July 23, 2011

The month of July is flying by just as fast as June. Last weekend we visited my parents' for a full weekend: we checked out the animal barns at the Dodge County Fair (and may have had a treat or two before leaving), visited with my aunt and uncle from Florida, and celebrated my Uncle Lyle's 65th birthday!


My Dad surprised us all with a table and chair for Charlotte. Charlotte has been using a foot stool and plastic tote as a place to color, so she is VERY excited to have a real table and chair just for her.

Charlotte had a first last week that we aren't very excited about. For the first time she asked to watch TV - Elmo specifically. She was unbelievably clear and insistent and we complied through our shock. Here's Patrick and Charlotte watching Elmo.

On Wednesday we headed up to the University of Minnesota's Biological Laboratory and Field Station in Itasca State Park. All first-year CBS Students attend a program called Nature of Life before starting college and as a staff member I got to bring my family up for one of the sessions. While I was learning about genetics, evolution, and bacteria Patrick and Charlotte explored the park. Above is Charlotte all ready to leave our cabin for the outdoors!
We did find time to visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River together. Here I am coaxing Charlotte into the water.

And here she is with her toes just barely in the water, checking out the view.

She was perfectly happy going further into the water if Daddy held her.

There appeared to be no way Charlotte was going to let go here...but she did eventually.

Daddy and Charlotte relaxing on the rocks and investigating some rocks from lake bottom.

And in case you didn't believe me, here's the proof of our location.

Today we arrived back in the Twin Cities around noon and didn't waste much time getting to the splash park. This was Charlotte's second trip to the park and it went much better. She walked right up to the water and sat on the edge before bravely walking in up to her thighs. I think she most enjoys sitting and people watching.

Charlotte's weight is up 4 oz to 22 lbs 8 oz. We saw Charlotte's Occupational Therapist on Tuesday evening and we're continuing with sensory stimulation. Our goal is to be able to run our finger along the top of her mouth without her gagging. To be honest, I'm not sure I wouldn't gag if someone put their finger in my mouth...

She is showing increasing interest in eating, but she just can't seem to figure out chewing and swallowing. Far too often her snack times result in gagging/throwing up. Her next appointment with the speech therapist will be in early August, and I hope she provides us with some additional guidance.

Until then, we'll continue to enjoy the summer. We don't have air conditioning, so let's hope for 70-80 degree weather!

July 4, 2011

This post is from me (Katie) logged in under Patrick's account.

We haven't seen a doctor since our last post (yay!), and tonight Charlotte weighed 22 lbs 4 oz. That's all for a medical-related update.

See that teeny tiny spot of red mid way up the hill? That's Patrick running the Afton 50k trail race on Saturday. The race is traditionally run at Afton State Park, but was moved to Afton Alps due to the government shutdown (and associated state park closures). The course was very difficult. Patrick had trained on the original course and had thought he could run close to 3.5 hours. The back-up course brought unique challenges (running up and down the ski hill 4 times, for example), but he pulled through with a time of 4 hours and 30 minutes.

After the race we had a nice lunch on the patio of Sail Away Cafe in Afton with Patrick's parents.

Sunday we visited my parents. Charlotte has no interest in swimming pools, but she likes playing in the water while standing next to them. She ended up wearing a dry swimming suit most of the day.

Charlotte enjoyed looking at Grandma's flowers as much as Grandma enjoyed showing her them.

Surveying the backyard for dogs who attack with their tongues.

Here's Charlotte successfully navigating the maze Grandma and Grandpa are growing for her.

And now for the Fourth of July! Happy Fourth!

We returned to Afton along with a few thousand others for the parade.

Charlotte rode in style. The carrier allowed us to easily navigate the crowds and Charlotte was able to watch the parade over the heads in front of us.

She got a flag and held onto it for most of the parade.

We left the parade before it ended so that Charlotte could run and play at the park.

Before long the parade crowd joined us on the playground and Charlotte had to figure out how to share the space.

Going...

Going...

Gone.

June 21, 2011

Alas! Patrick was at Kelly and Tim's wedding this past weekend. Here he is after putting Charlotte in her dress before the ceremony started. We waited until the last minute to minimize the possibility of her vomiting on her dress before the wedding.

