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.