Welcome, 2009!

I must admit that I'm embarrassed that I haven't updated my blog in five months; I wish I could say that I've been overly busy with school, the kids, family, and the holidays. Of course, I have been busy with those things like so many others; but, I know the real reason I haven't blogged is because life has been going so smoothly. I have a tendency to write as therapy; therfore, if things are going well, then I might not post. I apologize to all the WS mommies who are so dedicated to journaling not only the valleys in this journey but the mountain tops as well! Despite my lazy attitude to updating my own blog, I do stay up-to-date with everyone else's. I loved reading about many of the milestones so many have shared! So, here goes.

Abbi & Charlie are having a wonderful school year. Charlie is really enjoying his last year of preschool, and I'm amazed at how grown up he is already! Each day he tells us how he can't wait to go to school next year and ride the yellow bus! He loves looking for letters in signs and asking "What letter does that word start with, Mommy?" He had a wonderful fall season of soccer; his coach was sooo wonderful with the kids. He's currently taking swim lessons and an introduction to sports class at the YMCA. He's still into super hereos; this Christmas he said that he got everything he ever wanted- Moonsand, Optimus Prime, and more Batman stuff! It's also great to see a relationship evolving between him and Abbi now. He loves to run and have her chase him around the main floor. Of course, he never lets her catch him so eventually she loses interest! I get a little nervous with the wrestling, but she seems to give it as good as she gets.

As for Abbi, I can't help but smile when I think about how far she's come since last year at this time. Last January, she wasn't quite crawling yet. Now, she's mastered that skill and moved on to walking and almost a full run! She' s growing, eating well, and sleeping for the most part all night! Yeah! Life is so much better! We're still struggling somewhat with getting all the services I think she's entitled to thru the county; but overall, I'm so pleased that we decided to enroll her this year in the MRDD preschool program. She's making such improvements! She's definitely stronger and bolder in trying new things. In fact, during the holidays, I was amazed at how she kept up with her older brother and cousin Allison. She wanted to be a big girl, and she attempted to do everything they did! I loved it; them not so much! We've had her fitted for orthotics and her walking as greatly improved. But, I'll have to check in with some of you on the challenges of finding shoes that fit the orthotics. Her current tennis shoes, Saucony, are okay, but it is a tight fit! I wish she were talking more, and I know that is something I'm constantly worried about but I try to remember that though her speech is delayed, she will eventually chatter constantly. She's working large puzzles and has managed to manipulate several of the buttons and levers on her various toys, which shows that her grasp is maturing. She's becoming a little bit of a princess, with her colorful beaded necklaces and love of bangle bracelets! I loved to see her push her doll stroller and love on her bunny. She was a riot at Build a Bear!bilder
Finally, after almost two years, I'm beginning to see my little girl rather than the syndrome. Ocassionally I'll digress, but I try to stay focused in the present and the wonderful little girl she's become! With all that being said, we're looking forward to a great year in 2009! Tim is still in school, and we're busy again with all Abbi's therapies. I'm hoping to get involved in a small play group with some kids (girls especially) her age. Anyway, I'm hoping to stay on top of this blog a little better - that was one New Year's resolution. Since I basically never scrapbook anymore, at least this blog can become a written, visual document of our family.

God Bless & Happy New Year everyone!