The doctors/therapists reminded us that this wasn't going to be a "quick-fix" and that she would NOT suddenly be talking up to age level. The therapists especially reminded us that she will still go through the same stages of talking - first babbling more, animal sounds, small words that aren't exactly the word, etc. In addition, any words/sounds that she was making before the surgery would now be re-learned now that she is hearing things differently.
So, what has happened? My sweet angel has been making some big strides in her book lately. She is babbling/yammering (whatever you'd like to call it) more and more. I find her repeating certain things (especially in the car) but am unsure of what exactly she is trying to say. She is saying many animal sounds (cat, dog, horse, cow, sheep, monkey, duck, and bunny (who goes hop-hop in case you are wondering)). Last week, she said a couple of words that I was able to make out - apple and all done.
Although her talking is going more slowly than I had hoped, we have found that her understanding has gotten much better. We need to start requiring her to make a verbal attempt at things, which is hard to do after you've learned to pick up on certain cues or signs that she knows. Yet, at least we are moving forward instead of standing still!
Quinnie's Birthday Countdown!
Showing posts with label quinn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label quinn. Show all posts
June 26, 2012
June 14, 2012
Quinn's 2-year check-up
Quinn had her 2-year check-up yesterday. She passed the autism screening, got one vaccine and we didn't get any new concerns!!! Here are her stats (and percentiles):
Weight: 22 lbs 14 oz (4th percentile)
Height: 32.5" (17th percentile)
Head Circumference: 19" (71st percentile)
Sizes:
Weight: 22 lbs 14 oz (4th percentile)
Height: 32.5" (17th percentile)
Head Circumference: 19" (71st percentile)
Sizes:
- Diaper: 4
- Tops: 2T
- Bottoms: 18 month
- Shoes: 5/6
Quinn turns 2 - Part 1
Can't believe that my little Quinnie is 2 years old! In order to celebrate, we took the kids to Coney Island this past weekend. They have rides and a pool area (with slides) and after 4 we could get in cheaper since there isn't as much time left in the day but we knew just a few hours would be enough at their ages!
We started with rides. Most rides are around a 48" requirement one way or the other (must be taller or shorter to ride). Quinn, of course, is not anywhere near that tall! Owen hit just above the 48" mark so he could ride all the big kid rides. So the hubby and I split up so that Owen could go on the big rides that Quinn couldn't. I took Quinn to the little kid area which had some basic small rides that went around in circles and that was about it. However, I knew this was not going to be an easy/exciting time. I put Quinn on a little train and she cried. I buckled her in, and she cried. The person running the ride asked if I wanted to get her off before they started it, I said "no." At this point I may look like a bad mom to the on-lookers, but this was my child and I wanted to see how she was when it was moving. Once the trains started, no crying (not any smiling/giggling either) but she was content. When the train stopped, we started crying again. So, I waited 5 minutes and then we tried the airplanes. Same thing happened, so I decided it was enough. Now, if there was only a place that would let me put her on and take her off while it was in motion... :) But at least she experienced something new.
Later, we went to the pool area. I took Quinn again and she was ok until her toes started getting wet (the water was a little chilly). Once we were in for a few minutes (up to her tummy), she calmed down and splashed and giggled.
Owen had a blast! He loved all the rides, did a couple of slides at the pool and just had a good day overall.
We started with rides. Most rides are around a 48" requirement one way or the other (must be taller or shorter to ride). Quinn, of course, is not anywhere near that tall! Owen hit just above the 48" mark so he could ride all the big kid rides. So the hubby and I split up so that Owen could go on the big rides that Quinn couldn't. I took Quinn to the little kid area which had some basic small rides that went around in circles and that was about it. However, I knew this was not going to be an easy/exciting time. I put Quinn on a little train and she cried. I buckled her in, and she cried. The person running the ride asked if I wanted to get her off before they started it, I said "no." At this point I may look like a bad mom to the on-lookers, but this was my child and I wanted to see how she was when it was moving. Once the trains started, no crying (not any smiling/giggling either) but she was content. When the train stopped, we started crying again. So, I waited 5 minutes and then we tried the airplanes. Same thing happened, so I decided it was enough. Now, if there was only a place that would let me put her on and take her off while it was in motion... :) But at least she experienced something new.
Later, we went to the pool area. I took Quinn again and she was ok until her toes started getting wet (the water was a little chilly). Once we were in for a few minutes (up to her tummy), she calmed down and splashed and giggled.
Owen had a blast! He loved all the rides, did a couple of slides at the pool and just had a good day overall.
April 18, 2012
Quinn's ENT appointment
On Saturday, we went to Children's to see an ENT about Quinn's ears. I got both kids packed and ready to go and we were there at about 10:30 (appt at 10:45). We got checked in and sent back to the waiting room. Got called back at about 10:40. Nurse asked a few questions, namely why we were there. I told her primarily due to the fluid in her ears and the delayed speech development. The doctor came in about 5 minutes later. He had me sit with her while he looked in her ears, and he said that they didn't look too bad so he wasn't thinking tubes. He then said that we should have her hearing tested anyways due to the presence of fluid before and the speech delay. Back to the waiting room we go.
We didn't sit down for much more than 5 minutes when we got called back again. First they did some Tympanograms which help measure how well sound is bounces off the ear drum. They should be "spiky", but Quinnie's were flat. Then they did a hearing test which has someone in front of us sort of keeping her attention while noises are made on either side of her. I could even tell that her right ear was better than her left ear. Finally they tested to see if she had permanent hearing loss (they put the sounds under your ear so that it doesn't have to go through the fluid) and luckily, there was no sign of permanent damage. Audiologist then discussed the results and our options. She basically said Quinn has what they would call "temporary hearing loss." But, the temporary could be a couple days, weeks, months or even years depending on how long the fluid remains. So we could watch and wait or consider tubes. I am tired of watching/waiting. Back to the waiting room.
Then about 5 minutes later, we got called back to see the doctor again. When he came into the room, this is what he said: "It appears that I'm going to need to change my mind and put some tubes in." Alleluia! We have her appointment in early May to get her some tubes!
