Pat.
She ended up not wanting to go to the funeral. Which is probably better anyway as there always seems to be so much sadness at that part since it really is the finale.
Last night she got a little weepy again, telling me that she wishes Mary Pat didn't die. But I have assured her that Mary Pat and her Grandfather are up there in heaven having a drag out game of Yhatzee and enjoying it to the fullest.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The Report Card
This school year has started out so much better than last year. Last year we (read I) had so many issues with the teacher, that I think it effected Caitlyn's performance. That aside, the teacher was a complete imbecile when it came to consistency with behavior plans and completely sucked at communication. Her skills in that arena were awful!! That aside, she was a phenommenal reading teacher. That was her only saving grace in my eyes. Caitlyn has developed a foundation that I know will make her an excellent reader because of the skills that she was taught by that teacher.
You may remember that last year I posted about Caitlyn's report cards and how the teacher gave her checks for talking and paying attention. Every quarter. In kindergarten. To say I was pissed off was an understatement. Especially when I had a conference with the teacher and her only explanation for the difference in what the report card stated versus what the behavior charts sent home daily stated was "They are two separate things." Um. No. They really aren't.
However, this year is so much different. Caitlyn received no checks at all. As a matter of fact, she received a ribbon for receiving excellent marks in conduct. Now, I know kids mature in this arena and they develop an understanding of what is expected of them as far as behavior is concerned. But how is it possible that she went from getting no less than 2 checks per reporting period to zero? Forgive me, but I doubt that she matured that much over one summer. It only confirms the idea that the teacher last year was a complete and utter moron.
On to the grades.....
Reading: B
Listening Standards: A
Speaking Standards: A
Mathematics Standards: B
Science Standards: A
Social Science Standards: A
Art Standards: A
Music Standards: A
PE: A
Learning Technology (computer): A
Handwriting: B
The teacher had nothing negative to say about Caitlyn.
I couldn't be more proud of my little lady. And she is so very proud of herself.
You may remember that last year I posted about Caitlyn's report cards and how the teacher gave her checks for talking and paying attention. Every quarter. In kindergarten. To say I was pissed off was an understatement. Especially when I had a conference with the teacher and her only explanation for the difference in what the report card stated versus what the behavior charts sent home daily stated was "They are two separate things." Um. No. They really aren't.
However, this year is so much different. Caitlyn received no checks at all. As a matter of fact, she received a ribbon for receiving excellent marks in conduct. Now, I know kids mature in this arena and they develop an understanding of what is expected of them as far as behavior is concerned. But how is it possible that she went from getting no less than 2 checks per reporting period to zero? Forgive me, but I doubt that she matured that much over one summer. It only confirms the idea that the teacher last year was a complete and utter moron.
On to the grades.....
Reading: B
Listening Standards: A
Speaking Standards: A
Mathematics Standards: B
Science Standards: A
Social Science Standards: A
Art Standards: A
Music Standards: A
PE: A
Learning Technology (computer): A
Handwriting: B
The teacher had nothing negative to say about Caitlyn.
I couldn't be more proud of my little lady. And she is so very proud of herself.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
This is Hysterical!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Caitlyn is so excited about today. This kid really loves Halloween. This year she is dressing up as a cheerleader from High School Musical and is way excited about the pom poms.
Every year a bunch of my friends meet up at my house and we Trick or Treat together for about 3 hours. That's a lot of candy!! What I usually do is stop back at home every so often and dump the candy that she has gotten into the bowl of candy that we are giving out. The candy is then recycled to the other kids who come to our door. Is that wrong?? I just think that the amount of candy that kids recieve on Halloween is obscene. So any measures I can take to allow less candy consumed, thereby lessening the number of cavities, is a good thing in my eyes. Hopefully none of my neighbors read this, otherwise my poor kid will get royally screwed this year :P
I will post pictures before the weekend of the girl in her get up....which if I must say, looks absolutely adorable on her.
Caitlyn is sick for the first time this year. It seems that she is always sick on Halloween. Last year, she ended up puking on someone's lawn and having at least 2 messy accidents in her pants. I remember as a kid I was always sick on Thanksgiving. And it seems that Caitlyn is following suit by being sick from Halloween up through Thanksgiving. I loaded her up on meds last night so that she would get a really good rest and plan on doing the same tonight. She is also complaining that her throat hurts her, which she has never really complained about. Hopefully it's just a run of the mill average cold that won't lead into anything more. We don't want any repeats of being in the ER like we were last year for a cough so bad that the poor kid couldn't catch her breath. Keep your fingers crossed!
