tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48763300478775038532024-03-14T03:09:24.250-07:00Slow Start, Strong FinishThe Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-72649170656635294362013-06-19T20:10:00.001-07:002013-06-19T20:10:41.406-07:00It's a GIRL!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As everyone already knows, Whitney is now a big sister! Norah Elaine was born on May 24<sup>th</sup>, almost 2 weeks before her scheduled c-section date. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a quick recap of Norah’s birth, I had a scheduled appointment on Monday, May 20<sup>th</sup> and found out I was dilated to 4cm and was very “thin”, in other words, get ready, because this baby could come at any time. Before I left they scheduled me for the next week, but because Memorial Day was the following Monday, my next appointment would be Tuesday, 8 days after this last appointment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strange thing was I was feeling fine and not feeling contractions at all. I continued to work through the week and didn’t think much of going into labor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since Memorial Day is such a big weekend down here I called the doctor on Thursday the 23<sup>rd</sup> to see if they could see me on Friday just to make sure nothing had changed, I wanted to be able to enjoy the weekend without worrying about having a baby. They told me to come on Friday the 24<sup>th</sup>, little did I know I wouldn’t be back home for 3 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I saw the doctor at 10:00 she said I was dilated to 6 cm and we were having a baby that day! Andy happened to be working later that day and was at the gym. She told me to go straight to the hospital (right across the road) and to call Andy to get my bag and to come on over. I was so surprised and exciting, the whole thought of having a baby that day was crazy to me. I wasn’t supposed to have her until June 4<sup>th</sup>, she was going to be a June baby. It was actually very comical to me, I was working that morning, now having a baby in the afternoon. No one knew we were at the hospital, no plans were made, heck, we just got the car seat out of storage 2 days prior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was prepped for the c-section and had Norah around 1:00 pm. The delivery was as smooth as can be and the sound of her cries when she came out was the most glorious sounds to our ears. The whole process was much different (for the better!) than with Whitney, it was the experience I feel we deserved. The hospital stay was enjoyable and actually….fun?! We had visitors come and had some alone time, it was so unusual to have a healthy baby in our arms, what a heavenly feeling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My parents had purchased tickets to come here on June 1<sup>st</sup> thru June 25<sup>th</sup>. They weren’t able to change them so they did miss seeing us in the hospital, but it did allow for a week of time alone with just Norah and me, as Whitney still went to the babysitters. We are now totally enjoying having our parents company and their help. The days are limited and it will be sad to see them go. Andy’s parents will then be coming to visit and finally some alone time once again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know I am forgetting things, but with company staying with us it is hard to get away to write on the blog, but I wanted to get something written and some pictures posted. I am loving being a mother of two beautiful girls. Norah is a content little girl, crying mainly when she is hungry, she hasn’t had any crying spells in which we didn’t know what was wrong. Like I said though, we’ve had lots of help, so almost anytime she’s made a peep, someone has been there to get her. Oh well, I now know they are only small for such a short, quick time and spoiling them is OK. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On another side note, Whitney transitioned into her big girl room last week Monday, June 10<sup>th</sup>. She did so good and I’m extremely proud of her. The first night she cried for only a few minutes but never came out of her room. We checked on her a few hours later and she was curled up in bed sleeping. The next day for naps she laid right down and that evening she laid right down again without a peep. It has been like now ever since. She is officially out of her crib with little to no problems. YES!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also want to thank everyone for all their thoughts, prayers and well wishes this pregnancy and birth. There are so many emotions rolled into these past few weeks and the support and help from so many is so overwhelming. Our family is truly blessed with so many thoughtful and incredible people in our lives. Thank you all!</span><br />
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<br />The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-66601680973962342642013-05-12T19:28:00.002-07:002013-05-12T19:28:57.306-07:00Happy Mother's Day, and then some<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yikes, I just looked back and realized it has been over a month since I last wrote, Whitney is still wearing her jacket in most of the pictures, man oh man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last month or so has flown by, of course, as they usually do. The weather has turned nice, downright HOT these past few days, and I feel that spring & summer is now fully here. I have been trying to soak up as much time with Whitney as possible, just me and her, my FIRST baby. I am not worried about “sharing my love” between two children as I know this happens all the time, I am more concerned about making Whitney feel just as special as she does right now. I imagine it will take some time, but I am hoping it goes fairly smooth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since today is Mother’s Day it makes me reminisce over the past (almost) two years of her being here and I can’t help but instantly start crying. As you all know, she has come so far and is doing so incredibly awesome it is just such a blessing to have her with us. Each day is a special one and I absolutely adore this child. Her vocabulary is growing, still babbling constantly but trying to say new words all the time. Today she strung two words together (I’m with Dada…while they were swinging together) and we couldn’t believe it. I am so anxious for her to talk more, but know Andy and I were late talkers and have talked to plenty of Mom’s whose children didn’t start to “get it” until 2 to 2.5 years old. I know it will come, I just want to hear her TALK now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were able to Skype with my parents and my aunt from CA was at their house so we got to see her too, bonus! Being a Mom now really makes me appreciate all the sacrifices my own Mom made in her lifetime. And for me to have a daughter, I understand her wanting to have a daughter too (thus trying after 3 brothers before me!) I can only pray I have the same sort of relationship with my Whitney and my Mom and I have. She is a wonderful person and I am happy to call her not only my Mom, but truly, also my friend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems that throughout the day I will think of things I want to blog about and even have paragraphs written down in my mind, but when it comes to actually sitting down and writing it I go blank. There is so much more going on but I guess I'm a loss for words right now. I AM excited though to share some photos I’ve been taking of her lately. I recently attended a 4 hour photography workshop to learn more about our DSLR camera and to (finally) take it off auto and shoot in manual mode. It was so much fun and I’ve been obsessed with taking photos ever since. Here are some of my favorites, along with the old camera phone photos as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Mother’s Day to all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-71763118986521346152013-03-27T19:26:00.000-07:002013-03-27T19:26:00.773-07:00Cold and flu seasonWanted to quickly update how things have been over here. I have been battling a horrible cold since last Thursday. The coughing, sore throat and sinus pressure has kept my from getting a good night sleep and even caused me to cancel my appointments this week. This is probably the worst cold I can remember ever having. I am just praying Whitney and Andy don’t get this, I feel so miserable I can’t imagine one of them getting it. Every day I ask the babysitter if Whitney seems to be acting “sick” and every day I get a good report, so, so far so good. Whew. <o:p></o:p><br />
