It's a Wiggly Wiggly World

I THINK I'VE DIED AND GONE TO WIGGLES HEAVEN.

WHEEEE!! HIGH VELOCITY!!

WIGGLY GIRLS

I LOVE TO RIDE IN MY BIG RED CAR.

Today was the day...finally!!! Abe has been asking for weeks if we could take the kids to Wiggles Play Center in Frisco. He has been looking forward to it for so long :) Since we weren't sure about the weather (will it EVER stop raining!) we decided for an indoor activity today. We were one of the first people there this morning, (in true Prompt-Jacolyn style) so we were able to enjoy some play time before all the birthday party kids arrived. They were having 6 parties there today!! Kids were everywhere!! Mack loved ALL the big red cars. He didn't actually want to ride in them...it appeared he wanted to make sure the axles were straight or everything was ok with the wheels. He would roll each one around while looking under the car. Sophie was hypnotized. My extroverted, extremely active little girl just walked around gazing at the murals and big screen TVs in awe. She was in Wiggles heaven. Grace had a great time also on the slides. She loves adventure! We had a very wiggly time :)

Just More Swim Pictures

Fun in the Sun

Sunday afternoon we went swimming with Jackie and Kathryn. Grace loves the water the most, Mack liked the snacks the most and Sophie liked the dogs. We have a great time! Sorry, but I got a little carried away with the picture taking. I have more to post later.

More About MDO

Mom's Day Out...What a blessing! It started off a little rough for Grace. As you may remember, Mack and Sophie were going two days a week and Grace only one. On Tues I would drop off Mack and Sophie and take Grace to PT and then we would spend the rest of the day together. A week ago last Thurs I get a call about Grace. She has been crying since I dropped her off and she could not be comforted. So at 12:30 I go pick her up. The teachers suggested that I bring her on Tues after she has PT. I couldn't believe it!!! They wanted to see more of her!! They thought that only one day a week wasn't enough time for her to settle in. She is the only one in the class with special needs so I was afraid her limitations would be a hinderance. Well, this week was fabulous!! She cried a bit on Tues but not at all on Thurs!! Do I sound excited!! I am!!! She did great. I was afraid I was going to have to pull her out of MDO and now she gets to stay with her brother and sister. Yeah! I think it is going to be so good for her. She is so so precious!!

We had a crazy busy week with so MANY blessings!

Botox Isn't Just For Wrinkles

Yesterday I took Grace to Medical City Dallas for her first round of Botox injections. I was extremely anxious about it because I had heard it can be quite painful and traumatic for the child. I had prayer requests out to everyone I knew...my little princess doesn't need more trauma. She did great!!! Praises!! Praises!!! Oh, she cried, but mainly when the nurse took her out of my arms (we decided the nurse would be the bad guy). She has shown no discomfort or after effects so far. I'm so excited! We are having hinges put in her braces on Friday which is perfect timing. I'm trying to not be overly optimistic but God is good and Grace is so ready to walk. Thanks so much for the prayers and keep 'em coming.

I was reminded of a wonderful verse last night: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
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Below is an excerpt explaining more about Botox and CP from http://www.cerebralpalsysource.com/About_CP/botox_cp/index.html

When most people hear the term botox, they automatically assume that the impending use will be for some celebrities wrinkled, aging face and their last stab at beauty. However, few are aware of a more important use for botox, and the connection between botox and cerebral palsy.

Botulinum toxin type A, or botox, is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that reduces the rigidity of muscles or unwanted spasms in a specific muscle. Botox is produced from the bacteria that causes food poisoning and provides relief for muscle stiffness at the site of injection. Though high doses of botox can be deadly, the very small doses used in cerebral palsy cases. Over the past ten years, the use of botox has shifted from wrinkle reduction to successfully treating muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, making botox and cerebral palsy a hugely successful match.

The marriage of botox and cerebral palsy may seem odd at first, but is actually quite practical. When prepared for therapeutic use, botox is injected in small amounts into the spastic or stiff muscles. It begins to take effect by blocking transmission between the nerves and the affected muscles. The injection stops the signal between the nerve and the muscle, relaxing the muscle and reducing stiffness. Botox only affects the muscles that are injected and once the muscles are relaxed, therapists are able to stretch the muscles and stimulate normal growth.

