20 Questions: BigK version- 6 year old

1. What is your favorite color? Pink and green
2. What is your favorite toy? Dr. Bunny
3. What is your favorite fruit? banana
4. What is your favorite tv show? Octonauts
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Mac&Cheese or Chicken nuggets
6. What is your favorite outfit? All of them
7. What is your favorite game? Kinect Nickelodeon Dance Game
8. What is your favorite snack? chips
9. What is your favorite animal? giraffe
10. What is your favorite song? God's not Dead
11. What is your favorite book? My Popple Christmas book
12. Who is your best friend? Tommy and Aidan
13. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? play on my playhouse or new bounce house once it gets warmer
15. What is your favorite drink? Root beer 
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Dr. Bunny, and water
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Mickey Mouse waffles
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? cheeburger cheeburger 
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a doctor, a kid one

20 Questions: LittleK Version- 2 year old version

C and I answered these questions for LittleK- guessed what she would answer if she could.

1. What is your favorite color? Purple
2. What is your favorite toy? Cars
3. What is your favorite fruit? Blueberries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Elmo
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? potato chips
6. What is your favorite outfit? anything she can wear shoes with
7. What is your favorite game? hide and seek
8. What is your favorite snack? marshmallows
9. What is your favorite animal? monkey
10. What is your favorite song? Whatever is on- she'll dance to just about anything
11. What is your favorite book? Shape books
12. Who is your best friend? Kyndall
13. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Swing
15. What is your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper (we don't get, she's super quick and will steal it!) 
16. What is your favorite holiday? Doesn't know what a holiday is
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Puppy and weighted blanket
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? potato chips
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? beans and rice and potato chips 
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? No telling, but probably a doctor or a therapist...

Adventures at Children's Medical

Sunday November 9 started like any other normal Sunday, but by 7:30 pm, it was anything but. We went to church that morning, grabbed a quick lunch, took afternoon naps, and headed back to the church for evening activities.

When I got to the nursery to pick up LittleK, her teachers let me know that she had fallen 4 times and had hit her head pretty hard. Now falling isn't abnormal for her. We've just always chalked it up to her sensory issues. C carried her out and we noticed that she wasn't acting normal. We decided that he would take BigK and I home and take LittleK to the ER to be checked out to be ok the safe side.

One CT scan, one IV line, and lots of lab work later, they decide our next step is have her transported to Children's for further testing and observation. Of course BigK and I are at home and in our PJs getting ready to go to bed when I get the call from C that they are sending my baby 2 hours away via ambulance. I go into panic mode. Get dressed,  get BigK dressed, grab some things for LittleK and C and head to the truck to get to the hospital before they leave. That's when I realize I don't have keys to the vehicle that is sitting in the driveway. A couple of phone calls later, we have a ride.

C and LittleK finally head out to Children's at just before midnight. I head home. In tears. I get a text at just before 2 saying they had made it and waiting to be taken to her room. I get that message at 3:30. I can finally settle enough to get some sleep.

 

I get BigK to school that Monday morning and call C to find out more. He said they were getting ready to go to radiology and anesthesia for sedation and a MRI with plans to do an EEG sometime that day as well. It's a waiting game. I head to work. With my phone close at hand and lots of people praying, I make it through the day with text messages with updates all day.

In the end, the MRI came back clear but the EEG came back showing epileptic activity on both sides of her brain. All I could think was how many seizures have we missed in her almost 2 years of life. I felt awful. As the day went on, she started getting back to "normal." Even got to go on a wagon ride around the halls!

They finally got the go ahead to go home early Tuesday morning and made it home around 3:30 that afternoon. She has now been put on Topamax and been scheduled with follow up appointments with several different doctors including 2 different neurologists.

Good things, our family deductible was met back in August...this is going to meet her out of pocket. One of our sweet friends has set up a GoFundMe site to help us out with medical expenses that are already coming in with several more to go. If you would like to donate, the link is: GoFundMe.

If you are of the praying type, please pray for our sweet LittleK, and us, as we try to adjust to our new "normal."

LittleK's Journey Continued

LittleK is now 21 months old. She's come a long way, but still has so far to go. (If you'd like to catch up on the history you can read the entry LittleK's Journey- Never say never.)

Newest and biggest accomplishment: she's WALKING! It is now her main mode of transportation and sometimes wants to walk rather than be carried. 

She started Mother's Day Out. Though in our case, it's more like Daddy's Day Out since I'm working full time M-F. We did it to help her with socialization skills (and to give daddy time to rest after work a couple of days a week.)

She is still doing therapy through Early Childhood Intervention. She has OT 4 times a month, ST 3 times a month, and SST twice a month. However, we are going to be re-evaluated later this month and things could change. I have a feeling that OT will be cut down, ST will go up to 4 times a month, SST will probably stay the same, and we may add some PT. 

I know, without a doubt, she would not be where she is now without the help of our wonderful therapists, both past and present. We miss the ones that have left us, but happy for them to start new chapters in their lives, and excited to continue with our new ones. 

