Thursday afternoon, Gateway called me about an hour before I'd normally leave work to pick Emily up--she had diarrhea, and it had been most of the day. I left early to get her, and she's had diarrhea nonstop since then! I stayed home with her on Friday, and it looks like I'll be home with her on Monday too.
We ended up taking her to the doctor this morning--he told us she most likely just had a stomach virus, but that babies' intestines just recover much more slowly than ours, and she could have diarrhea for three weeks! The strange thing is that she has no other symptoms, and except for the bad diaper rash she's getting that makes it miserable when we change her, she's perfectly happy.
He did tell us that while kids most often have respiratory illnesses in the winter, they usually have intestinal issues in the summer because they're just out and about more, and interacting with people and water. Makes sense, but certainly doesn't make it any easier to handle :(.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Quick Visits
Jason and Jenn were on their way to Brevard to take my mom home and to visit my aunt and uncle on Friday, so they stopped in to spend the night in Charlotte and break up the trip.
We were so glad to see them, even though we knew it would be a short visit. There was a Family Fun Festival Friday night at our favorite spot, so in addition to the live music and fountains, there were bounce houses, crafts, and tons of people. We ate dinner and then let Cody and Emily loose in the fountains! They were so excited and had a great time. Emily was a little more interested in dancing than playing in the water,
and she made her rounds to see everybody!
On Sunday, Jason and Jenn were heading back to Wilmington, so they stopped in for the night again. We were headed back to the fountains for a little while that afternoon, so they just met us there so Cody and Emily could play.
Emily spent a little more time in the water, but really seemed to have more fun playing with Cody and reading stories when we got home.
Before bed, Emily and Cody even took a bath together--it was the cutest thing!
We were so glad to see them, even though we knew it would be a short visit. There was a Family Fun Festival Friday night at our favorite spot, so in addition to the live music and fountains, there were bounce houses, crafts, and tons of people. We ate dinner and then let Cody and Emily loose in the fountains! They were so excited and had a great time. Emily was a little more interested in dancing than playing in the water,
and she made her rounds to see everybody!
On Sunday, Jason and Jenn were heading back to Wilmington, so they stopped in for the night again. We were headed back to the fountains for a little while that afternoon, so they just met us there so Cody and Emily could play.
Emily spent a little more time in the water, but really seemed to have more fun playing with Cody and reading stories when we got home.
Before bed, Emily and Cody even took a bath together--it was the cutest thing!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Little Artist
Most of Emily's artwork at school is kept in a portfolio that we'll be able to keep when she graduates from Gateway, but sometimes we take some home too.
These are a few of her latest works in Toddler 1!
The monkey and giraffe are pretty recognizable, but I'm not sure what she was going for with this abstract :).
We have a little artist on our hands!
These are a few of her latest works in Toddler 1!
The monkey and giraffe are pretty recognizable, but I'm not sure what she was going for with this abstract :).
We have a little artist on our hands!
Girl Time
Emily woke up at about midnight Monday night with a fever--I gave her some Tylenol and rocked her for a few minutes before putting her back to bed. When she woke up again around 5:30 AM Tuesday, we gave her Tylenol again for the fever. She didn't really have any other symptoms except for a runny nose, but I decided I'd stay home with her. Two hours later, she still had a temperature of almost 101, and I called the doctor's office and they had an open appointment at 9:45.
Mick met us at the doctor and they couldn't find anything really wrong with her--just the low fever, and her congestion and runny nose was causing some redness in her throat. The doctor said she probably just had a virus, and recommended that we treat her symptoms. The tough thing is that she acts happy even when she doesn't feel well, and you have to really know her to see that she's not herself.
All day Tuesday, she ran a fever of about 100.5, and was very snuggly with me (which is always nice), so I knew she didn't feel great. We don't like to give her medicine unless we feel like she really needs it, so I skipped the Tylenol for the rest of the day.