We didn't sit down for much more than 5 minutes when we got called back again. First they did some Tympanograms which help measure how well sound is bounces off the ear drum. They should be "spiky", but Quinnie's were flat. Then they did a hearing test which has someone in front of us sort of keeping her attention while noises are made on either side of her. I could even tell that her right ear was better than her left ear. Finally they tested to see if she had permanent hearing loss (they put the sounds under your ear so that it doesn't have to go through the fluid) and luckily, there was no sign of permanent damage. Audiologist then discussed the results and our options. She basically said Quinn has what they would call "temporary hearing loss." But, the temporary could be a couple days, weeks, months or even years depending on how long the fluid remains. So we could watch and wait or consider tubes. I am tired of watching/waiting. Back to the waiting room.
Then about 5 minutes later, we got called back to see the doctor again. When he came into the room, this is what he said: "It appears that I'm going to need to change my mind and put some tubes in." Alleluia! We have her appointment in early May to get her some tubes!
April 13, 2012
Quinnie Ear Update
I know I have been MIA lately, there has just been a lot (both good and bad) going on for us. Today, I will focus on our Quinnie.
As most of you know, Quinn has started receiving some speech help in February and had a hearing test in December. At the hearing test, her hearing tested "normal" but they found middle ear fluid in her ears (more in one than the other). Thus, the doctor wanted us to have an ear re-check in a couple months. Yet, an ear infection came before then, so we had to wait two months after that. Finally, last Monday we had our ear recheck. The doctor said that she still had fluid in her middle ears (but it was not infected). The doctor suggested waiting until her 2 year check-up in a few months to see how it was then since her hearing tested normal. I then began to wonder the point of this ear recheck (besides the cost of the doctor's visit they are getting). I asked a question: "How can we tell the difference between that she can hear a noise vs. distinguishing between sounds?" She couldn't answer me. Then, she said that she could refer me to an ENT for "peace of mind." That is where we will be tomorrow. Wish us luck!
As most of you know, Quinn has started receiving some speech help in February and had a hearing test in December. At the hearing test, her hearing tested "normal" but they found middle ear fluid in her ears (more in one than the other). Thus, the doctor wanted us to have an ear re-check in a couple months. Yet, an ear infection came before then, so we had to wait two months after that. Finally, last Monday we had our ear recheck. The doctor said that she still had fluid in her middle ears (but it was not infected). The doctor suggested waiting until her 2 year check-up in a few months to see how it was then since her hearing tested normal. I then began to wonder the point of this ear recheck (besides the cost of the doctor's visit they are getting). I asked a question: "How can we tell the difference between that she can hear a noise vs. distinguishing between sounds?" She couldn't answer me. Then, she said that she could refer me to an ENT for "peace of mind." That is where we will be tomorrow. Wish us luck!
March 27, 2012
Quinn's progress
Quinn has been receiving extra "help" for about 6 months now.
It started with a developmental interventionist. She started working with Quinn because of her lack of "self-help" skills (she wasn't wanting to feed herself) and because she wasn't walking yet (she was 15 months at this time). She made great progress pretty quickly on this.
Then in December, there was concern about her lack of language and thus, her hearing. I had her hearing tested, which was "normal" but found middle-ear fluid. Needed to have her ears looked at again in 2 months, but she got an ear infection so we have to wait another 2 months (so hopefully can get that done here soon). So, we started working with a speech therapist as well.
The speech therapist started working with Quinn in February. The first few sessions was more about getting to know Quinn (and letting Quinn get familar with her). We have switched Quinn to a hard-spout and/or straw cup as suggested and we're incorporating more signs to help Quinn communicate (for anyone who needs suggestions for signing, the app "sign4me" is really good and shows you many angles). The signs are just supposed to help keep her from getting overly frustrated while learning to verbally communicate. The therapist also said that she would begin to "drop" the signs after she learns the words better.
Every day she is getting better in my mind. She may not be on the "normal" schedule, but in reality what is that? So some people may read this blog and believe that it is my fault as to why Quinn is behind ("She shouldn't be working" or "She obviously isn't spending enough time with her"). However, I know that I have been a great mom to Quinn and will continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who is willing to support us through all of this. We couldn't do it without you!
It started with a developmental interventionist. She started working with Quinn because of her lack of "self-help" skills (she wasn't wanting to feed herself) and because she wasn't walking yet (she was 15 months at this time). She made great progress pretty quickly on this.
Then in December, there was concern about her lack of language and thus, her hearing. I had her hearing tested, which was "normal" but found middle-ear fluid. Needed to have her ears looked at again in 2 months, but she got an ear infection so we have to wait another 2 months (so hopefully can get that done here soon). So, we started working with a speech therapist as well.
The speech therapist started working with Quinn in February. The first few sessions was more about getting to know Quinn (and letting Quinn get familar with her). We have switched Quinn to a hard-spout and/or straw cup as suggested and we're incorporating more signs to help Quinn communicate (for anyone who needs suggestions for signing, the app "sign4me" is really good and shows you many angles). The signs are just supposed to help keep her from getting overly frustrated while learning to verbally communicate. The therapist also said that she would begin to "drop" the signs after she learns the words better.
Every day she is getting better in my mind. She may not be on the "normal" schedule, but in reality what is that? So some people may read this blog and believe that it is my fault as to why Quinn is behind ("She shouldn't be working" or "She obviously isn't spending enough time with her"). However, I know that I have been a great mom to Quinn and will continue to do so. Thanks to everyone who is willing to support us through all of this. We couldn't do it without you!
March 8, 2012
What is normal?
I remember not so long ago when I had my son, Owen, how much I looked forward to every doctor's visit to be able to tell them all the cool things that he had been doing. How great of an eater he was, how he had surpassed any milestone they believed he should have reached.
Owen was a relatively easy baby when it came to many things. He was a great sleeper, ate almost everything you gave him, transititioned off of the bottle without even blinking an eye. He even just "lost" his pacifier one day at daycare and never looked back.