Earlier in August, we took her twice to the Center for Autism and Developmental Delays for evaluation to see about a possible diagnosis, some answers, and to see if there is anything else we need to be doing to help our LittleK be successful.

They were able to rule out Autism, but only because her social level was a little too high to fall on the spectrum. [Though, I'm not 100% convinced...] When C mentioned Sensory Processing Disorder, he said they just kind of ignored the question...when we go back in February (or to the pediatric neuro for genetic testing) I am going to either have him ask again, or if I get to go, I will ask myself. They did however give us the diagnosis of: Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder. 

While there, they did an excellent job answering our questions(other than the SPD one), gathering any and all information they thought would be helpful, and including BigK in the discussion during the initial meeting. The second day, they ran her through the ringer and did a wide range of cognitive assessments. C was in the room with them the whole time to help keep her calm and to answer any questions they had. 

Based on the results, she is on the level of a child anywhere from 7-18 months. With her fine motor skills(18 months) and visual reception (17 months) being the highest and her language skills (7-8 months) being the lowest. Her gross motor, while delayed was in the middle (14 months). They also found that she does have some moderate delays in adaptive functioning. 

While she may not be exactly where she is supposed to be, we are trying our hardest and involving a many people as possible to be able to help us on our journey. Yes, there have been tears of sadness and grief, and I'm 100% guaranteed there will be more. There has been heartache, and there have been headaches (no blood...yet, but I'm sure it's coming). There have been tears of joy, again I'm certain there will be more of those as well. There has been smiles and cheers of encouragement (and more clapping than I can imagine). 

This journey has been over a year long, and there are years to come. But no matter how long or how hard this journey will be, LittleK is perfect to us.

Thank you to those who have been a part of this journey. We wouldn't be where we are without you. 

BigK starts KINDERGARTEN!

Monday August 25, 2014, 6:07AM, my alarm goes off on the first day of school. C is on his way home from work, LittleK is still sleeping soundly in her crib, I hit the snooze button, and BigK comes bounding into my room super excited to get ready to head to school for the first time.

When did my baby get so big?!

C walking his big girl into school. Fighting back tears!

Thumbs up! She was a little nervous, but super excited at the same time.

Is it just me, or does seeing "Class of 2027" make me feel REALLY old?!

After her first day. As soon as they opened the door to the truck in the pick up line, she said, "I had the goodest day ever!"

Not 10 minutes after walking in the door did she already have her uniform picked out for the next day and was in the kitchen packing her own lunch.

Dear Lord, 

Please bless this school year. Be with BigK, her teacher, and the other leaders at the school. Keep them all safe, protect them against all evil, and help the teachers guide the students this year.

In Jesus name, 

Amen!

Weekend Wrap Up!

This weekend BigK went to spend the weekend with another set of grandparents. Everyone wants some time with her before school starts at the end of the month!

C and I decided to take LittleK over to The Boardwalk to eat and do a little shopping. Our main purpose was to go to the Stride Rite store. The shopping center has a carousel, and we decided to see how she'd do. She was a little nervous at first, but once Daddy got on the horse with her, she was fine. After she got off, she kept trying to get the stroller to go up and down like the horse. I'd say it was a hit!

LittleK wasn't the only one who got in on the horse riding action. However, BigK's experience was on a living, breathing, real life horse named Rooster. She's ridden him several times and absolutely loves it. She loves going over to her aunt and uncle's house because she knows she'll get to at least see, if not ride, Rooster.

Popple Loves

Today makes the 2 year anniversary since Popple went to be our Lord. 

BigK has been missing him a lot recently, so we made a point to go out to the cemetery. She drew him a picture, and we sent it to Heaven.

LittleK has always been in a good mood, very calm, and well behaved when we go. Popple was excited for her to be born. He didn't get to meet her, but she will have piece of him with her forever in her name.

We love you and miss you Popple!

Baylor Visit

So during the summer, there is only one weekend when we plan on taking a mini vacay from the real world. This summer was no different.

BigK headed down to Central Texas a week before we did and spent with week with her grandparents down there. C, LittleK, and I headed down Friday after I got off work. 

Saturday was the annual Hicks Family Reunion. Then after it was over, we loaded up and headed to Waco. What would a trip to Baylor be without a visit to the bear pit?

(Check out LittleK standing!)

We went back to campus Sunday to do a little more walking around. Of course, we had to get BigK's annual picture with Judge Baylor.

LittleK absolutely LOVED this swing. It was a full on melt down when we put her back in the stroller.

Next summer will be no different, but hopefully LittleK will be able to run around rather than be pushed in the stroller.

LittleK is 18 Months

Sweet LittleK, you are 18 months old!

You weigh 19.4lbs and are 29 1/2in tall. Tiny little thing. We'll get official stats June 5 at your 18 month appointment. Not so excited about the shots you are going to get, but daddy is taking you.

You still have no words, but you are understanding more. You now have an action for: hello, bye bye, night night, ta-da, yay and bed.

You can sign more and milk. We are working on all done, mommy, daddy, and cup.