Tuesday night was rough--she went to bed fine, but woke up screaming about an hour and a half later. I've read about night terrors, and we're convinced that's what Emily had Tuesday night. She was soaking wet with sweat and her eyes were open, but she wasn't responding to us at all, and was completely stiff and just screaming. It lasted about 2 minutes, but of course seemed like 30. She finally calmed down and went back to sleep. In about an hour and a half, it happened all over again. This time, it took a little longer for her to calm down, but she finally did. Some of what I've read indicates that lack of sleep or sometimes even a fever can trigger night terrors. Whatever it was, I hope she won't continue to have them.
I decided I'd keep her home again on Wednesday, just because I felt like she needed another day of rest and snuggling (so did I!). She woke up Wednesday morning a little before 7 AM and was happy and fever-free. She was back to herself all day and didn't have any symptoms at all.
She'll be back at school today, and I'm not sure who'll have a harder time--Emily or me!
Mick met us at the doctor and they couldn't find anything really wrong with her--just the low fever, and her congestion and runny nose was causing some redness in her throat. The doctor said she probably just had a virus, and recommended that we treat her symptoms. The tough thing is that she acts happy even when she doesn't feel well, and you have to really know her to see that she's not herself.
All day Tuesday, she ran a fever of about 100.5, and was very snuggly with me (which is always nice), so I knew she didn't feel great. We don't like to give her medicine unless we feel like she really needs it, so I skipped the Tylenol for the rest of the day.
Tuesday night was rough--she went to bed fine, but woke up screaming about an hour and a half later. I've read about night terrors, and we're convinced that's what Emily had Tuesday night. She was soaking wet with sweat and her eyes were open, but she wasn't responding to us at all, and was completely stiff and just screaming. It lasted about 2 minutes, but of course seemed like 30. She finally calmed down and went back to sleep. In about an hour and a half, it happened all over again. This time, it took a little longer for her to calm down, but she finally did. Some of what I've read indicates that lack of sleep or sometimes even a fever can trigger night terrors. Whatever it was, I hope she won't continue to have them.
I decided I'd keep her home again on Wednesday, just because I felt like she needed another day of rest and snuggling (so did I!). She woke up Wednesday morning a little before 7 AM and was happy and fever-free. She was back to herself all day and didn't have any symptoms at all.
She'll be back at school today, and I'm not sure who'll have a harder time--Emily or me!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Busy, Fun Day
We've been working for over a week to get ready for a yard sale, and we had it Saturday morning. Since the company I work for relocated us to Atlanta in 2006 and then back to Charlotte last year, we had movers pack everything both times. It certainly makes it easier and faster, but the downside is that everything gets moved--even the stuff that we wouldn't have kept.
This time, we'll be moving ourselves after we close at the end of the month, so we have the perfect opportunity to really clean out things we don't need anymore. We put out signs and balloons last night, and were up early this morning carrying everything out to the driveway and front yard. We advertised a 7AM start time, but people started showing up at 6:30! We were super busy until about 9:00, but almost everything was gone and the traffic really slowed down by 10:30. It was a very productive 4 hours! Emily had a great time entertaining all of our shoppers, and our garage is practically empty compared to what it was before.
We ate lunch, and then Emily took her nap before we went out for a fun afternoon. There was an oyster roast and block party at a local restaurant near us that we tried out, but we didn't stay long because it was so hot and the setup wasn't ideal for Emily since there wasn't much shade and the music was super loud. Instead, we decided to head over to our regular Saturday night spot, where there was a better band and lots of kids.
We always enjoy ourselves because Emily has such a great time. Tonight, even the fountains were turned on for the kids to play in--our plan was not for Emily to get wet,
but that quickly changed. We weren't really prepared with extra clothes, but luckily had a towel in the car trunk, so we took her shoes off and let her go.
She had so much fun! I'm posting some videos too--everybody around seems to love watching her because she's so full of life and excitement :).
This time, we'll be moving ourselves after we close at the end of the month, so we have the perfect opportunity to really clean out things we don't need anymore. We put out signs and balloons last night, and were up early this morning carrying everything out to the driveway and front yard. We advertised a 7AM start time, but people started showing up at 6:30! We were super busy until about 9:00, but almost everything was gone and the traffic really slowed down by 10:30. It was a very productive 4 hours! Emily had a great time entertaining all of our shoppers, and our garage is practically empty compared to what it was before.
