Update post

Uh oh, it's been nearly two weeks since I last posted, so better get you up to date. So I guess I'll run down the family and take it from there...

Shane had his 5 month check up today. He is now 17 lbs 2 oz and 27.75". That is 75th and 95th percentiles respectively. He can roll from front to back and back to front, and never stays on the blanket anymore. He loves "attacking" his stuffed animals and can get quite vocal when he wants something! He'll go back on the first of October for his 6 month checkup and shots.

Athena we are still waiting for evaluations on. She has gotten a little more verbal - like just now she came in and said Hi! and then MILK! and then when we asked her what you say when you want something she followed it up with please...We should have more information for her in two weeks.

Jasmine is now daytime dry for the potty training for the most part. Still wearing the Pullups for the evening. Another week and a half and she'll start preschool, though we have a new member orientation and meet the teacher events next week that she'll get to go to (and then the parent workday a week from tomorrow and a mandatory parent meeting in there as well).

George is doing well. Just sent off for his visa for the Benin trip this past week, so hopefully we will be getting that back here shortly. After that we will be buying his plane ticket. October is coming up fast!

I'm doing well as well. Have to go and get two wisdom teeth pulled next week - not much fun there. Also joined a "congo" for my jewelry sales. Essentially a congo is a group of sellers that advertise and stock together with the idea of bringing in more business as a group. Got to get some jewelry making done this weekend! If you would like to check out the congo, you can see that here.

And now what you really came here for:

A new one of Shane

Jasmine playing dress up

Athena and her hat

Watching Sesame Street

Win a baby carrier!

Win a Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier and Beco Toy Carrier from Along for the Ride.

Of course I hope it's me that wins, but you are welcome to try too! ;)

Athena's 18 month appointment

Unfortunately, this is not a happy post. Sigh.

Yesterday was Athena's 18 month appointment, she actually turned 18 months on Tuesday. Not very good news.

First, we've got growing issues again. Her height is remaining pretty consistent - she grew 3/4 of an inch in 3 months putting her at 31.75". Her weight not so good - she only gained an ounce in the same amount of time (putting her at 21 lbs 15 oz) which drops her back down to the 10th percentile for weight (she was about the 25th percentile at 15 months).

Our pediatrician also has us fill out a developmental questionnaire, and she is not meeting her milestones either. She is behind not only in the physical developments, which we were already sort of aware of with all the physical therapy, but also in the speech department.

So we have lots of new plans for her:

• Keep her on one Pediasure shake a day to make sure she is getting nutrition. However, she is not allowed to substitute a bottle/sippy for more than one meal - the rest of the time she either eats solids or goes hungry.
• A weight/height check in one month to see how she is doing. This will be an appointment with the doctor, not the nurse, so we can also discuss how the therapies worked out.
• A continuation with the physical therapy we have been doing.
• A trip to the neurologist to make sure that there is no underlying program. I'm currently waiting for the scheduler to get back to me on that one.
• A referral to Help Me Grow. For those of you that are not from Ohio, Help Me Grow is a state-funded early intervention program. They will do an evaluation of her and recommend other programs/therapies that we should do.

I will keep you updated. Unfortunately she's been a bit of a grump lately (she was up every hour on the hour last night) so this is the best pic I have.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Jason Armstrong!

My friends Kim and Jason were married this past Saturday! Congratulations and a long and wonderful lifetime together to you!

I got to be a bridesmaid - pics to follow when they get in!

Shane's 4 month appointment

Yup, it's been a whole month already! Shane is now officially 4 months old, and yesterday was his doctor's appointment. Still a big boy, he is:

16 lbs 6 oz (75th-90th percentile)
26.5" (90-95th percentile)
17.75" head circumference (off the top of the charts!)

He did amazingly well for his shots - squeeked a little when the doctor poked him but didn't cry at all. He is a little sleepy today but nothing too bad. The doctor said we could start cereal with him, but there was no rush. So we will probably hold off a little bit longer - Mommy is still spoon feeding Athena half the time! Also being over 26" he has officially outgrown the baby carrier-style car seat. Mommy was hoping his big sis Athena would be walking before that happened, but no such luck. Guess she'll be getting some strong arm muscles!

Of course, the pics that you all enjoy so much:

Getting too big for the swing too!



Hanging out with Athena again:



You can also see his 3 month professional pics here. If you need to sign in, it is Shane Month 3 and the password is 6223