Our Corner of Heaven

Lexie

2012-02-12T13:02:00.001-08:00

The Elders gave us a Book of Mormon to share with a friend and Lexie thinks it's hers. I'll often walk in and see her "reading" it! too cute!

LPA Vday party

2012-02-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Our chapter of LPA has regular get togethers and we went yesterday to the Vday party. I wanted to take tons of pictures but I eneded up just taking a few of my girls (what's new?!?!?)

V-Day

2012-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

This is Alexa's first V-day at school and her first time giving V-day cards. We found this amazing free printable here and then got the heart crayon idea from here. Lexie had so much fun helping me unwrap and then put the cut up pieces into the heart muffin pan. We're excited to take them to school!!!

School

2012-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Lexie has L.O.V.E.D. being in preschool. When she is not at school she wants to play school. I bought her a workbook for preschool aged kids that help with writing and she finished in an hour.....the whole thing. Hope she keeps this excitement until she graduates from college!

These are just some cute ones of Madilynn!

We live in a Bad area of town!

2012-02-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

I didn't know it when we moved in here, but there is a HUGE crack problem in our neighborhood........HUGE!!!........

Poor Lexie is in between sizes right now.....the 5's are skin tight but the right length and the 6's are a bit big so she always has baby crack. It makes me laugh! I'm not the only one who thinks it's funny........

Maddie laughs at the baby crack too.

On a side note Madilynn is lifting her head a ton, but every time she does she lifts her feet up too. She balances on her tummy. Very cute but it's got to be a lot more work for her!

I just love her feet!

I threw this one in cause it reminds me of Austin Powers!......"One Million Dollars!"

Cuddle bugs!

2012-02-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

Came in this morning after my shower and found this.....Lexie wanted Madilynn to be on her blanket and she was singing to her. I tell Lexie she is babysitting Maddie when I shower and she loves the job and takes it very seriously!

At Night

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Pretty much every night the girls take a bath, it's part of our routine and it signals the end of the day for Lexie and that bed time is around the corner. They both love bath time and I love taking pictures of them!

I love her chunky legs!

And of course her tongue!

She has always LOVED sucking on her washcloth. I try and get all the water out of it (gross) but she still shoves it in her mouth!

Cute hands!

After bath time we read stories. Lexie picks one book for Madilynn and then 3 for herself. She's always loved story time and I hope Maddie loves it too.

What great memories I'll look back on when my girls are off and married with their own family night time rituals.

2012-01-29T22:26:00.001-08:00

I don't know why I bother to put a blanket down....she never ends up on it!

Great day!

2012-01-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

I just love these girls. We had a super great Saturday, not a thing on our schedule. We were lazy the first part of the day and then I cleaned, vacuumed, dusted, did the dishes and laundry while Alex went outside and did tons of yard work. He and Lexie made 3 trips to the dump. Lexie LOVED it! She was very sad when it was time to come in for dinner.

The Bapron

2012-01-25T19:10:00.001-08:00

Made the cutest baby apron today......I'm gonna make a dozen of them!

Love these girls!!

2012-01-09T15:14:00.001-08:00

cute video of my girls!

Madilynn

2012-01-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Well this little bundle of joy has decided that she was done nursing. She wants nothing to do with it what so ever! With Lexie I slowly weened her off a little at a time and when we stopped at 13 months I was only nursing 1 time a day anyway. Not so with Madilynn. It went from 4-8 times in a 24 hour period to NONE! I guess at 7 and 1/2 months she knows what she wants....don't worry about me and my wants.

On a side note she is a great eater!!! She eats everything we give her......sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, prunes, pears, peaches....everything! I think I'm gonna start her on some meats.....this should be interesting!

Little people everywhere!!

2012-01-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

Ever since we found out Madilynn had dwarfism we have tried really hard to get Lexie involved in the LP world (from TV shows to Little People of America regionals) so it wouldn't be so different to grow up with a sister who is not average height! Well I can say she feels quite comfortable with that community and isn't shy at all. While at the store the other day I had both girls and we walked past a man who had dwarfism (not achondroplasia like Madilynn, but some kind of dwarfism). As we past him I smiled and kept on walking, but as soon as Lexie saw him she got SUPER excited and ~~said~~ screamed "Hey mom......(pointing the whole time)....there's a little person! HI LITTLE PERSON!! LITTLE PERSON....HI!!!" I was so embarrassed and proud all at the same time. He never even looked up at us, just kept on his merry way (hope he could see her excitement).

Lift'n my big head

2012-01-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

It is a known fact that Achon babies have big heads and it takes a while to lift them up so we've done some tummy time exercises to help Madilynn work those muscles! It has really paid off and she is doing so well! The last 2 weeks I've seen a huge improvement and she gets so proud of herself, I love it! Now she's even getting her arms in the action and pushing herself up.....what a doll!!! Here are just a few pictures from the last few days......

Designing Headers

2012-01-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

I am addicted to switching up my blog. I love making the header and then adding the background so everything matches just right. I bought 13 new kits (all on clearance for less than $1 each)and I'm gonna change it up monthly.......super excited!