There are several benefits associated with botox and cerebral palsy. Botox injections can offer many benefits including ease in stretching, improvement in child’s range of motion, tolerance to wearing braces and developmental improvements in crawling, standing, or gait changes.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

This week seems like it has been a whirlwind and it's only half over! Between the kids and I, we had 8 medical related appointments! That's a lot, even for us. I've seen one mother post her calendar on her blog to show all the appts her son has. I think this is a great idea (if I can ever figure out how to do it) so maybe I'll be forgiven for all those birthdays I forgot this month and for all the times I couldn't go to Oklahoma. I hate forgetting to send a card on birthdays. It is the one thing I was pretty good about doing to reach out to people to let them know how important they are to me. Well, for all you that are reading this and did not get a card or a timely card, I'm truly sorry and I still love you all heaps and heaps. I'm really trying to get my act together.

Moms Say the Craziest Things

Today I was thinking of some of the things I've said since I've had kids...things I would have never imagined myself saying:

Do you have a poopy diaper? Can you say poo poo?
I have to go (get off the phone), I have to get Play Dough out of Mack's ear.
Mommy is putting you in time-out because xxxxx (insert, biting, hiting, throwing things, etc)
Oh, that looks like spinach on the wall.
We don't tackle our sister.
Are you ready to go night-night? Let's get your lovie bear.
Mommy needs to go to the bathroom by herself.
Deli meat is easier to sweep up if you let it dry first.
You don't need to bite me if you want my attention.

Random...I know, but have a great day!!
Jac

Our Daddy's the Best!!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!!

Here are just a FEW ways in which Abe is a good father:

PATIENT: When everyone else in the house (including me) is losing their cool, Daddy can always bring his calming demeanor to the situation. He is always patient to assess the situation and bring a solution. He has never threatened to run away from home if everyone doesn't quite whining like mommy has :)

PREPARED: Mommy is sometimes quick to be out the door with only our swimsuits when we go to the pool. Abe thinks of the towels, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, drinks and snacks. He is also the one to make sure the kids have insect repellent applied when playing outside. (There are many times that I think Abe should be the Mommy/Wife and I should be the Daddy/Husband :) He is also always prepared with a kiss and hug, or a reading of Green Eggs and Ham, when someone needs it. (see also LOVING)

LOVING: Boy, does he love those kids!!

PLAYFUL: The kids love it when daddy comes home from work. It's playtime! He can make them laugh like no one else...you know, those really good belly laughs. Unfortunately for Grace and Sophie, Daddy has taught Mack how to tackle...we are working on breaking him of that :)

FAITHFUL TO GOD: Daddy get up with the kids in the morning and cooks breakfast. Mornings are their main time together. There is always a thankful prayer said before meals. Back before the kids were walking I would hear him in their room reading to them from the Bible. He started with Genesis and was just working his way through. It was so funny to hear him reading the patriarchs' genealogy to them but it seemed to keep their attention at the time...not any more :)

WONDERFUL HUSBAND: For all the reasons above and more.

I love you Abe!

Amazing Daniel

I have recently joined a Yahoo group for moms with children who have cerebral palsy. These woman and their children are AMAZING!!! The attached video is of a little boy who is about Grace's age and getting a motorized wheel chair. This video had me sobbing....I mean in the fetal position, rocking back and forth sobbing. This little boy was not expected to do much and he is...can I say it again...AMAZING!! Grace will be going to a Mobility Clinic in July for us to try out new equipment. I know she will also be...AMAZING!!

(sorry but you will have to copy and paste the following to see the video...my blogging skills are not too refined yet :)

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=2e19c75a904c0f75539bc6&skin_id=1011&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Hello, On-Star?