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This past Saturday Andy had off so we were going to head to Wilmington for the day but the weather was cold and rainy so we decided to stay home instead. We spent the morning at the children’s museum, where we had never been before. It was so great, Whitney loved it and it was neat to see her interact with the other kids and play with all the new things. Since Andy is home with her at least once during the week he ended up going back and getting a season pass. It will be a great place he can take her to get out of the house when I’m working from home. <o:p></o:p><br />
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These past few weeks have been really great with Whitney. She has had minimal tantrums and is just being a really good girl. She is starting to play with her toys again and is getting better and better at communicating with us. Words are coming at a really fast rate and she is comprehending so much it’s insane. The funniest thing is how she is in the imitating stage. There are so many things she’ll see us do and a few seconds later she’ll be doing the same thing. Putting lotion on, combing hair, cleaning the dogs eyes, cleaning the toilet…everything. It’s so endearing and just melts my heart that she is watching us so closely. <o:p></o:p><br />
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As for the baby, feeling good these past two weeks. I think since I’ve been sick I haven’t had quite the appetite I usually have so I’ve been eating less and feeling less “full” (and feeling great!) I guess since I’ve been concentrating on my cold, the pregnancy has been going pretty smooth, except for the fact you cant really take much for relief. I already know this second baby is going to be a lot different than Whitney. It is moving around constantly, I swear this kid doesn’t sleep (yikes!) With Whitney I hardly ever felt her move, seriously hardly ever. Now this child is all over the place, makes me wonder what it will be like when he/she arrives. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Speaking of arrivals we have our date set for June 4<sup>th</sup>. It is very strange picking a birth date and I don’t like it one bit. I know it’s the necessary evil with having a c-section and all I want is a smooth delivery so it really isn’t that big of deal, still it is strange. My parents booked their flights to come and help when the baby is born and I cant help but be anxious about that day. I just remember going in with Whitney and thinking all was going to be OK and then it wasn’t. Here we are again, making plans, and praying once again everything goes smooth. Except this time, I REALLY hope things go smooth. Two more months to go!<o:p></o:p><br />
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-6612305498321937292013-03-09T19:04:00.003-08:002013-03-09T19:04:57.678-08:00A perfect spring day<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was one of those days I really needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a long work week and a long winter to boot the forecast was calling for sunny and almost 70 degrees. The weather didn’t disappoint, I knew it was going to be a good day the minute I stepped outside to let the dog out. The few minutes I was outside the sun was already warming my back, and it felt glorious, and I couldn’t help but think, could spring really be on its way? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andy had to work today, as he does most weekends, which is very disappointing, but it also gives me so much time to relish with Whitney. After breakfast and skyping with my parents we headed outside around 10:00 and didn’t come back in until noon. We trimmed some bushes, went for a wagon ride, played with chalk, went down the slide and talked with some neighbors. The sun was shining and warm, it was an instant mood lifter. Everyone was talking about how great the weather was and I know even Whitney could tell. She was totally happy just walking around the house playing and enjoying her time NOT wearing a hat, gloves or bulky jacket. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She is definitely happiest outside. Even in the winter (I know, I know, “winter” in S. Carolina is reeeeal brutal…) she prefers to play outside. She’ll walk me to the door when we’re inside and want to go out and it’s so dang cold out I can barely bring myself to go outside, but she loves it so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So now hopefully spring is here, or almost here, and we comfortably enjoy the outdoors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had such a great day. She had minimal breakdowns and was in a great mood all day. Ate good lunches and napped good too. All things that make a Mom super happy. We even had to run errands after her nap and she tagged along like a trooper. She has always liked shopping, but now she gets bored with it pretty quickly. However one stop was Toys R Us to get a new slide and she of course LOVES that place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I broke down and got one of those outdoor slides. I had cheapened out and gotten a less expensive version a few weeks ago in hopes that it would work or I could find a used one at a consignment store or on Craigs List, but I had no luck doing so, and the slide I got would have been too small and flimsy for her when she gets a bit older. So I bit the bullet and got a Step 2 slide, we haven’t put it together yet, but I have a feeling it will be much better and will be able to grow with her better too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These past few days I have noticed her adding to her vocabulary and getting much better at vocalizing what she wants. Whether she is talking, pointing, making motions, or even using the little signs she knows (more/help etc) everything is becoming more clear. Maybe that is why her tantrums were at a minimal today, I could actually understand what SHE wanted. She’s growing up right before our eyes. It’s true what people say that this time goes too fast. With baby #2 coming less than 3 months away I hardly remember Whitney as a baby. Possibly I worried that time away, too many tears shed, possibly the time just drifts away from us, now just photographs in albums and scrapbooks. I do remember that time, it hasn’t been THAT long ago, but remembering that little tiny baby stage I really do struggle with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My parents came to visit last week too. We had such a great time and it is always so nice to have them come visit. They always stay really busy and we try to add up household projects for them when they come. This time they helped us move my old office to a different room in the house and we painted my old office and got it ready for Whitney, when she moves into her new big girl room as the nursery will remain a nursery for the next baby. They painted grey walls and I’ll have her accent colors pink and teal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The week was not without disappoint though when my uncle (Dad’s brother) passed away from cancer. They had to cut the trip a week short and we rebooked some flights back to WI. The news was disappointing on so many levels but dealing and managing with disappointment is something I have been trying to work on. Definitely something you cannot plan for, and we did get to enjoy their time for a whole week, so I’m grateful for the time we DID get with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know I haven’t written in so long and there is so much I’m forgetting. For now, I’m leaving you with some photos from the past few weeks. </span></div>