Now with my Quinnie, I actually don't want to go to the doctor to find out what she is "behind" on this time. Everyday, we make progress with her. Yet everytime that I have gone in, it never fails, that all of the hope I had that we were finally get her back to "normal" I would find out that we're "behind" on something else.
I don't feel like I did things much differently with Quinn than I did with Owen. The main difference was needing to make sure that she gained weight (where Owen had no concern with this!).
I still believe that I'm a good Mom and that I'm doing what I can for my little girl. We're playing even more with her now, working on signs to help with communication as she tries to pick up more on speech, taking more control with eating, but it is so hard with her not talking.
Each child can be so different and deserves to be treated as an individual. I am confident that things will get better and better with time. Yet as we get closer and closer to Quinn's next check-up (at 2 years in June), keep me in your thoughts please as I'm now the parent who no longer looks forward to "bragging", but I'm the parent who is constantly made to feel like a failure.
Owen was a relatively easy baby when it came to many things. He was a great sleeper, ate almost everything you gave him, transititioned off of the bottle without even blinking an eye. He even just "lost" his pacifier one day at daycare and never looked back.
Now with my Quinnie, I actually don't want to go to the doctor to find out what she is "behind" on this time. Everyday, we make progress with her. Yet everytime that I have gone in, it never fails, that all of the hope I had that we were finally get her back to "normal" I would find out that we're "behind" on something else.
I don't feel like I did things much differently with Quinn than I did with Owen. The main difference was needing to make sure that she gained weight (where Owen had no concern with this!).
I still believe that I'm a good Mom and that I'm doing what I can for my little girl. We're playing even more with her now, working on signs to help with communication as she tries to pick up more on speech, taking more control with eating, but it is so hard with her not talking.
Each child can be so different and deserves to be treated as an individual. I am confident that things will get better and better with time. Yet as we get closer and closer to Quinn's next check-up (at 2 years in June), keep me in your thoughts please as I'm now the parent who no longer looks forward to "bragging", but I'm the parent who is constantly made to feel like a failure.
February 10, 2012
Quinn's speech update
Quinn started her speech help on Tuesday this week. As this was our first experience with a new person, our therapist mainly observed Quinn to get to know her and to let Quinn get used to seeing her as well.
The therapist mentioned that she wouldn't be surprised if the middle ear fluid was the biggest obstacle in Quinn's way right now. She asked if we were having her hearing re-tested as suggested and I told her I was going to at the end of this month, but then Quinn got a double-ear infection so we have to wait 6-8 weeks after she finishes her antibiotics before we can have it tested again.
When people asked me about getting her these services and wondering if I have "jumped the gun" since she hasn't been formally tested for a speech delay, I said "what could it hurt?" Why wouldn't I get these services for her if they are willing to help provide them at a very reasonable cost for us? I would rather get the services and find out that she would have been fine without them then to find out that she could have benefited greatly from them and I didn't get them for her.
Hoping her communication gets better and better. She has definitely began to start attempting to communicate more through more sounds and gestures. In addition, she has began to understand more of what we are saying too!
The therapist mentioned that she wouldn't be surprised if the middle ear fluid was the biggest obstacle in Quinn's way right now. She asked if we were having her hearing re-tested as suggested and I told her I was going to at the end of this month, but then Quinn got a double-ear infection so we have to wait 6-8 weeks after she finishes her antibiotics before we can have it tested again.
When people asked me about getting her these services and wondering if I have "jumped the gun" since she hasn't been formally tested for a speech delay, I said "what could it hurt?" Why wouldn't I get these services for her if they are willing to help provide them at a very reasonable cost for us? I would rather get the services and find out that she would have been fine without them then to find out that she could have benefited greatly from them and I didn't get them for her.
Hoping her communication gets better and better. She has definitely began to start attempting to communicate more through more sounds and gestures. In addition, she has began to understand more of what we are saying too!
February 7, 2012
Quick Quinn Update
Took Quinn to the doctor on Friday afternoon - no fever, no wheezing or any sounds of concerns in her breathing (thank goodness), a little red throat and a double ear infection :( Amoxicillan for 10 days.
Today she is acting much more like herself. Still not eating well but headed in the right direction!
Today she is acting much more like herself. Still not eating well but headed in the right direction!
February 3, 2012
Quinnie Update
The last 10 days have been pretty rough with Quinn. She hasn't been feeling well but she hasn't ever had a fever. She has had a runny nose, cough (sometimes to the point where she sounds like she might get sick), and hardly any appetite. Doesn't help that she is also teething. So ibuprofen is making her feel better but no fever? In addition, she isn't wheezing (thank heavens) which we've been watching as a baby in the other room at daycare had gotten bronchiolitis. I think I may have to take her to the doctor today to make sure that this is just a cold and nothing more serious.
Before this illness, she was eating pretty well and starting to "talk" a lot more. She absolutlely loves to make funny sounds with her lips :)
Quinn appears to have a big fascination with ....cows! It all started with our farm animal puzzle that we got out for her in early September. She got very attached to the cow puzzle piece (it was the only thing that made her happy at Owen's birthday - she didn't let go of it for about 2 hours!) In the last month, she will giggle when I make a "moo" sound for her. But to top it all off, when I drop her off at daycare now, the first thing she goes to is the pile of stuffed animals and she picks up the stuffed cow and carries it around!
Haven't found out about the middle ear stuff yet as they wanted us to come back in late January - mid February to have it looked at again (in case she only had it from not feeling well), but she isn't feeling well now either so I don't know if when I take her to the doctor today if they will be able to make any decisions further about that!
Before this illness, she was eating pretty well and starting to "talk" a lot more. She absolutlely loves to make funny sounds with her lips :)
Quinn appears to have a big fascination with ....cows! It all started with our farm animal puzzle that we got out for her in early September. She got very attached to the cow puzzle piece (it was the only thing that made her happy at Owen's birthday - she didn't let go of it for about 2 hours!) In the last month, she will giggle when I make a "moo" sound for her. But to top it all off, when I drop her off at daycare now, the first thing she goes to is the pile of stuffed animals and she picks up the stuffed cow and carries it around!