Every year a bunch of my friends meet up at my house and we Trick or Treat together for about 3 hours. That's a lot of candy!! What I usually do is stop back at home every so often and dump the candy that she has gotten into the bowl of candy that we are giving out. The candy is then recycled to the other kids who come to our door. Is that wrong?? I just think that the amount of candy that kids recieve on Halloween is obscene. So any measures I can take to allow less candy consumed, thereby lessening the number of cavities, is a good thing in my eyes. Hopefully none of my neighbors read this, otherwise my poor kid will get royally screwed this year :P
I will post pictures before the weekend of the girl in her get up....which if I must say, looks absolutely adorable on her.
Caitlyn is sick for the first time this year. It seems that she is always sick on Halloween. Last year, she ended up puking on someone's lawn and having at least 2 messy accidents in her pants. I remember as a kid I was always sick on Thanksgiving. And it seems that Caitlyn is following suit by being sick from Halloween up through Thanksgiving. I loaded her up on meds last night so that she would get a really good rest and plan on doing the same tonight. She is also complaining that her throat hurts her, which she has never really complained about. Hopefully it's just a run of the mill average cold that won't lead into anything more. We don't want any repeats of being in the ER like we were last year for a cough so bad that the poor kid couldn't catch her breath. Keep your fingers crossed!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
I have my husband back
And Caitlyn has her father back. Football season here in our house has come to an end. Unfortunately, Matt's team lost in the second game of the playoffs.
Caitlyn couldn't be happier that he is coming home right after work these days. The two of them spent the day together on Saturday. They cleaned his car and took it to the car wash. Then they went to the mall and had Sbarro, which is Caitlyn's favorite pizza and did some shopping. She managed to score a Webkinz for herself while there too ;) She promptly convinced me to get her going on the computer and set up this little gadget. Which I have to say really is very neat for her.
We are gearing up for Halloween here. Caitlyn is going to be a cheerleader from High School Musical. It's nice that she picked something so simple this year. Mainly because the kids aren't allowed to wear their costumes to school in the morning now. They can bring them in a bag and put them on in the afternoon for the parites and parade. If she had decided to go with one of the elaborate princess get ups that she usually picks, I'm certain she would not have been able to get all of it on by herself. This costume is simply a dress that goes right over her head. Nice and simple.
Work is busy for me these days. It seems that it's all I think about most nights when I lay down to go to sleep. So I really need to stop doing that. I am even having dreams about it. There have been a couple of issues with parents and the girl that I replaced. Which have lead to some pretty interesting discusssions with my coordinators and other teachers.
That's about all that's gone on here in the last few weeks. Seems I don't have much to blog about these days.
Caitlyn couldn't be happier that he is coming home right after work these days. The two of them spent the day together on Saturday. They cleaned his car and took it to the car wash. Then they went to the mall and had Sbarro, which is Caitlyn's favorite pizza and did some shopping. She managed to score a Webkinz for herself while there too ;) She promptly convinced me to get her going on the computer and set up this little gadget. Which I have to say really is very neat for her.
We are gearing up for Halloween here. Caitlyn is going to be a cheerleader from High School Musical. It's nice that she picked something so simple this year. Mainly because the kids aren't allowed to wear their costumes to school in the morning now. They can bring them in a bag and put them on in the afternoon for the parites and parade. If she had decided to go with one of the elaborate princess get ups that she usually picks, I'm certain she would not have been able to get all of it on by herself. This costume is simply a dress that goes right over her head. Nice and simple.
Work is busy for me these days. It seems that it's all I think about most nights when I lay down to go to sleep. So I really need to stop doing that. I am even having dreams about it. There have been a couple of issues with parents and the girl that I replaced. Which have lead to some pretty interesting discusssions with my coordinators and other teachers.
That's about all that's gone on here in the last few weeks. Seems I don't have much to blog about these days.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
October Fun
Caitlyn says that she doesn't enjoy fall or winter and that summer is her favorite season. However, everytime fall rolls around, I find her having so much fun with all of the things that we do.
Every year, my best friend and her children, and some of her extended family, and Caitlyn and I head to the Morton Arboretum. It is so pretty there in the fall. And they have so many things for kids to do there. It's a fantastic place. After that, we all trek over to Sonny Acres Farm so that we can enjoy some carnival rides and really greasy food. Sometimes we will also get our pumpkins there, but not usually as they are so much more expensive there than they are at, say, Dominick's.
This year we went earlier in the year than we normally do. We did this mainly because when we go later in the year, when we can really enjoy the Arboretum and the colors of all of the leaves changing, it is much (much) colder outside. This year, it was a beautiful day. Which meant the kids could really run around and enjoy themselves. Rather than trekking though the rain and the wind and the freezing cold.
Here are some fabulous pics of the day:
The maze
All the kids navigating the maze
Some of the "gyms" they have in the Children's Garden (which is a fantastic place!)
Climbing the rocks
This little activity of jumping on the rocks in the pond didn't last too long as I knew if any kid was going to fall in, it would be mine.