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-52495895441733386532013-01-27T09:11:00.002-08:002013-01-27T09:11:59.871-08:00Pictures from the last monthFor some reason when I posted the last time I wasn't able to upload photos. Here are a few from the last month. <br />
Whitney is 18 months old. <br />
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-31576571509034002992013-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:002013-01-21T13:45:35.559-08:00A Wisconsin Christmas and 18 month check-up<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow these past few weeks have gone by in a whirlwind. As many already know, we typically take our “Christmas vacation” in early January to tie in a work trip in WI for me and then we take vacation time to spend with family and friends. It’s nice to extend the holiday season, but it really makes the months of December and January fly by and blur together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year we flew to WI on Thursday the 3<sup>rd</sup>. It was a great feeling knowing Andy was flying with both Whitney and I this time, I had zero anxiety and was actually excited to fly with all of us, our little family. Whitney did great, of course, and I think this must have made her 9<sup>th</sup> trip back to WI, I have lost count by now, but know she has surely taken full advantage of “kids fly free” under 2 years old. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After some work obligations on Friday and Saturday vacation finally began on Sunday when all of my brothers and sister-in-laws got together at my parents house for another Christmas celebration. We did our name exchange and saved the kids Godparent gifts for this day. It was great to see everyone and I was excited for Whitney to get a chance to play with all her cousins. Whitney makes number 9 for grandkids on my side of the family, so there are plenty of kids running around wanting to “play” with her. They are all so good to her and it was nice to see her not afraid and go off and play with them, just watching them and trying to keep up. She also had her first experience playing in the white wonderful snow of WI. Her and Grandpa went sledding down the hill and she was not happy! She cried the entire time and was perfectly happy getting back into the warmth of the house. I can’t blame her, we ARE the ones who moved to warmer climate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a few days in the Green Bay area we headed to WI Dells to spend the rest of the week with Andy’s family. His sister, her husband and three kids also made the trip from Florida, so we got to spend more time with family and Whitney enjoying more cousins. She has two cousins (twins) who are only 3 months older than her and they really could pass for triplets. It was neat to see them all playing together, and don’t even THINK of getting a picture of all of them together including a 4 year old. We had a great time playing in the water park and Whitney seemed much more at home in the water than in the snow. In the wave pool she squealed with delight and could not stop smiling and laughing. She would pull our hands to go back in the water if we were resting on the side. I guess a true water baby, my kind of girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After leaving WI we have now been back home for a week. It feels great to be settled back into a routine. The Christmas decorations are down and put away and we are just ready for spring. We were welcomed back home with 75 degree weather, a nice chance to open the windows and air out the house. Granted it is back in the 40’s now, but those few days of unexpected sunshine and warmth was just what we needed coming back from WI. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past Monday Whitney had her 18 month checkup which I was thrilled about since she wouldn’t be getting any shots, and just a well visit. She weighed in at 25 lbs and 33 inches (both 75% for her age) and surprisingly her head was at 50%. The doctor was so happy with her progress and basically cleared her of all things. Autism, no signs. CP, nope. Growth deficiencies, nothing. He said we should have named her Miracle, because we look at one every day. The one thing he said we now do is just wait until school starts to see if she has any types of learning disabilities, but with her acting, growing and talking the way she is, he is not worried in the least bit right now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What an absolutely wonderful doctors visit it was. To hear those words, not that I had doubts, but to hear them from her doctor still brings tears of joy to my eyes. Even telling Andy brought tears to his eyes. Our little girl is doing so awesome. She is turning into a little person who is independent and curious. Her sweet demeanor has captured our hearts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Whew, that's a long update and I've meaning to post sooner. I'm not even proof reading this, but just hitting submit I'm so eager to get this posted. </span></span></div>
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-72713228412423128992012-12-26T18:03:00.002-08:002012-12-26T18:03:31.178-08:00So this is Christmas...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m still relishing in the post Christmas bliss we experienced the last two days. I do love Christmas, everything about it. The excitement, the hustle and bustle, the reminiscing, the spirit of it all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whitney is still entirely way to young to “get it”, but for me, just the extra day off with Andy and her and getting to spend time together is what I love best. Since we spend the holidays with our families in early January, that leaves Christmas Eve and day all to ourselves, making memories and traditions as a family. Here is a small recap of Christmas 2012:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was thrilled to find out Andy was getting off work early on Christmas Eve, this allowed me to go to church at 6:00, rather than 10:00 pm. Andy opted to stay at home with Whitney while I went to St Andrews Catholic Church, the first time I was able to attend one of their Christmas masses. It was beautiful and packed, as I suspected it would be. Mass lasted only an hour and they sang beautiful traditional Christmas hymns. I surprised myself by not even needing a hymnal to sing along to all the songs, since I've been getting much practice listening to Christmas music the past 1.5 months. This was a great way for me to kick of Christmas Eve and the holiday in general. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time I got home we still had time to play with Whitney together and be silly. We took some photos and had time to relax. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christmas day Whitney woke up around 8:15 and we immediately skyped with my parents, since they were going to go to church in the morning and would then be preparing for their 40+ guests that afternoon. They had shipped a few presents to us to open on Christmas day and we had such fun opening them. Whitney got a puzzle and a picnic basket and some clothes, she was a happy little girl. She loves skyping and I think she is starting to think Grandpa and Grandma live in the computer! She puts the computer right on her lap and usually puts on a show for them, always being silly while on camera. She then walked over to her highchair and signed to “eat”, so I guess that was our cue it was time to go and have breakfast. Getting to see them on Christmas morning is the next best thing to being there with them. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then ate breakfast and skyped with Andy’s Mom, who was at his sister’s house in Florida. They have three kids, ages 4 and under, so they were up to their elbows in Christmas cheer as well. She opened up a few more presents, a rocking chair from Grandma JuJu and a “worm” crawl through toy from her cousins – her favorite new toy. She opened a few more things, and the present we got her, a shopping cart. We will try to milk this period of her not “getting it” for a few more years when she doesn’t understand Santa and feel no need to spend too much on her, she gets spoiled enough as it is with family and grandparents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All in all, a great day, a really special day to spend with our small, but growing family. I treasure the memories we have already made and look forward to so many more Christmases together. Next year will surely be different with two children in the house, a 2.5 year old and 6 month old. Being with Andy and Whitney make me so happy I could burst. I wish I could capture every smile, smirk and silly thing she does. Obviously I try to take many pictures but she’ll do something and I just say to myself, “man I wish I could remember this forever.” And days like Christmas are days I wan to remember forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(Whitney is 18 months old)</div>