Haven't found out about the middle ear stuff yet as they wanted us to come back in late January - mid February to have it looked at again (in case she only had it from not feeling well), but she isn't feeling well now either so I don't know if when I take her to the doctor today if they will be able to make any decisions further about that!
January 18, 2012
Am I Super Mommy?
On Monday, Owen was off from "regular" Kindergarten and I was off from work. So, I decided that I would take Owen into daycare for his half day of kindergarten there and then pick him up around 1 (kept Quinnie home with me).
Monday started with all of us oversleeping until about 8am, so I got Owen dressed, threw on some sweats, put Quinnie in her carseat (jammies still on) and we took Owen to daycare (as he also ate a granola bar on the way!) Got him dropped off at about 8:25 and came back home. I got out some of the dough for making Runzas today (recipe another day!). At about 9am I got a call that Owen had just got sick in the bathroom so I was headed out again to get him (still me in sweats and Quinnie in her jammies). He seemed fine when I got there, but just to be safe, I took him home.
Once we got home I asked him what he wanted to do - right now he wanted to watch a "new movie." So, I got out Cars 2 that he got for Christmas from Uncle Dan and Aunt Amber and he got to watch it. Although he loved the movie and sat rather still for it, he wasn't acting sick. During the movie, I got my hamburger browned, cabbage and onion grated, and got everything simmering. I started rolling runzas at 11:30. At about noon, I started to get the kiddos lunch (Owen had a lunchable and a runza, Quinn had a runza and puffcorn). I ate a couple of runzas between making runzas and getting the kiddos additional things that they needed.
At about 1:45, I had the last pan of runzas in the oven (I made 72 in total). So I got Quinn ready for her nap and had her down before the timer went off. Phew, that's done!
However I was somehow a very smart mommy and was also planning to make a spiral ham, mashed potatoes and gravy for supper. (Let's just say I had planned to make it Saturday or Sunday forgetting that Brandon had his dart banquet on Saturday and I had a department party on Sunday). So I got that in the oven around 2:30.
Owen now wanted to play same games while Quinnie was napping but I told him I had to get some things picked up and cleaned. "I can help you Mommy!" was the reply. So Owen helped me fold laundry, clean off the table, pick up toys, pick up towels around the house and start more laundry. He was a great helper. Then we sat down to play some games. We played "Guess Who" for the first time and then he helped me fold the next load of laundry. After that, he wanted to play "Candyland" which he normally wins, but it wasn't happening much today. Quinn woke up from nap, got them a snack and then Daddy got home. I got the potatoes ready and gravy made for us to eat at about 5:45. Daddy went to his "Best of the Best" tournament and I spent about an hour cutting and dicing the leftover ham for future meals.
That night, my neck hurt so bad (and still does) on just one side. I couldn't even hardly sleep on that side. Although I had done a lot this day (on my own accord), I felt like I was trying to be "Super Mommy." However, what I realize is that I just want to be a good mommy. A day like this once in awhile is busy and tough (as I had to do some work for school later that night), Owen will look back at how Mommy taught him responsibility (work before play) and how she took the time to spend with him doing things that he loved. So, "We had a great day, it was a super way, to spend some time together."
Monday started with all of us oversleeping until about 8am, so I got Owen dressed, threw on some sweats, put Quinnie in her carseat (jammies still on) and we took Owen to daycare (as he also ate a granola bar on the way!) Got him dropped off at about 8:25 and came back home. I got out some of the dough for making Runzas today (recipe another day!). At about 9am I got a call that Owen had just got sick in the bathroom so I was headed out again to get him (still me in sweats and Quinnie in her jammies). He seemed fine when I got there, but just to be safe, I took him home.
Once we got home I asked him what he wanted to do - right now he wanted to watch a "new movie." So, I got out Cars 2 that he got for Christmas from Uncle Dan and Aunt Amber and he got to watch it. Although he loved the movie and sat rather still for it, he wasn't acting sick. During the movie, I got my hamburger browned, cabbage and onion grated, and got everything simmering. I started rolling runzas at 11:30. At about noon, I started to get the kiddos lunch (Owen had a lunchable and a runza, Quinn had a runza and puffcorn). I ate a couple of runzas between making runzas and getting the kiddos additional things that they needed.
At about 1:45, I had the last pan of runzas in the oven (I made 72 in total). So I got Quinn ready for her nap and had her down before the timer went off. Phew, that's done!
However I was somehow a very smart mommy and was also planning to make a spiral ham, mashed potatoes and gravy for supper. (Let's just say I had planned to make it Saturday or Sunday forgetting that Brandon had his dart banquet on Saturday and I had a department party on Sunday). So I got that in the oven around 2:30.
Owen now wanted to play same games while Quinnie was napping but I told him I had to get some things picked up and cleaned. "I can help you Mommy!" was the reply. So Owen helped me fold laundry, clean off the table, pick up toys, pick up towels around the house and start more laundry. He was a great helper. Then we sat down to play some games. We played "Guess Who" for the first time and then he helped me fold the next load of laundry. After that, he wanted to play "Candyland" which he normally wins, but it wasn't happening much today. Quinn woke up from nap, got them a snack and then Daddy got home. I got the potatoes ready and gravy made for us to eat at about 5:45. Daddy went to his "Best of the Best" tournament and I spent about an hour cutting and dicing the leftover ham for future meals.
That night, my neck hurt so bad (and still does) on just one side. I couldn't even hardly sleep on that side. Although I had done a lot this day (on my own accord), I felt like I was trying to be "Super Mommy." However, what I realize is that I just want to be a good mommy. A day like this once in awhile is busy and tough (as I had to do some work for school later that night), Owen will look back at how Mommy taught him responsibility (work before play) and how she took the time to spend with him doing things that he loved. So, "We had a great day, it was a super way, to spend some time together."
January 10, 2012
Quinnie Update
Now as most of you know, in late October Quinn started receiving some help from First Steps. At the time, she qualified based upon the "self help" category (as she wasn't feeding herself). In addition, she wasn't walking yet. Both of those things have been "fixed" partly thanks to the help of our developmental interventionist.
