I mentioned awhile back that Samantha graduated from speech therapy. Now it is hard to believe we were ever worried about her talking. What I never really described was her transition into occupational therapy. She began occupational therapy because of her sensory sensitivity.
She has demonstrated this through things like her aversion to getting her hair wet, avoiding loud noises, hating to get her finger nails clipped and a number of other similar things that cause her to isolate herself and act very shy. This time last year we began to meet with Kate who is wonderful and works with Samantha doing things that are outside her comfort zone like finger painting or interacting with other kids she doesn't know. The idea is that Samantha has difficulty filtering too much sensory information. If there is too much stimuli it causes her to shut down and retreat. At a birthday party with kids running around and loud noises, you will find Samantha off in a room by herself. Kate has taught me techniques to better prepare her of the unknown.
I have to admit that I go back and forth feeling like this is very real for Samantha and feeling like Samantha just needs to suck it up and act like a normal kid. I know that sounds horrible but after an hour trying to wash her hair, or sitting out of gymnastics class because she won't interact with a new teacher and kids or having to chase her around the house to be able to brush her hair, I'm wondering if it is me that is doing something seriously wrong.
I also feel like we had made a lot of progress and then regressed once Carina arrived which Kate tells me is very normal. In June Samantha is starting preschool two mornings a week and I'm feeling very anxious and excited to see how that goes. I truly believe it is going to be very, very good for her but I also think she is going to have a hard time. That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger right? All of this has certainly been a good lesson for me in patience and love. She is the sweetest child, always very caring and aware of what is going on around her. I just don't want her sensitivities and shyness to cause her to avoid enjoying things and having fun.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
We had a fabulous week in Mexico celebrating the 60th birthdays of my in laws Jim and Judy. The humidity and warm ocean air were just what Samantha and Carina needed to get rid of those coughs and we all had a great time. We stayed in a big house with our family of four, Jim and Judy and Dave's sister Molly and her husband Brian. The house overlooked the ocean and Samantha spent hours building sand castles, jumping the waves and searching for seashells. Carina went for her first swim in the ocean, not bad for her first two months of life. My main priority for the week was to sleep and I got very spoiled with the rest I got. We couldn't have asked for more, the only downside was that our camera died on day one so the only photos I have are from my phone.
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| First trip and it was to Mexico! |
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| Beach Beauty |
Sick and Tired
This will be quick because I've got my hands full! Both of my babies are sick just before a big trip we have planned to Mexico which has just about driven me to a complete meltdown. Thanks to my mom's help, I've been going to yoga class almost every day which has helped to keep me calm and I *think* everything may work out.
Last Monday Samantha started to cough and was very congested. After taking her to the doctor we found out she had RSV which is not terribly serious unless an infant gets it. She had bronchiolitis caused by RSV and a terrible cough. We did our best to keep the girls separated and the house disinfected but the following Monday night Carina began to cough as well.
Yesterday Carina had her two month check up and unfortunately tested positive for RSV as well. The doctor did not want to risk giving her the immunizations because they could make her worse. And he was hopeful that we could still go to Mexico if she doesn't get worse but we just have to wait and see. If her breathing worsens he advised not taking her anywhere because he said we would just be getting off the plane to take her to the hospital to be on oxygen. Fingers crossed that we will be able to go on this trip to celebrate the 60th birthdays of my in laws.
In other news, we have another growing baby and even though she isn't feeling well she smiled at everyone at the doctor even the people who took her lab tests which was endearing. She is a sweetheart. Carina's stats are:
Height: 22 1/4 inches - 75 percentile
Weight: 10 pounds 9 ounces - 50 percentile
Head Circ: 15 1/2 inches - 75 percentile
Last Monday Samantha started to cough and was very congested. After taking her to the doctor we found out she had RSV which is not terribly serious unless an infant gets it. She had bronchiolitis caused by RSV and a terrible cough. We did our best to keep the girls separated and the house disinfected but the following Monday night Carina began to cough as well.
Yesterday Carina had her two month check up and unfortunately tested positive for RSV as well. The doctor did not want to risk giving her the immunizations because they could make her worse. And he was hopeful that we could still go to Mexico if she doesn't get worse but we just have to wait and see. If her breathing worsens he advised not taking her anywhere because he said we would just be getting off the plane to take her to the hospital to be on oxygen. Fingers crossed that we will be able to go on this trip to celebrate the 60th birthdays of my in laws.
In other news, we have another growing baby and even though she isn't feeling well she smiled at everyone at the doctor even the people who took her lab tests which was endearing. She is a sweetheart. Carina's stats are:
Height: 22 1/4 inches - 75 percentile
Weight: 10 pounds 9 ounces - 50 percentile
Head Circ: 15 1/2 inches - 75 percentile
Snuggles and Smiles
It is incredible to me how this early on, there are distinct differences between Samantha and Carina. Of course I know that every child has their own personality but it is interesting to see them shine in my own children.
My mom always tells the story of me as a baby fussing and she went into the other room put me down and I stopped crying. My Aunt Paula asked what she did and my mom said she just put me down. I cried to be left alone. This is the story of my life ;)
When Samantha was born she snuggled right up on my chest and held on tight. Even the nurses commented on how snuggly she was. She wanted to be close all the time. My father in law joked that she took so long to crawl because nobody ever put her down, but how could you when she was so cozy when you held her. Carina on the other hand seems to take after her mom. On the rare occasions that she cries, I've found that she just wants to be put in her swing. I feel guilty not to be holding her all the time but often when I try, she wants her space. When you put her on your chest to snuggle up, instead of nestling in, she pushes her head up to see where she can be put down.
Samantha is a serious kid. Even as a tiny baby she had a bit of scowl and seemed to be trying to figure it all out. Of course she is a happy child and has fun but she certainly isn't the kid who is the chatting with new people and laughing at the park. I looked in her baby book and I didn't record a smile until she was 6 weeks old. Carina on the other hand was giving us big smiles in the hospital. She is showing me those adorable dimples in the middle of the night when she is getting a diaper change, when she's getting a bath and really any time I tell her hello. It will be interesting to watch to see if her happy disposition continues.
I'm hoping the two girls will be able to help each other cuddle up and smile more. And for that matter, I hope they respect each others' space and seriousness as well. I'll leave you this Friday with one of those smiles I'm talking about, have a great weekend.
My mom always tells the story of me as a baby fussing and she went into the other room put me down and I stopped crying. My Aunt Paula asked what she did and my mom said she just put me down. I cried to be left alone. This is the story of my life ;)
When Samantha was born she snuggled right up on my chest and held on tight. Even the nurses commented on how snuggly she was. She wanted to be close all the time. My father in law joked that she took so long to crawl because nobody ever put her down, but how could you when she was so cozy when you held her. Carina on the other hand seems to take after her mom. On the rare occasions that she cries, I've found that she just wants to be put in her swing. I feel guilty not to be holding her all the time but often when I try, she wants her space. When you put her on your chest to snuggle up, instead of nestling in, she pushes her head up to see where she can be put down.
Samantha is a serious kid. Even as a tiny baby she had a bit of scowl and seemed to be trying to figure it all out. Of course she is a happy child and has fun but she certainly isn't the kid who is the chatting with new people and laughing at the park. I looked in her baby book and I didn't record a smile until she was 6 weeks old. Carina on the other hand was giving us big smiles in the hospital. She is showing me those adorable dimples in the middle of the night when she is getting a diaper change, when she's getting a bath and really any time I tell her hello. It will be interesting to watch to see if her happy disposition continues.
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