We ate lunch, and then Emily took her nap before we went out for a fun afternoon. There was an oyster roast and block party at a local restaurant near us that we tried out, but we didn't stay long because it was so hot and the setup wasn't ideal for Emily since there wasn't much shade and the music was super loud. Instead, we decided to head over to our regular Saturday night spot, where there was a better band and lots of kids.
We always enjoy ourselves because Emily has such a great time. Tonight, even the fountains were turned on for the kids to play in--our plan was not for Emily to get wet,
but that quickly changed. We weren't really prepared with extra clothes, but luckily had a towel in the car trunk, so we took her shoes off and let her go.
She had so much fun! I'm posting some videos too--everybody around seems to love watching her because she's so full of life and excitement :).
Friday, June 3, 2011
Toddler 1
Emily transitioned classrooms on Tuesday when we came back from Memorial Day weekend. She has been visiting the Toddler 1 classroom for about a week and has done great with her visits.
There are some great things about the transition that we really like--they have a more substantial breakfast (things like oatmeal or pancakes instead of Cheerios), so we won't feel as much of a need to give her breakfast before we leave in the morning and when she gets to school. They have a more structured schedule, and have two times each day to go outside on the playground, which Emily LOVES. They also have more art projects (finger painting and coloring), and she's beginning to really enjoy that too.
We don't feel quite ready for naps on a cot instead of a crib, although she's already been doing this for a couple of weeks with no trouble at all. I guess when they see the other kids doing it, they just go right along!
I think she's having a streak of separation anxiety though since the transition. Every morning when I drop her off, she's fine until I get ready to say goodbye and leave--then she gets clingy and teary-eyed and doesn't want to let me go. I know she's fine 30 seconds after I leave, but it's a tough way to leave her in the mornings, so I'm hoping it passes quickly!
There are some great things about the transition that we really like--they have a more substantial breakfast (things like oatmeal or pancakes instead of Cheerios), so we won't feel as much of a need to give her breakfast before we leave in the morning and when she gets to school. They have a more structured schedule, and have two times each day to go outside on the playground, which Emily LOVES. They also have more art projects (finger painting and coloring), and she's beginning to really enjoy that too.
We don't feel quite ready for naps on a cot instead of a crib, although she's already been doing this for a couple of weeks with no trouble at all. I guess when they see the other kids doing it, they just go right along!
I think she's having a streak of separation anxiety though since the transition. Every morning when I drop her off, she's fine until I get ready to say goodbye and leave--then she gets clingy and teary-eyed and doesn't want to let me go. I know she's fine 30 seconds after I leave, but it's a tough way to leave her in the mornings, so I'm hoping it passes quickly!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Cheese Heads!
Gracie and Bella have always been cheese heads--they can hear a cheese wrapper opening from anywhere in the house. It seems that Emily has caught on and decided to join them!
Over the weekend while we were making breakfast, Mick had to feed cheese to three hungry little mouths!
Over the weekend while we were making breakfast, Mick had to feed cheese to three hungry little mouths!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Fun Long Weekend
We stayed home this weekend for Memorial Day, partly because Mick was on call and we thought he'd be working most of the three days, and partly just because we were looking forward to some quality time without much to do.
Luckily, he only had one call come in between Saturday and Sunday. We played at home, read lots of books, did some shopping and spent some time at the park. Emily loved the playground, but it was so hot that we didn't stay too long. There was a breeze down by the lake though, so she enjoyed looking at the ducks and baby geese!
It's so nice to have that extra day in a weekend every now and then, and we all had a great few days together.
Even Gracie and Bella had some good quality time with little Emily!
Unfortunately, Monday was the one day Mick did have to work almost all day, and it was the first day I had the bright idea of buying Emily a baby pool. We went to Target and found this one--it's only 4 inches deep, but it served our purpose for the day.
Emily loved it! She's like a fish when she gets near water, and the only thing I don't like about that is that she's completely fearless.
We signed her up for swimming lessons this summer, and they start at the end of June. Since we're moving to a neighborhood with a pool, we really want her to be comfortable and learn to swim early.