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-78114277358431111252012-12-15T05:29:00.000-08:002012-12-15T05:29:01.184-08:0017 months - December 2012This morning I am posted up in a new spot in the house. Instead of sitting at my work desk, I'm relaxing by the soft glow of the Christmas tree and morning sun breaking on the horizon. Mornings like this, when I wake up early (it doenst happen often), and the house is quiet and waiting for the busyness of the day is when I feel most content. And hey, who doesn't love sitting by a Christmas tree?<br />
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Wow, OK, Whitney is already 17.5 months, it's so cliche, but so hard to believe. So what is new this past month. Whew.<br />
These past few weeks I've seen a big change in her and her vocabulary. She is very consistently saying Mama, Dada, Tilly, ball, one, byebye, night night, hi and Grandma. Her vocabulary is something I have always kept in the back of my mind and have working and working on with her. I know some kids have upwards to 50-100 words at this point, so her measly 10 or so words is just killing me. However, she is making more and more sounds each day and is try to hard to say things so I am thrilled about that. Both Andy and I were late talkers, not until after 2 did we really start, and I know heredity plays a fairly big part in speech too, so I'm trying to not let this bother me too much.<br />
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She continues to love to climb and is comprehending things like crazy, another thing that makes me feel as if she is "learning". She may not be saying many words, but she understands throwing things in the garbage, retrieving certain items and what she should and should not be doing.<br />
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She's learning how to dress and undress herself and most recently getting pretty good at using a fork when eating. She enjoys taking our hand and leading us places. Whether it be someplace she knows she should go (like up the stairs) or to her room to play or to the kitchen, wherever.<br />
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The one thing about her getting is older, is my fear of her falling behind. Despite her slow start we have been blessed with her meeting or exceeding all her milestones during the right time frame. I have always felt that she was right on pace with where she should be. Now that she is getting older, there can be more of a separation of how kids are developing. I understand kids develop at different times, but no parent wants their child to be behind. I know my personality and although I would never push her to do something she's not ready to do, I also like the fact of knowing she is doing what she is supposed to be doing or is where she should be.<br />
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Take for instance, her head size. I feel silly just saying this. No one would ever think she has a small head by looking at her (maybe from her massive amounts of hair!) I do know though the doctor wants to see her head growing proportionately to the rest of her. I measure her head circumference 2 days ago and noticed it had not gotten bigger since her 15 month appointment. Boom. Instant worry. Her 18 month appt is the 28th, so I'm sure we'll be talking about it, but c'mon, am i going insane? Is her brain growing? Will she be OK...the never ending question.<br />
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So anyway, here we are less than 2 weeks away from Christmas. We're in the wake of a horrific, tragic event and I'm rambling about head size. One thing I noticed are so many comments on Facebook about holding their babies tighter during this time of morning. Shouldn't we be holding our babies tight all the time? Sure it's easy to get caught in the daily routine, but these are precious beings, we need to handle with care, each and every day, despite what is happening in the world around us.<br />
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This is the time to be so extremely thankful for what we have, and having Whitney here and with us each day is on the top of my list. Forget all the milestones and charts and graphs, she has already done more than I could have imagined and certainly a miracle from above.<br />
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-29473679483814971252012-11-17T09:40:00.000-08:002012-11-17T09:40:18.946-08:00Why me?After some more persistent prodding I'm back at the computer writing an update on Whitney, and I suppose a little about myself. I often think of topics I could write about as I'm driving, or running, or sitting lazily in front of the TV. Should I write about her new found "screaming" and how it's awfully cute and endearing and very very annoying at the same time? Or what about how she gives the best big hugs and kisses? Or how she prefers to give the dog the biggest hugs of all? Or what about how she still remains to be the best sleeper and eater we could have asked for? She's really a good girl. Or her clever ways to climb onto the couch, and knows enough already to not stand on the couch?<br />
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I keep coming back to the question I shamelessly asked myself a few times in those first few months, "why me?" In those tearful nights and long agonizing days, "why is this happening to me, how can this truly be happening to me?"<br />
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And now, almost 17 months later, I am asking myself the same question, but looking at her, and seeing her smile and babble and play and asking "why me?" but thinking, she's here and she's doing great and she's perfect and she's mine "why me, Lord, why me?" Why have you blessed me and my family, so? I look forward to each day I get so spend with her. Through every scream and every piece of food thrown on the ground and every time she pulls the dog's tail, I love it. I cant get enough of it. So yes, quite possibly everyday, I ask myself now "why me, how did <em>I</em> get so lucky?"<br />
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-58991626119884066912012-10-07T20:06:00.001-07:002012-10-07T20:06:21.109-07:00We're still aliveI've had a few requests to update the blog and Sunday nights are usually the best, so here I am. Looking back it looks like I missed a month, I guess we have been busy. We DID go on an almost two week vacation to WI over Labor Day. It was such a great vacation. We got to spend time with family, friends and make it to the home opener Packer game. Whitney got to see many of her cousins and hang out with both sets of Grandparents and Grandma Great Jackie. It really was a very relaxing trip, I wish we could go that long more times throughout the year. What a great way to recharge!<br />
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Whitney had her 15 month checkup 2 weeks ago, she has now moved up to the 75% for height (31.5 in) and 60% for weight(23.5 lbs. For the longest time I thought she was so short but these past few weeks she seemed to have a growth spurt and sure enough, she shot up on the charts. She got three shots and for the first time had a small fever a few days afterward, which the doctor had said might happen. In the past she has shown no symptoms or problems, and this fever was minor, she still kept up her happy demeanor. <br />
