Blog

Random April Photos

I haven't done a random photo dump in a few months, but that's probably because life has felt a bit random overall the past few months. We're kinda settling down into something resembling a routine, so random photos are returning! :)

JNH_8785.jpg

Nonni getting in a little more grandkid time before she left after Easter. It looks like Natalie isn't behaving since her O2 monitor is reading below 90%, but to be honest it's probably the monitor. That thing tends to go a little crazy if she moves much and she's getting very active when she is awake. So it's a nonstop battle with the mute button on that thing most days if she's not asleep...

IMG_7334.jpg

Matt gave me such a hard time about not buying him any Cadbury eggs for Easter. I barely remembered the event for the kids and it's not like he bought me any candy! But I am willing to take feedback into consideration on our marriage at any time.

So I bought every single cadbury egg they had left at Target the next day and let the kids hide them all over the house. I think they had more fun hiding these things than they did hunting for their own. But I also knew we would lose track of where they all went, so I took photos of where we hid every single one. No need to attract any rodents into the house!

IMG_7359.jpg

My Natalies! I haven't managed to get a great photo of the two of them together. Furry Natalie isn't the best at having kids propped up on her, so I have no idea how I am going to get a photo shoot of them until baby Natalie is able to sit up better...

IMG_7366.jpg

Chilling out in her blanket cocoon. The therapists with the ILP suggested different ways of positioning her with blankets to keep her in "neutral" positions. Plus the blanket pushes her shoulders/arms forward where she is more likely to use them and reach for things. And she's got her Nuk massager that she likes to wave around like a sword. The speech therapist adjusted her grip to be closer to the head of the massager and Natalie stuck it right in her mouth and started trying to gnaw on it - perfect!

Side note - she is in a sea of pink! :)

IMG_7377.jpg

So many coworkers have been bringing us food and it has been so helpful! One person brought us a bake-at-home custom pizza and bought mini-pizzas for the kids. It was so thoughtful and they had a blast putting their toppings on! 

JNH_8788.jpg

I let Thomas borrow my phone to text Nonni and he did awesome at it. I know he's been in Kindergarten almost a whole year, but I am still blown away by his reading and writing skills! Can't wait to text him all the time when he is older!

IMG_7383.jpg

Most mornings these days have a little bit of quiet time chilling with Natalie before our day really gets going. I think all three of my kiddos have always been in the best moods in the morning. Cherished time, for sure!

IMG_7392.jpg

I do my best to plan her meals around appointments, but it isn't always possible. Especially when I get the appointment time wrong (twice in one month...). We made it to the appointment, but she was still finishing her milk as we were checking in. I managed to McGyver a set-up in the car and on her stroller to make it work. 

I feel like I have no clue what I am doing some days, but I'm learning!

IMG_7394.jpg

I honestly have no idea why he was growling at me anymore. But how can I not share this face with the world??

IMG_7417.jpg

Trying to get a cute photo of us to send to Matt and she punches me right in the face. So rude! ;)

IMG_7451.jpg

When you find out Pluto isn't a planet anymore...

Not at all what caused this meltdown, but it was Kathryn's response when I sent her the photo and waaaaaaay more fun. Not sure why everyone isn't morally offended that Pluto got demoted, but this family certainly is. :)

IMG_7514.jpg

When your four year old really wants you to play uno and is suspiciously carrying around his hand of cards already...

He was soooo upset when I looked at his cards. There were real tears and more collapsing on the floor (sadly, not in a rocket costume this time). But I don't know why he thought he needed to cheat, he won the first two times after I re-dealt the cards. 

IMG_7672.jpg

This girl pretty much always has something in her mouth every time we give her food. The NICU staff said it would be important to make sure she has positive oral experiences, so we took that to mean we should try to convince her food comes through things she puts in her mouth. They even said we could dip her pacifier or chew toys in a bit of milk so she can taste it. So we're doing the best we can to keep her engaged and it seems to be working - at least she usually looks pretty happy at meal time. :)