Sunday, June 30, 2013

Lazy Summer

When I asked one of my daughters what she wanted to do this summer she said she wanted to do absolutely nothing. I understand why she said this as it seems like we are so busy so much of the time  -- OT, PT, speech, dance, harp lessons, harp ensemble, performing at many different venues, etc. So, we are trying to just slow down and not do too much this summer - just spend time together and enjoy family -- no music lessons, dance or any organized activities. We will have to continue with our therapies, though. 

I've been reading to the kids right much. Bethany has enjoyed me reading Betsy-TacyBetsy-Tacy and Tib, and B Is For Betsy in the past couple of weeks. We are now starting Betsy and Billy. I do enjoy reading some of the books I read and enjoyed as a child to the kids -- brings back memories. 


























Claire had eye surgery last week and I am so hoping her eyes will stay straight. She has had botox several times without much success. We have changed eye doctors and this doctor said that surgery was the answer. Our last doctor disagreed. Anyway, for now her eyes look pretty good. 





























My daughter, Emily, is home from school and helps me several days a week -- cleaning, making dinner or taking some of the kids out. It is so wonderful to have someone else make dinner and help give baths a couple of times a week. I could really get use to this!




























Sarah had a birthday and got a new bike -- an adult three wheeler. I agonized over this --  should I get the three wheel bike that I knew she would enjoy and ride easily or get the two wheel bike and continue trying to teach her to ride. She isn't very brave when it comes to bikes. I felt like I was giving up if I didn't get the two wheeler and that I was probably holding her back from learning something she needed to learn -- to ride a two wheel bike. Finally I just decided to stop worrying and get her something I knew she could enjoy right now and get some needed exercise. She absolutely loves it! She wants to ride it almost everyday and I'm glad I just stopped analyzing it so much and got it for her -- she can still learn to ride a two wheeled bike later if she wants to. 

























Sophia has been determined to NOT stand up again. She hasn't tried once since Father's Day. Even if we try to help her, she refuses. I'm almost having a hard time believing she actually did it at all, but I do have pictures to prove it. I guess she will try again one day when she feels like it. She is still making progress but very slowly. I guess things can take a long time when you wait five years for a family. 



Sunday, June 16, 2013

Father's Day Gift

Look what Sophia gave Bill for Father's Day! She was sitting on the floor, then pulled up to her knees -- which she has been doing for awhile -- then pulled up to a standing position. Unbelievable! She has shown no signs of being even close to this. When we had her evaluated a few weeks ago, the PT didn't seem to have a lot of hope that Sophia would ever walk and now this. What a blessing this was today as I have been rather discouraged lately. What a wonderful Father's Day present!






Childhood Days

Sweet childish days, that were as long
As twenty days are now. 
William Wordsworth






















Sunday, June 2, 2013

Miracles in Motion Recital Time

Sarah and Caroline had their spring recital on Friday and Saturday. They have looked forward to this recital for weeks and weeks  -- asking me constantly if this is the weekend of the recital. Finally, they had their big day -- actually two days. Sarah, as usual, looked pretty scared but Caroline was as happy as could be. I'm going to post some pictures of some of the kids that were in the recital -- not just Sarah and Caroline. Maybe a few pictures today and some tomorrow, too. Well, dance is over until fall -- unless they do dance camp. I think I may start Claire in the fall.