At Quinn's 18 month check-up, there was concern about her lack of speech. So we had her hearing tested and although her hearing was in the "normal" range, they also found that she had middle ear fluid. When I was driving back home from Nebraska, the pediatrician called and they have decided to watch and wait - retest her hearing in 4-8 weeks to see if the fluid is still there or not.
However, due to the worrying about the speech, I talked to our First Steps people and Quinn is going to start getting a speech therapist to help her with this - starting in February. So please wish us luck and hope that this works as great of wonders for Quinnie as her developmental help has (she will still be getting this through March).
At Quinn's 18 month check-up, there was concern about her lack of speech. So we had her hearing tested and although her hearing was in the "normal" range, they also found that she had middle ear fluid. When I was driving back home from Nebraska, the pediatrician called and they have decided to watch and wait - retest her hearing in 4-8 weeks to see if the fluid is still there or not.
However, due to the worrying about the speech, I talked to our First Steps people and Quinn is going to start getting a speech therapist to help her with this - starting in February. So please wish us luck and hope that this works as great of wonders for Quinnie as her developmental help has (she will still be getting this through March).
December 31, 2011
The Choice: Working Mom
I have a blogging friend who became a stay-at-home-mom soon after her son was born. Her and I have talked some and I believe that we are both tired of peopling judging the choice that we made (as well as other choices that we make as mothers). Every family, child, situation is different and no one else has the right to tell a mother (or anyone for that matter) that they are a poor one because of some choice that they made.
Yesterday, she shared her choice of becoming a SAHM. Today, here is mine for choosing to be a working mom. So first, some back story:
In fall of 2005, I was in my 4th year of grad school. My husband and I had been married for a bit more than 3 years at this time. One of the reasons I considered not going on for my PhD was wanting to have children sooner rather than later. I began looking at classes for the next semester and realized I only had one more class to take (then just working on my thesis). So, if I were to have a baby soon, I would at least be done with my classes. I also believed that I could finish up my thesis fine with having a child. Finally, we had heard of so many couples taken a lot of time to get pregnant, so we figured, the sooner we started "trying" the better. So, my husband and I actually started to "not prevent" in November of 2005. I found out in early January 2006 that I was in deed pregnant already! We were due in mid-September.
When I had my son, Owen, I was very lucky to be at the university that I was. I was only teaching one class (at night) and they were able to give me maternity leave for 6 weeks (I actually went back in 4 weeks due to students having problems!). My husband got home from work in time for me to go to my 2 day-a-week class. In November, I found out that I was going to have to teach 2 classes (3 days a week) during the day for the spring semester to keep my assistantship. So I started looking for a daycare. We were able to find a very nice in-home daycare who charged us $1.50/hour, so we didn't have to worry too much about the cost!
Now to be honest, I don't know how much of a "choice" it was for me to be a working mom. And by that I am not talking about feeling forced into working to keep my assistantship. What I mean is that I never really considered the alternative of being a SAHM. Whenever I pictured my future, I was working and had kids. I got to see what being a SAHM would be like that first 4 months of Owen's life, and it wasn't a negative experience by any means. I cherished every moment, as well as every moment after that. I know that one of the things I want to teach my children is to follow your dreams and that you are capable of anything you set your mind to. I believed this myself - why can't I have it all? A great career and a great family. I believe that I have both and plan to work hard to keep it that way.
I think that any family that goes through the decision process will always look at pros and cons. So I have compiled my list of those from my perspective.
Pros
Cons
I'm sure there are some other pros/cons out there for working moms - others of you feel free to add to these pros and cons!
But again, most important - each family is different and needs to make the decision that is best for their family!
Yesterday, she shared her choice of becoming a SAHM. Today, here is mine for choosing to be a working mom. So first, some back story:
In fall of 2005, I was in my 4th year of grad school. My husband and I had been married for a bit more than 3 years at this time. One of the reasons I considered not going on for my PhD was wanting to have children sooner rather than later. I began looking at classes for the next semester and realized I only had one more class to take (then just working on my thesis). So, if I were to have a baby soon, I would at least be done with my classes. I also believed that I could finish up my thesis fine with having a child. Finally, we had heard of so many couples taken a lot of time to get pregnant, so we figured, the sooner we started "trying" the better. So, my husband and I actually started to "not prevent" in November of 2005. I found out in early January 2006 that I was in deed pregnant already! We were due in mid-September.
When I had my son, Owen, I was very lucky to be at the university that I was. I was only teaching one class (at night) and they were able to give me maternity leave for 6 weeks (I actually went back in 4 weeks due to students having problems!). My husband got home from work in time for me to go to my 2 day-a-week class. In November, I found out that I was going to have to teach 2 classes (3 days a week) during the day for the spring semester to keep my assistantship. So I started looking for a daycare. We were able to find a very nice in-home daycare who charged us $1.50/hour, so we didn't have to worry too much about the cost!
Now to be honest, I don't know how much of a "choice" it was for me to be a working mom. And by that I am not talking about feeling forced into working to keep my assistantship. What I mean is that I never really considered the alternative of being a SAHM. Whenever I pictured my future, I was working and had kids. I got to see what being a SAHM would be like that first 4 months of Owen's life, and it wasn't a negative experience by any means. I cherished every moment, as well as every moment after that. I know that one of the things I want to teach my children is to follow your dreams and that you are capable of anything you set your mind to. I believed this myself - why can't I have it all? A great career and a great family. I believe that I have both and plan to work hard to keep it that way.
I think that any family that goes through the decision process will always look at pros and cons. So I have compiled my list of those from my perspective.
Pros
- I get to have my identity that is separate from "mommy."
- My children light up when they see me come home (or pick them up)
- My children get lots of social experiences.
- My children get to learn from people specifically trained in early-childhood education (I was trained in secondary education)
- We all get to tell each other about our day.
- I have people built in to help me when one of my children is struggling (another opinion, set of eyes, etc has been great to have with Quinn)
- Extra income
Cons
- A lot less time with them during the week.
