Audrey as a big sister

I want all the world to know that Audrey is a wonderful big sister. I also think they should know what an ordeal bringing her brother home was.

Audrey's first introduction to her new brother was scary. Dusty and I tried to prepare her and she was ready. We told her that her little brother was born a little early and he had wires and tubes measuring and feeding him.

This WONDERFUL girl (my Audrey) learned the ropes very quickly. She was such a darling that when she saw new parents come in to the NICU, she took it upon herself to put them at ease by telling them what every wire and tube was for. We really didn't want her to do that, but she felt it her new job to help parents just like she was helped to understand that her brother would be ok.

Now, as Brogan has grown older, and stronger and it's 18 months later... Brogan may fall, Audrey might be playing with him at the time (12-18 months). Brogan might get hurt and cry.

The hardest thing for us as parents is to hear our baby cry. But then to hear Audrey cry. She may have had nothing to do with Brogan getting upset (dirty diaper?), but she sure takes it seriously. I feel so bad for her because she saw her little brother clinging to life, wires taped to his body and tubes in his body that she still fears for him these days when he cries.

Lucky for all of us Brogan is a tough guy. But if he does happen to cry you can count on his sister crying alongside of him because she is so worried about him. She cares for and loves her little brother. There is no better gift to a parent... and I now know there is no better gift to a big sister than having a new wonderful being in your family to love.

I love Audrey for her wonderful caring spirit. She is exceptional in her love of others.

Living with an ADHD Child... more...

Anyone who knows Audrey understands how bright and intelligent and very articulate she is. She is wonderful and I've always been very proud of my girl. My co-workers are always very impressed when they meet her or get a chance to see her once again for a visit in the office. Audrey is very bright and very articulate in her speech which is quite an accomplishment for one so young.

We had an appointment with her doctor on Monday re: ADHD. I swear she decided to be the worst kid she could be that day. She was overexcited, hyped up out of control - you name it. I couldn't believe it. She's usually able to straighten up after some reminders when we are out in public. I know daddy packed apples for her snack, so I wasn't ready to blame it on sugar.

I wonder if she was being super ADHD on purpose? I felt that she was. I know her better than that, she doesn't seem that deviant, and she did do a word find with me, but she was just so wacky. What do you do. So the doctor finally came in after 30 minutes of us waiting and we discussed side effects, the fact that there was no change in behavior and we will need to double her dose from 5mg to 10mg. Still a small dose.

I am hoping that in the next 2 weeks we see some improvement. Audrey is bright, sunny, lovely, smart, caring and so wonderful. I don't know what else to say. I'm at my wits end with her ADHD, since she is failing in her schoolwork and in remedial reading all because she can't focus her talents. Her parents are working with her as much as possible to get through to her and explain the mysteries of math and reading. She is good at math, so I think it must make more sense to her than some of her other subjects.

Hi Mom, you're home! Weaning, ugh!

For months and months and months, the greeting I receive from my boy goes like this:

Hi Mom, you're home - where's the boob! No cuddle or hug or anything else. Just a fussy boy wrestling his way sideways and pulling at my shirt.

Of course I try not to let it hurt my feelings - or my self esteem. Am I just a cow for this boy, geez! Makes a mom feel extra tired after putting in a full day at work too and a little down.

I've already weaned him off of nursing at night, in the middle of the night all night. He doesn't nurse in the morning either, because I am getting ready for work. Usually in the mornings I make sure to spend a little extra time with diaper changing, getting him dressed and maybe a book if Brogan is in the mood.

So, since Brogan has teeth now, lately he's really been hurting me when he nurses. I'm feeling so done with this and then I can't take his fussing, so end up giving in nightly while trying to get him to go to sleep. Grin and Bear it eh?

I showed Dusty my injuries, and my husband, reading my mind last night, brought me a sippy cup with Milk in it when Brogan started his fit. I told him, wow I was just thinking of trying that! It worked too! Brogan and I sat in the rocking chair, he had his sippy cup with milk, then I read him a book and he didn't fuss or crab at me at all.

So tonight - what a relief it was, to get this from my son: Hi Mom, you're home! Let's play!

Makes my day.

Cool Dude

Here is Brogan - I am trying to get a picture of how cool he looks in his tennis shoes, jeans and sweatshirt! So here are a few shots - and he is just the sweetest most gorgeous boy ever!

Brogan is taking more and more steps for walking. This picture is awesome!

Not so happy to show off his outfit, but what a darling face! I can't help myself - I have to kiss his sweet soft cheeks.

I love my boy.

Corpse Bride Makeup

Audrey is so beautiful.

Audrey after having her makeup done. Good job Dusty!

A Chuck E Cheese Birthday

15 kids and a great party at Chuck E Cheese - I highly recommend it if you want a stress free party. Those folks have a good system. The kids got to the table, then we set them loose to play the games. They had their pizza and a fun show and everything went well. It's a little expensive, but well worth it!