In front of the 1000 pound pumpkin
Cate and Kely being silly
The swings
Pony Rides
And finally, Auntie Gina acting like a complete ass to get the kids to laugh.
Every year, my best friend and her children, and some of her extended family, and Caitlyn and I head to the Morton Arboretum. It is so pretty there in the fall. And they have so many things for kids to do there. It's a fantastic place. After that, we all trek over to Sonny Acres Farm so that we can enjoy some carnival rides and really greasy food. Sometimes we will also get our pumpkins there, but not usually as they are so much more expensive there than they are at, say, Dominick's.
This year we went earlier in the year than we normally do. We did this mainly because when we go later in the year, when we can really enjoy the Arboretum and the colors of all of the leaves changing, it is much (much) colder outside. This year, it was a beautiful day. Which meant the kids could really run around and enjoy themselves. Rather than trekking though the rain and the wind and the freezing cold.
Here are some fabulous pics of the day:
The maze
All the kids navigating the maze
Some of the "gyms" they have in the Children's Garden (which is a fantastic place!)
Climbing the rocks
This little activity of jumping on the rocks in the pond didn't last too long as I knew if any kid was going to fall in, it would be mine.
In front of the 1000 pound pumpkin
Cate and Kely being silly
The swings
Pony Rides
And finally, Auntie Gina acting like a complete ass to get the kids to laugh.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Bad Blogger Alert
Yes, that would be me. It would appear that nothing interesting has happened in our lives since I haven't posted anything in 3 weeks. But quite the opposite is true actually.
Football season here is in full swing. Which means late dinners, late bed times, lots of football practices and games, and a missing husband. Which makes me a single mom for a few months. I must say, that I can't even begin to imagine being a single mom. I only have to deal with it for a few months a year and in that time, I about lose my mind....and grow somewhere in the area of 86 new grey hairs. Multiply that by the number of years and Matt has been a coach and we have had Caitlyn and I am looking at a rapidly developing white head. But none the less, Matt is doing well in his conference and if he manages to win this game on Friday, then he is looking at taking second place in his conference. Which is fabulous for him as he has had 2 really rough seasons.
My new job is wonderful. And completely time consuming. I have worked harder at this job in the 2 months I have been there than I have ever worked at any other job I've had. Which I guess means that I care about it and really want to put the time in. But it is exhausting as well. And the parents...well let's just say that they may be the reason that I become an alcoholic. They are quite needy, and demanding. They love their children, but at times I feel as though they feel they are "owed" something. Or I am just being rotten and crabby. Either way, the job was becoming consuming enough that it has prompted Matt and I to hire a cleaning lady. Which has put me in a better mood most days. There really is nothing better than coming home and your house is spotless. NOTHING. AT. ALL.
Caitlyn is doing amazing in first grade. I absolutely love her teacher. We had back to school night last week. The teacher is quite demanding, as is the first grade curriculum. That in an of itself seems so weird to me. But first grade is certainly not what it was when I was there. Granted that was many moons ago, but still, they are requiring so much more of kids these days that I am amazed that any of them fall within the bulk of the bell curve anymore.
A few weeks ago, Caitlyn had to stay after school to complete Dibels testing. Basically a reading test to see where they are and how they are progressing throughout the year. I was a little pissed that it was going to be after school, for a couple of reasons. First, how is it possible that this isn't something that can be done during school hours. Second, you expect these kids to perform well on a test after a full day of school. Last, it was over 80 degrees out the day they were doing it; how many kids want to hang out at school on a day like that when they could be out playing?? But I kept my mouth shut since none of the other parents seemed bothered by it. And again, I know to pick and choose my battles when it comes to school.
I received Caitlyn's scores today in her progress report (yes they send out mid term reports in first grade). I have to say, I couldn't have been more proud of my little lady. Here are her scores:
Letter Naming Fluency
Goal: 37 letters/minute
Score: 55 letters/minute
Benchmark: Established
Phonemic Segmentation Fluency
Goal: 35 phonemes/minute
Score: 38 phonemes/minute
Benchmark: Low Risk
Nonsense Word Fluency
Goal: 24 sounds/minute
Score: 37 sounds/minute
Benchmark: Low Risk
So overall, she has exceeded the standard benchmark. In the area of phonemic segmentation, she has already established the benchmark for January. I couldn't believe it when I was reading this. I mean, I know the kid can read, and I know that she is making incredible progress with reading ever single day. It is obvious as we are out in the community and she is reading words that are not sight words. But I never expected her to have already exceeded the benchmarks. And exceed them in 2 areas by so much.
It really makes me wonder at times how she has managed to escape the typical outcome of a 25 weeker. And as I have said before, the doctors have always questioned that gestation and put her about a week earlier. If that is in fact the case, it is even more wondrous to me that she is doing as well as she is. I have no explanation for it whatsoever. She is the kid that completely skews the research in the area of developmental outcomes of preemies. She is the reason that putting gestational limits on resuscitation seem so wrong to me. And again, it makes me think of the things those doctors told me in those very grim and dark first few weeks. And months for that matter.
