So I thought I would give a little update on how things are with us. Gracie went back to the nutritionist early this month and as I suspected, she didn't gain any weight from the appointment in November. I think it was a couple of factors. 1. She went off the appetite enhancement 2. She is a picky toddler 3. She had a couple more teeth coming in. So we put her back on the appetite supplement and her eating has definitely improved. We're also hoping to move her to pediasure 1.5 which has more calories than the regular pediasure. I actually handled it well since I had prepared for it and I also felt we had a small breakthrough. The nutritionist finally conceded for the first time that "well, she might just be long and lean". I said, yes, that's the point I've been trying to make and left it at that. She's healthy, she's eating and she's growing so that's really all I'm focusing on now.
Her language is absolutely exploding. I came home from work last week and asked her how she was and she said Mumma I happy girl! Her new favorite phrase is "No, No Way!" I asked her if she wanted an egg and she said no egg, I want waffle. It seems like she has several new words a day. She was re-evaluated last week by early intervention and she no longer qualifies for services. She has totally caught up developmentally in a years time. I'm so proud of her.
We're also making progress on behavior. She's actually really good but she has been going through this screaming phase. I went with a zero screaming policy and put her in time out with no warning for every single scream. The first day we had over 40 but by the end of the week she was down to 3. It has also been much better in restaurants. I'll tell you that while it's really hard to be on her every time, the consistency has really paid off. I'm also lucky that she stays with my sister during the day and she has been re-enforcing the rules so that has helped enormously.
Grace loves, loves, loves to sing. Last weekend she was supposed to be taking a nap. I went over by her room to put something away and all of a sudden I heard "Hey dol ditta, heeeeeeeeeeey,heeeeeeeeeeeeey,heeeeeeeeeey". Yup, she was singing Hey Soul Sister by Train. I sing it to her a lot because she likes the beat but I didn't realize she knew the tune. She also sings Baby by Justin Bieber. If I am on the computer she will come running up and say 'I want O Baby O please". Then we watch it on YouTube and she rocks out. Her dancing is hysterical. She has a lot of shoulder action which is definitely reminiscent of the little bit of Ethiopian dancing I have seen. She's just so much fun.
This weekend we're headed off to Ohio for my friend Robin's baby shower. Robin and her husband haven't met Grace yet so I'm excited for the introduction. We're also looking forward to staying with Auntie Andrea and Uncle Rob. Should be a fast but fun weekend.
And now for the real reason you came to my blog.......the pictures!
 |
| Grace and cousin Meghan preparing to root the Patriots onto victory. I guess cousin Jake knew in advance that the Patriots would blow it since he opted to take a nap during the game. |
 |
| Go Patriots! |
 |
| Grace's new favorite thing is to suspend herself between the couch and the coffee table |
 |
| Just looking cute |
 |
| Cheese! |
 |
| Watching Elmo |
 |
| Concentrating on every word Elmo has to say |