- Other people may see the "milestones" before me :(
- Mommy guilt - feeling that I shouldn't need "me" time since I'm already away from the kids so much!
- Feeling "judged" by other Mommys for not staying home.
- Trying to find the balance.
- Having to worry more about what you are going to do when the children are sick.
I'm sure there are some other pros/cons out there for working moms - others of you feel free to add to these pros and cons!
But again, most important - each family is different and needs to make the decision that is best for their family!
December 22, 2011
Quinnie Update
For all of those parents out there who get to take their child to the doctor and are told that "everything is looking good" - you are so lucky. Right now, that is all I want for Christmas. I want to take Quinnie to the doctor and be told she looks great and is doing well. That is all!
Last week at our visit, it wasn't all good news. This time the doctor was concerned about the lack of speech development in Quinnie. She then referred us to have Quinn's hearing tested to make sure that it was not hindering her development.
So yesterday, we had an audiology appointment. She first put something in both of her ears which I later was told does not actually assess hearing itself, but assesses how sound is bounces off of her eardrums. Then we went into a booth that had speakers on a couple of different sides with sponge bob or minnie mouse lights. The doctor would then have different types of sounds coming from the speakers to see if Quinn would turn her head toward the sound. After all of this, we sat down to talk about the results.
Great news - she is hearing within "normal" range! Bad news - sound wasn't "bouncing" off her eardrums properly which means that she has middle ear fluid. Supposedly, this can cause temporary hearing loss. The problem about this - we don't know how long it has been there. That is - has it been there since her one ear infection in March or did she just develop it with the cold that she currently has? So, the doctor will send her report to Quinn's pediatrican and we will go from there.
Possible remedies that I investigated -
I know that in the scope of things, this is not a "big deal." However, I can't help but feel like "what am I doing wrong?"
Last week at our visit, it wasn't all good news. This time the doctor was concerned about the lack of speech development in Quinnie. She then referred us to have Quinn's hearing tested to make sure that it was not hindering her development.
So yesterday, we had an audiology appointment. She first put something in both of her ears which I later was told does not actually assess hearing itself, but assesses how sound is bounces off of her eardrums. Then we went into a booth that had speakers on a couple of different sides with sponge bob or minnie mouse lights. The doctor would then have different types of sounds coming from the speakers to see if Quinn would turn her head toward the sound. After all of this, we sat down to talk about the results.
Great news - she is hearing within "normal" range! Bad news - sound wasn't "bouncing" off her eardrums properly which means that she has middle ear fluid. Supposedly, this can cause temporary hearing loss. The problem about this - we don't know how long it has been there. That is - has it been there since her one ear infection in March or did she just develop it with the cold that she currently has? So, the doctor will send her report to Quinn's pediatrican and we will go from there.
Possible remedies that I investigated -
- Observation - watch and wait and have this test done again in 3 to 6 months.
- Antibiotic that should speed up the length of time it may take to go away on its own.
- Ear tubes :(
I know that in the scope of things, this is not a "big deal." However, I can't help but feel like "what am I doing wrong?"
December 13, 2011
Quinn is 18 months!
My Quinnie is growing up and making strides everyday. She may not be a "normal" child, but who is! She is walking around now and eating herself, I couldn't ask for much more.
She loves to eat bread more than anything else - well, and currently has a sweet tooth for Mommy's different fudges! She still has some problems with chewing meat, but otherwise, doing pretty good with food. Working on introducing a spoon to her more now that she is (finally) independently eating.
Last week she had her first dentist check-up. She wasn't exactly fond of the dentist, but I want her to get used to this early so that, hopefully, she will have less anxiety about it as she gets older. She has a lot of teeth already (12 pretty well in and about 2 more working their way in!)
She loves stacking blocks and flipping through books. In addition, she loves to follow Mommy as she does housework (hopefully that keeps up!)
Current stats:
Height: 31.25 inches (38th percentile)
Weight: 20 lbs 2oz (3rd percentile)
Head Circumference: 18.5 inches (63rd percentile)
Clothing size: 24 months/2T tops, 18 month bottoms (needs them for the length!)
Diaper size: Just moved her into size 4 although it appears they are a bit too big
She loves to eat bread more than anything else - well, and currently has a sweet tooth for Mommy's different fudges! She still has some problems with chewing meat, but otherwise, doing pretty good with food. Working on introducing a spoon to her more now that she is (finally) independently eating.
Last week she had her first dentist check-up. She wasn't exactly fond of the dentist, but I want her to get used to this early so that, hopefully, she will have less anxiety about it as she gets older. She has a lot of teeth already (12 pretty well in and about 2 more working their way in!)
She loves stacking blocks and flipping through books. In addition, she loves to follow Mommy as she does housework (hopefully that keeps up!)
Current stats:
Height: 31.25 inches (38th percentile)
Weight: 20 lbs 2oz (3rd percentile)
Head Circumference: 18.5 inches (63rd percentile)
Clothing size: 24 months/2T tops, 18 month bottoms (needs them for the length!)
Diaper size: Just moved her into size 4 although it appears they are a bit too big
November 29, 2011
Quinnie Update
Quinn has been making awesome progress!
Things that she has accomplished lately have been very big things (the biggest things that she got the extra help for). She has really started to take off in about the last 10 days. She is walking everywhere it seems now. She can even bend down to pick up a toy without falling (which I think is really good considering how long she has had her total balance just standing!). I have also seen her start to walk backwards a little bit!
She has started to pick up her food!!! On the 11th, our developmental specialist came to our house for her session (we thought it would be good for her to see Quinn in both her daycare and home environments). While she was here, one of the things we were doing is eating. Quinn had a few beef and noodles, peanut butter jelly, and applesauce (last minute meal). This was the first time that I saw her dive in at home (she had been picking up food at daycare which was making mommy a bit jealous). I teased our specialist that she just might have to come over for dinner all of the time. Quinn has been doing pretty good since. I found out that one of the things that might have been preventing her was me: without even thinking, I automatically put food in her right hand, as well as the spoon. When she eats on her own, she is using her left hand. So, Quinn might be a lefty - but it doesn't matter to me. Whatever works best for her!
