I am Woman, Hear me Roar

Flat tire. Bad. I don't want to talk about it.

Now me changing the tire, that's cool right? Kaylon decided to teach me how to change a tire so that I would not be helpless the next time that happens. He directed me, but I did all the work. I have to say, I felt pretty powerful after I finished. Is that silly? I mean, it's a tire. But I did it.

When Kaylon gives me the picture off his phone I'll add it to the post.

Little Liliana

We got some hard news this past week about our Liliana. She had her 4 year check up on Friday with our new doctor (whom I love). Everything was fine until she showed me Liliana's growth chart. My girls have never weighed a lot, and so low percentiles there have never scared me, but suddenly Liliana's height was in the 2%. When I was able to get my hands on last year's stats, I was shocked to see that she hasn't grown at all in the past year. Her doctor was very proactive. She ordered blood and urine tests and an x-ray. So after getting her immunizations, she then went downstairs to the lab where she had about 6 vials of blood drawn. To add to the trauma, they blew the vein and had to get the last few on the other arm. As we walked out she sobbed, "I just can't do it anymore." I tell you, it broke my heart. The x-ray of her wrist went much better, but she didn't start to get over it until our promised trip to McDonald's.

Her doctor emailed me today (I've heard a lot of bad reviews of Kaiser Permanente, but I have to say, I'm loving it so far). All the tests were normal except the x-ray. Her bones are more than a year younger than she is. This is a fairly positive result, since it means that her bones will grow, their just behind. She is now referring us to a pediatric endocrinologist to check her hormones for any imbalances. I'm so grateful that she took me seriously and was so proactive. I know that this is a small challenge compared to other health problems, but she's still my baby- and it's been hard worrying that someone was 'wrong' with her. I just want the best for her. Her appointment is next Wednesday. I'll keep you posted.

18 Month-Old Prayers

Moira has started to say the prayer sometimes when asked. She's very cute as she repeats the simple phrases we give her to say and enthusiastically yells, "AMEN" at the end. Yesterday she said the lunch prayer. It was just her, me, and Liliana. Sometime in the middle of the prayer she sat up straight and yelled at Liliana. I looked up to see that Liliana was playing with her silverware. Moira yelled again and this time I understood; she was telling Liliana to "Be reverent!" She kept watching Liliana until the prayer was over, making sure that her sister was complying with her request. I can't tell you how fun it is at my house sometimes. :)

First Grade!!!

Grace started first grade today! She's been excited for a week, talking about seeing her friends and learning new things. She woke up this morning and was dressed in her new Hannah Montana outfit 30 seconds later. She also has new sparkle tennis shoes.
I'm amazed sometimes that I have raised such a confident, social, brave girl (in contrast to me). She took a picture with her dad, complied with hugs from us, and then without a glance behind her, walked into the school (and went the wrong way- she was supposed to report to the cafeteria and went to her classroom instead. I figure someone found her along the way.)
I watched her go, so proud of the girl she has become. Kaylon... well, he was hoping for a little more crying from her- maybe some desperate plea for him to walk her in. Oh well, maybe Liliana was be more clingy next year.

Labor Day

I love long weekends! Kaylon had monday off for Labor Day and we were planning on a trip into the city to see the Building Museum... but we slept in. So we decided to go to the Reston Zoo instead.

The weather was perfect- right around 80 degrees. The girls had a blast showing Kaylon all the animals they had seen when we went with Grace's kindergarten class. I was amazed at how much Liliana remembered!
We had a fun lunch at our local Chinese restaurant (our family's favorite food), came home for naptime, and then had a BBQ with our neighbors. It was so cool to share our grills, food, and conversation with the fantastic people that live on our block. Kids were running everywhere, playing on the playground, and riding bikes. They all tired themselves out and then it was time to get ready for school. I wish that we could live in this neighborhood forever... if only there were some four bedroom townhouses here!

Happy Birthday Liliana (Late)!

I just realized that I missed posting about Liliana's birthday. She turned 4 the day before we flew back to Virginia, after we lost our internet connection. In the subsequent craziness of being home, my blog has been neglected. But we can't continue on that path forever!

We had three celebrations for Liliana's birthday. First we had a big party the weekend before for her and her cousin Grayson, who shares his birthday with Liliana, just a year apart.

The happening kids' table

Pinata!

Gathering the spoils

The Dora Pajamas that she'd been waiting days for.

Grandma Susie made the cupcake- cake.

Notice that she changed into her pajamas already...

On her actual birthday we got to go out to dinner to the Cheesecake Factory with BOTH grandmas- Grandma Susie and Grandma Elyse! Liliana doesn't like ice cream or cheesecake, so I ordered her a plate of strawberries for dessert. She was delighted when we started singing to her and exclaimed, "Oh guys! Thank you sooo much. You are the best!" It was so sweet and sincere we all started laughing. We finished the night with TWO rides on a double decker carousel.

Finally we had a small party in Virginia with Daddy when we got home. We bought some gourmet cupcakes and opened a couple more presents. It was great to have some family time with our whole family there!

She has turned into such a sweetheart! Four really agrees with her. No longer does she push people away- instead she gives hugs and kisses and compliments all the time. She is just a joy to be around now! We love Liliana so much and we're so glad that she came to our family 4 years ago!

New Blog!

I had started writing more about politics lately and I feel like it doesn't fit well with my blogging about my family. So... I have started a new blog. It will be my release for all those grown up issues that I'm dying to talk about! So if you're into political or religious discussions, feel free to check me out at:

http://civilpoliticsandreligion.blogspot.com/

Or not. No pressure. :)