I don't think she'll have a problem with that :)!
Luckily, he only had one call come in between Saturday and Sunday. We played at home, read lots of books, did some shopping and spent some time at the park. Emily loved the playground, but it was so hot that we didn't stay too long. There was a breeze down by the lake though, so she enjoyed looking at the ducks and baby geese!
It's so nice to have that extra day in a weekend every now and then, and we all had a great few days together.
Even Gracie and Bella had some good quality time with little Emily!
Unfortunately, Monday was the one day Mick did have to work almost all day, and it was the first day I had the bright idea of buying Emily a baby pool. We went to Target and found this one--it's only 4 inches deep, but it served our purpose for the day.
Emily loved it! She's like a fish when she gets near water, and the only thing I don't like about that is that she's completely fearless.
We signed her up for swimming lessons this summer, and they start at the end of June. Since we're moving to a neighborhood with a pool, we really want her to be comfortable and learn to swim early.
I don't think she'll have a problem with that :)!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Videos
I've had some trouble uploading videos, but finally got them to work tonight. You can see the new ones by clicking Emily in Action on the right.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
14 Months Old: What's Happening
Emily is turning into a very active little girl these days! She is almost running, and climbs on absolutely everything she possibly can.
One of our favorite things to do now is practice animal sounds--her favorite is the lion, but she likes the monkey too. We were outside swinging one afternoon, and I was asking her "what does the lion say," etc. I asked her "what does Emily say," and she said "ma-ma." It was probably an accident, but it was so sweet!
She's also started tapping us with one finger to get our attention--she's a terrific communicator, even though it's not always verbal. She also is becomeing a lot more independent. She plays so sweetly by herself sometimes, or will sit and look at a book for the longest time.
Emily has all sorts of new hiding places now--under the dining room table, behind the couch, or even in a kitchen cabinet. She likes crawling through boxes or tunnels or other small spaces.
She hasn't been sick lately, but sometimes struggles with a runny nose, so we aren't sure if it's allergies. She's getting pretty good at blowing her nose--the only problem is she sometimes chooses to use her hands, so we're still working on it.
We're almost completely done with bottles now. Emily still has her morning and nighttime bottle, but none during the day for the last month or so. We have tried swapping the morning bottle out for a sippy cup of milk, and it was quite unsuccessful. Our goal was to be done with bottles by about 15 months, so we still have some time, and are continuing to try.
We'll decide after that when we want to get rid of the pacifier :).
One of our favorite things to do now is practice animal sounds--her favorite is the lion, but she likes the monkey too. We were outside swinging one afternoon, and I was asking her "what does the lion say," etc. I asked her "what does Emily say," and she said "ma-ma." It was probably an accident, but it was so sweet!
She's also started tapping us with one finger to get our attention--she's a terrific communicator, even though it's not always verbal. She also is becomeing a lot more independent. She plays so sweetly by herself sometimes, or will sit and look at a book for the longest time.
Emily has all sorts of new hiding places now--under the dining room table, behind the couch, or even in a kitchen cabinet. She likes crawling through boxes or tunnels or other small spaces.
She hasn't been sick lately, but sometimes struggles with a runny nose, so we aren't sure if it's allergies. She's getting pretty good at blowing her nose--the only problem is she sometimes chooses to use her hands, so we're still working on it.
We're almost completely done with bottles now. Emily still has her morning and nighttime bottle, but none during the day for the last month or so. We have tried swapping the morning bottle out for a sippy cup of milk, and it was quite unsuccessful. Our goal was to be done with bottles by about 15 months, so we still have some time, and are continuing to try.
We'll decide after that when we want to get rid of the pacifier :).
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Wild, Wild Horsey
Emily and I have this little game where she'll sit on my lap, hold onto my fingers, and I'll bounce her on the wild, wild horsey. Mick caught us on video one afternoon.
Summer Time
Even though Emily can't quite tell us yet, I think she's been looking forward to summer time. She loves to be outside so much, and will immediately go to the back door and try to open it when you ask if she wants to go outside.