Your favorite foods are: marshmallows, spaghetti, lasagna with spinach, cheese, chocolate, and mommy's milk(yep, 18 months and still going!)

You do not like: pepperoni, anything sticky, taking naps other than in someone's arms

You like to: push your stroller, play at the play kitchen, swing, and be outside in general.

You're newest accomplishments: standing more and longer unassisted, and even taking a couple of steps!

 I linked the video above in cast it doesn't work below...

We are still doing our 3 therapies. We are also waiting to get an appointment at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Dallas to hopefully get more answers so that we can continue to get you the help that you need so that you can succeed.

Mother's Day 2014

Mother's Day. A day to celebrate mom. A day to remember mom. I know several people who today is a hard day- their mother may not be alive any more, they may want to be a mom more than anything and aren't. I know several people who today is their first mother's day. 

Today is my 6th(2009/2010/2011/2012/2013/2014). Today, 6 years ago, I found out BigK was on the way. It was Mother's Day. Not sure what prompted me to take a test that day, but I'm glad I did.

Today I celebrate with my two little girls. C had to work, but it was still a good day.

They surprised me with flowers and yummy strawberries. (I've already had 2, lol)

My uncle passed away last week, and his service was this past Friday. While to reason my mom came down wasn't a happy one, it was good to get to see her yesterday.

This is my Grandma and Aunt J. It was their brother that passed away. It's been YEARS since I've seen Aunt J, and the girls have never met her.

While we were over visiting my mom and grandma, we went to visit my granny as well. She and LittleK played peek-a-boo across the table. BigK drew her a picture.

[Sorry these are out of order...]

LittleK took right to Aunt J. Here they are playing pattycake at lunch, but they played lots at my grandma's house!

GG, BigK, and Grandma.

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels... 

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. 
She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 
Her sons rise up and call her blessed. 

Proverbs 31: 10

"Those" People

I never thought I'd be one of "those" people.

The one that commutes. The one that has a name badge that gets them into the building. The one that has a cubicle. The one that has a name plate on their cubicle. The one that has their name on the families insurance cards.

But I am.

I commute almost 60 miles round trip 5 days a week. I have a fancy name badge that has to be worn at all times and can magically unlock the door. While I don't have a cubicle, or name plate yet, I will once training is over. I am now the policy holder on the families insurance. [I was so stressed when signing up for benefits, making sure that I got everyone on the policy...]

I have been at my new job for 2 weeks. It's all been training, but I have learned a ton. I'm doing something I've never ever done before. Sure as a cashier, I had some customer service, but it was limited and generally the motion was the same for everyone.

Not this job. Every customer that calls in has a different question. Every call will take a different direction. Every call will be monitored...

I hate leaving the girls in the morning. I enjoy being at work, but I LOVE clocking out and getting to come home to my babies. We are still adjusting.

Ask me again in 8 weeks and see how I feel about it then when I'm done with training and set free to take calls on my own!

LittleK is 17 months

Wow! LittleK is 17 months old. Where has the time gone?

She is 18.4lbs. Not sure on the height, she was too busy to get her to stay still long enough to get it.

She loves:
Mommy milk, marshmallows, beans, pasta, her sister, daddy among other things.

She can/will:
Give high five (newest accomplishment) drink from a straw, wave hi/bye/night night, will lean in for kisses when you say night night, climb on just about anything, dances to music, use sign language to tell us more, walk while holding your fingers,  can push her stroller like a champ.

What she's working on:
Rolling over(she can, but still struggles a bit), putting objects in containers, stacking objects, and learning consonant sounds.

She's still receiving OT, ST, and play therapy. The developmental pediatrician we were referred to is out on medical leave for an undetermined amount of time so we have been referred to specialists at Children's.

Easter 2014

(Pictures are in reverse order...)

HE IS RISEN!! He is risen from the dead and is alive! 

Easter wouldn't be complete without pictures of the girls in their new dresses. I'm thinking this may be the last year BigK will let me get away with matching dresses. I was only able to get one decent picture of the girls together. BigK wouldn't smile or wouldn't open her eyes. LittleK was busy and on the move. We took these before church, which is good because LittleK's diaper didn't get put on all the way at church before we left and ended up peeing all over her dress, the highchair, and the floor. At lunch. At a restaurant. (At least it was on wood floors.)

C had to work today so no full family pictures. I'll make him reenact it later. HA!

Last night after the egg hunt and pizza, we dyed eggs. Even LittleK got in on the action, which is huge since this dye was sticky, and she is against all things sticky.

Yesterday afternoon, we went to my parents' church for an egg hunt. We had prepared BigK that there may be a lot of kids and that she may only get a couple of eggs. We were pleasantly surprised when both girls came away with a basket full! (Not that we needed 2 baskets full of eggs, but they had fun.)



Yesterday morning, the girls woke up to Easter Bunny surprises. C had to work today so the bunny decided to come early so that he could see the girls.


My parents and I took the girls to the Easter Bunny earlier this week. LittleK did much better than I expected. She wasn't thrilled beyond measure, but she didn't freak out either!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matt. 28:6

I hope your Easter was blessed!