Sweet Patience

Between Jasmine (my oldest daughter) and Kiliegh (my middle daughter) I often find myself wondering what the heck is "wrong" with the two of them. I know that sounds harsh, so let me explain. I have three siblings but grew I up as an only child, about the closest thing that I can relate to is the rivalry between me and my only female cousin-who happens to be the same age that I am. Clearly, I know that nothing is truly "wrong" with either of my girls. Their constant bickering however, does drive me nuts! Overall, I think that their pretty fantastic kiddo's and I am so happy to claim them!

Between Jasmine and Kiliegh there is a obvious"love/hate relationship and depending on the minute (not day) they may or may not "like" each other. I know however, when push comes to shove they would both protect each other-if need be and that alone tells me that the love in their relationship is stronger than the annoyance of one another. Their relationship always throws me off when I watch them with Vada, however. It must be an age thing because both Jasmine and Kiliegh are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. with Vada. They are kind and gentle. Sharing and sweet. Patient and playful and the best that I could ever ask them to be. They teach her things and spend quality time talking with her, holding her and just being with her. It's a beautiful thing and Vada's bond with each of her sisters is unique. While I pray everyday that the two of them (J and K) will get along better I also thank God for the sisters that they are to Vada.

Today, Vada, Kiliegh and I went to the park. Before leaving the house Kiliegh grabbed a sucker to snack on along the walk. Vada paid no attention to Kiliegh during the walk, as she as preoccupied with all of things going on around her. It wasn't until we all sat in the field and began searching for four leaf clover that Vada spotted something interesting in her big sisters hand and she refused to let up until Kiliegh gave in and shared.

Luckily, it didn't take too much persuasion from Vada before Kiliegh was all being the first to ever Ive Vada a taste of something as sweet as a Tootsie Pop. Kiliegh even took the time to teach proper eating techniques.

We didn't find four leaf clovers this time but I think both girls were lucky in the experience that they shared together.

When we got home we sat out in our yard to play. We like being out doors, when the heat is bearable.

Again, Kiliegh had something that really struck Vada's interest an again Kiliegh was willing to share it, teach about it and even play a tune. All for her baby sister. I had many "proud Momma moments" today.

On a side note I have been working Vada on sharing. A lot of people think that its too early but I think that its never too early to start teaching good manners or right from wrong. Vada may not fully understand that she cant have everything that others have but if we teach her now she will eventually pick up on it-as any tot would. So far, "sharing" consists of us all being very repetitive and very consistent.

Point and Shoot Queen!

I am very picky when it comes to pictures of me. I'm just not a photogenic person. I tend to get uncomfortable when the camera is pointed in my direction and I end up making weird faces or giving odd smiles. Which is ironic because I use to think that I wanted to be a model.

Typically, I am the one behind the camera and that's just where I like to be. However, that poses a problem when I actually want pictures of me with my children/family/friends.

Today, I met up with my sister. We decided to meet at a park because it was so nice out. Plus, my nephew would enjoy running around and playing and that would make it easier for her and I to catch up.

Since I got to the park ahead of my sister I set up my tripod with the camera and began taking pictures. Eventually, my sister and nephew walked up and I asked her to try to get a couple pictures of Vada and I. I showed her my camera and told her not to worry about anything- "Just point and shoot". With my nephews help and a little cropping/editing these are the pictures that she took of us. I absolutely love them. She did such a fantastic job! Thanks sis!

Spring Break

It's hard to think that the girls will be heading back to school tomorrow morning. Spring break came and went in the blink of an eye.

Our family did not do a whole lot during this break. We didn't go anywhere exotic or experience anything new.

However, everything that we did do, we did together and together is the best way to be!

We took a couple of trips to our neighborhood park when the weather permitted us to do so. In my opinion it was actually only warm two of the nine days of  Spring Break. On those days we tried to take advantage by actually being outdoors.

The days that weren't so warm I was inside with Vada. Jasmine and Kiliegh on the other hand were super troopers and refused to let a little cool breeze stop them from playing outside. I personally thought those moments deserved some hot cocoa.

On one of our trips to the grocery store we were able to find some really delicious strawberries. Which made it feel kind of like Spring was close. Kiliegh ended up made us desert one with them.

She even plated the deserts! Plating is something that Justin has taught the girls. He too, plates foods. I personally just try to keep my food from touching. Yes, I am one of those people.

I cant wait until the Farmer's Market comes around again. I am so excited for really good/fresh  fruits and vegetables. Well, as good as you can get from this area.

Jasmine had her hair cut this week. (Kiliegh's was last week.) Originally, Jazzy wanted a shoulder length "do". The picture was a girl who had many layers - an "emo" style of cut. Jasmine has thick, wavy, beautiful hair that she is not overly interested in "doing" so this particular cut that she had originally choose would have been a nightmare, mainly because unless she straightened or curled it everyday, it would have not looked like she wanted. I'm glad that she changed her mind, although I think she still wants a bigger change. I love her hair. Love it! However, I understand wanting a change. I so want to cut my hair off. I want it short, short, short... again, right now i'm too scared to do anything. I am however thinking of growing my bangs out again. I think that I like my hair the way it was more so than I like it now, with the bangs. Jasmine's hair cut was very subtle, but it turned out lovely and brought a healthy shine back into her locks.

Little Miss Vada is doing so well. She is growing and interacting more and more everyday. She smiles a lot and gets excited about all sorts of things. Another mother that I know had made a comment on not taking a smile for granted and I replied with how we have to work for Vada's. That work is a lot less now than compared to just a couple of weeks ago. She even giggles some. What it takes to make her laugh can not be described as merely work however,  but that's okay. Baby steps.

I realized this week, just how big Vada is getting. She dominates her boppy now! She's lost 6 ounces since the last weigh in, making her weigh around 18lbs-6oz.s. Her loosing weight is not necessarily a bad thing. She gained a lot of weight from being on ACTH and having Cushings. Currently she is maintaining a stable weight "baseline". She shows no signs of struggling in any way, so we are not concerned with the lose.

I still have to measure her length. I may be completely wrong, but I swear she is much longer than she was just a couple of weeks ago when she received her vaccination. Every time I think to do it the timing is wrong. Take this moment for an example. Eventually I will get to it and then I will give a length update on her. 

She had a feeding therapist come this week to evaluate her eating situation, which besides nursing is non-existent. This chick gums all sorts of foods and she will even open her mouth and act as if she is planning on eating but she typically spits everything out. So now we are working on her finding her inner mouth and it's boundaries. Gagging is a good thing in Vada's situation, it teaches her just how far things can go in her mouth before something happens. So,with the advice of the therapist we are now giving her whole carrots that she can gum and play with. It seems to help relieve some of the discomfort that she is in from teething. Plus, she seems to like the taste of it too. Sometimes I dip it in yogurt for flavor.

So that was a little taste of our past week. It was nice and over all relaxing. The girls are going back to school and to their typical routines and I will too. It's amazing how behind on my normal daily things that I get when they are home all day. I will have to find a good balance for this summer. For now, ill just get caught up and then figure out the rest when the time comes.