Monday, September 27, 2010

What a Relief!

These next couple of weeks are going to be crazy busy with Giuliana's doctors appointments. When we get on a roll like this, I start to get a little depressed because it brings up all my fears that I have suppressed from the last round of appointments. Today we took Giuliana for a Bedside Swallow Study, and I have to say that after today's appointment I feel optimistic again. Giuliana has been eating rice cereal with a spoon for about a week and a half now. The speech therapist said she does not have any concerns, and that Giuliana is doing really well with the spoon. Giuliana will not need a Video Swallow Study (phew because that involves radiation). Her therapist gave us a couple of toys to help Giuliana control and be aware of her tongue, and we are to keep doing what we're doing.

This Friday, Giuliana and I will be spending the night at Lutheran General Hospital for her Sleep Study. Since we're already there, and it's been 6 weeks from her last blood test, on Saturday morning we'll also have her blood drawn to check her AFP levels. Then, on Columbus Day, we have her 3 month abdominal ultrasound. I can't believe how well she's doing in every other aspect, she's developing a happy personality, sitting, crawling, eating, yet I still have to bring my baby girl to look for Cancer.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

So Many Firsts!

Giuliana is growing up soooo fast! As I've mentioned before, Giuliana is crawling all over the place, even more so these past couple of days. This weekend, we started feeding her cereal on a spoon. Giuliana is doing very well with it. Below is a video of her first attempt, and I must say, with her large tongue, she has surprised me. We have had a few discouraging moments, but she started out strong, and we're confident she will master this skill. Giuliana has been sitting while balancing herself with her left arm, but this morning, she was able to push herself up to a full upright sit and stay there as long as she wants! Luckily we lowered the crib mattress yesterday!

Joe and I really like this picture. It's the cutest thing
walking in to the girls' bedroom to this!

Giuliana eating with a spoon for the first time

Of course we have to show the messy face picture.
Don't you love her bed head?
Giuliana sitting by herself for the first time!

The girls playing the Fishy Game

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Happy Birthday Giovanna!

I absolutely cannot believe how fast the past two years have gone by. Our baby Giovanna is 2 years old. Happy Birthday (well yesterday) Giovanna. I wish you continue to be as fun, smart, happy, and beautiful as you have been your entire little life. To celebrate Giovanna's birthday, it worked out well that Joe's regular day off is Wednesday. I also took the day off of work. We took the girls to get Giovanna's 2 year and Giuliana's 6 month pictures. Then, Gunnar had a scrimmage football game, so we went to watch him play. They won! After a quick "shwench shwies" drive through McDonald's dinner (Giovanna's choice), we met my parents at our house for cake and presents to wind down the day.

Today we had a two for one deal! Both girls see the same pediatrician, whom we absolutely love. Their doctor is so happy with both girls' development. She was surprised at Giovanna's extended vocabulary and good behavior. And she was especially impressed with Giuliana's development. Despite her underlying issues, the doctor said Giuliana is behaving as a 9 month old! She even asked if we are counting the months correctly! She said Giuliana's level of engagement, babbling, and physical capabilities is outstanding. It is such a relief and joy to hear those words come out of her mouth. Both girls are right on target for their height and weight, hugging the 50th percentile line.

It's amazing. Giuliana is crawling all over the house.
It may take her awhile to get from point A to point B,
but she is getting everywhere and anywhere she pleases!

The girls in their Bears gear!

We were singing Happy Birthday to Giovanna.


For her "finale" present, we took her out to the backyard,
and had the garage door slowly rise. . .

A "bassetball" hoop! Sorry I didn't rotate the picture.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Finger Painting!

We dabbled with finger paints this week! It took Giovanna a few minutes to get used to the idea of painting with her hands. In the beginning she would only use her finger, but then mommy took her hands and dove in to the paints and then she loved it! She kept saying, "more color mommy, more color." We had a great time! This weekend we celebrated the family's September birthdays. The weather was on the cool side, but we managed to have a great bbq. Those pictures are on another camera, so I'll have to post them another time. I can't believe Giovanna is going to be 2.

Giuliana's hair fits in pigtails now! Love it!

Giovanna finger painting

Giovanna REALLY finger painting


Of course, there's the hand washing
This evening the girls and I spent some time outside.
I got some really cute pictures.

Too bad they never look at the camera at the same time







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