Friday, August 27, 2010

Visiting Laila





Mommy and Kayla went on a trip last weekend to see one of mommy's best friends, Rachel, in North Carolina! For all you Pierson fans, you may recognize Rachel from mommy and daddy's wedding. Mommy was Rachel's RA sophomore year at Cornell---but they became fast friends! They had scheduled this trip before Kayla's stroke and after talking to all of Kayla's docs, they said go, so they went. Kayla told me she had a great time. Although, mommy and rachel didn't expect Laila to cry everytime Kayla got close! Kayla's moving around.... alot...so maybe that's what scared Laila! Laila is 10 weeks older than Kayla and they are the same size! After this weekend, she came home and showed daddy and me her new skill---pulling up into a standing position. Nothing is safe now. She's constantly standing up on various things--some stable, some not so much. Mommy said they had a GREAT trip and can't wait to go back to see Rach and her family. (Miss you Rach!)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Evaluations and More

Yesterday Kayla had her evaluations from Early Intervention. A Physical Therapist and Special Education Teacher came to observe / play with her. She did amazing. They basically said she's above her age range by 2-3 months gross motor and cognitively. However, there is discrepancy in her symmetry on each side. For example, she rolls to a sitting position (yes she started that 1.5 weeks ago!) always on her left. She also does a hand hand, knee knee crawl, but launches off her foot on her right side so she flops. They think her hip is week. Again, always leading with the left hand, right side weakness. She does stretch her fingers, but sometimes there is hesitation. The therapists were worried about her hearing as she doesn't turn to some sounds. It's confusing to us though as we know she hears things...so is it a cognitive hearing issue, real hearing issue just dependent on pitch, or selective hearing (just like her father, brother...oh and uncle too!). She'll be having a hearing test(s) to help us figure this out. She did qualify but not because of her discrepancies, but because she had a brain trauma. So--our OT said this is the best case scenario...she's doing so well, she wouldn't have qualified, but she still gets services. She'll be having a OT 1x a week and PT 2x a month. Speech will be observed overtime.

Update: So today she pulled to a standing position several times in her crib. (she must have heard the evaluators mention that she couldn't do this!). She also now is more frequently crawling with hand hand knee knee. Go figure! She keeps us hopping! We are counting our blessings everyday for our little girl.

Benji is still struggling with all the attention that Kayla is receiving. If you don't see us at playdates and such, it's because we are spending 1:1 time with him. His behavior is really suffering and Jenn is trying to get it in check. We apologize if any of you see/feel the brunt of this! whew! It's a process.

Corn--she likes it!


And the duck returns

Anyone remember this duck? At this age I was obsessed with it too! Kayla Ann...following in my footsteps. Also note, Kayla's almost completely crawling on hands and knees. She's also pushing up on her feet and hands. Wow!

Mommy's 30th Birthday on the actual day!










Mommy's 30th Birthday!

Craft Night Surprise! How amazing are mommy's friends?! They showed up at Craft Night with a surprise wine tasting, yummy food, cake, treats, ice cream, balloons, and more! Plus a special vase of handprint flowers and special notes to mommy. Mommy was floored. She had so much fun celebrating her 30th. She loves loves loves her craft night gals! A special thanks to Jessica who coordinated all the efforts and to everyone who came and contributed. You are truly special in our lives!
Kim, Penny (chugging the wine!), Mommy and Jessica (showing off her empty glass!)
The gals!
Kim showing off for the camera (marcy, sara and erin looking on!)
Mmmm...more wine.

Speidie Fest!

During our visit to Apalachin, we went to the Binghamton Speedie Fest. Have you ever had a speedie? yum!!! We watched an amazing hot air balloon launch. We were able to touch the balloons and literally were standing next to them as they filled and lifted off. It was amazing!!! Totally worth the hot, long wait at the festival.





















1st school bus ride!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Watching Construction


Our neighbors are building an extension on their house. Daddy and I have loved watching all the work. Here we are hanging on the wall. We were watching 3 moles run around the hole.

Hanging with the cousins

Auden and Benji playing under the table on the deck
Anika snuggling Kayla.
Uncle Ilya playing with Kayla.
Anika, Mommy, and Benji. I'm becoming quite a swimmer! I'm jumping like crazy into the pool and even swam a few swims all by myself! I love love love the water!







Aunt Jenny and the blondies reading books!

We had a visit at Babi's house (Babi was in spain though) and had sleepovers with all the cousins! We had a great time swimming and playing. Aunt Jenny treated Kayla's head and Kayla started moving more, stretching her fingers more, and reaching with her right hand. By the end of the 10 days, Kayla was moving across the room!