On Saturday, she started doing some pretty good block stacking. This was the first time that I saw her build (she always loved to knock them down). Without my helping to steady or re-align the blocks, she was able to get to putting a 5th block on before it would fall. Pretty good Quinnie-Q!
She has also gotten such long hair now that I had to get some little clips for her hair. Isn't she cute?
Things that she has accomplished lately have been very big things (the biggest things that she got the extra help for). She has really started to take off in about the last 10 days. She is walking everywhere it seems now. She can even bend down to pick up a toy without falling (which I think is really good considering how long she has had her total balance just standing!). I have also seen her start to walk backwards a little bit!
She has started to pick up her food!!! On the 11th, our developmental specialist came to our house for her session (we thought it would be good for her to see Quinn in both her daycare and home environments). While she was here, one of the things we were doing is eating. Quinn had a few beef and noodles, peanut butter jelly, and applesauce (last minute meal). This was the first time that I saw her dive in at home (she had been picking up food at daycare which was making mommy a bit jealous). I teased our specialist that she just might have to come over for dinner all of the time. Quinn has been doing pretty good since. I found out that one of the things that might have been preventing her was me: without even thinking, I automatically put food in her right hand, as well as the spoon. When she eats on her own, she is using her left hand. So, Quinn might be a lefty - but it doesn't matter to me. Whatever works best for her!
On Saturday, she started doing some pretty good block stacking. This was the first time that I saw her build (she always loved to knock them down). Without my helping to steady or re-align the blocks, she was able to get to putting a 5th block on before it would fall. Pretty good Quinnie-Q!
She has also gotten such long hair now that I had to get some little clips for her hair. Isn't she cute?
November 9, 2011
Quinnie Update
Quinn has been making some good progress in the last few weeks. She has started walking more and more, and a lot of it she is initiating herself now. By that I mean, about a week or so ago, if we stood her up a few steps away from, say the couch, she'd take some steps to get there. But now she will let go of the couch and walk toward something (or someone else). I think it will only be a matter of time before she is walking like a pro and I begin to wonder why I was looking forward to this as I chase her around :)
Her eating hasn't made as good of strides. Don't get me wrong, she is eating a good amount of food and I'm really thinking that she will be ON the chart at 18 months (in December) when it comes to her weight. However, when she drinks out of her sippy cup, she still "dribbles" a lot. Anytime we try to give her a different cup (with a non-soft spout) she is not having it! I'm trying (as suggested by our developmental specialist) to try to giver her a different cup once a day and not to be overly pushy about it. At daycare, she is picking up quite a bit of her food to eat, but she isn't really doing that at home. It is partly our fault as most of the food I've been making lately hasn't exactly been finger food (potato soup anyone?). This Friday, the specialist is coming to our house to help so she can see how she is in this environment and give us suggestions, so wish us luck!
As another update which is sort of a random aside, I have finally broken down and bought her some hair clips. Her hair wants to go straight into her eyes (even when I part her hair, it makes its way back to her forehead (and thus over her eyes!).
Her eating hasn't made as good of strides. Don't get me wrong, she is eating a good amount of food and I'm really thinking that she will be ON the chart at 18 months (in December) when it comes to her weight. However, when she drinks out of her sippy cup, she still "dribbles" a lot. Anytime we try to give her a different cup (with a non-soft spout) she is not having it! I'm trying (as suggested by our developmental specialist) to try to giver her a different cup once a day and not to be overly pushy about it. At daycare, she is picking up quite a bit of her food to eat, but she isn't really doing that at home. It is partly our fault as most of the food I've been making lately hasn't exactly been finger food (potato soup anyone?). This Friday, the specialist is coming to our house to help so she can see how she is in this environment and give us suggestions, so wish us luck!
As another update which is sort of a random aside, I have finally broken down and bought her some hair clips. Her hair wants to go straight into her eyes (even when I part her hair, it makes its way back to her forehead (and thus over her eyes!).
October 28, 2011
Inspiration Friday - Quinnie Update
This past weekend was an exciting weekend in our household for a couple different reasons. One I do believe led to the other. Let me elaborate.
A little bit before Owen's birthday (early September), he began to ask us for a kitty for a present. We thought about it, but didn't get one for his birthday. We wanted to do some investigation into getting a cat with two kids (5 years old and 16 months) as well as take some consideration to the responsibilites that getting a pet would include. (Note - we did have a cat before, so it was not a new experience, but with each stage in our lives, roles and responsibilities change).
In early October, after we had done our research, we decided to start looking into adopting a kitten. We preferred a kitten to a cat so that the kitten would not know a life without our kiddos in it! We looked into a couple of different adoption places and looked on petfinder. I was looking at some pictures and Owen saw a picture of a kitten that he really liked. So, I contacted the adoption agency (which was actually someone fostering the kittens - there were 6 of them, in her home). We set up a time for the whole family to go visit the kittens last Friday night.
Owen and Quinn both seemed to enjoy the kittens and did well with them. Quinnie had to be told to use nice hands quite a few times, but she didn't hurt any of the kittens! When we left that night, we were pretty sure of a kitten that we wanted to get, but the lady wanted us to think about it first.
When we got home that night, I was playing with Quinn on the floor. We have also been trying to walk more with her to get her practicing more. I started getting her going (walking) toward Daddy and then I slowly let her get out of my reach and she took about 4 steps by herself to Daddy!! We were both so excited to see her so happy and willing to do this. She has continued to do this a couple of times a day. I know that we are definitely on our way now!
How are these two things connected? I believe that Quinn saw the motivation to get up and moving when she was surrounded by all those kittens that she wanted to get her hands on :) So I share this today as we are seeing more and more reasons in our daughter to be inspired by. She is making progress everyday even if it isn't on the "planned timeline." She is our Quinnie and she brings joy to our lives everyday with all that she does.