A new chapter!

2012-01-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

My little sunshine is starting preschool. She is sooooo excited! A new chapter that is so great for mommy.....and Lexie!

Walk

2012-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

We went on a walk the other day, there are horses and a fruitstand about 2 blocks away from us so we usually go over to them to get out of the house. My girls love it and it's a great way to get some air!

My girls

2011-12-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

So far the girls have loved their Christmas gifts.....Here is a teething ring for Maddie (and a cable daddy gave her)

And here is the "what not to do" picture for make up application!

She LOVES putting on her make up and walks around like a modle when she does!

Who doesn't love bath time! It's a hit around here!

Love theses girls!!!

Christmas

2011-12-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

We mostly took video of Christmas morning so I only have those 3 shots of lexie posing. She got make up for Christmas and couldn't wait to put it on and boy did she put it on!!!

Christmas night we met at Grandmas house and the party got started!!! Stephen and Holly, Rick and Becky , Aaron and Michelle and us brought our kids and got crazy with the holiday spirit!! It was awesome to see everyone and the kids had so much fun playing! I have some very funny nieces and nephews! I don't know how I didn't get one picture of Aaron, sorry brother! (PS this dress use to be mine, I wore it in a ballet recital, then Becky wore it......I love it!)

Lexie loved Zaynes gift.....she loves tools!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve was at our house this year. Not everyone in our family was able to make it. We had dinner and then had fondue to end the evening, a tradition in the Eller family! Here are a few pictures.

Bay Area

2011-12-11T22:10:00.001-08:00

On Friday Madilynn had her follow up with Dr. Sun for her surgery and everything went well. She is doing awesome. We'll have to go back in 5 months to have another MRI and Sleep Study to make sure the sleep apnea is gone and that nothing is growing back. While we were there we stayed and had a little mini vacation! We went to Half Moon bay and ate at our favorite restaurant. It was yummy like usual!

Then we found a tree farm that had a little festival, it was super fun!

That night we got together with Alex's only Aunt and one of his cousins. It was wonderful to catch up and spend some time with them, we need to do that more often!

Here are my girls at the hotel, Lexie thinks it's magical to stay at the Embassy Suites. There's a pool and free breakfast (she amazes easily!)

On our way home we stopped at the Nut Tree.

Had a great time with my family!

MMMMMMM, Carrots

2011-12-11T22:09:00.001-08:00

The girl can make a mess, I just love this picture of Madilynn!

Gingerbread Train

2011-12-11T22:05:00.001-08:00

Lexie and Daddy got to put together a Gingerbreat Train this year, Lexie loved it! Super cute pictures!

2011-12-07T08:13:00.001-08:00

I am in shock!! Madilynn is 7 months old on Friday, where has the time gone. She is doing amazing, such a happy baby! Here are some of the things she is doing....1. Rolling over, front to back, back to front....always moving.2. She is NOT a binkie baby.....she loved it for about 2 months and now just chews on it.3. She is sleeping in her own crib and wakes up once a night.....she is usually in bed by 7ish and up at 6a.....sometimes she sleeps til 830 (those are happy days!)4. She loves to eat peas, carrots, squash and prunes. 5. She loves to talk/sing.....it's beautiful music to my ears.6. She adores her big sister, whenever lexie enters the room Madilynns attention is drawn to her. It's so cute!Since her surgery she seems all around more happy, no more waking up every night at 4a, no more gagging.....she eats more, sleeps more and has a much better schedule. I am soooo happy, my life is easier ;)

Who doesn't love snowmen!!??!

2011-12-02T20:56:00.001-08:00

While daddy was at work Lexie and I made these cute snowmen.

The last time we did an art project I was a little bossy and wasn't having as much fun because I wanted Lexie to do it my way.....I felt bad about that so this time I showed her how I was doing it and let her do what she wanted......this is what we got.....

Every time I look at it I laugh because it reminds me of her.....

Alex said its the Chucky Doll of snowmen.....gotta love it!

2011-11-30T09:21:00.001-08:00

Lexie got her own hair done this morning....beautiful!

Operation Christmas

2011-11-27T10:36:00.001-08:00

We love this time of year, friends, family and fun!! We set up our Christmas tree and Alexa was very excited. While we were putting our tree together (yes it's fake!) she was giggling and I asked her why she was giggling and she said "I can't believe it's Christmas and Santa will be here tonight. I wonder what toys I'm gonna get!" I felt so bad explaining that we still had several days before Santa would be here. She was very proud of her work on the tree! Madilynn wasn't much help with the tree but she loved her toys!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T08:52:00.001-08:00

I am so thankful for these people. I love my family! I didn't get pictures of everyone, it's hard with a baby. Scott and Courney were there and I didn't get one of them. Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!