Off my soapbox now.....off to look into gifted programs for my genius :P (yeah right!)
Football season here is in full swing. Which means late dinners, late bed times, lots of football practices and games, and a missing husband. Which makes me a single mom for a few months. I must say, that I can't even begin to imagine being a single mom. I only have to deal with it for a few months a year and in that time, I about lose my mind....and grow somewhere in the area of 86 new grey hairs. Multiply that by the number of years and Matt has been a coach and we have had Caitlyn and I am looking at a rapidly developing white head. But none the less, Matt is doing well in his conference and if he manages to win this game on Friday, then he is looking at taking second place in his conference. Which is fabulous for him as he has had 2 really rough seasons.
My new job is wonderful. And completely time consuming. I have worked harder at this job in the 2 months I have been there than I have ever worked at any other job I've had. Which I guess means that I care about it and really want to put the time in. But it is exhausting as well. And the parents...well let's just say that they may be the reason that I become an alcoholic. They are quite needy, and demanding. They love their children, but at times I feel as though they feel they are "owed" something. Or I am just being rotten and crabby. Either way, the job was becoming consuming enough that it has prompted Matt and I to hire a cleaning lady. Which has put me in a better mood most days. There really is nothing better than coming home and your house is spotless. NOTHING. AT. ALL.
Caitlyn is doing amazing in first grade. I absolutely love her teacher. We had back to school night last week. The teacher is quite demanding, as is the first grade curriculum. That in an of itself seems so weird to me. But first grade is certainly not what it was when I was there. Granted that was many moons ago, but still, they are requiring so much more of kids these days that I am amazed that any of them fall within the bulk of the bell curve anymore.
A few weeks ago, Caitlyn had to stay after school to complete Dibels testing. Basically a reading test to see where they are and how they are progressing throughout the year. I was a little pissed that it was going to be after school, for a couple of reasons. First, how is it possible that this isn't something that can be done during school hours. Second, you expect these kids to perform well on a test after a full day of school. Last, it was over 80 degrees out the day they were doing it; how many kids want to hang out at school on a day like that when they could be out playing?? But I kept my mouth shut since none of the other parents seemed bothered by it. And again, I know to pick and choose my battles when it comes to school.
I received Caitlyn's scores today in her progress report (yes they send out mid term reports in first grade). I have to say, I couldn't have been more proud of my little lady. Here are her scores:
Letter Naming Fluency
Goal: 37 letters/minute
Score: 55 letters/minute
Benchmark: Established
Phonemic Segmentation Fluency
Goal: 35 phonemes/minute
Score: 38 phonemes/minute
Benchmark: Low Risk
Nonsense Word Fluency
Goal: 24 sounds/minute
Score: 37 sounds/minute
Benchmark: Low Risk
So overall, she has exceeded the standard benchmark. In the area of phonemic segmentation, she has already established the benchmark for January. I couldn't believe it when I was reading this. I mean, I know the kid can read, and I know that she is making incredible progress with reading ever single day. It is obvious as we are out in the community and she is reading words that are not sight words. But I never expected her to have already exceeded the benchmarks. And exceed them in 2 areas by so much.
It really makes me wonder at times how she has managed to escape the typical outcome of a 25 weeker. And as I have said before, the doctors have always questioned that gestation and put her about a week earlier. If that is in fact the case, it is even more wondrous to me that she is doing as well as she is. I have no explanation for it whatsoever. She is the kid that completely skews the research in the area of developmental outcomes of preemies. She is the reason that putting gestational limits on resuscitation seem so wrong to me. And again, it makes me think of the things those doctors told me in those very grim and dark first few weeks. And months for that matter.
Off my soapbox now.....off to look into gifted programs for my genius :P (yeah right!)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Caitlyn's Pictures
Caitlyn has been begging me to use my camera to take pictures outside. I have been hesitant for the obvious reason: I am worried about her dropping it and throwing away several hundred of my hard earned dollars. But today I finally caved in. And to be honest, she took some really great pics!! And it is interesting to see things from her perspective for once.
I find it very interesting what she wanted to take pictures of though. Before we left the house, she kept telling me that she wanted to get pictures of animals. Well, in Chicago there aren't many animals running here and there. Unless you count squirrels, pigeons, and the ocassional stray dog/cat. However, once we were out there and walking, she found so many other neat things to take pictures of.
Here are a few of them:
This is my favorite of all 49 that she took. I love the way the colors are in it!
Do all kids feel it necessary to take pictures of their feet once they have a camera in their hands???
Now she wants to go out at night and take some too. Since it is supposed to be pretty warm this week, maybe we will do just that.
