BIG Weekend

We have quite a big weekend coming up. This morning, Annie had her evaluation by First Steps. They said her cognitive, communication, and, visual skills are exactly where they should be with her communication and visual skills being excellent. They felt she was well aware of and interested in the world around her. Her gross and fine motor skills are also fine with the exception of her inability to suck. In terms of the sucking issues the evaluators felt they had more questions than answers - join the club! The body posturing is typical of children with reflux, however, they usually don't see sucking problems as profound as Annie's in children without documented medical and/or physical disabilities.  We'll have a determination meeting soon to explore Annie's eligibility for services but we were told to ask my friend from our mom's group if she could recommend any therapists - we're assuming she's eligible.  For the time being we're going to continue to use the positioning recommended by the lactation consultant and try some softer nipples.  I'll be so thankful to finally get some help with her.

Annie LOVES her exersaucer but she's supposed to hold off on it as it promotes the posturing associated with her reflux.

Emma is turning three - or as she says, FREE, on Sunday.  She has been so excited about her party that she can't stand it.  Sometimes, I can't stand her enthusiasm and effervescence either.  She got a birthday card from my aunt & uncle (Thanks Aunt Cindy & Uncle Lee!) and HAD to go shopping.  She bought a ginormous swan and new goggles - her old ones broke.  I thought for sure that she'd choose pink since everything else had to be pink but she wanted blue to match her Ariel mermaid swimsuit.  

Last weekend we tackled some work outside.  Here are some pictures of Emma helping me with the bushes.  

We took Emma to the zoo yesterday.  Heaven to a three year-old is the zoo!  All she wanted to do was see the sea lions, ride the horses, ride the carousel, and, ride the train.  Here are some pictures.

This was as Em was asking if she could "get in there".