RobertsFamilyBlog

I OFFICIALLY HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD!! It really is a good thing - but A LOT more work!! With Kahlia's new found heart that actually works correctly and gives her 22% more oxygen then she was getting before, we have an entirely new child. For one, and quite sad, she doesn't cuddle near as much. I knew this would happen, but it's very sad. I used to get her out of bed in the morning, go into the living room, sit down and "cuddle" for a while. That is no more. She is up looking at everything she can't wait to rip, destroy, play with, pull out, touch, you name it! Life is way too exciting for her to just lay in her mommy's lap and cuddle - how boring mom! What was I thinking??!? The most noticable difference is her ability to actually cry for more then just a moment. She really cries for as long as needed if she doesn't get what she wants. Though crying is never fun to hear, it is actually a sign of a healthy child - remember that all you moms - it really is a good thing to hear your child cry! Before, she would cry briefly, then realize it so wasn't worth the effort. Now, everything is worth the effort - and that's good - I guess! Also, when ever she would get tired after crawling, she would lie her little head down where ever it was convenient - whether it be cement, wood, carpet - she was down the moment she felt too tired. I haven't seen her do that once yet. Over all, she is doing amazing. We are standing her up often to help strengthen her little legs. She stands for several minutes before she sits herself down. She doesn't pull herself up yet (she's done it a couple of times pre surgery), but I'm sure that will be coming soon. The kids are working really hard at being careful with her. They can't pick her up yet in the traditional way (from the armpits), so it's up to mostly mom and dad to pick her up. We have to "scoop" her for a few weeks just to make sure her rib cage is completely healed. She doesn't seem to be in any pain whatsoever - but she does notice her scar, and touches it often. I've been waiting to hear from ESD all week to get her started with her early childhood intervention for both developmental and physical therapies. Speech will likely start in January after her cleft palate is repaired. Fun and exciting times...we are gearing up for Brendon's final football game tomorrow, then we can focus on just swimming with all 3 kids for a while! :-) Can't wait to get Kahlia in the water for lessons. She LOVES the water for her bath - we'll see how it goes! I probably won't start that either until she is completely healed from her cleft palate - water through the nose and mouth would NOT be a good thing!