First Surgery

2011-11-19T11:17:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately kids with Achondroplasia can have MANY surgeries for many different reasons. Madilynn had her first this last week. In September we went in for a routine MRI and sleep study (read about it here and here and here)At that point we knew her spinal cord was being compressed but she wasn't showing any signs so they sent us home. Over the next month or so she started showing some signs, gagging, up in the middle of the night and wanting to sleep all day and not eating a whole lot. We went in for another MRI to check the spinal cord and see if it's getting any better. The 2nd MRI showed it was getting worse and our 4th sleep study showed she had sleep apnea so they scheduled her surgery for the following Tuesday. We went up Monday night and had some blood work done and rested in the Family house. Alex was there with us and we were ready for tomorrow to happen. Her surgery was scheduled at 1 so she had to stop eating at 9a and we got to the pre-op at 11. They came in and told us the surgery before us was taking longer so to feed her and the new time was 3. By 330 she hungry and pissed. At about 345p we walked her to these doors and then handed her over to the nurse, the doors shut behind them and the waiting began. The nursed called us every hour to let us know things were going well. It felt like days in between calls and about 10 they called and said it was all over. She was great and being taken to post op. It was a huge relief to see her and know the worst was over! She was fussy for the first 12 hours and then just like that (insert snapping of fingers) she was back to herself. We were released on Thursday afternoon. She had Tylenol but they stopped giving it to her Wednesday and she didn't even care. It's amazing how kids bounce right back. Since the surgery she is eating better, sleeping better and acting happier. She still gags alot but that's a baby thing!! The BEST thing from her time in the hospital is that she no longer sleeps in my bed. They don't allow co-sleeping int he hospital so she learned quick how to fall asleep in a crib, honestly I'm relieved!! I was planning on doing it when we got home anyway, we just did it there instead! Here are a few pictures of our experience! Her she is in pre op.

This is right after the surgery before she woke up.

This was the day after the surgery (she loved all those cords)

This is Thursday after a bath and with all IV's and cords removed, happy girl!

That's her incision.

She had to have a "Halo" to make sure she didn't move during the surgery and so she has a few cuts where they screwed it into the skull.

We're so happy she's home and feel very loved and blessed. The outpouring of prayers and love from our friends and family was overwhelming. Thank you everyone who prayed for our little girl!!

Tis the season

2011-11-12T23:21:00.001-08:00

My brother in law was nice enough to take our holiday pictures this year. I wanted to get it done before Madilynn's surgery. Just one more thing to cross off my list. There were tons of funny outtakes, but these are my favorite. I wish we would have gotten one of just Maddie but she doesn't sit up yet and I didn't bring a blanket. Oh well, next time!

2011-11-11T14:22:00.001-08:00

Just cause these girls are so cute!!

2011-11-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

On Monday Madilynn had her 4th sleep study. It's the biggest joke, who can sleep with all that stuff attached to them. She spent most of the night pulling on all the leads and being awake. We got to the sleep center at 7p and she was already so tired, she was in bed by 830 and then up at 6a the next morning. We left the sleep center at 630A to get to Childrens hospital Oakland for an MRI (her 2nd). She was tired and hungry by the time we got there. I finally put her to sleep when they took her away. There is something about handing your child over to a stranger and watching them walk down a long hall behind double doors that is a bit unsettling. I cried (I was so tired too) as I watched what was almost like a movie to me thinking, "she better come back to me in the same or better condition she is in now!". The MRI was to check the opening at the base of her skull to see how her spinal cord was holding up. After her recovery we went up to see Dr. Sun in his office and they squeezed us in (his office is busy!!!). It appears her spinal cord is more compressed than before and she will be needing surgery by the end of the week or beginning of next. I cried again. There are great complications with this surgery (death, becoming paralyzed) but the risks of not having it are the same but with a sooner outcome. I am afraid to send her off again and hope and pray everything will be fine. We're just waiting now for his office to call with the time and day, nothing could be worse than waiting, waiting, waiting.

Big Top

2011-11-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

We had tickets to all go to the circus tonight but because of the cold/rainy weather I stayed home with Madilynn (we thought it was outside but it wasn't). Alex said it was really loud though so I'm glad we didn't go. Lexie brought home this huge Dora balloon and did nothing but eat the whole time they were there. Our "Homeschool" PreK pack (found here, they are amazing!!) today was on the circus(since I knew they were going) and it had popcorn and cotton candy in it so of course she HAD to have those. Daddy is a softy, she could get whatever she wanted (one of the many reasons we love him so much!!)

She could not stop telling me all about it when they got home. She had so much fun!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Getting ready, you can never have enough blood!

Met up with friends to hit the houses!

Lexie was Cinderella and I was the wicked stepmother but no one could tell!

Lexie would not smile. Lucy looked so cute!

Her first piece of candy.....

Madilynn was king kong and alex was the Empire states building, didn't get a picture of them together. I'm going to make them get dressed tonight. she actually fell asleep in her stroller and slept through it all! I don't know why she always looks surprised in pictures, hahaha!

Last Week

2011-10-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

We made playdo this last week, Lexie is loving it and playing with it daily!!