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A few weeks back we took advantage of gift certificate I had won for a free photo shoot. I was going to use it for Whitney's first birthday but it didn't fit into the schedule and it certificate was expiring the end of September. Since we have a fairly decent digital camera we never thought it necessary to get professional photos taken, but since it was free I couldn't let it go to waste. We had a great time and Cassie was able to get some cute shots of Whitney. <br />
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I know it has been awhile since i wrote and now that I'm sitting here I'm trying to remember all the things we have been busy with but I cannot remember anything. We've just been busy playing and having fun. She is learning to shape sort right now and also enjoys putting things on pegs. She's learned to throw, luckily just balls right now and not throwing cups, food and anything else she's not supposed to, but I have a feeling that may be coming. She also loves to climb, but what 15 month doesn't? She is still babbling up a storm, I sure wish I knew what she was saying. She still doesn't say too many words but if you use your imagination you can almost make out what she's trying to say. I'm not too worried yet that she isn't saying much, but Andy and I were late talkers and she sure is babbling lots, so that is easing my mind. <br />
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I'm leaving with a few photos. Happy Fall!. <br />
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-14226410075649891372012-08-25T18:54:00.000-07:002012-08-25T18:54:00.093-07:00Just a typical weekendWeekends are obviously my favorites. Whitney's late mornings spent in pajamas, tickle time in our bed, and usually absolutely no plans. Since Andy works most weekends, I have really grown to love the time Whitney and I get to spend together. She loves being outside, and the weather at night is a bit cooler, so it's a great time for us to get some fresh air. It feels good to be back home, after spending a week in WI. I wouldn't trade that time in WI for anything though. My parents have been fortunate enough to spend so much time with her, and watch her grow up this past year. They've seen so many tears and smiles (on my part) but have stood strong and patient. I can only pray that Whitney will see the same in Andy and I some 30 years from now. <br />
These weekends make so thankful for this little girl. Here she is, babbling, walking, playing all while her personality is budding. She brings me literally to tears sometimes when thinking about what a miracle she is. <br />
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I get it now, this is it - this whole parenting thing that gets you choked up. This child, who just a year ago came into our lives and we knew nothing of each other, here she is. She loves me and I love her. <br />
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<br />The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-80202029764958488902012-07-29T08:01:00.000-07:002012-08-25T18:46:36.171-07:00To let go and breatheWhitney is now 13 months old and truly a toddler. This past month, since she has gotten mobile on her own two feet, has really grown into her personality. She is walking all the time now, and hardly ever resorts to crawling, clearly crawling is for babies. She loves playing with Tilly and teasing him with his toys. She rolls around the ground or on a blanket with her play cell phone or looks at her flash cards. She has books all over the house and can be seen sitting down and looking at the pictures. Skype has been so great, my parents get to see her at least once or twice a week, just playing and interacting with them or the dog. It's pretty nice for them to see each other, and for them to see her "in action" even if just for a few minutes. <br />
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Another huge milestone was reached, she is now completely of bottles. Her pediatrician highly suggested we try to get her off the bottle and 1, and at 13 months she finally took to it. Her babysitter was really on board and helped out a lot, I packed all the bottle supplies up last night and purchased more sippy cups. It feels so good to not have to deal with bottles anymore!<br />
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We've been staying busy on the weekends while Andy is working. Either going to the pool, playing or shopping, she is such so much fun to be around. I can see at this age is where it is hard to go to work, you just want to play with your child and enjoy their time. It just means that the weekends mean so much more now and to truly enjoy the time you do get with them. <br />
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Every now and then I'll google "cooling blanket" or "HIE" and the worries and fears coming flooding back to me. I see Whitney doing so well and am just so thankful and feel so blessed and remind myself to look at her, not those webpages. In the beginning I felt like i was always holding my breath, not knowing how she would react or what the next big challenge was going to be. And here she is, walking all over the house, babbling, and being a toddler, just as we had hoped and prayed and dreamed. I can exhale now, and that's what feels so good. <br />
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The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-35528242556943164662012-07-12T19:12:00.001-07:002012-07-12T19:12:40.254-07:00....and she's off!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think a light switch got turned on today in Whitney, for the first time, I think she walked around the house more than she crawled. She has been walking from one end of the house to the other, turning corners, stepping over toys, and coming to find me when I'm in another room. It is still so different to see her upright, rather than crawling, and getting so proficient at it too. Today she was even standing so much more on her own, rather than pulling herself to a climb. It's so mind boggling to see her go from a sit, to a stand and then take off walking. She was even carrying books and toys in her hands, getting more steady on her feet. She has learned all of this in such a short period of time, last month at this time she was just taking her first steps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I couldnt help but get teary eyed tonight as she was toddering toward me. I can so distinctly remember a nurse at the hospital telling me "oh I cant wait to see Whitney running down these halls some day" and me wondering if she truly ever would. I had so many worries and wonders and prayers on if she would ever learn to walk, and here she is. ....and there she goes!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wEyOj2_hmegPu1rx7Gm7Nw_uzw6YaZKsIN4VpZj2hk6co52PganNV3Yr08FmzI4wj_EDUXS5NwtTYPd5nK5rLJupE7rUVffLT2EIiE3q2D12pY_VPe7DbDpg5BpalMj6JAYnzU0MWw/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wEyOj2_hmegPu1rx7Gm7Nw_uzw6YaZKsIN4VpZj2hk6co52PganNV3Yr08FmzI4wj_EDUXS5NwtTYPd5nK5rLJupE7rUVffLT2EIiE3q2D12pY_VPe7DbDpg5BpalMj6JAYnzU0MWw/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-15148696682962883122012-06-30T13:35:00.000-07:002012-06-30T13:35:36.880-07:00What a year this has been - Whitney turns "1"<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that is that, one year in the books. Whitney celebrated her first birthday on June 23rd, while we were spending the weekend in Savannah, GA. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These past few weeks have really lent themselves to some major reflection on the past year for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When I think back to June 23rd of last year, I remember the anticipation and excitement, right up to Whitney's birth. We even have a photo somewhere of Andy and I smiling so excitedly, such goofy grins, as I'm about to be wheeled into the operating room. I want to say that it was the happiest day of my life, even better than our wedding day. Instead I'm forced to relive the most horrifying, difficult and emotional experience of my life. Not exactly a day I'll be able to shake from my memory anytime soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cant help but think and replay the phone calls and questions and sleepless, teary nights that followed that day, June 23rd, 2011. Not sleepless because we had a newborn baby keeping us up at night, but rather a baby who was whisked off in some sort of contraption, that I only got to meet for a mere few minutes and was left wondering if she would even make it to the next hospital, which was an hour away. Teary becuase as i walked the halls of the nursery floor and noticed how all the rooms had pink or blue on the door, mine had nothing. I was the room who's "baby wasn't there..." or the room that people left with tears in their eyes. Even just tying this, it all sounds like such a cruel joke. