If this weekend is any indicator of what summer will be like, we are in for a fun one!

Calorie Counter that is...I follow everything that goes in Audrey's stomach and make a half-hearted effort to count what goes in mine too.  Today was swimsuit shopping for me--so, so very painful.  Audrey wore a swimsuit today too, it was falling off; that was NOT my problem!  I don't think I ever thought the words underwire or control panel would be associated with swimsuits, but they are definitely new necessities for me, UGH!  The deed is done, ready for swim season and our vacation in a few weeks.  We're going to Destin, FL again, can't wait! 

 

Audrey's weight?  UP 2 ounces, yeah baby!!!  The bad news, I jinxed her with my post about drinking--while she is drinking more than before, it's just not enough.  She's gone a few days with NO wet diaper as late as 2pm so we're giving water/juice boluses.  She's been having trouble with her one food bolus too--wants it stopped well before it's gone and has to lay down to sleep right after.  We're hoping that just means she's done with it, we'll see what happens in our next 2 weeks.  She's had some poop issues too but the kinks will get worked out and I see a tube free life in our future.  Meds will be the next hurdle--do you know how fabulous a tube is when you have to give meds?  Seriously, when she has fever or something, I can give her tylenol or whatever in her tube without even waking her up!  Nutrition is scary too but the boys live with only eating one or MAYBE two vegies and they didn't get 2 years of perfect nutrition like Audrey did.  She's being a total stinker already too--just before bed she says "eat eat" and while she does eat some, I know she's just delaying night night time! 

 

All else is well--we had a super time at Scarborough Faire this past weekend.  I had never been to such an event (yes I taught history and English, so sad), it was really great and so fun for the kids.  The people watching alone is worth the admission! 

I opened the pool this week, it was 98 flippin degrees on Monday!  The boys are back to fish status and missy miss loved floating in her chariot.  I didn't take pics yet but I'm sure there will be plenty this weekend. 

 

Have a great Memorial Day!

     

The first clip is from Audrey's nurse's camera, the second is from mine.  Since getting her new ear tubes in April, her language has exploded.  She used to call herself "Aud" but now it's "Audrey Jane!".  Eating is coming along but I'm ready for a loss on Monday, she just isn't shoveling it in like she needs too yet.  Yesterday though, she ate nearly an ENTIRE snack-size bag of Doritos.  I know, fabulously nutritious, whatever. 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 

Today is Connor's birthday, he would have been 8.  Sending lots of love to his sweet family today and thanks to Audrey's special Angel for bringing us all together.  Audrey and I were supossed to help the Mcluckies with Connor's Books this week but a nasty stomach bug has settled in at their house so we've kept our distance.  Last I heard, everyone but dad has it.  Amy called me this afternoon sounding miserable.  I know this will make the day harder to face; send her some thoughts and hug your babies tight today in honor of their little star.  Happy Birthday Connor!  You are loved, so very loved.

 

 

We're on day four and she's drinking!  It's still random, Sunday she only took about 2 oz orally but yesterday and today she's been chugging up to 2oz in a sitting and asking for more.  I'd guess she drank nearly 10 oz today--I can't give an exact because she had SO many different sips here and there of anything she wanted but it does include over 4 oz of water and about 2 of a lemon slush from Sonic.  We hit Happy Hour to reward fabulous behavior or maybe because mommy was jonzing for a Sonic Diet Coke, I'll never tell.  Regardless, Audrey is doing fine; I'd lie if I said I wasn't nervous for her weight check next week but I'm trying hard to be cool cat about this.   She did ask this morning for food in her button but when I offered more bacon, she was good with that instead!  This bacon jag is not going well for me--this morning she didn't eat my initial offering so by the time she did want it, it had disappeared (to my growing bottom!) I made her three more pieces and luckily she ate them all because I'm sure I would have if she didn't, ugh! 

 

Mother's Day was great, humbling but great....all of you kind souls who chatter about what a super mama I am--you're so silly; I'm really a 1000 pound, beer-loving, hates-to-cook,just watches TV and sleeps all the time mama

So, that's how he sees me; I guess I need to step my game some.

 

We had a great weekend.  The family picnic on Saturday was a huge success, Microsoft can throw a party for kids and the margaritas were fabulous for me.  Sunday was super, Nate made an amazing breakfast--Crabcakes Eggs Benedict with wilted spinach. maple sausage, and fresh fruit salad.  Yummy stuff!  The boys made several fabulous homemade gifts and I scored a new pocket camera from Nate.  I happy to report there was no drama.  I even went out to browse shop for an hour and came home with new shoes and a purse (haven't bought a bag since I went to Oprah 2.5 years ago and generally use one from 10 years ago), I love Marshalls!

 

Gotta get to bed now, I'm back to single parenthood this week and Jason has Strep (poor baby can not get a break, he just finished a 14 day round of antiibiotics for a sinus infection).  So far the others are fine and Jason was nearly back to himself tonight so hopefully we're good but I'm tired (haven't had enough TV, beer, or sleep apparently )

Today is the first official day of tube weaning.  I mean, I guess we've been working towards this for months but today will be the first time she will not be getting anything in her tube until bedtime.  Depending on her fluid intake, we may change that to include one juice/water bolus at nap. 

So far, so good...she ate 3 pieces of bacon and 1/2 a serving of yogurt for breakfast.  She's yet to drink though, stinker.  I'm optimistic that we could be off the button completely before summer is over, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day tomorrow!  I'm hoping for an uneventful one this year; the past two years have each had their own drama.  Audrey's first was her central line surgery we missed because of the snakes at home and last year I let her careen into the lake in her new stroller--great memories!

 

Lots more but we're headed to the Microsoft Family Picnic, I'll be back later!

 

I'm leaving today with several thoughts; here are some in no particular order...

 

*people rock; I will never doubt the greatness that people in general are capable of; the love I felt today was overwhelming

*that said, parties you host are not a perfect avenue to get to chat with all the great people in your life

*my mom rules

*Connor McLuckie is a powerful Angel

*Brittney (Audrey's nurse) is truly a part of our family and we don't thank her enough

*it doesn't matter if you send an "in lieu of gifts" note, people still bring the BEST. GIFTS. EVER! (Sharon, AJ carried her baby around ALL afternoon and night!)  AND we topped last year's 100 books for Connor--116 (46 were from your comments!) and if you want to add some, we'd be SO thankful! 

* I love my family, really, truly love being a part of this crazy table for five

 

 

Other shout outs to Caprice(thanks for saving me with the chairs, cake, and for Audrey's gifts--she LOVES her some Fancy Nancy and we had some sweet moments with them tonight) Charlie and Donna (BEST neighbors and family ever!), Crowes, and our superstar Cake Lady for yet another masterpiece that I had NO idea how to cut! 

Today was great fun and ended with me in tears as I tucked the superstar into bed; she's a mess, but I get her and for that sweet hug, kiss, and "nigh nigh mommy" I'll be forever grateful.  

Here's a montage of her first 2 years...Here's the link if you want it larger.

 

   

    

 

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Audrey Jane is two.  Seriously. Can. NOT. believe. it.

It's been forever and a minute all at once.  We made the doctor rounds on Friday visiting both the NICU and her pediatrician with large amounts of cookies in hand.  She was charming and funny; I couldn't be more proud to share my little sprite!

I'll post pictures later after her party.