I find it very interesting what she wanted to take pictures of though. Before we left the house, she kept telling me that she wanted to get pictures of animals. Well, in Chicago there aren't many animals running here and there. Unless you count squirrels, pigeons, and the ocassional stray dog/cat. However, once we were out there and walking, she found so many other neat things to take pictures of.
Here are a few of them:
This is my favorite of all 49 that she took. I love the way the colors are in it!
Do all kids feel it necessary to take pictures of their feet once they have a camera in their hands???
Now she wants to go out at night and take some too. Since it is supposed to be pretty warm this week, maybe we will do just that.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
First Grader
That's right.....first grade, FIRST!!!
I am in shock that this is true, but Caitlyn is so very proud of herself and so excited to be in first grade. All she kept taking about yesterday was how she finally had her own desk (as opposed to tables) and she gets to go to music class every Tuesday. This morning, she was all excited about what the class would be doing on Wednesdays :P
Here she is in the morning before we left
Here she is standing out front of the house
And here she is waking with the backpack that is about as big as she is
Despite her eagerness about first grade, when I woke her up at 6:30 this morning, she promptly asked if she had school today. When I told her yes, she flopped herself back on her bed with a "hmph." Just like mom, not a morning person at all.
Let's just hope that this teacher is nothing like last year's teacher.
I am in shock that this is true, but Caitlyn is so very proud of herself and so excited to be in first grade. All she kept taking about yesterday was how she finally had her own desk (as opposed to tables) and she gets to go to music class every Tuesday. This morning, she was all excited about what the class would be doing on Wednesdays :P
Here she is in the morning before we left
Here she is standing out front of the house
And here she is waking with the backpack that is about as big as she is
Despite her eagerness about first grade, when I woke her up at 6:30 this morning, she promptly asked if she had school today. When I told her yes, she flopped herself back on her bed with a "hmph." Just like mom, not a morning person at all.
Let's just hope that this teacher is nothing like last year's teacher.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
My Little Dare Devil
Every year, my brother's work rents out Great America for a private party. The employees are allowed to bring friends and family (for a fee of course). But the crowds are much smaller than a typical day, resulting in wait times in lines that are considerably shorter. We have been going to this for a few years now and have such a good time when we go.
Last year, Caitlyn went on her first roller coaster ride there. She went on the Whizzer (about 1000 times) and loved it.
After going on that, she was quite upset that she wasn't tall enough to go on any of the other roller coasters they had. I reassured her that when we came again the following year, she would certainly be tall enough for a couple more.
So this year.....my little lady decided that the first ride she would go on would be the Whizzer again. However, she made it very clear that after riding that, she wanted to go and see what other coasters she would be tall enough for. (Memory of an elephant I tell ya!)
The first ride we attempted to get her on was the Viper.
I figured it would be pretty impressive if she followed through with going on this ride.
After measuring her on the post, waiting in a short line, there she was sitting next to me in the car and rearing to go!!!
Upon it's completion she made it very clear that she wanted to ride the Viper again before we left!
Later in the evening, we were heading towards the American Eagle.
Not the most comfortable roller coaster on the planet. But certainly a novelty if you go to Great America. I don't think I've ever been there and not gone on it (provided it is running).
The height requirements were the same as those of the Viper, so we were off in line.
After the initial drop, which really is shocking, Caitlyn was having a ball and "wheeing" along.
After going on those 2, it seemed she really didn't want much to do with the other "kiddie" rides or age appropriate rides. She was awfully upset though that she wasn't able to go on some of the other coasters. I reassured her that she would be able to go on a couple more next year, just like she was able to this year. So I am certain that come summer next year, she will hold me to it. Let's hope for a few more inches of growth this year so that I haven't stuck my foot in my mouth ;)
Last year, Caitlyn went on her first roller coaster ride there. She went on the Whizzer (about 1000 times) and loved it.
After going on that, she was quite upset that she wasn't tall enough to go on any of the other roller coasters they had. I reassured her that when we came again the following year, she would certainly be tall enough for a couple more.
So this year.....my little lady decided that the first ride she would go on would be the Whizzer again. However, she made it very clear that after riding that, she wanted to go and see what other coasters she would be tall enough for. (Memory of an elephant I tell ya!)
The first ride we attempted to get her on was the Viper.
I figured it would be pretty impressive if she followed through with going on this ride.
After measuring her on the post, waiting in a short line, there she was sitting next to me in the car and rearing to go!!!
Upon it's completion she made it very clear that she wanted to ride the Viper again before we left!
Later in the evening, we were heading towards the American Eagle.
Not the most comfortable roller coaster on the planet. But certainly a novelty if you go to Great America. I don't think I've ever been there and not gone on it (provided it is running).
The height requirements were the same as those of the Viper, so we were off in line.
