1-Year Check-up

Yesterday the girls had their 1-year wellness check. They are pretty much the same in all objective categories (height, weight, etc)- in fact, the doctor asked at first glance if they have always been so close. They both are 29.5 in long (although I do think the whole lay them down and put a line at the feet and top of the head trick may be slightly flawed) and just under 23 lbs (Gracie is 22.15 & Lily is 22.13). Both of those measurements put them in the high 70- low 80 percentile. Now for the measurements that put them high on the charts. I can't remember the exact numbers (and I don't have the paper in front of me) but both girls have inherited their parents' huge heads. Gracie is in the 96th percentile and Lily is "off the charts".


We did discover that both girls still have ear infections. This really stinks because we just finished meds about 3 weeks ago (maybe) and the girls don't really have symptoms when their ears are bad. They have been fussy when you lay them down to change or going to bed, but we just figured this was "independence" starting. We got more medicine and hopefully it will clear everything up. The doctor did tell us about a device for home use that helps to monitor fluid in the ears. She said that some doctors even used it when she was a resident, and if it wasn't too expensive it would be worth the purchase. She told me that they use to sell them at Walgreens. After work I stopped by the Walgreens to see if they still carried the "ear thing". I looked by myself and couldn't find it so I asked the pharmacist if she had heard of such a device. After she looked at me like I had three heads, she proceeded to help, but it couldn't be found. I decided to do some research online before asking at another store. I found what the doctor was speaking of and it looked like it might do the trick. It is called EarCheck Monitor. They have a website and it is available through many different retailers. I am looking forward to getting ours in to see if it really works. It costs about $50, but that is the co-pay if we take both girls to the doctor, so it will pay for itself.

The doctor also said that the girls could start on whole milk. I was excited about this because formula can be pricey when you are feeding 2. We did switch to the transitional formula (9-24 months) about 2 months ago and it is cheaper. The catch is, the daycare workers mentioned that if the girls were on milk the daycare provided it for us while they are there. I haven't figured the difference in cost yet, but I am pretty sure that will help us on our grocery bill! I figured the girls would have no problem switching to the "real stuff", but the doctor said that some kids have to develop a taste. We decided to try some whole milk at dinner last night (about 2 oz)- the girls LOVED IT! They drank it very quickly and wanted more. I didn't want to over-do-it the first time, so I mixed up some formula to top them off. Lily was fussiest so I gave her formula first. While I was in the kitchen making Gracie's, Walt started laughing really loud. I came around the corner to see what had happened, and this is what he said - Lily took the cup, started to drink and then pulled the cup away from her mouth. She then proceeded to look at the cup, then threw it on the ground in disgust! He said it was priceless! She did eventually finish the formula, but I don't know how happy she was about it.

I know this was a lot to read, but it has been awhile since I have written. This upcoming weekend we are going with my family to Ruidoso. I am looking forward to some time off from work and getting to see the girls outside of the normal surroundings. We are staying at this big rental house, with 4 master suites, that my parents were given as a gift from the church choir to spend some time at. Walt and I went to Ruidoso a few years ago with our friends Brandon & Danyel, and really enjoyed the town and the scenery. I will post some pics when we get back- have a blessed day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILY & GRACIE

Well, we survived the girls' 1st birthday! It is hard to believe that 1 year has gone by. (I know everyone says that) The girls' actual birthday was on Friday, and we had a pretty quiet day. Saturday was the party, and we had a blast! We celebrated with family and friends all afternoon. The girls received tons of fun and beautiful gifts (see Flickr for details). The girls had mixed responses to their 1st taste of processed sugar- Lily enjoyed picking off the icing, Gracie was more reserved and has issues with different textures.


Thanks to everyone who helped us this past year through prayers, babysitting and encouraging words! The first few months are a blur, but the past months have been so much fun with the girls development- physically and personality-wise! I am excited about the years to come! Please check out Flickr for many more pics of our big girls!