And then there was this...

We couldn't be any prouder of her!

 

Letting Go, but Holding On

Ever since Marleigh started walking, when we were out somewhere in public, her little hand always just found mine.  It was automatic.  I'd get her out of her car seat, and without really knowing who reached for who, her hand was in mine.  To be honest, I had never really thought much about it at all, until last week.

One day last week, I was dropping Marleigh off at preschool.  We were chatting about what her letter was for the week.  I put the car in park, and got her out of the car.  As I was shutting the door, I reached for her hand.  She ran ahead, yelling over her shoulder, "Mom, I don't need to hold your hand!!!"

Whoa.  I stopped dead in my tracks.  My ears heard what she said, but my heart heard, "Mom, I don't need you!"  Ouch.  Marleigh has always been so shy and dependent.  She has been the one that sticks close by, never venturing too far from me.  With all that she has been through, I have always been right beside her, trying to help her or protect her.  Looking back, I probably held on a little too tight.  But at the time, all I knew was the tremendous pain and struggles she had at such an early age.  I had felt so helpless then.   Much the same as I felt in that moment when she said, "Mom, I don't need to hold your hand!!!"

Marleigh noticed I had stopped behind her, just as she was reaching for the door.  (That in itself is HUGE for her.  She normally waits for me to open any door.)  She hollered to me, "Come on, Mom!" I quickly followed her in,  we hugged and said our goodbyes just like we do every morning.  Obviously, she had not thought twice about not holding my hand.  I was so shocked and proud of her.

 The past year or so, we have been making a real effort with Marleigh.  We've been fostering confidence and independence. There has been plenty of bumps on our road to independence. She still refuses to ride a bike, because it is "Just. Too. Hard."   Numerous times, she's gotten frustrated or hurt and came running, but we have tried to keep encouraging her to do things on her own.  It has been hard both for her and for me.  Marc has had to remind me often to let her do things for herself.  It is a work in progress.  But there is progress.  She doesn't need my hand anymore.

So precious girl, I am letting go of your hand, but holding on forever with my heart.  You may not need me the way you used to, but I will always be here with my hand out, just in case.  I love you so much!

Kade's Allergies/Asthma and Immunology

This poor, sweet boy suffers with allergies.  Back when he was younger, Kade was diagnosed with allergies and asthma.  He does fairly well while medicated, but there are times when he is miserable and coughs all night.  Then back a few months ago, he had multiple times when he broke out in hives.  We consulted his doctor, and they suggested a trip to the allergist.

There aren't many allergists out here, so it took us a few months to get in.  Last Monday was Kade's appointment.  Praise God, the doctor did NOT think his hives were anything food related.  However, in order to do allergy testing, Kade had to be completely unmedicated for a week before his appointment.  He was miserable.  Runny nose, cough, itchy eyes and nose.  She suggested testing him for other allergies.  

Kade is allergic to dust mites, mold, basically all trees and all weeds.  He actually handled the testing fairly well.  We played cows and tractors while we waited.  Cows and tractors makes everything better.  :)

The doctor said that Kade being so young, his allergies will probably worsen as he gets older, and he will probably develop more.  What makes matters worse, is that he suffers from both indoor and outdoor allergens, and basically year round.  In addition, the allergies make his asthma flair up.  She prescribed Zyrtec, Singulair, Flonase, for daily treatment, and since he was so miserable, we were temporarily on breathing treatments and oral steroids.  She then mentioned Immunology.  Basically, for 7 months, Kade would go in once a week, and receive 2 shots that were specially mixed for him, with small doses of his allergens.  After 7 months, he would go in every other week, and gradually taper off.  The allergy shots are a 5 year treatment program.  Ugh.  However, she said it would decrease his symptoms and keep him from getting any new allergies.  Her hope would be that he would be able to not require all the medications. 

Marc and I have talked a great deal about it. I think in the long run, the shots would be beneficial and make the most sense, but I'm having a hard time with how young Kade is.  I've spoken with some other medical professionals and mothers.  They all say the same thing.  There isn't a medical reason to not start them now, but being under 3 years of age seems awfully young to have to sit through weekly shots.  Once we start, it is a huge commitment. I think we will do it, but just not sure at what point.  

Has anyone out there had any experience with allergy shots with little kids?  Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!  

Marleigh update

Guess who rocked Kindergarten Roundup?  

This girl!

About a month ago we had Kindergarten Roundup.  I had no idea what to expect, but I was both nervous and excited all at the same time.  Daddy very graciously agreed to go with us.  The moment we got in the door, they whisked Marleigh away from us for her evaluations.  Marleigh took it in stride.  She just turned and waved over her should as they walked off.  I can honestly say it was probably harder on me than her!  We sat down to fill out paperwork, and I realized Marc was the only Dad there, so I let him off the hook and he got to leave.  He is such a good Daddy.  

What seemed like forever later, they brought Marleigh back into the common area.  She sat down to play with 2 of her friends, and they took me back to go over her screening.  Marleigh did extremely well in all areas but the motor/coordination.  She was only in the 40 percentile, but when I explained she was born 14 weeks early at only 2 pounds, they were very understanding and impressed with how well she has done.  

It is insane to think that Marleigh is about to begin school in the fall. She is more than ready.  I told her that Kindergarten will last all day, and she jumped up and down saying, "Yippee!  I love school!"

~~

A couple of weeks later, we returned to Wichita for another eye check up.  Marleigh has continued to progress very nicely.  We had only been patching her good eye for 2 hours a day 3 times a week.  Her vision had maintained at that level, so I am thrilled to report, that we no longer have to patch her good eye!  We will go back in May to make sure that she can maintain it on her own, but for now, we are just so happy!  