A little bit before Owen's birthday (early September), he began to ask us for a kitty for a present. We thought about it, but didn't get one for his birthday. We wanted to do some investigation into getting a cat with two kids (5 years old and 16 months) as well as take some consideration to the responsibilites that getting a pet would include. (Note - we did have a cat before, so it was not a new experience, but with each stage in our lives, roles and responsibilities change).
In early October, after we had done our research, we decided to start looking into adopting a kitten. We preferred a kitten to a cat so that the kitten would not know a life without our kiddos in it! We looked into a couple of different adoption places and looked on petfinder. I was looking at some pictures and Owen saw a picture of a kitten that he really liked. So, I contacted the adoption agency (which was actually someone fostering the kittens - there were 6 of them, in her home). We set up a time for the whole family to go visit the kittens last Friday night.
Owen and Quinn both seemed to enjoy the kittens and did well with them. Quinnie had to be told to use nice hands quite a few times, but she didn't hurt any of the kittens! When we left that night, we were pretty sure of a kitten that we wanted to get, but the lady wanted us to think about it first.
When we got home that night, I was playing with Quinn on the floor. We have also been trying to walk more with her to get her practicing more. I started getting her going (walking) toward Daddy and then I slowly let her get out of my reach and she took about 4 steps by herself to Daddy!! We were both so excited to see her so happy and willing to do this. She has continued to do this a couple of times a day. I know that we are definitely on our way now!
How are these two things connected? I believe that Quinn saw the motivation to get up and moving when she was surrounded by all those kittens that she wanted to get her hands on :) So I share this today as we are seeing more and more reasons in our daughter to be inspired by. She is making progress everyday even if it isn't on the "planned timeline." She is our Quinnie and she brings joy to our lives everyday with all that she does.
October 20, 2011
These Shoes were Made For Walking...
Well, sort of made for walking!
When Quinnie moved up rooms at daycare, they start taking the kids outside. So I had a note one day to "Please bring Quinn shoes to protect her little toes." It had never crossed my mind to get her shoes yet since she hasn't been walking without holding onto things. Yet I did what I was told and found her a cute pair of sneakers, size 5 (which are a tiny bit too big right now):
When I first put these shoes on her, she was NOT a fan in any way, shape or form! She has gotten very used to them though and they are beginning to get a bit scuffed up since she crawls around in them a lot.
I really hope that I don't develop a shoe addiction for her. I sadly already feel when I get her in a cuter outfit that these shoes just don't go...but I won't buy a pair of shoes to match an outfit for her at this age. Hmmm...........at least, not YET. I do, however, see a cute pair of dressier shoes in her future.
I really hope that I don't develop a shoe addiction for her. I sadly already feel when I get her in a cuter outfit that these shoes just don't go...but I won't buy a pair of shoes to match an outfit for her at this age. Hmmm...........at least, not YET. I do, however, see a cute pair of dressier shoes in her future.
I mean, really, do these pink sparkly sneakers go with this outfit? She's only 1...she's only 1...No one is judging my child's footwear :)
October 12, 2011
Quinn's progress
So, for those who have been reading, you have seen about some of the issues we'd have with Quinn's development. Now, don't get me wrong - she has made some great strides with progress, but I know that I'm not an expert when it comes to development.
When our pediatrician asked us to get Quinn evaluated for the second time (the first time, she was "far enough" behind to qualify), I was a bit frustrated. After I realized that it wasn't my fault and that I wasn't a failure, I thought to myself - if this can help, why on earth would I not do it? So, we had Quinn evaluated again. The entire process took over a month due to regulations set for the program about how much time had to be between the steps.
This time, she qualified for services, but ironically not in the area the pediatrician referred her for (gross motor skills - not walking). She qualified for my biggest concern - that she is being stubborn when it comes to self-feeding (this falls into the "self-help" category) and this is what she was most "behind" in.
(Complete aside - but I have to say it. How they measure your child is a z-score (how many standard deviations your child is away from the average). If they are more than 2 standard deviation below in one category or more than 1.5 standard deviations below in two categories, they qualify. So now, for all those out there - someone just talked to me about Z-scores that you learn in statistics! They were glad that they didn't have to explain it to me :) )
They ruled out any neurological or physical concerns (so they don't recommend a physical therapist or anything yet). It appears to just be developmental. So now, she is getting a weekly visit from a developmental expert to help her (and us) get her past these hurdles.
In other news, Quinn is now out of her infant car seat and into the convertible seat. She has to stay rear facing for now as they recommend rear-facing until at least 22 lbs (and actually say they should stay that way until 2 now). I find this hilarious as Owen out grew the 22 lb weight limit of the infant car seat at 6 months :)
I'll keep you updated on Quinnie's progress
When our pediatrician asked us to get Quinn evaluated for the second time (the first time, she was "far enough" behind to qualify), I was a bit frustrated. After I realized that it wasn't my fault and that I wasn't a failure, I thought to myself - if this can help, why on earth would I not do it? So, we had Quinn evaluated again. The entire process took over a month due to regulations set for the program about how much time had to be between the steps.
This time, she qualified for services, but ironically not in the area the pediatrician referred her for (gross motor skills - not walking). She qualified for my biggest concern - that she is being stubborn when it comes to self-feeding (this falls into the "self-help" category) and this is what she was most "behind" in.
(Complete aside - but I have to say it. How they measure your child is a z-score (how many standard deviations your child is away from the average). If they are more than 2 standard deviation below in one category or more than 1.5 standard deviations below in two categories, they qualify. So now, for all those out there - someone just talked to me about Z-scores that you learn in statistics! They were glad that they didn't have to explain it to me :) )
They ruled out any neurological or physical concerns (so they don't recommend a physical therapist or anything yet). It appears to just be developmental. So now, she is getting a weekly visit from a developmental expert to help her (and us) get her past these hurdles.
In other news, Quinn is now out of her infant car seat and into the convertible seat. She has to stay rear facing for now as they recommend rear-facing until at least 22 lbs (and actually say they should stay that way until 2 now). I find this hilarious as Owen out grew the 22 lb weight limit of the infant car seat at 6 months :)
I'll keep you updated on Quinnie's progress
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