I was getting out of the shower and I heard Lexie say "Madilynns wet........I'll change her..........me did it!" I couldn't get dry fast enough and this is what I found.....

Yes Maddie is eating a diaper, luckily it was the clean one. Although by the time I got there Madilynn had peed all over her play mat. First changing experience alone and the last one for a while I hope!

We also went to our annual pumpkin carving party at Becky's. Madilynn was having a tough night and I'm glad Alex got the camera out to take these pictures or we would have had none. I didn't even carve my pumpkin....next year will be better!

Happy Girl!!

2011-10-27T22:09:00.001-07:00

Homemade Bath Paints

2011-10-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

Lexie had so much fun making bath paints and just as much fun using them in the tub tonight. She was in the tub at least 20 minutes longer than normal, it was awesome! Here are the directions of how to make it.

1 C liquid body wash (cheapest one you can find that is clear or white)

6-10 TBS Cornstarch

Food color

Just mix the wash and cornstarch until it's the thickness you want. Put it into containers with lids and add food coloring. We had containers for red, yellow and blue from a Christmas set she got and just found one for the green.

Sorry there are no pictures of her using them, but trust me she loved them!

Ballet

2011-10-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Lexie's ballet class got to wear their Halloween costumes today and boy was she excited!!! She LOVES being a princess. She had a great time at class, she really loves it!

Hoodies

2011-10-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

The girls took a bath tonight and I thought they were so cute in their hoodie towels. Lexie wasn't in the tub too long as you can tell by her dirty face!!

Rice Cereal

2011-10-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

We gave Madilynn rice cereal for the first time last night. At the beginning she seemed really interested and was even grabbing for the food as it came towards her, but that didn't last long. She boycotted the spoon very quickly. We'll keep trying.

Little people of America

2011-10-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

We got to go to our very first LPA Regional this weekend, it was in Sacramento. We had a great time and met some of my FB friends for reals!! I wish we would have taken more pictures, but you know how it can be!!We met up with Scott and Courtney for dinner Friday night cause there wasn't anything really planned at the LPA get together!

Lexie is standing in front of the LPA sign although you can't really see it.

Saturday night was a banquet and dance, Lexie made friends and played ring around the roses.

This is Maggie and James, James is 1 month older than Madilynn.

The Robot, yeah she brings it out often!!!

This is Jaime, one of the first people I made contact with in the LPA family. I think she was the first person I called actually with questions and her and her daughter Katie came and visited us when we had Madilynn.

Around our house lately!

2011-10-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Lexie loves it when Madilynn gets a bottle, she wants to feed her all the time!! It's really cute to see Lexie wanting to help even now, 5 months later. What a great big sister she is!

This is what you will see everyday at our house!! CRAFTS, CRAFTS, CRAFTS. Cutting, painting, coloring, gluing, you name it Lexie wants to do it and usually makes a mess of things in the process!

Pumpkin Patch!!

2011-10-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

We L.O.V.E. the pumpkin patch and go every year!!! This year we decided to go very last minute and had a blast. This is a picture of the girls waiting for daddy to come home so we could leave! I was doing my hair and Madilynn likes to be close so I lay her in the hall and Lexie always comes to hang out with her, it is so sweet!

This is on the road!!

And the big arrival!!!

Lexie's favorite part is the train. She talks about it all year long!

This is her happy scarecrow.....

And this his her scary one.

We had a great time. I did feel like people are starting to look at Madilynn a bit longer, I wonder if they are starting to notice her differences?? No one was rude or anything, just curious I think!

Madilynn at 5 Months

2011-10-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Our little one has been busy this week!!! A few first for her.......Holding her own bottle. She doesn't get a bottle often, but she got some medicine and every time I gave it to her she spit it out or gagged on it, so into a bottle it goes. It's so cute to watch her feed herself.

She's also been doing the splits a lot, and when she does she likes to grab her toes. Achon kids are very limber!

She started rolling over a while ago, but now she can roll back onto her back. She's also started tucking her knees under herself!!

DANCE!

2011-10-13T19:28:00.001-07:00

Lexie's dance recital. This is actually the practice and Lexie is in a mood, she even falls once. Then when she is suppose to have wings and fly around she just walks!! The actual performance was MUCH better!

Madilynn giggles!

2011-10-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of those had to be there moments, it was not as cute as I re-watched it. Oh well!

Madilynn rolling over

2011-10-13T19:24:00.001-07:00

Too bad she rolls over as I'm turning the video off, oh well!

Paint + Sandpaper + new Knobs

2011-10-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Can turn this........

Into this........

I woke up Saturday wanting a change so I painted something. So happy I did!

Ballet

2011-10-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Alexa started ballet this year and has really LOVED it!! She had her recital last night and did a great job. Here she is at the dress rehersal.....

Her classmates (including her buddy Ruby)

At the practice she had a meltdown. It was her first time on stage and she started crying.

Here we are that night, the big performance!! Madilynn was ready! Alexa was super excited to have daddy see her dance and she did so well. No crying and she wasn't scared, it was wonderful!