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm still left with the small pang of jealousy when I think of others who have been blessed with a storybook birth, one that would be suitable for "The Baby Story" on TLC or written eloquently in a baby book to be shared and remembered for years to come. I still havent written Whitney's story of her birth in that baby book. Suppose this blog would suffice? Writing it down in such a cute colorful book just doesnt seem fair to both Whitney and me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Instead, that book and the memories to follow are filled with better times. Times of jubilation and excitment over the smallest milestones. The first roll-over, the first sit-up, stand-up, the list goes on. Whitney has continued to amaze all who know her from the first day she spent at home (almost a month after she was born mind you). The support, prayers and encouragement this past year has been overwhelmingly wonderful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Whitney, is a perfect, beautiful little girl in every shape and form. She has proven strength and perserverance. She bagan taking steps on my birthday, June 14th, a milestone we didn't know if she would ever meet. She continues to toddle and walk and can go farther distances each day. Anyone who has met her will agree she is so good natured, eats like a champ, and is literally a WALKING miracle. I still can't help but look at her and think "how did we get so lucky?" Each day, as she is gaining her independence and creating her own personality I really do think she is right where she is supposed to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm ending this post from an email my Mom wrote to me on Whitney's birthday. I couldnt have said it better myself...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What an incredible year! The worrying, wondering and waiting have all proved to let God take care of all our prayer intercessions. We still pray every day for that miracle to keep on happening in Whitney - God has blessed her and our families!!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-4873960843144048412012-06-13T18:10:00.002-07:002012-06-13T18:10:57.409-07:00Baby steps, my friendTonight, Whitney hit a HUGE milestone, taking a few steps on her own. We had been hearing from the babysitter that she was getting pretty brave and taking some baby steps, but tonight Andy and I were able to see it together, for the first time. It wasn't necessarily pretty, but she definitely took baby steps. Of course we skyped my parents right away, and she then decided to be stubborn. She's standing by herself for much longer periods of time, and just getting more and more brave to put one foot in front of the other. This is such a huge milestone for us, something that makes me burst with pride. <br />
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Whitney is changing so much in just these past few weeks. She is "talking" non-stop, getting more mischievous, and being so silly. We've recently purchased a baby gate for the steps, two new front facing carseats and new stroller. I can't help but remember when we were trying to figure out her infant car seat, practicing with a stuffed animal, and learning how to use the stroller. I mean, that was literally 2 months ago right? I cannot believe that was a year ago already. Getting ready to put bottles away, transitioning from formula to whole milk...where is our baby going?<br />
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True, I do feel pangs of sadness, but really, I am overjoyed. I am so thankful for this wonderful year we've had and all the blessings Whitney has brought us, but I'm sure I'll elaborate more on that, for her one year post....until then...<br />
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Whitney is so close to taking her first steps I can hardly believe it. She moves along furniture with ease and lets go of things and stands on her own for a few seconds before plopping down. She just needs some more confidence to take those first steps on her own. We also figured out she can climb stairs no problem either. Luckily she isn't too interested in the steps at our house...yet. I'm sure we'll be investing in a baby gate sometime in the near future. <br />
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While on vacation we got to celebrate my very first Mother's Day, what a special day Andy made for us. My girlfriends and I (also Mom's) were treated to a spa day with manicures and pedicures. Whitney also made me a I love Mom mug with the babysitter, a new coffee favorite. And as for Whitney, she enjoyed her first time on the beach, much sand was eaten, and she was dunked twice in the pool. She's becoming quite the water baby. <br />
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Babbling away and generally being a really happy baby, we couldn't be more proud. She brings me to tears on an almost daily basis. She has overcome so many odds, done so much more than I ever would have imagined in this short time. Every movement, every breath, every smile, I am delighted. Of course as we are nearing a year it just causes you to reflect even more on her life thus far. I'm sure I'll write more on that next month, but as for now, we are bursting with love. <br />
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Milestones include: Eating most everything / letting go of furniture / crawling up stairs / I give kisses / I get a bath at 8 and bottle at 8:30 I sleep until 7:30 / I went on my first vacation / I flew to WI again, this makes 5 times / I am curious!<br />
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<br /></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-38194857496367085592012-05-03T19:59:00.003-07:002012-05-03T19:59:20.562-07:0010 months oldAs I am typing this I realize I am a little late on this post, so let's call it 10 months and a week. <br />
Whitney is changing so much, almost on a daily basis. She is getting such a personality and is constantly learning to do new things and turning into quite the explorer. The days of her sitting on her butt and playing quietly are now in the past, as she scurries to one toy to the next, pulls herself up and moving along furniture and is amusing herself with Tilly, possibly her new best friend. <br />
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She's standing up in her crib in the morning when I come to get her and I cant help but giggle. She plays tug with Tilly and is learning how to follow him around the house, it's quite possibly the most endearing thing I have seen her do. And when she giggles and smiles at me, that's when I thank God. <br />
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My parents have been watching her on Skype lately and I think they find her pretty funny. She's crawling all over (one foot on the ground, one knee on the ground) digging in her toy box and then chasing Tilly...I love to see them laughing at her and her antics. They may be far away, but Skype brings us so much closer. As they wave and smile at her and she attacks the computer, that's when I thank God. <br />
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The love I feel for her, this true, raw, heart wrenching love, is a love people told me about but I could never understand. I get it now. I know I'm not alone on this feeling, and I'm sure many can relate, but man it feels incredible. I've had 10 months of this precious baby and when I think back to her coming into this world and how far she's come, that's when I thank God. <br />
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Milestones include:<br />