After the initial drop, which really is shocking, Caitlyn was having a ball and "wheeing" along.
After going on those 2, it seemed she really didn't want much to do with the other "kiddie" rides or age appropriate rides. She was awfully upset though that she wasn't able to go on some of the other coasters. I reassured her that she would be able to go on a couple more next year, just like she was able to this year. So I am certain that come summer next year, she will hold me to it. Let's hope for a few more inches of growth this year so that I haven't stuck my foot in my mouth ;)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Things I will never forget...Part 2
I was browsing posts today that I have never published for one reason or another. Mostly because they weren't finished. I came across this one (typed out June 15, 2006)and I am stunned that I didn't publish it. Stunned mostly because I love nothing more than talking about my girlie and how amazing she is. But more stunned because rereading it now...wow, I still feel every single one of those emotions that I felt as I was going through the experience. Yes, with time you don't think of them nearly as often. But it amazes me how raw you can feel when you revisit it even 6 years later.
It seems that this was to be a follow up of this post
I know when I was typing it out that I wanted it to be about the first 3 1/2 months of her life, the time she spent in the NICU. I remember now thinking how long it was going to end up being. Maybe that was why I stopped. Or maybe it's because I was crying....just as I am now sitting here reading it again.
I didn't get to see you at all on the day you were born. Unfortunately I was too sick. So I was on a lot of medication. There are a few things I remember about that day, but most of my memories are from the day after you were born.
In the recovery room....
The nurse asking for my finger prints to put on your birth certificate. She also showed me your foot prints and I couldn't believe how very tiny they were. And she made the comment "Look Mom these are your daughter's footprints!"
The 2 young girls who were giving me the mesh underwear to put on and they called them a Victoria's Secret special LOL
My mom lifting my hair above my head like she had done for so many years when I lived with her every night when she came home from work.
In the post partum room....
My face itching so badly from the morphine.
Being thirstier than I have ever been before in my life.
Having an orange popsicle and being upset that it wasn't red.
Kim coming to visit me and helping me drink water even though I wasn't supposed to...and then her holding the bucket cause I thought I was going to throw up from drinking the water I wasn't supposed to.
Having conversations and saying things to Matt that made absolutely no sense at all.
Hearing women in the rooms around me celebrating giving birth.
Being moved to the post partum wing in the middle of the night and the woman who transferred us to that room handing me books and videos on how to care for my baby when we got you home. (She wasn't informed of the situation)
Waking up the next morning with gas pains and thinking that it was you moving inside of me and that they figured out a way to keep me pregnant. Then realizing that the last 48 hours were in fact very true and now very real.
Hearing the babies from the nursery being wheeled down the hall to their moms rooms to be fed and waking Matt up telling him that I needed him and telling him that I have never been so sad in my life.
Not wanting to go down to the NICU to see you.
Hating myself for not wanting to go down to see you.
Asking Matt constantly if I was going to be shocked when I finally did agree to go down to see you.
Reading and rereading the rules and guidelines about what hours I was not allowed in the NICU and what I could and couldn't wear in there.
The physician's assistant that came in and basically demanded that I get out of bed to prove I could walk so that I could go down to see you.
That same PA who helped me clean myself up and listened to my complaints about the night nurses from the previous shift and how they wouldn't help me clean myself or get me anything to do it myself.
Thinking that when the time came to come to the NICU to see you after we left the hospital that I would never be able to find my way thru the maze of hallways. (by the time you were discharged I probably could have found my way there blindfolded)
The signs showing us how to scrub above the sinks and the brochures on the rack next to the sink.
The smell of aquaphor being heated by radiant warmers.
How incredibly tiny you were, yet you were perfectly formed.
The bruises that covered your back from your rushed delivery.
The incredible number of tubes that were sticking out of every possible place in your tiny body.
Mary (the nurse who did your intake) telling me that she would open the cellophane so that I could touch you.
Telling Mary that I didn't want to disturb you. When in actuality I didn't want to touch you because I was so very afraid to become attached to a child that could quite possibly die.
The number of people that came to visit both of us in the hospital and every single one of them were taken to the NICU to see you. Daddy was terrified, but so damn proud of you.
The only person who gave me a balloon congratulating me on having a daughter was Auntie Gina. Everyone else brought flowers....and loads of them.
The doctor from Nigeria that told me I should be thankful that you were born in the United Stated cause in her country you would not have survived, as she removed the staples from my incision.
Leaving the hospital in a wheelchair without what I came in with.
Getting home and finding all of the clothes and things that I had gotten for you so far put away so as not to upset me.
Driving to the hospital for 106 days, some days more than once to visit you.
Getting to the parking garage and not being able to find a spot fast enough so that I could get to you quicker.
The smell of the stairwell between the garage and the hospital. When I go now to visit someone there, the smell still knocks me on my ass and puts me back to that time.