After the dance the got awards so their class was waiting on stage, I love that Ruby is telling everyone to shhhh. Too funny!

Lexie and teacher Valerie

Dwarfism Awarness Month

2011-10-04T14:25:00.001-07:00

October is Dwarfism Awareness Month so I thought I'd share some facts about dwarfism (stollen from a friends blog). If you want to learn more about dwarfism I have several links on the right hand side that you can go to.

There are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias.

People with dwarfism are generally not taller than 4' 10" at adult height. The typical height range is 2'8" to 4'5".

Eighty percent of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings.

There are an estimated 30,000 people in the United States and 651,000 internationally with a type of dwarfism.

In July 2009 the word "midget" was declared inappropriate and offensive. Preferable terms are: having dwarfism, short stature, little person, lp, and the medical terminology use of dwarf. A person's name is always the most preferred.

Skeletal Dysplasias affect bone growth, but generally do not affect cognitive abilities.

Don't treat people with dwarfism according to their height, instead of their age or ability. Little people are attorneys, teachers, engineers and doctors.

I'm so happy we have our little person in our family, Madilynn is amazing and continues to make our lives brighter. I love both my girls so much, I am blessed!

Camping

2011-10-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

About a week ago Lexie started saying she wanted to go on a camp out, feeling the same way I asked Alex if he wanted to go. We all decided it would be fun so we packed up and headed out. Our original plan was to go to Potato patch until I found out it was going to be in the 30's at night....no thank you. So we chose Woodsen Bridge but when we got there it was closed. My dad suggested Butte Meadows so we turned around and headed up 32 a bit. I was surprised to see other campers there too. It was pretty chilly the whole time, but I'm glad we went. It was Madilynns first camping trip and she did great, cant wait til next year, she'll be 1 and so much better! We went with my parents, my friend Jen stayed for one night and my nieces. I'm so glad Taylor and Bella were there, they kept Alexa busy, such a huge help!!!

There was a little stream there and my dad had this great idea to have a boat race. He helped them make boats out of wood and they were sooooo into it!!!

Madilynn after her nap, you can never have too many binkies!

The last day, the girls got water to put out our fire

The crew and their boats before the big race!

Alex putting the boats in the water.

I'm glad we went, and I'm even more glad to be home!

Hair

2011-09-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

I have been so addicted to doing Alexa's hair. It's finally is long enough to put up in braids and other cool styles. We tried this one Sunday for church. Her hair is still fine so by the end of church it was falling out, but it was fun while it lasted! This is her serious face

This is her happy face

Dear diary

2011-09-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Since I turn my blog into books I wanted to write a few things down that have happened lately. Lexie is in ballet, she loves it. She really is pretty natural at it too. It makes me excited to see her on "so you think you can dance" in 15 years or so. She also really loves art. My girl just needs to start singing and we're set. I look at her now and know she is going to be a strong leader, and I can't wait to watch her grow into a young woman. She is a social butterfly and is always wanting to have play dates, most of her friends are already in school, so we bug the few friends we have her age to play all the time!

Madilynn is doing good. She rolled over yesterday for the first time, and she hasn't done it since. She doesn't like being there once she rolls over and doesn't roll back. She is smiling and cooing a lot and everything she has in her hands goes to her mouth. She is kinda over her binkie except when she sleeps and is still in bed with us. Can't wait to have her in her own bed. This way is good for now and everyone is sleeping well. She doesn't love nursing anymore and will mostly only nurse when she is going to sleep. We've just been adding a bottle here and there to make sure she gets enough to eat. We love our little girls and are happy to be their parents!

Not the best hair dresser!

2011-09-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

When I came home Alex gave me a gift..........

Alexa's hair, she cut it herself. I can't tell where she cut it from, so I guess that makes her a pretty good hairdresser after all! The next day we had to take her scissors way for a week cause she cut her new PJ's too.

Hospital visitors

2011-09-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

It was so nice to have Alex and Lexie come visit us while we were in Sacramento at the Hospital.

While they were there her monitors started beeping, 82 is not good for her blood O2 to be.....

oh wait, it's cause it's in her mouth......all is good!

Home

2011-09-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well we were sent to Children's Hosp in Oakland to see Dr. Sun who is a neurosurgeon to look and Madilynns MRI. They wouldn't let me drive her so we had to take an ambulance all the way. I didn't want to let her go alone so I rode with them and left my car in Sacramento. When we got there they got the MRI together and let Dr. Sun take a look at the MRI, he didn't feel the need to operate but said we'd talk Wednesday morning in his office. I was so relieved. The next morning I went to talk to him and he said not only is the opening of her skull small, but it has a little piece of bone sticking out, so her brain stem/spinal cord isn't straight and it's cramped into a small opening. On the MRI the cord should be all grey, but hers had a little bit of white and that is the softening of the cord. He didn't feel it necessary to operate because as of now she is not showing any signs of the cord damage. He wants us to go back for another MRI in 4-6 weeks unless she starts showing those signs then we'll get in sooner. Some kids as they grow the opening grows as well and it works itself out. After we talked the let us go at the exact time my parents and Lexie arrived to pick us up. We drove back to Sacramento to get my car and then home. I brought a gift home for the hospital, a cough and fever......thanks alot!! I'm just excited to be home and hope we don't have to go back too soon. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, we have amazing friends and family!!! Love you all!!

