My bugaboo.

For once, I can't find the words....just a smile in my heart! This is my new favorite picture of Jackson and I... I just love him!

Parvo - 2 months down, 2 to go

Argh!! Yes, that's what pirates say when they are expressing themselves. It fits here, right now. It is a word that just screams frustration and determination all in one word. It dawned on me, as Addison and I were driving home from the doctor's office that it's been just over 2 months since this whole parvo adventure started. 2 months into it, and the infectious disease doc had said that things could go on for 2 to 4 months. So far, we seem to be on the 4 month course.

I took her back today (Tuesday) because she has had yet another rash slowly climbing her back from her hips on up (has been climbing for 3 weeks). Started as little bumps, but today had more of a lacy sandpapery look/feel to it. It has now slowly started over her shoulders and is headed down her tummy. Oh, let's not leave out the fact that it is also on her arms and legs. Yes, so it sounds like it's ALL OVER again. Yes. Yes, it is. She's not bright red like she was in the hospital, but I can tell it's making her uncomfortable.

Over the weekend, she went on a walk with my dad, came home and asked for some ice. She sat down and put it on a few of her joints and told my mom that she was hurting a little. She then went on to tell her that she sometimes hurts but she doesn't want to say anything. ARGH!!! 

Oh, and she's waking up again. A. Lot. Our doctor confirmed that her cough is allergy related, so we are going to treat that differently and get her labs that the I.D. ordered done. That should hopefully confirm that her numbers are in fact doing what he expected them to do...normalize.

ARGH!!! We've got two months of this viral madness, and looks like 2 more to go. Our doctor just chuckled this afternoon as he looked through Addison's chart because she has certainly kept him on his toes...we don't take her in often for the normal cough/cold. It's been more strange stuff than anything!

2 months down, and though I have my moments of, "ARGH!!!!!" we are still smiling! We have to find the humor in the moment, and with Addison, there is always humor to be found!!!

Perfectly unique and uniquely perfect!

Dear Jackson,

This school year has been one of discovery for us. We knew there would be some challenges transitioning from a preschool with 5 kids to a kinder class of 32. We didn't know, though, what those challenges would look like. Jackson, you have always been a busy kid. You have always been full of energy and life. You always will. You have always been friendly, and with that, don't always recognize the need for a personal space bubble because in your world, your personal space bubble tends to include others.

As kinder started, you began to chew on your shirt (a lot). I always packed extra shirts, but you didn't want to change at school, always saying it didn't bother you. We, your dad and I, wondered if it was bullies or anxiety. We met with your teacher, the school counselor, and your principal. Everyone was helping us figure out what the cause was. You were also having trouble sitting in your seat all day. I get it, I have trouble at times sitting in my seat, but this was starting to disrupt your learning....which we have to nip before it becomes a problem. Your principal helped us out and had an assortment of seats we brought home one weekend to try out. They go on your regular seat, but allow you a little movement in your chair so you can stay in your seat. Guess what? It helped! You love the red one with smooth bumpies on it. In fact, you took it with you one day when there was a fire drill. You've done a much better job of staying in your seat, and the chewing has even gotten better. Now, instead of chewing down your shirt, you usually chew on the zipper of your jacket.

You are very scheduled, and do well with it. When something in your world is different, that doesn't always work out. One day, Kelly called me because you started melting down in the morning at school. I came, and was actually with Susan and she came too. You were in full bore tears, red faced and all. Broke my heart! Turns out, you wanted to go home because dad was home sick. In your world, when dad is home, it's a hang out day. So even though you knew dad was sick, you still thought you should be there because he was home. We finally got you back to class, and Susan and your teacher were able to get you engaged in helping someone else.

You are a great helper. Lately, you have been bringing your books to school to share during your reading time. You let other kids in class look at your books. We had to limit you to 3 a day though because one got misplaced for a while and you almost melted down. We have a lot of meltdowns at home. Mainly with me, which makes me sad. Sometimes I feel like I am not doing a good job as your mom because I seem to get the worst of it. I know that's not true, and we keep working through your meltdowns.

You tend to bump into others right now. You've been doing it in line at school since the beginning, and we saw it at soccer also. Susan explains that you need more stimulus to "ground yourself" whereas the rest of us are there. It's like trying to stay awake when driving. Sometimes people will roll down the window, blast the air and music. You need all of that to feel the way I feel without it.

We are working on figuring out the reason behind your behaviors. But I need you to know that it is not because we think anything is wrong with you. And Jackson, you need to hear this ALL THE TIME. You are smart and perfect as you are! We also are not looking for, nor will ever allow anything that we find out, to be an excuse for behaviors. But, we do have to find a way to help you deal with your uniqueness so that you can succeed in school and ultimately in whatever you decide to do, because you can do ANYTHING! Our expectations will not be lower, in fact, they may be higher because we know there will be times you will have to work a little harder.

Jackson, you are perfectly unique and uniquely perfect! You always will be. Never let anyone make you feel like you have to change who you are. The world is a circle, and you are a star, so we just have to cut out a star from the world. I never want you to feel like you can't do something, and right now, you don't see things that could interfere later. That's not your job, that's our job. We are doing everything we can to help you learn the skills you need to be successful just as you are. And remember Jackson, you are our uniquely perfect star!!!!