It seems that this was to be a follow up of this post
I know when I was typing it out that I wanted it to be about the first 3 1/2 months of her life, the time she spent in the NICU. I remember now thinking how long it was going to end up being. Maybe that was why I stopped. Or maybe it's because I was crying....just as I am now sitting here reading it again.
I didn't get to see you at all on the day you were born. Unfortunately I was too sick. So I was on a lot of medication. There are a few things I remember about that day, but most of my memories are from the day after you were born.
In the recovery room....
The nurse asking for my finger prints to put on your birth certificate. She also showed me your foot prints and I couldn't believe how very tiny they were. And she made the comment "Look Mom these are your daughter's footprints!"
The 2 young girls who were giving me the mesh underwear to put on and they called them a Victoria's Secret special LOL
My mom lifting my hair above my head like she had done for so many years when I lived with her every night when she came home from work.
In the post partum room....
My face itching so badly from the morphine.
Being thirstier than I have ever been before in my life.
Having an orange popsicle and being upset that it wasn't red.
Kim coming to visit me and helping me drink water even though I wasn't supposed to...and then her holding the bucket cause I thought I was going to throw up from drinking the water I wasn't supposed to.
Having conversations and saying things to Matt that made absolutely no sense at all.
Hearing women in the rooms around me celebrating giving birth.
Being moved to the post partum wing in the middle of the night and the woman who transferred us to that room handing me books and videos on how to care for my baby when we got you home. (She wasn't informed of the situation)
Waking up the next morning with gas pains and thinking that it was you moving inside of me and that they figured out a way to keep me pregnant. Then realizing that the last 48 hours were in fact very true and now very real.
Hearing the babies from the nursery being wheeled down the hall to their moms rooms to be fed and waking Matt up telling him that I needed him and telling him that I have never been so sad in my life.
Not wanting to go down to the NICU to see you.
Hating myself for not wanting to go down to see you.
Asking Matt constantly if I was going to be shocked when I finally did agree to go down to see you.
Reading and rereading the rules and guidelines about what hours I was not allowed in the NICU and what I could and couldn't wear in there.
The physician's assistant that came in and basically demanded that I get out of bed to prove I could walk so that I could go down to see you.
That same PA who helped me clean myself up and listened to my complaints about the night nurses from the previous shift and how they wouldn't help me clean myself or get me anything to do it myself.
Thinking that when the time came to come to the NICU to see you after we left the hospital that I would never be able to find my way thru the maze of hallways. (by the time you were discharged I probably could have found my way there blindfolded)
The signs showing us how to scrub above the sinks and the brochures on the rack next to the sink.
The smell of aquaphor being heated by radiant warmers.
How incredibly tiny you were, yet you were perfectly formed.
The bruises that covered your back from your rushed delivery.
The incredible number of tubes that were sticking out of every possible place in your tiny body.
Mary (the nurse who did your intake) telling me that she would open the cellophane so that I could touch you.
Telling Mary that I didn't want to disturb you. When in actuality I didn't want to touch you because I was so very afraid to become attached to a child that could quite possibly die.
The number of people that came to visit both of us in the hospital and every single one of them were taken to the NICU to see you. Daddy was terrified, but so damn proud of you.
The only person who gave me a balloon congratulating me on having a daughter was Auntie Gina. Everyone else brought flowers....and loads of them.
The doctor from Nigeria that told me I should be thankful that you were born in the United Stated cause in her country you would not have survived, as she removed the staples from my incision.
Leaving the hospital in a wheelchair without what I came in with.
Getting home and finding all of the clothes and things that I had gotten for you so far put away so as not to upset me.
Driving to the hospital for 106 days, some days more than once to visit you.
Getting to the parking garage and not being able to find a spot fast enough so that I could get to you quicker.
The smell of the stairwell between the garage and the hospital. When I go now to visit someone there, the smell still knocks me on my ass and puts me back to that time.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Cowgirl Caitlyn
All of the sudden, Caitlyn is all about being a cowgirl. I don't think she plans on getting out of this phase anytime soon. And who am I to complain really, cause man is she damn cute in the get up. I think my favorite part is the cowboy hat with the tiara attached to it!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Wow!!
This was shown to us today at our inservice at school. Pretty amazing and mind boggling at the same time.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Gingivitis and a broken toe
That's what's happening in the world of the Walshes these days. Odd combination, I know. Caitlyn had the gingivitis and I broke my toe yesterday morning.
When we were on vacation, Caitlyn started to get her 6 year molars. At least I thought that was when it started. I decided that she needed to be seen by the dentist on Wednesday night when I was brushing her teeth and there was way more blood than I thought there should be. And it wasn't just her gums by the new molars bleeding, it was all around her mouth. When the dentist looked at her, she was so glad that I brought her in when I did. It would appear that I had every reason in the world to be concerned with what her mouth looked like.