Update

2011-09-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well Our specialist didn't like what he saw from Madilynns MRI so he ordered a CAT scan which she did amazing on!! She just sat there and didn't move at all! That information is going back to our specialist who is teaming up with a neurosurgeon and they will let us know tomorrow what to expect. Surgery or home. We'll take all the prayers you have to offer. Our Dr. said not to worry until he tells me to worry, but then move us to the ICU....too many mixed messages!! We'll keep you posted!!

Not much of a SLEEP study!

2011-09-11T10:34:00.001-07:00

We had another sleep study last night, only problem is Madilynn didn't sleep at all. She was up all night, sleeping from 1am to 3.....that was it!!! Not the best sleep study. I hope they got what they needed so we can go home today!!!!!

Shower time.

2011-09-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

I got to take a shower today, aaahhhh it felt a.maz.ing!!!!! When I got back one of our swell nurses gave Madilynn a bath and she loved it!!!!! There is still a lot of gunk in her hair but it's coming out each time it's washed!!

Recovery Room

2011-09-11T10:29:00.001-07:00

This is what I found when i finally got to see Madilynn after her MRI. It took a few hours for her to be totally back to normal, her eyelids were soooo heavy!!

2011-09-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

As I've been sitting her with my angel after her MRI, I'm thinking about all the little sweethearts her in this pediatrics wing of the hospital and thinking how lucky I am. I can't imagine the pain these families know, and I hope I never do. It's sad to think of these little ones suffering in any way. I am grateful for my girls and my family and hope they know all of my love!

Goodbye cords, Hello MRI

2011-09-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Good news is she got her cords off from the EMU (brain activity test), bad news is they took her away for her MRI. I don't know what is up with me today but the thought of them taking her away and putting her to sleep put me into a crying frenzy! I know there are always risks with putting a baby under so I am going on 4 hours sleep and i can't stop crying! It's going to be 3 hours and it is going sooooo slow. There is a prayer in my heart constantly and I can't wait til it's over. I know it is necessary and there will be tons of good information from all this, and i hope it rules out future problems......but I'm loosing it! Stay strong, stay strong!!! Here are some pictures of her after they took all that junk off her and then they put her IV in. She did great and only cried for a little while. She is such a big girl already, strong and ready for whatever life dishes out to her. It's amazing that this experience has really made me feel grateful! Seeing her hooked up to all that stuff made me think how happy I am that she doesn't have something life threatening. There are families here who can't say that, and my heart aches for them. I am impressed with the nurses who care for these sweet spirits and am grateful for them! Thank you all for your prayers and happy thoughts on our behalf, it does really help!!!

we made it!

2011-09-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well we made it to Sacramento and little Madilynn has been hooked up to about 15 leads, she cried most of the time, but she was also really tired. She had a nap and is feeling much better. We're here for the long haul.....hopefully we'll be on our way home by this time tomorrow!!

Our Medical world

2011-09-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Lots of Little people have many issues that they need operations for to help with, for that reason LP's see many specialists!!! We saw our first of many today! It all started 2 weeks ago when we went in for our normal wellness appointment and they measured Maddies head. It was big even for the LP chart. We came in the next week and had it measured again, 4 more cm in 1 week....wow. Because of the rapid growth our pediatrician was worried about hydrocephalus. She sent us for an ultrasound. The following Tue we went in for the results....after waiting 2 hours they said our Dr. had an emergency and to come back.....we came back and waited another hour and a half to finally talk to her and find out Madilynn's ventricles were normal so that rules out hydrocephalus. There still was fluid around the brain so she referred us to a neurologist (in Sacramento). We saw him today (great Dr.....very smart and a specialist in dwarfism) and after waiting 2 hours to see him for 10 minutes (seriously what is it with Dr's???) he has ordered an MRI and sleep studies. He did say the extra fluid is very common with achons (which I knew from my own research) and that she looks healthy and is progressing on schedule!! I think the MRI and sleep study will be this week (Fri) and that should rule out several possible problems common with achon. Next on our list of specialist will be the orthosurgeon and the ENT.....we'll keep you posted!!!

Sister

2011-09-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take some pictures of the girls after church today with their matching outfits and everything was fine.....

until this picture, Madilynn is looking scared...........

and then it's over!!

I love my girls!!!!!!!!!

Bath Time

2011-09-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Madilynn took her first bath in the tub today (not the sink) with Lexie. It was so cute.

Madilynn was in there so long her toes are wrinkled.......

She played with her little mirror for a bit ......

Then she was over it and ready for bed (she turns on a dime!!!)

Then Lexie got the tub to herself!

Dr. Laufer

2011-09-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Alex is coming to a billboard near you (if you live in Chico) Can't wait to see this big picture looking down at me!