There are several places around us that have live music outside every Friday and Saturday night, and we've decided to let Emily break the rules a little the past couple of weekends and stay out past her bedtime. If she takes a late nap, she stays in a great mood and has lots of energy, so we'll go over, eat dinner at one of the restaurants with outdoor tables, and then walk over to the music and let her dance until she's exhausted!
There are usually lots of kids and dogs out, and sometimes even bubbles, so Emily is right in her element!
By the way, Emily found my camera cable as she pulled everything out of one of our kitchen cabinets, so I was able to add the Strawberry Festival pictures from a few weekends ago!
There are several places around us that have live music outside every Friday and Saturday night, and we've decided to let Emily break the rules a little the past couple of weekends and stay out past her bedtime. If she takes a late nap, she stays in a great mood and has lots of energy, so we'll go over, eat dinner at one of the restaurants with outdoor tables, and then walk over to the music and let her dance until she's exhausted!
There are usually lots of kids and dogs out, and sometimes even bubbles, so Emily is right in her element!
By the way, Emily found my camera cable as she pulled everything out of one of our kitchen cabinets, so I was able to add the Strawberry Festival pictures from a few weekends ago!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Molars!
Emily has been messing with her ears a lot, and we took her back to the doctor Saturday morning, sure she had an ear infection.
The good news is that her ears are perfect...the bad news is that ALL FOUR of her molars are coming in! Poor little thing hasn't been able to sleep very well, especially for naps. Her appetite doesn't seem to have been affected yet though!
The good news is that her ears are perfect...the bad news is that ALL FOUR of her molars are coming in! Poor little thing hasn't been able to sleep very well, especially for naps. Her appetite doesn't seem to have been affected yet though!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Llama, Llama
My parents were on their way through Charlotte this weekend, so they stopped in to spend Saturday night with us.
My mom had found this book called Llama Llama Red Pajama, and a stuffed llama to go with it. Emily hasn't really shown much interest in stuffed animals, but there was something about the llama she just loved. Sunday morning when she woke up, she came downstairs and immediately started pointing at the llama, which was up on the kitchen counter. We handed it to her and she hugged it close and carried around with her.
I remember how much I loved stuffed animals when I was a little girl, so I think it's sweet to see Emily starting to get attached.
My mom had found this book called Llama Llama Red Pajama, and a stuffed llama to go with it. Emily hasn't really shown much interest in stuffed animals, but there was something about the llama she just loved. Sunday morning when she woke up, she came downstairs and immediately started pointing at the llama, which was up on the kitchen counter. We handed it to her and she hugged it close and carried around with her.
I remember how much I loved stuffed animals when I was a little girl, so I think it's sweet to see Emily starting to get attached.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Twice Bitten...Still Not Shy
Gateway called right before lunch today--they first reassured me that Emily was fine, but then told me she had been bitten by a friend (I think they use this term fairly loosely). She was sitting by herself looking at a book, and one of the kids came over and tried to take it. When Emily wouldn't let go, he bit her on the arm!
I'm sure she screamed enough to scare him away, and I'm actually proud that she didn't give up her book :). He didn't break the skin, but she still had a pretty defined mark on her arm when we got home.
I'm sure she screamed enough to scare him away, and I'm actually proud that she didn't give up her book :). He didn't break the skin, but she still had a pretty defined mark on her arm when we got home.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Bunny!
It's a little tough to see here, but right before dinner tonight, Mick noticed there was a bunny in our backyard, right outside the window. Bella and Gracie notice them often, but they're usually too far for Emily to really see from inside.
He was so close it was hard for the girls not to get excited,
but once Emily realized she couldn't play with him, she turned her attention to Bella.
He was so close it was hard for the girls not to get excited,
but once Emily realized she couldn't play with him, she turned her attention to Bella.
Bookworm
Emily loves her books! If she's not climbing in one of our laps with a book,
she's reading one on her own.
Her teacher told me the other day she's one of the only ones in her class who actually turns the pages the right way when she's reading :). Such a smart girl!
she's reading one on her own.
Her teacher told me the other day she's one of the only ones in her class who actually turns the pages the right way when she's reading :). Such a smart girl!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
We had kind of a quiet Mother's Day at home--the best kind! Since Gracie is recovering from her surgery, we wanted to stay close for most of the weekend (she seems to be doing very well, by the way).