Do you think that part of your brain disintegrates upon giving birth to children? Maybe? All I know is my memory is horrible and it seems to take very little for me to become disoriented. Mack was SO grumpy yesterday (he didn't have a good nap) and after trying everything to appease him I decided we would go for a drive...first to Starbucks (Hello, need my caffeine) and then around the lake. The rain had been spotty for most of the day so I felt like a walk was out of the question, not to mention the humidity was stifling. Ok, this is embarrassing to admit...but I got lost somewhere in the neighborhoods around White Rock Lake. Maybe I was distracted by the songs we were singing or looking at the really cool houses, but I didn't not know where the heck we were. I had forgotten my cell phone during the loading of the van so I decided to use my van's compass and I would simply navigate our way out. Does anyone REALLY use those things?!! If they are mom's they do!! Today we have stayed on our well-traveled routes without incident.

A Walk in the Park

Our morning walks have been getting earlier and earlier in an effort to beat the heat. This morning we started at 8:00am and headed for Tietze Park. I love the walk to and around the park because it's pretty well shaded. However, I sometimes have to avoid the park unless I'm willing to let the kids out of the stroller to play. Mack throws a huge fit if we don't stop and play. We often get out and play on the new toddler toys but usually when there is someone with me. It can be difficult keeping up with all three if I am by myself and especially if Mack or Sophie decide to make a break for it and run off through the field heading towards the street. Today I felt brave after my morning latte so we played. They had a blast swinging, climbing up the slide and playing in the big red car (ok, it's not THE big red car but it was fun).

Mom's Day Out

The trio started Mom's Day Out This week. Mack and Sophie go on Tues while Grace goes to PT and gets to hang out with mom all day and all three go on Thurs. I was a little nervous about the whole thing. On Tues morning I was awake at 4 am thinking about packing their lunch, wondering how they would do for so long away from mom, etc. Well, I think our first week was mostly a success. The hardest part for me has been staying in the "invisible hug box" while they go into the classroom (Mack and Grace cry). Mack never cries for long but I have to tear myself away. Grace did cry on and off today but was able to be consoled. So far, I love the MDO program. Everyday they do a craft, sings songs, have story time and play outside. I am given a report in writing about the day and how each child did when I pick them up. Here are a few comments from the teachers.

Mack - Tues "Mack played with the cars but I think his favorite thing today was playing in the home living center with pots, dishes and spoons"
Thurs "Mack had a wonderful day. Today he knew exactly what activity was coming next. We are so proud of him.

Sophie - Tues "Sophie is very independent, she moved from center to center just having fun"
Thurs "She is so independent. She had a great day"

Grace - Thurs "Her favorite book was the Wiggles"

I'm such a proud mama :)

Mack Hearts Kathryn

MY little boy Mack ADORES Kathryn!!! He says her name and makes goo goo eyes a her. UGH!! (Not that I'm jealous or anything but c'mon I gave birth to him :) Last night, as the girls were arriving at our house for bible study, Mack would hang on to Kathryn or hide behind her as he assessed the situation and looked cautiously at my other friends. Here is photo of Mack and Kat feeding each other crackers!! Did I mention that Mack LOVES Kathryn.

Rock Star!

We have been trying for MONTHS to get Mack to wear glasses. Any kind of glasses. He is farsighted enough that he should be wearing prescription lenses, but it has been a battle to get them on him and impossible to keep them on him. We have been trying, mostly in vain, to get him to wear anything on his head, sunglasses, hats, etc. Well, hallelujah! He has been putting his sunglasses the doctor gave him after his eye surgery on his face. Now, they don't stay on long but we hope this means we are on our way to wearing the real thing. He can be such a little stinker...but still looks like a rock star :)

Sisters

Sisters, sisters
There were never such devoted sisters,
Never had to have a chaperone, no sir,
I’m there to keep my eye on her
Caring, sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing
When a certain gentleman arrived from rome
She wore the dress, and I stayed home
All kinds of weather, we stick together
The same in the rain and sun
Two different faces, but in tight places
We think and we act as one
Those who’ve seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us
Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister
And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man

Yes, I'm a big dork but I always think of this song from White Christmas when I see my girls together. They really love each other!! This photo was not posed.