*Starting to eat grinded up adult food / * Like to pull myself up on everything and walk along furniture / * I can walk behind a push toy / * I generally like to go to thinkgs I'm not supposed to / * Bat at 8:00 and sleep until 7:30 / * I crawl with one foot on the ground / * I flew to WI again, this makes 4 times / * I have 5 teeth / * Mom heard me say "Tilly"...could this by my first word??<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the past few weeks I’ve started jogging again and decided I would just have to wake up before the rest of the family in the morning to fit this in throughout the day. There sure is something to be said about running in the morning and watching the sunrise and welcome the day. I’m alone with my thoughts and almost on a daily basis do I think about the images and conversations I experienced when Whitney was born and during that first very uncertain month. There are images and conversations that only Andy and I will ever know. I’m afraid these images will haunt me until I die, but also strengthen and mold me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hear so often and see posts on facebook and receive emails about “enjoying every minute” of being a Mom and see how others can sometimes struggle with parenthood. Sure, it’s hard and can be frustrating, but I have never and will never take it for granted. To have been so close to having this child slip away, I HAVE enjoyed every second. I’m taking it all in, I'm taking the time to appreciate it all. Every smile, every snuggle, and of course every cry too. I don’t think a day goes by that a tear is not shed. I know I’m an emotional person, but at night, when all is quiet and we’re relaxing in the rocker saying our prayers, and I give thanks to God for blessing us with Whitney, how can I not help but let a tear slip by? She’s here, and she’s doing awesome, and we’re witnessing it each and every day. </span><br />
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</div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-10443009617781014282012-04-03T19:25:00.000-07:002012-04-03T19:25:08.304-07:00Just a few pictures to share...I dont have too many photographs up in our house or in picture frames, but this one will find a special frame...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, wanted to share one of our special little Easter Bunny. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-6b9Xbu6Ce4EV8ohwtcUPW_SNnoDRfzPaBEsqUoqsBzLSZNOulUogVIYu-yELJ60ba3ZROA0VWU8GXSMtYbAfmYmRZ81_YnK9iBHFy7pPEjMTe8Ch6pn35kojsWdKSSUDpCyjB6yOQ/s1600/IMG_9691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-6b9Xbu6Ce4EV8ohwtcUPW_SNnoDRfzPaBEsqUoqsBzLSZNOulUogVIYu-yELJ60ba3ZROA0VWU8GXSMtYbAfmYmRZ81_YnK9iBHFy7pPEjMTe8Ch6pn35kojsWdKSSUDpCyjB6yOQ/s320/IMG_9691.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-39218977125961342012012-03-28T19:01:00.000-07:002012-03-28T19:01:03.807-07:00Good news all aroundThis past month was full of doctor appointments, way too many in my opinion for a healthy 9 month old. It seemed as if every week we were running to the next check-up or follow-up or well visit. Even though it was a lot of running, we received all good news from every appointment. Here is the rundown:<br />
1. Neurologist in Florence - We had a follow up visit with Dr. Murthy three months after the MRI scan was performed. At the last meeting with him, he compared the scans and was very optimistic, and this meeting was basically a confirmation of that. He did a few "tests" on her and he thought she was doing great. He advised we do not need to come back unless we feel it necessary. It was so thrilling to know we don't have to go back there. The neurologist is not a fun place to be, trust me. <br />
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2. Physical Therapist in Florence - This was an appointment i was actually looking forward to and also a bit nervous. I was curious to see what type of "tests" they were going to have Whitney perform. I know she is doing so great, but I also wanted to hear from a therapist if there was anything we should be working on or if they had any concerns. They worked with her on picking up small items, standing, crawling and pulling up. She is still army crawling, but they didn't seem concerned about that. Every action that she did, they were very pleased with and the final outcome was "she passed with flying colors". <br />
I am still cautious and very aware of her milestones and development. I know there are other children who had similar starts as her and were put on the cooling blanket who have had development delays. Of course I will always worry about her, but hearing that she is right where she should be makes me breath a little bit easier. <br />
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3. Well visit with pediatrician in Myrtle Beach - Dr. Malloney was very happy to see Whitney and said she is doing perfect. She is now in the 50% for height and weight, weighing in at 18.5oz and 27.75 inches long. He doesn't need to see her until her 1 year checkup. Amazing that it will be one year in just a few months. I remember when I was taking her to see him once a week. Whew, how things change. <br />
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That should be all the recaps. As you can see, she has gotten good health reports from all three doctors. She is such a miracle and I am sure to thank God for her every day. A friend keeps telling me God must have such big plans for her to keep her around, and I couldn't agree more. There is a reason she is here with us, and maybe it is for those who don't believe in miracles to see one every day, maybe it is for us to love and live deeper. Whatever it may be, we are hear, witnessing her every day. A living, breathing miracle. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-g_BVizEHhK4B5By6kot91w34a4NaOFtazInivrm6Q802DrtSz_9tVWK4hCrgiEYIfOQJ89-sitieGQAwPDibMZorBxYH1n2APx6xY4uqr29s768T68esejFJJOJpffXtEo4SDAqMA/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-g_BVizEHhK4B5By6kot91w34a4NaOFtazInivrm6Q802DrtSz_9tVWK4hCrgiEYIfOQJ89-sitieGQAwPDibMZorBxYH1n2APx6xY4uqr29s768T68esejFJJOJpffXtEo4SDAqMA/s320/IMG_9570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-90019798295760059692012-03-17T11:32:00.000-07:002012-03-17T11:32:55.278-07:00Sweet Sweet SummerAs I held Whitney in my arms, slowly rocking her to sleep for her afternoon nap, the sweet smell of suntan lotion drifted to me. Her skin was still warm and her hair still windblown and messy from the afternoon of play. This moment, right here, right now, is what being a Mom is all about. Forget the crying, and worrying, this is worth every second of every day. I love you Whitney. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl3nmsK45zdZLkKCVhYW4daEWii8Ar9hyuVpiFkLYLUiTovCEHT5i984uCo9Zuc2HUjYj3aNXo7LbS5O1llonGyI4R0JamJtMDHEdQYDarhRgTDkOZ8VBK6S0Kz7XkRuoPoZTQVjvvQ/s1600/IMG_9529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl3nmsK45zdZLkKCVhYW4daEWii8Ar9hyuVpiFkLYLUiTovCEHT5i984uCo9Zuc2HUjYj3aNXo7LbS5O1llonGyI4R0JamJtMDHEdQYDarhRgTDkOZ8VBK6S0Kz7XkRuoPoZTQVjvvQ/s400/IMG_9529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTE1_KUNzWfVzGEc4M0w5dIk-tA3C4HUQpeEJlhRSOmBOeYuYROEqfeJPJjmG3eLI2AQW4tjAI40RmK0JvERzS2r9TF5Kg_GsA5lN6cmM7aAUBHHtTaUQDR5HcOnWWEiCucEV63agPg/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTE1_KUNzWfVzGEc4M0w5dIk-tA3C4HUQpeEJlhRSOmBOeYuYROEqfeJPJjmG3eLI2AQW4tjAI40RmK0JvERzS2r9TF5Kg_GsA5lN6cmM7aAUBHHtTaUQDR5HcOnWWEiCucEV63agPg/s320/IMG_9534.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-82097468378161831902012-03-08T19:15:00.000-08:002012-03-08T19:15:34.257-08:008 months old comes with GREAT newsWell it's been awhile since I last posted, just enjoying this precious time with Whitney. She's now 8 months old and doing so great. <br />
The best news we received came this last Friday when she had a follow up appointment with the neurologist in Florence. He looked her over and said he doesn't need to see her anymore, he thinks she is doing just fine! <br />
This is news that I was expecting to hear, but to hear it from him was so wonderful. If you remember, this is the doctor who the NICU nurses told us he does not "sugar coat" anything and will only tell you like it is. So considering the source, this makes it even more wonderful news. <br />