Mick gave me these beautiful roses,
and Emily and Mick gave me this Mother's bracelet with Emily's name and birthstone (Aquamarine), and a little charm that says Love.
I love that I'll have a little reminder of my sweet girl every time I look at it :).
Mick gave me these beautiful roses,
and Emily and Mick gave me this Mother's bracelet with Emily's name and birthstone (Aquamarine), and a little charm that says Love.
I love that I'll have a little reminder of my sweet girl every time I look at it :).
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Another Perfect Saturday
The weather was gorgeous again today, so we decided to go to the South Carolina Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill. Our new address will be in Fort Mill once we move--it's really close by, and nice to know there are things like this that happen each year that we'll enjoy together.
It was a typical festival with lots of music, food, games, and a big playground. Emily thoroughly enjoyed herself! She danced to the music and made friends with the big strawberry when we took our picture with him. When we passed by him again later, she made a quick U-turn and started chasing him! It was hilarious--we had to distract her with the swings to change her course.
We stopped under a shade tree for a snack of graham crackers and fresh fruit, and Emily also had her first taste of strawberry shortcake. She loved it!
I did take some pictures, but took my old camera and now I can't find the cable to upload the pictures. Hopefully, they'll be on the way soon. I did post some new videos (click the Emily in Action link to the right), and the one of her dancing in the pink hat is from the festival.
It was a typical festival with lots of music, food, games, and a big playground. Emily thoroughly enjoyed herself! She danced to the music and made friends with the big strawberry when we took our picture with him. When we passed by him again later, she made a quick U-turn and started chasing him! It was hilarious--we had to distract her with the swings to change her course.
We stopped under a shade tree for a snack of graham crackers and fresh fruit, and Emily also had her first taste of strawberry shortcake. She loved it!
I did take some pictures, but took my old camera and now I can't find the cable to upload the pictures. Hopefully, they'll be on the way soon. I did post some new videos (click the Emily in Action link to the right), and the one of her dancing in the pink hat is from the festival.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Our First Baby
I don’t write much about our first two babies here because I started this blog to be about Emily. Today though, it’s our first baby we’re really thinking about—Gracie. A couple of months ago, Bella started limping on her front leg—when it hadn’t improved in several days, we took her to the vet and after x-rays revealed nothing wrong, we took her home to wait it out. The doctor guessed that she had pulled a muscle, and sure enough, in about a week, she was fine. Then about three weeks ago, Gracie started limping on her back leg. We thought we’d take the same approach, but there was no real improvement after two weeks, so we took her in. Apparently, dogs’ hind legs are much easier to diagnose than their front legs, and the doctor knew immediately what was wrong.
Gracie had ruptured her cranial cruciate ligament—it’s basically the ligament that stabilizes her knee, and is said to be the most common knee injury in dogs. The doctor said if we didn’t have it surgically repaired, her knee would be unstable and her bones would begin to wear unevenly, causing a long list of other problems. We felt like there was no decision to make—she needed to have the surgery.
So this morning, Gracie rode to Gateway with us, waited in the car while I dropped Emily off, and then we headed to the vet. She has a long day, and a very long recovery in front of her! The procedure she’s going in for is called a Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), and it will require several months of very limited activity, which will be tough for Gracie. I should hear from the doctor around noon to find out how she’s doing. We’re worried about our sweet girl!
Gracie had ruptured her cranial cruciate ligament—it’s basically the ligament that stabilizes her knee, and is said to be the most common knee injury in dogs. The doctor said if we didn’t have it surgically repaired, her knee would be unstable and her bones would begin to wear unevenly, causing a long list of other problems. We felt like there was no decision to make—she needed to have the surgery.
So this morning, Gracie rode to Gateway with us, waited in the car while I dropped Emily off, and then we headed to the vet. She has a long day, and a very long recovery in front of her! The procedure she’s going in for is called a Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), and it will require several months of very limited activity, which will be tough for Gracie. I should hear from the doctor around noon to find out how she’s doing. We’re worried about our sweet girl!
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