Friday, November 23, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Although the events of this year have been less than ideal, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. We are so thankful to be blessed with our two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Madelyn. Both girls have given our lives greater meaning and have shown us so much joy. We are thankful for our wonderful friends and family, who have stood by us through our toughest times and who have made us smile even on days when that didn't seem possible. We are thankful that we have been reminded how wonderful, kindhearted, and generous people can be, even those whom we have never met. We are thankful to have access to exceptional medical care; we know how lucky we are to be working with doctors and nurses who will research and seek out every option and who truly care about their patients. Overall, we are thankful for all of the opportunities that we have been given this year to see the good and feel the love that is around us. Life gives you challenges for a reason. 

Waking up with our girls on Thanksgiving morning!

Maddy and Bapa

Maddy with Aunt Krystle, Aunt Kim, & Uncle Eric

The girls with Aunt Kim (one of the best Taylor smiles ever captured on camera!)
Maddy & Aunt Karen

Our little Maddy

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Maddy Update

We had our appointment the other day with Madelyn's pediatric urologist, Dr. Smith. She had an ultrasound done of her kidneys, which she actually seemed to really enjoy! The ultrasound did show that her left kidney is still enlarged, and retaining a lot of fluid (backed-up urine). They have finally given her a diagnosis: level 3-4 hydronephrosis. She needs to go in for two more tests, which will give a more detailed look at each kidney to see what the function is, and if any damage has been done. Dr. Smith is pretty confident that the cause is still a blockage in the ureter, and that it can easily be fixed by a minor surgery. We will know more details after the two tests.

Maddy continues to be such a good baby! She is sleeping well, usually giving us a stretch that lasts anywhere between 5 and 7 hours! Her periods of being awake and alert have been getting longer during the day. She gives us adorable social smiles now, and she loves looking at her sister. She has begun to coo every so often.

I took Maddy to the doctor last week for her excessive spit up issues. She spits up a so often (the day I called the doctor, she had spit up over a dozen times in 2 hours). She is very uncomfortable. It turns out that she has reflux, just like her sister. We started her on Prevacid yesterday so hopefully we will see some improvement in the next few days.They weighed her at the doctor's office; she is already 11 lbs 3 oz!

Madelyn loves taking baths, listening to music, watching her sister, looking at the bears above her swing, and laying on her tummy (supervised, of course). She recently started taking a pacifier. The jury is still out on whether she likes being swaddled or not.

Relaxing

Hanging out with daddy!

Big smile! Apparently she loves the ultrasound room!


Sisters!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Halloween Fun!

Maddy's first Halloween!

Our cute pumpkin and cupcake, eager to start trick or treating!

Taylor's buddies: Gianna, Evelyn, Reid, and Gillian

Excited about trick or treating!

Taylor was thrilled about Halloween this year! She couldn't wait to start trick-or-treating. She kept saying "I want to fill the bag to the top!". Very ambitious! We made it around the block before she started getting tired, and then went back home and watched a Dora Halloween movie. Maddy gave me the best "treat" of all - her first smile!

We also had fun the weekend before Halloween, at the Glitter Witch Gala for Gianna's birthday, and at the Hayride & Bonfire at the Channahon Park District. Taylor loved both! At the Hayride/Bonfire we were able to roast marshmallows, make s'mores, drink hot chocolate, and listen to stories by the fire. But her favorite part was the hayride - we went on it 3 times! The next day was the Glitter Witch Gala at Boozle B's salon in Plainfield, where we celebrated Gianna's birthday! The girls looked adorable getting their hair, makeup, and nails done. They enjoyed crafts, games, and cupcakes as well!

Enjoying s'mores by the bonfire

Having fun on the hayride

At the Glitter Witch Gala, making a craft with Evelyn. This was BEFORE hair, makeup, and nails!

Getting her "makeup" on! (Purple glitter eyeshadow and a heart sticker!)

Nails! Notice her fun hairdo!

All dolled up!

With her stylish girlfriends Evelyn, Maya, Gianna, and Isabella