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My parents have been in town and giving Whitney extra special love. Andy and I appreciate it so much since it gives us a break to run to the store, run errands, check emails/facebook which is more difficult when watching her. It's special to have them here and see her from the time she wakes up till the time her eyes close for bed at night. They get to experience our joys of her teeth coming in (two have come in while they were here), seeing her first crawl, and seeing her personality blossom every day. The last two weeks have really been a wonderful special time for all of us. <br />
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As for Whitney, she is getting such a big personality. Just a few highlights include, rolling around everywhere to get where she needs to be. she would rather roll than crawl, however, she is started to scoot forward on her forearms and not quite tucking her knees under her yet, but getting the hang of it. She is still eating her frozen cubes of food, and feeding herself puffs, and we're getting adventuresome with her trying new things. (She loved the sherbet dessert after our hibachi meal last week. hahah) She's sleeping great at night, as usual, and has a really great routine throughout the day. <br />
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I'll leave you all with some pictures....what a joy she is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9vQgm7rCzuFCBju7w6cLh2nKNKfzl4c7A1Ucw3AcwXeAQoqIqaEj7k4PvfpcrZLovMX2pmtasCn4t5DQqyTjdPCUkkMay5xoJebVxrktplFGGdKFRTVbRPFSB5RNLGYG1NbuNaREqw/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9vQgm7rCzuFCBju7w6cLh2nKNKfzl4c7A1Ucw3AcwXeAQoqIqaEj7k4PvfpcrZLovMX2pmtasCn4t5DQqyTjdPCUkkMay5xoJebVxrktplFGGdKFRTVbRPFSB5RNLGYG1NbuNaREqw/s320/IMG_1677.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-49372258911444823362012-02-06T18:33:00.000-08:002012-02-06T18:33:43.699-08:00Have lots of funThings are just moving along at quite a fast pace over here at our household. Between both of us working crazy hours and being gone overnight to running to the babysitter, to making baby food to keeping the house clean and trying to maintain somewhat of a social life is exhausting. Needless to say we are having tons of fun and time truly does not stand still for anyone. <br />
<br />
Whitney is really starting to make some sounds from "dadada" to "ttttt" (we think she's trying to say Tilly) and I could swear she even said "mamama" but it may be wishful thinking too. She's getting really really close to crawling too. Tonight was the closest I've seen her, where she has scooted her knees under her and moved forward to reach a toy. Her arm strength is still a little weak, so she's not lifting herself off the ground, but I'm guessing that will come with time too and only become easier when she gets the hang of things. <br />
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We're excited to have some special visitors coming in the next few months so that's what we're looking forward to. I did take some pictures this past weekend and thought I would share. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi4bWYDte9XppnbF7mA4oxm1pkT8KY8bKDywds3_crP6n3GlfFCV5klJ2OpCWlBeQgyNcgXi0Axkd63FJxS9PjhjT39E2TsLCjbUZFvBTf5Vi03CbTyVnp5aJ9bJGQqTsnzCS0ymqsQ/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi4bWYDte9XppnbF7mA4oxm1pkT8KY8bKDywds3_crP6n3GlfFCV5klJ2OpCWlBeQgyNcgXi0Axkd63FJxS9PjhjT39E2TsLCjbUZFvBTf5Vi03CbTyVnp5aJ9bJGQqTsnzCS0ymqsQ/s320/IMG_3786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-56651155350677730762012-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:45:27.478-08:007 months old todayHard to believe, but Whitney is 7 months old today. As I was putting her to bed tonight I actually put my feet up, rocked her for awhile and just reflected on the last 7 months. (wishing I would have had a tissue box nearby!)<br />
I thought of how wonderful it is to hold her, and how much it hurt not being able to hold her until DAYS after her birth. I thought of the feeling the first time I did get to hold her....the tubes and monitors and tears and JOY. I thought of the first time she moved her head from one side to another and how strong I thought she was and how she is rolling all over the house now. I thought of all the uncertainty, doubt and questions, oh all the questions. I thought of all the prayers and warm wishes as the days ticked by, still not having a baby come home. But most of all I thought of all the LOVE I have this little girl. She has come so far and is doing so awesome. Looking back I just didn't know what to expect, and I guess I'm so much happier than I thought I could be. Sure, there is still so much uncertainty, but I just feel so strong and that we can get through anything. This family has been through so much and with the grace of God we have come out alive and well with SO MUCH to be thankful for. <br />
So finally, happy 7 months Whitney, we love you and there are so many others out there routing for you. You are beating the odds every day and I'm your biggest cheerleader. <br />
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Here are Whitney's 7 Month Old Milestones:<br />
Eating homemade peas, green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes twice a day and love them all / I say "dada" / I have two teeth in the bottom middle / I get a bath at 8:30 and bottle at 9:00 I sleep until 7:30 / I can hold a toy in each hand at once / I got stick for the first time / First cold and first flu / I can stand for a few seconds while holding on to something / I went flying again, this makes three trips to WI / I fall over reaching for things and get in the crawling position / I put my pacifier in all by myself<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74HXbE-hQQSf0O3TlrIqzrxOkexhXvw9O2W1u1E6PNuKdZrGPHZ2Y8CQkLrKB5gsOjZHlFygYtIABrdQxPNyZ2HR2r3PKDqOBrZM2kSxgPoK5VQukt3_vc81zXEC7erX9L5_Uj6CL3w/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74HXbE-hQQSf0O3TlrIqzrxOkexhXvw9O2W1u1E6PNuKdZrGPHZ2Y8CQkLrKB5gsOjZHlFygYtIABrdQxPNyZ2HR2r3PKDqOBrZM2kSxgPoK5VQukt3_vc81zXEC7erX9L5_Uj6CL3w/s320/IMG_3579.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>The Whiteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03861024956073323509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4876330047877503853.post-91542083056653324802012-01-20T20:37:00.000-08:002012-01-20T20:37:19.303-08:00Tis the SeasonWe are just settling in, after being home almost a week from our 11 day vacation to Wisconsin. It was such wonderful time seeing family, friends, THE PACKERS. We really made the most of our time there and even managed to get a few days of work in too. <br />
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We spent a few days in the beloved "water park capitol of the world" Wisconsin Dells and had a great time, up until the last night there when Andy and his uncle contracted a flu like virus, which then spread like wild fire to 7 of the 9 people who we were sharing a condo with and then numerous other relatives as well. Unfortunately, Whitney was not spared. She has been battling the flu like symptoms all week. What started last week Sunday is still hanging around and I"m getting really sick of her being sick. She is remaining in good spirits most of the time, which is nice. She continues to eat really good too. I'm trying my hand at making my own baby food and so far so good. She is liking the peas, green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes. Next month I'll start making some fruit, and she should REALLY like those. <br />
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So anyway, while we were in WI, she sprouted her second tooth, having only minimal teething issues. She really hasn't given us much hell from teething at all! Just today she started babbling "DaDaDa" quite a bit. It was almost as if a switch went off in her and she started to release all these sounds and "words" we've never heard her say before. It was really fun to listen to her "talk" all day today, and of course Andy was thrilled when he kept hearing her say Dada. <br />
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I feel like I"m forgetting some things, but I'm just going to post some pictures and let them speak for the trip, and for the last few weeks. <br />
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