Surgery

Lounging at the hotel. 

This sweet little baby had surgery Tuesday morning (out of respect for Kade's privacy, I won't elaborate as to what kind of surgery).  We went down to Wichita the night before and stayed at a hotel.  Kade loved it!  He got to sleep with Daddy in a big, king sized bed.  Kade flips and flops constantly in his sleep, and I am an incredibly light sleeper, so Daddy said he would sleep with him.  

We checked in at the surgery center and tried to put a gown on Kade, but he was having nothing of it.  His nurse instructed us not to bother, they would put it on him back in the operating room.  When it was time for surgery, two nurses came to get Kade.  He was sitting there in just his socks and a pull up.  One of the nurses asked if he wanted to go play with them.  He smiled and said, "Yep!" and hopped off the table.  He grabbed their hands and walked back to surgery, not even pausing to tell us goodbye.  As he walked off, I had so many emotions.  I was nervous about the procedure.  I knew he would be fine, but that is still my baby that is going under anesthesia.  I was so proud of him for being such a big boy and walking back with the nurses.  But, to be honest, I was a little sad that he was so brave.  He is my last baby, and it was a little tough to see him acting so grown up.  Then there was also humor.  His pull up was wedged into his little bottom, so his right cheek was hanging out as he walked down the hallway.  Nothing cuter than a baby bottom!  

The procedure took about an hour, then they came and got us, so we could be with him while he was waking up.  I had prepared myself for a good hour or two of misery.  When Kade had his adenoids out, coming out of anesthesia was awful!  This time went so much better!  He fussed for maybe a total of 20 seconds, then was awake and fine.  A few nurses, as well as the anesthesiologist, stopped by while he was in recovery.  They said he was the best patient and everyone fell in love with him.  The anesthesiologist said they played "space man" with the gas mask, and Kade was just belly laughing, which made the entire staff crack up.  

This is a picture Daddy snapped while
Kade was waking up.  

We are so glad to have this procedure behind us, and Kade should be good as new in a few days!  In the meantime, I am enjoying all the extra snuggles!   

Mickey Mouse + Snow

Sunday, Disney Live! Mickey's Musical, was at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.  We met my cousin's family for lunch at McDonalds, then headed to the show.  The kids had a blast!  

Kade LOVES big cousin, Gunnar!

Kade, Gunnar, Breckyn, and Marleigh all ready for
the show!

Daddy went out at intermission for cotton candy
and Mickey ears!

So much fun!

We kept trying to pry Kade's eyes off the stage
for a picture, but that just didn't happen!

It really was a great show!

Worn out on the ride home.  

Pretty girl was all smiles, all day.  

~~~

Yesterday, we got some more snow.  The kids were begging to play in it, so we spent 20 minutes getting all bundled up, but it was COLD!  I made them come in after only 15 minutes.

We now have many snow angels all over our yard!

This little guy decided that playing in the snow is
pretty fun.  Last year he wanted nothing to do with it.

Marleigh thinks her snow boots are so cool!  She insisted
on posing for a picture so she could, "showcase her boots!"

Kade came running out last night and wanted to "play
football".  So we did!  :)

Marleigh is 5!

Miss Marleigh-

Five years have passed so quickly!  You are growing up into a beautiful little girl, and Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you!

The last several months you have blossomed.  Our shy little girl has gained confidence and you will now engage almost anyone in conversation.  You still like to have us close by, but we are for sure gaining ground!

Starting dance this past fall has helped your coordination and confidence as well.  You really enjoy going to dance every week, and love that you get to pick out dance outfits.  Rebecca always finds some cute way to do your hair on dance days.  You are always eager to show your dance moves to anyone who will watch.  We are so proud of you!

Stepping Stones Preschool has been so amazing!  You really like to learn and seem to pick up on things so quickly.  Daddy and I can no longer spell around you, because you have started sounding out words.  I can't believe that Pre-K is half way over and you will be off to Kindergarten next year!

You still wow us with some of the things that you say.  Your vocabulary and thought process seems to be so mature for your age.  Just the other day, we were talking about Kade's shoes.  You had mentioned that his shoes were blue and white, and had velcro.  You then paused, turned to me, and said, "Speaking of which, Mom, when is Kade going to get shoes that have shoelaces and tie?"

I know I mention it every time, but I love your compassionate heart.  Your brother had some sort of allergic reaction a couple of times last week.  The night of your birthday, we were saying your bed time prayers, and you said, "God, please don't let my brother get anymore red spots.  I don't want him to have to go to the doctor."  You were also concerned that he had to get his checkup yesterday.  You inquired as to whether he was going to have to get shots.  Because if he did, you might need to go with him to take care of him.

Marleigh, you are an incredible big sister!  Kade can be a bit pesky, as all little brothers can, but you generally are so patient and kind with him.  You play very well with him, and are always willing to help him if he needs it.

I never would have dreamed that you would be such a girlie girl, but you are, and I love it.  You adore anything that sparkles or is pink.  You would wear a dress every day if I would let you.  At the age of 5, you already have a much better sense of fashion than I do.  Sometimes, you will critique what I'm wearing and tell me to go get a different pair of shoes.  Just last week, you were picking out finger nail polish, and grabbed some and said, "Mom!  This would look great on you!  You have to buy it!!!"  I haven't worn fingernail polish in over 20 years, but I saw the joy in your face.  We painted my nails that night, and I admit, I got many compliments on them!

Marleigh, you have taught me so much in your 5 short years of life and brought so much joy to our family.  I am blown away by all that you have accomplished already.  We love you so much!

Love-
Mom