Apparently, the molars, or the gums around her molars, started to hurt her about a month ago. Because of that, Caitlyn must not have been brushing very well. This caused a raging case of gingivitis in her mouth. My poor baby must have been aching for so long :( She ended up having a deep cleaning that day and returning this past Tuesday for a second one. We weren't sure if she was going to need a third, however, luckily, we nipped it in the bud at the right time. Mind you, Caitlyn had her last cleaning May 10th. In that short amount of time, things went completely crazy in her mouth. But we are back on track now and don't have to go back until her next scheduled cleaning in December. Or sooner if things get nuts again.
Now the broken toe....this is the second time this stupid toe of mine has broken. The first time was when I had shingles back in December of 2004. Fun times, fond memories :) I woke up for work yesterday and was a bit groggy. I have been aiding sleep with some benadryl because I have not needed to fall asleep at a decent hour in many weeks. SO I kind of stumbled as I got out of bed. Well, I guess I didn't kind of stumble, I really stumbled. Smacking my toe right on the leg of the suitcase that was sitting next to my bed that hasn't made it's way down to the basement. I thought I had just stubbed it and got in the shower. When I got out and was getting dressed I realized that it was still hurting. I looked down to find a swollen and starting to bruise toe. Fun!
This week is new teacher orientation at work and things are going well. It seems that in this district things are going to be in full swing right away. Which I think is a good thing. There is a lot to learn and figure out on my part. However, the girl who is there to help me has been truly wonderful and will be a fabulous asset to me all year. Fingers crossed I won't need to be counting down the days to Christmas break from the get go ;)
When we were on vacation, Caitlyn started to get her 6 year molars. At least I thought that was when it started. I decided that she needed to be seen by the dentist on Wednesday night when I was brushing her teeth and there was way more blood than I thought there should be. And it wasn't just her gums by the new molars bleeding, it was all around her mouth. When the dentist looked at her, she was so glad that I brought her in when I did. It would appear that I had every reason in the world to be concerned with what her mouth looked like.
Apparently, the molars, or the gums around her molars, started to hurt her about a month ago. Because of that, Caitlyn must not have been brushing very well. This caused a raging case of gingivitis in her mouth. My poor baby must have been aching for so long :( She ended up having a deep cleaning that day and returning this past Tuesday for a second one. We weren't sure if she was going to need a third, however, luckily, we nipped it in the bud at the right time. Mind you, Caitlyn had her last cleaning May 10th. In that short amount of time, things went completely crazy in her mouth. But we are back on track now and don't have to go back until her next scheduled cleaning in December. Or sooner if things get nuts again.
Now the broken toe....this is the second time this stupid toe of mine has broken. The first time was when I had shingles back in December of 2004. Fun times, fond memories :) I woke up for work yesterday and was a bit groggy. I have been aiding sleep with some benadryl because I have not needed to fall asleep at a decent hour in many weeks. SO I kind of stumbled as I got out of bed. Well, I guess I didn't kind of stumble, I really stumbled. Smacking my toe right on the leg of the suitcase that was sitting next to my bed that hasn't made it's way down to the basement. I thought I had just stubbed it and got in the shower. When I got out and was getting dressed I realized that it was still hurting. I looked down to find a swollen and starting to bruise toe. Fun!
This week is new teacher orientation at work and things are going well. It seems that in this district things are going to be in full swing right away. Which I think is a good thing. There is a lot to learn and figure out on my part. However, the girl who is there to help me has been truly wonderful and will be a fabulous asset to me all year. Fingers crossed I won't need to be counting down the days to Christmas break from the get go ;)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Some pics of the trip
On the Disney Magical Express between the airport and the hotel.
On her way to breakfast with the princesses
A princess and her prince
Her very favorite princess of all time
Just being cute
A family shot
The birds from Nemo
Inside of Bruce's mouth
The duck that she loved to feed at Epcot
With the mouse himself
Running to give Minnie a hug
Getting ready to weather the storm (literally)
Seeing the castle for the first time
Spinning on the tea cup ride
The infamous Dumbo ride
Playing at Ariel's Grotto
With Ariel
Riding the carousel with Mary Poppins
My favorite picture of the castle
Dancing in the High School Musical Pep Rally
On her way to breakfast with the princesses
A princess and her prince
Her very favorite princess of all time
Just being cute
A family shot
The birds from Nemo
Inside of Bruce's mouth
The duck that she loved to feed at Epcot
With the mouse himself
Running to give Minnie a hug
Getting ready to weather the storm (literally)
Seeing the castle for the first time
Spinning on the tea cup ride
The infamous Dumbo ride
Playing at Ariel's Grotto
With Ariel
Riding the carousel with Mary Poppins
My favorite picture of the castle
Dancing in the High School Musical Pep Rally
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