2011-08-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

My sister in law Angie wrote a Childrens book and it is WONDERFUL! Lexie has wanted to read it every night before bed. It's all about modesty and every girl must have it!! Check it out on Amazon, I can also get you a signed copy if you'd like....I'm tight with the author!

Dinner

2011-08-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Aaron and his kids came for dinner on Saturday and we had a great time. Poor Aaron was so tired!

Gifts

2011-08-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Scott and Courtney opened their gifts today at our house before the baby blessing, the last 2 pictures sum up the event.....all the girls were "helping".

Scott and Courtney

2011-08-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that Scott found his soulmate!! We love Courtney and are happy to have her as part of the Eller group. It's kinda funny, Courtney's sister married my cousin so they are both Eller's now.....that doesn't happen too often.

Blessing

2011-08-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

Most of the family was here for Madilynn's baby blessing. She did great, she was crying as Alex was walking her up and then stopped as the blessing started and didn't cry til the very end. I was very proud of her, it could have been so much worse. Wish the rest of the family could have been with us!!

Sleepover

2011-08-15T23:32:00.001-07:00

Bella stayed the night and the girls had so much fun. The best time was being outside playing in the water and eating icecream sandwiches!! What is better?

2011-08-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

Do you think these girls look alike?? I didn't think so until I was looking back through my blog and saw Lexie at 3m. Maddie is darder but they have the same nose and eyes I think!

Madilynn

Lexie

3 month check up

2011-08-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Madilynn went in for her check up and she is 22 1/2 inches and 10 lbs 9 oz...our little girl is growing up ;) I think it's funny so see how round her face was when she was born....not anymore!!!

Hidden Pictures!

2011-08-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up I LOVED Highlights Hidden pictures but there was always just one in each Highlights magazine we got....so when I got an add in the mail for the Highlights Hidden Pictures Magazine I jumped on it!! Lexie loves it, and she is really good at it. We call it her school time, we write her name, write letters and look for the hidden pictures.....that's all they do in kindergarten ....right??!?!

Ballet Class

2011-08-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

Lexie had her first ballet class today and loved it! She was really a natural, really did a great job!! Her friend Ruby was in the class too and they both rocked it!!! They have a recital in October and I can't wait!!! The first picture is from Senessa, I love that she's looking at herself in the mirror and you can see her face.

Twins

2011-08-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Our friend got us matching outfits and I love them!!! Lexie really loves it too, I might start buying them matching outfits from now on!

Today

2011-08-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

We've been busy today, here's a little bit of our fun!

Lexie painted....

I love walking into the room and seeing Lexie laying with Maddie....it's really so cute!!

Madilynn after her bath, she likes her bath more now but still hates getting her hair washed.

My girls, gotta love 'em! I do!

Lexie Quotes

2011-07-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Cute things Lexie has said lately that make me laugh!

I was putting Madilynn to sleep and Lexie came in the room.....
Me: Lexie go upstairs, I'll be there in a minute.
Lexie: No
Me: Don't say that to mommy.
Lexie: (after thinking for a minute) No Thank you.
Can you tell we're working on manners!

We were in the car and daddy was driving while I sat in back with the girls....
Lexie: Mommy will you read this book to me?
Me: I can't read and drive, it'll make me sick!
Lexie: You're not driving....come on!

Lexie was going to the bathroom...
Lexie: ok I'm done, come wipe me
Me: It'll be one minute
Lexie: You better get in here....1.....2...

Lexie's version of the Barney song.....
"you love me, you love me, we're a happy family......"
she's loved!!

Lexie: Mama you're old
Me: I know
Lexie: (with real tears) I don't want to get old.
Me: Why?
Lexie: Cause old is ugly!

Gotta love this girl, most of the time ;)

My girl!!

2011-07-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

Strike anyone!!?!?

2011-07-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't done it yet you should sign your kids up for free bowling. It's fun and gets them out of the house. We went last night, I think our kids may be a bit young because they didn't seem all too interested, but it was fun to hang out with the Tiffany's anyway!!

Ok, I'm over it!

2011-07-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

I've been feeling sorry for myself lately, but after looking at these pictures I took yesterday what do I really have to be depressed about. These girls are amazing and I know "this too shall pass" as many of my awesome friends reminded me. Things are looking brighter, really and truly....so the next time you hear me complaining just tell me to look at my blog!

PS....Madilynn is smiling a lot now. It's so cute.

Black and white is fun!!

2011-07-18T13:43:00.001-07:00

Our life!

2011-07-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

This post is really more just a journal entry, so I remember how hard things were when I want to have another baby ;)

Madilynn is 8 weeks old, a whole 2 months. At the beginning she was amazing, slept well, ate well, never cried.......and then I stopped taking Vicadin. After that everything changed. If she isn't sleeping she is crying. I've never seen a baby cry so much. You can be holding her and she's crying.....eating and she's crying....laying on the floor and she's crying.......driving in the car and she's crying. It has been VERY hard. Yesterday was the first good day she has had, and today was good too. She slept very well all day and ALL night. I changed her diaper, went to throw it away and came back to her sleeping. THAT HASN'T HAPPENED IN 2 MONTHS!!! She also fell asleep in the car. It's so nice to drive to chico without a crying baby the whole way. I really hope this is the begining of our new life, I would love it if she wasn't crying all the time.

