Recap of well check ups

So to pick up where I left off...Riley is great in all areas! Even Bree got the a-okay in most areas, but obviously there are delays with not being able to sit up on her own and not eating by mouth. I did discuss in length (and this is not the first time) with Johanna about the H1N1 shot and we have decided to get it for both of our girls, and for ourselves. We feel that it is necessary for our family. They have already had their regular flu shots and Adam and I will get ours when they come in on base.

The rest of their well check up appointment consisted of discussing Riley's sleeping habits, and giving Bree her one year old shots. Poor little girl, she had to get four separate shots! She was a trooper though and after just a few moments of cuddles and love she was settled back down again. She has had a rough two days since having her shots, but we are keeping an eye on her. She has not had a fever yet, but just seemed pale, flushed and lethargic. I think from now on I am going to ask to have any shots split up so she does not receive so many at once. Her little body doesn't seem to be able to handle it.

Tomorrow Adam and I will be clearing Riley's room of any "super fun" toys and just leaving baby dolls, stuffed animals, and books in her room. We are going to be more strict with our bedtime routine: teeth, bath, pj's, book, "rocka rocka" (rocking in her chair), then kisses and bed. We will then put the gate up, and not answer to any pleading calls of "Mommmmmmyyyyyy!". Hopefully with consistency this bedtime thing will become easier. Wish us luck!

"She's not normal"

Today, for the first time in a long time, I heard these words uttered and I found joy, and laughter, within them. I had asked our PA a question about Bree's language development and where she should be at. It went something like this: "Where should a twelve month old be at with their language? Riley has always spoken well, and more than she should be for her age so I do not have a good conparison." Johanna quickly replied "Yeah, she's not normal." I abruptly laughed and said "I never thought I'd be happy to hear those words, usually it's not a good thing." Ha ha! Riley puts together sentences, and will openly express how she feels about things. She told me today: "I 'cared" (I'm scared) because there was a dog barking next door. I commonly get "C'mon Mommy! I show you sumpin!" So, yes...Riley is not normal, and that is GREAT!

Bree is right where she should be with language according to Johanna. She says 3-5 common sounds, Ma, Da, Ba, squeals, and babbles to herself. She can look around the room and find who you are asking for. (If you ask, Where's Riley? or Where's Sister? she will look around until she finds her..if you follow her eyes you can tell it is purposeful) She engages socially with you by touching your face, she starts games and expects you to comply with them. So, for being a preemie, she got the a-okay today. We are still going to do PT, Speech therapy and we will be starting OT here soon.

I will update more later as Riley just got up from her nap and is now whining and crying for me to go "make castle" with her. (play in the sandbox!)