The Good Life

I wanted to make a post to update everyone on Reese after her 9 month check-up today but also had to share these pictures.  We definitely have good little sleepers.  What a life...eat, sleep, play, repeat.  We have decided that they need to make a swing like Ava's for adults.  And as far as Reese goes, thank goodness for crib bumpers.  I know there is controversy about whether to use them but since Reese is rolling and strong enough to push/pull herself around we feel comfortable leaving them on her crib.  In addition to that, Reese would constantly have bruises on her body due to her desire to ALWAYS find the sides of her crib despite being placed in the middle of her mattress every time. 

Update on Reese:  She weighed in at 15 lbs. 3 oz. so Ava has officially passed her sister by a 1 lb. 1 oz.  She is in the 3rd to 5th percentile in weight and height compared to other 9 month babies but in the 50th percentile in head circumference.  You know what they say...big head, big brain!  We are also going to start adding baby food a few times a day in addition to the cereal she has already been getting twice a day.  Her appointment was finished with her first flu shot and last Hep B vaccination.  I was very impressed with her brief cry before packing up and heading home.  We will go back in about a month for her second flu shot and then back for a check-up at one year.  It's crazy to think that the girls will be one year old Dec. 20th!  Time flies when you're having fun!



Lots of Happenings...

It's been a while since the last post so Ava and Reese have a lot they want me to tell you about...

With the weather getting a little cooler the last couple weeks (50s in the evenings) we had to get the girls new accessories.  They are willing to go along with their new hats as long as there is a walk that goes along with it!

Last week Ava caught a little virus that came with a temperature, runny nose and more secretions in her lungs which she can't cough out all the way on her own.  We had to suction her (use a suction tube down her trach) more often than normal and she required more sleep than normal.  However, when she was awake she was in pretty good spirits.  We are glad to say it didn't require any changes of her ventilator settings but just a little tylenol and ibuprofren.  It was a little disappointing considering how careful we are washing our hands, letting people come into our home, and not taking the girls anywhere but to the doctor and on walks.  Regardless, she is now back to her normal self with big smiles.

This past weekend Great Grandma Pat got to meet the girls in person!!!  It was an exciting time for everyone.  Lots of loving, reading books, watching nursery rhymes, and holding. 

Yesterday we went to Children's Mercy Hospital for an eye appointment and to the vent clinic.  Nothing but good reports.  The optomologist said her eyes look great and she won't need glasses!  What terrific news!  At the vent clinic they changed multiple settings...rate from 25 to 20, pressure control from 30 to 29, pressure support from 27 to 26, and the peep from 13-14 to 11-12.  After over 24 hours on these settings Ava is still doing awesome.  She also had a great weight gain and is now 16 lbs. 4 oz.  The least favorite part of the appointment was her flu shot but after a few tears she quickly got over it.  Next visit is Oct. 17th.  Check Ava out below...Daddy dressed her for her appointments.  He did such a great job.  We love getting dressed up for the doctor since that's the only time they get to show off to people outside our home.  I can't wait to see how well he does pony tails! 

Reese goes back to the doctor for her 9 month check-up on Friday.  We are interested to see her weight and how the doctor thinks she's doing.  In the meantime she continues to be a ham and makes it very clear that she loves attention.  She has also become very interested in her feet. 

Action Packed

Our days continue to be busy.  Yesterday we went to our appointment at the vent clinic and OT for Ava.  At the vent clinic appointment they lowered her pressure control from 32 to 30 and once again, Ava has been doing well so far.  At OT Ava tried some unthickened milk and did a good job with the coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing the thinner milk.  We are going to continue trying this at home but keep a close eye on her to make sure she isn't having any trouble adapting to the nonthickened milk.  If you tasted the thickener, you'd be happy for Ava that those days could be over.  She also weighed 15 lbs. 7 oz. 

Reese is doing great.  Her hair is getting fuller and longer, she rolling around to get things, and she scooting on her belly quite a bit.  She's still a great eater but is getting more challenging to feed due to her social personality.  She wants to know what's going on and what everyone is doing even when she's eating!

Instead of just pictures I've included video clips of the girls.  Our days and evenings are action packed and this is just a glimpse of what the girls are up to lately.  They aren't doing anything different than what other babies do but Grammy requested more videos while she's away.  It makes it feel like we're not as far apart!

If you watch this video clip you don't need me to tell you that the girls love their nursery rhyme DVD.  They get pretty zoned in and it can be a lifesaver while we're waiting for the 9pm feeding!

This video is of Reese playing on her play mat in her new hot pink biker shorts!  They are actually for her physical therapy.  The legs are sewn together so that she has to keep her legs in and not "frog out."  Nothing screams the 80's more than neon biker shorts!

This video is of Ava loving her peek-a-baby book.

Welcome to Parenthood

A year ago, Zack and I typically enjoyed our Friday nights with a walk, frozen pizza, and a Redbox movie....
As hard as we try to time our movie-watching during times we think the girls will be asleep we fail miserably.  Last night we tried to watch a movie but guess who decided it was time to play...Ava and Reese!  Let's just say the movie was on but it was hard to focus on it.  Here's where our entertainment came from instead...