She is a beautiful baby (even more beautiful when she's not crying) and it has been a great 2 days!!!

Our little burrito

2011-07-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

Both our girls have really loved being swaddled. When Lexie was a baby we went and bought material to wrap them up with, it's cooler than some of the heavy blankets and you all know how hot it is right now!!

Beating the heat!

2011-07-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

We were not looking forward to a 4th of July over 95 degrees so we left town. We had a great mini vacation...Now I need a vacation to recover from my vactaion!!
PS we left Alexa's suitcase at home so we had to buy all new clothes, I was so mad!!!

We went to Pier 39 for a yummy seafood dinner and walked around a bit, it was crazy busy!!!!

The next day we went to Half moon bay and played at the beach. It was sooooo cold but Lexie had a blast!!! We didn't think she would need her swimsuit because it was cold, but of course she had to get in!

Then we went to the Childrens Discovery Museaum, Alexa had a blast!

She had fun playing with our friend JJ.

Then to the Monterey bay Aquarium.

It was super fun!!

The Girls

2011-06-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Michelle had the cousins over for a sleepover and got this amazing picture. Usally one or two kids aren't looking so good, but each girl looks amazing in this one. Nice job Michelle, I had to steal it!!!!

In need of sleep

2011-06-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

Seems like any time we're holding Madilynn and she's asleep, we're asleep!!

Friends

2011-06-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Erik and Colleen came to visit us tonight, it was so fun!! We miss them so much!

Ready for church

2011-06-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

Madilynn and I went to church yesterday for the first time since she was born. It went ok and it was great to see everyone!

Sisters

2011-06-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Alexa loves her sister. She is daily saying how cute Madie is and how much she loves her, makes my heart happy!!

Sandbox

2011-06-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

We got Lexie a sandbox and it has made the biggest mess! She really does love to play with it and we put it on the patio so she could play with it whenever she wants. It was suppose to have water on one side and sand on the other, but the sand has taken everything over!!! It's like the beach, you can't take a step without getting sand on your feet!!

Alexa

2011-06-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

We love Bath Time!!!

2011-06-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

Lexie loves her bath time, she really loves color in her water.....it has taught her that yellow and blue make green.....and red and blue make purple. Such fun!!

3 Weeks

2011-06-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Madilynn is 3 weeks old now, and we've had a ton of help so far. My mom was here for a week, Michelle was here one day and took Lexie on a sleepover, Becky took Lexie for several nights and brought us dinner, Holly sent us dinner, Angie was here for 5 days and we had several dinners brought in from our church.......AND NOW THE HELP IS ALL GONE!!! Oh my goodness, I'm tired now and we've had tons of help, how tired am I gonna be now??!?!

Madilynn is doing well, she is going to bed at 10ish and wakes up around 3 to eat and then goes back to bed until 8ish.....for the most part!

Life in the Laufer home is good, we're getting use to our new world and we love it!

Madilynn at home

2011-05-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

So this has been Madilynn since we've been home. Mostly crying with little mini naps here and there. She's a fireball!

I know you're not suppose to put babies on their tummies to sleep, but she was having tummy time and fell asleep. i was with her and it lasted 10 minutes!

Alex's Birthday

2011-05-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Aaron and Michelle came over on the 16th to see Madilynn and wished Alex a happy birthday which is the following day........good thing they did or I would have totally forgotten!!!!!! It's not that I forgot it was the 17th, I just didn't even know what the date was! Lexie and I made him cookies and he used the special red plate for all our meals. Sorry it wasn't amazing honey, next year will be better!! I love you!

Madilynn

2011-05-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

So little Madie is almost 2 weeks old. She was a GREAT baby at the beginning.... I think because I was taking Vicodin and it just made her sleep all day. Now I'm not taking it and the girl has become a normal baby. We still are totally in love with her, she is just a lot more work :)

Our little addition!!

2011-05-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

This was Lexie the day we left her with Becky heading to our C-section. That was her last day as an only child.

Waiting to enter the operating room.

And here is our little bundle of joy!! Madilynn Grace Laufer entered the world at 2:22p on Wednesday 5/11/11.

The next morning, after being really sick all night. I finally got some food.

Visits from friends and loved ones.

She got Jaundice really bad and she had to be under the blue lights (her own tanning bed) for 2 days.
She had to wear blindfolds, these ones she kept pulling off so they gave her another pair.

Our new friends came to visit. It was awesome to meet them.

Madilynn is an amazing baby. She sleeps well, eats well, and hardly ever crys. She is just an all around good baby. We love her so much and Lexie is a great big sister, she has helped so much and always wants to hold her baby. For now, it's very cute. I hope she stays this helpful!