Sunday, March 21, 2010

A Beautiful Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the temperature was just warm enough for a tank top and jeans. I opened up all the windows to air out the house and Delilah and I proceeded outside to get some fresh air and sunlight. I spread out a blanket and we laid out and played for a while. I wish it weren't raining today. Here are a few pics in the sunshine.



Another quick thing before I go...Delilah woke up yesterday and decided she was ready to roll over on her own; no assistance needed. She rolled across the living room. Now it is all she seems to do. YEAH!!!!!! I knew she could do it. I am so proud of her. Next step, crawling. And it may be sooner than we thought. What a ROCKSTAR! 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sleep Study and More


So, we had another Sleep Study Tuesday night to see if Delilah's central sleep apnea has gotten better. Well, it is getting better but it isn't gone yet. The doctor said it looks like it is improving with age and growth. So for now she will still have to have oxygen at night. Bummer. I get really nervous about the oxygen because she likes to yank it off and get her arm wrapped up in it. I'm gonna have to figure out a way to keep it in place. The nurse taped it down during the sleep study, but she still managed to wiggle the nose piece out. My little Houdini. We have another study scheduled for mid July. Hopefully John will be back by then. I would love to pass the honor of attending on to him. Odd enough, there isn't much sleep during a sleep study. 

On to more news...MILESTONES! Little missy has been doing so wonderful these past few weeks. It seems like a switch has been flipped in her. She is just a different baby. Where to even begin...
  • She has mastered her head control. No more floppy neck! She has also improved greatly in her trunk strength. I love being able to carry her on my hip with one arm.
  • She is a rockstar sitting with support. Even better, when the therapist was here today she sat, unsupported, for over a minute. It looks like she will be sitting on her own in no time, now if we could get her to sit up. 
  • She can roll over, both front to back and back to front, but it seems she isn't as interested in it anymore. She would rather work on sitting. Not to worry, we still work on it. 
  • She loves to bang toys together. I wasn't aware this was something to work on until Sally asked about it. She gave Delilah some blocks and she did it without any prompting. Now I give her block like toys (I haven't found small enough blocks for her little hands, yet) and she loves it.
  • During tummy time she is lifting head and reaching out for toys with both hands. According to the therapist from early intervention, she is beginning to push up with extended arms. This is the first step towards learning to crawl. We were given great tips to work on gaining the strength in her arms needed to crawl. 
  • As you may have seen in the pictures from a few days ago, Delilah is working on finger foods. She loves the biter biscuit (messiest food ever!!!). I have been introducing bananas, avocados, yogurt puffs, and peaches. She really loves the peaches. They are a bit slippery, so I have to wrap them in cheese cloth. This works great for her because she gets a handle of sorts. 
  • More on sitting/trunk control: while sitting in her high chair, she has begun to pull 'up' using the tray, so that she is in a sitting position without her back against the chair. She loves doing this. She also likes rocking back and forth in the sitting position.
  • She loves to be in her exersaucer now that she can touch the floor. It is a little different than the traditional model, as it has a seat that revolves around the table. She will get excited and kick those little legs and she will move the seat. This will excite her even further, and before I know it, she has circled the table. Such a smart little girl. 
  • My little girl loves to babble and giggle just because, but I, along with Sally, are beginning to see her babbling with objects and people. She started babbling to a puppet is Sally's office. So cool.
  • We have been using the Baby Signing Times DVD's that Ms. Janet got for her. It teaches simple signs that I try to use where appropriate. One that I use a lot is "all done". Basically, I raise both hands and turn them back and forth (probably not the most accurate description). Well, today when she was finished with breakfast I signed "all done" and I swear she raised both her hands like me. She didn't turn them back and forth, and it may not have meant it was the sign, but I was a little awestruck. 
  • Her second tooth has broken through, so the lonely first tooth now has company. It explains the amount of drool lately. She really enjoys blowing bubbles with her drool. Very lady like!
I cannot begin to tell you how amazed I am by her many accomplishments. It seems like she is learning something new everyday. She is the smartest, strongest, most beautiful little girl ever, but I may be a little partial. I am so thankful she is mine!

Well, it is past my bedtime. Delilah is already there so it is my turn. 


**A bit off topic, but I have begun planning her 1st birthday party. Yes, I know I have three months, but I will need every bit of that time to pull it all together. I also know that she is only gonna be 1 and she won't remember the party, but I will. Let's be honest, this party is as much for me as it is for her, and turning 1 is a huge deal! I have always dreamed of having a little girl and the fun stuff I will get to do for and with her. This is just the first of many crazy, over the top celebrations we will have for this beautiful miracle in my life. Luckily, I am pretty thrifty and crafty, so most of the decorations will be cheap (something my husband will be thankful for). Ok, really going to bed now. Good night. 

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patricks Day 2010!

Just a few pics I took yesterday to celebrate. Unfortunately, we had a sleep study last night/this morning so she couldn't wear her outfit today. More on the sleep study later, when I finally get some sleep. But I had to post these pics today. Enjoy!



Thursday, March 11, 2010

PWS Shows

There will be two shows that will involve Prader-Willi. The first is 'Mystery Diagnosis' on Discovery Health Channel, March 22nd at 10pm eastern. It will feature an adult with PWS. It should be interesting.

The next show is ABC's Extreme Home Makeover airing May 2 at 8pm eastern. It will feature the Starkweather family who have three sons, one of which has PWS. I am very interested to see how they outfit the kitchen to prevent food seeking. Maybe I will get ideas for my kitchen. Delilah may not be a food seeker, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. I will do anything to keep her safe.

I encourage everyone to watch and tell your family and friends. We need to get the word out there about PWS.