We love you to the ends of the earth bugaboo!!

Love,
Mom

The Ballerina Bash!

Addison wanted a ballerina birthday this year. This was a challenge because there is no "kit" for a ballerina birthday. Really??? 

So we set off to create our own. From what I found online (I don't know what I'd do without the internet in situations like this!), a lot of PINK should be involved. Ok, I've embraced it...so here we go! After finding a few cake options, I was freaking out because I didn't have the energy to create a ballerina from fondant. Thank goodness for cupcake toppers in cute boxes because I stumbled across one at a store that had fairy ballerinas. Perfect! Bright pink cake with ballerinas all over it...count Addie in!

With the cake done, it was time to play! My mom and sister helped put together tissue paper flowers in pink that we hung around the house. Other than that, oh, and a pink table cloth, the decor was done. Throw in Addison's favorite snacks, basically anything you can dunk in nutella and we were ready. Her friends came over, they played in the jumper, inside and outside and upside down! They had a blast. Addison was very intent on opening the door for her guests herself, it was very cute to watch her play hostess.

A ballerina party wouldn't be complete without tutu's...and Addison's started out on her...but as most clothes these days, ended up on the floor (or grass in this case).

Parker had an awesome time with Charlie! Despite being half her size, Parker was all about playing and  snuggling.

This was probably the first time that Addison had all of her friends over. I've decided that games are not necessary at birthday parties...especially at this age. They had a blast just playing, and thankfully they all play so well together!!! But 2 hours is a perfect amount of time...too much longer and our happy story would have had a more cranky ending.

Addison and Carley 

(our neighbor, she is 6 months younger than Addison)

Jackson needed a rest amongst all the excitement.

Addison and Carley, looking into the distance at all that is to come!!! 

Happy Birthday Addison!!! Here's to another amazing year!

4 years old!!!

Dear Addison,

You turned four today!! I remember when we found out you were a girl, I had this thought that we were going to do no pink. In fact, I remember actually telling people no pink at your baby shower. Ha! Little did I know. We have never encouraged the "girly", but you embrace it. You love all things girl. You change your clothes often, creating ensembles that speak to your creativity. And what I love most, is that you love to get dirty. You are my poster child for being a "girly girl" who is not afraid to play in the dirt and look for bugs.

Addison, you are such an energetic and creative kid. You love to dance and perform. Many a night, we are treated to a performance by yours truly, complete with singing and dancing. We have turned on dancing shows on TV before and you will watch, and then attempt...usually you do quite well. Lately, you seem to be on a liturgical kick. You sway and move to the music in such a way that we can tell you just feel it. Your dance class this year had a "mini-competition" to get ready for your first recital, and you wowed. You danced to "Twinkle, twinkle little star" and added your liturgical flair.

It's so fun to watch you play Addie. You are such a little mamma!! You love your babies, both dolls and stuffed animals. They are undressed and dressed many times a day. You love to walk them, tuck them in and read them stories. Your favorites are "Baby Parker" and "Baby Frog." You love the real animals too. You are a nurturer, and you just seem to have a special relationship with them. We are totally seeing it with Charlie!

You give the best morning hugs and snuggles. Daddy's favorite time is putting you to bed. In fact, you've started asking for Dad when you wake up in the middle of the night. You are definitely daddy's girl! You love to visit Grandma and Grandpa, and ride your bike.

Addison, everything you do, you do with spunk. When you were sick a few months ago, and now as we wait for everything to go away, it was those glimpses of your spunk that were reassuring. You are a delight. You are smart and creative and sensitive. You are learning that words are powerful, and can communicate quite well. You are going to become anything you want, and I know that you will achieve it. You are that determined....I fear for those who try to stand in your way! Daddy and I are guiding you and teaching you so that you can take the world by storm!

You're doing it sweetheart, you are! We are so proud of you and feel so blessed that we get to play, sing and dance with you all the time! We were given the best gift, YOU, and we promise to cherish and treasure YOU as we grow together and discover all there is to learn!

We love you sweetheart. You will always be our lovebug! Enjoy being 4!!!

Love,
Mommy

Addison's turns 4 in pictures

 Addison's last picture as a three year old.

 Addison's first picture as a four year old.

 All smiles!

 Help from Jackson, the big brother and protector.

 Birthday hugs.

 Addison and her first cabbage patch kid, Jordan Piper.

 Birthday cupcakes.

Enjoying every last lick (although she goes for the frosting...not the cake!)

Best bike attire

Let's review...to have the best biking experience, one needs to be properly outfitted. Should we go top to bottom or bottom to top? Why don't we explore the outfit starting from the top down.

Yes, every experienced biker needs a helmet. That is a requirement for any outfit that ensures safety. One must then make sure that her arms are covered (those falls can be brutal). In Addison's case, this means a black velvet sweater from Christmas two years ago. Your hands should be properly protected from the elements (in our case, mid 70's, light wind), so of course Addison needs the snow gloves. Pajamas with shorts are the most comfortable and non-itchy attire around (she still has the rash from her viral infection, and it is flaring right now which means lots of clothes changes). And everyone knows that pajamas must be topped with a tutu, because a girl can't go biking without one! Her cheetah shoes complete her outfit and she is ready to go! I know everyone has a favorite outfit, and I hope they all include tutus...they make the outfit work!!!