Charlotte hasn't been sleeping for about 2 weeks, and has therefore been pretty cranky. Tonight we took her to the pediatrician's office and learned that nothing is wrong. The doctor theorized that she might be cutting her molars. To determine this he first gave her a catheter to rule out a urinary tract infection. It was not fun, but at least now we know her ears are fine, her throat is fine, her joints and tummy are ok, and her teeth just need to cut through quickly!!!!

June 19, 2011

Whew, what a whirlwind weekend! Patrick's sister, Kelly, married Tim on Saturday and their wedding was very fun. It all started Saturday morning...

Here's Kelly with hair and make-up in progress.

Mother-of-the-bride was very fashion forward with her English-style hat (it has a fancy name that escapes me at this moment). For interested parties: similar hats are available on E-bay.

First Dance!

Father-daughter dance

Charlotte was lucky enough to get some one-on-one time with the bride...

...and what better to do than lay on the floor.

Charlotte loves her aunt very much.

Mom loves Charlotte very much.

Hi's for everyone!

It seemed there was somewhere to go go go! all night long (or at least until 9:30 when Charlotte was escorted home).

Patrick was at this wedding, and I know photos of him exist, but not on our camera. Perhaps one will be posted at a later date.

We had a great time at the wedding on Saturday and had a nice Father's Day as well. This morning we enjoyed brunch with family in town from the wedding and this afternoon attended my family reunion. All in all this weekend was great with lots of time spent catching up with family. Charlotte felt a little pressure to do some growing after she saw her cousin who, at under 7 months, weighs just 1-2 lbs less than Charlotte at 22 months.

Patrick and I learned a lesson this weekend: we can no longer wait until the last minute to prepare for events. We were constantly running late this weekend and forgetting important things (camera, extension tube, wedding gift, cuff links, jewelry, etc.). I'm going to blame it on the fact that I was sick last Thursday so everything I'd planned to do was pushed off until Friday after the wedding rehearsal picnic.

Update: The no-vomit streak ended Saturday, but there were no incidents during the wedding or reception. Hopefully we can get back on track this week when life returns to a normal pace.

June 15, 2011

Time has flown since our last post! On Sunday we made a trip to Duluth for a graduation party for the daughter of one of Pat's former UMD co-workers. We loved seeing our UMD friends and enjoyed a perfect summer day in the most beautiful city in Minnesota (the world?).

We enjoyed lunch at Little Angie's in canal park. We got Charlotte a kiddarita, which I think she would have enjoyed if she hadn't had a little piece of chip in the back of her throat. Instead she ended up vomiting all over, and Patrick and I shared the delicious kiddarita. In the photo above she's chewing on a cherry stem...we tried to explain that the good part was in her hand, but the stem made her happy.

We just had to take a photo in front of the lift bridge.

And Patrick taught Charlotte to throw rocks into Lake Superior.

She was very good at it.

So many rocks!

Last week Monday Charlotte saw her GI Doctor for a check-up. Dr. Erickson was very happy with Charlotte's growth. When we started seeing her in January Charlotte was in the 3rd percentile for her weight (actual age) and is now up to the 10th!

This was good news because we were concerned with her vomiting. She still vomits for no apparent reason every once in a while, but most consistently she vomits in the morning. Dr. Erickson explained that this is perfectly normal because she's being fed slowly all night, her stomach is draining slowly while she sleeps, and then she wakes up and everything starts moving faster all at once...in every direction. At that appointment Dr. Erickson prescribed a new antacid so we can be certain that when she throws up there's no irritation to her esophagus.

Knock on wood...Charlotte has not vomited since Sunday.

We've had a couple of appointments with the occupational therapist. We're introducing a brushing technique on Charlotte's arms, legs, and back to work on her sensory responses. This is in case she's not eating because of the sensory reaction. Who knows, we'll try anything. Charlotte thinks the brush tickles and she likes it. It feels like a massage to me!

This weekend is Pat's sister's wedding. We're looking forward to celebrating with Kelly and Tim (and all of their friends and family)! Pictures to come!

June 5, 2011

A busy weekend at the International Children's Festival on Saturday and Minnehaha Falls and Grand Old Day on Sunday.

Let's go. I'm ready!

Relaxing on the big pillow (in a new outfit since I threw up all over mom within 5 minutes of arriving.)

Just the right size.

It's important to properly hydrate.

Mom. Baby. Charlotte.

Working the stairs.

How do I get down gracefully?

Taking a dip in Minnehaha Creek.

Charlotte does her David Banner (Incredible Hulk) walk.