So Excited......

We have really been working with Mattie on her communication skills. Most of the time we have to initiate the conversation by asking questions or showing signs. She will usually repeat the sign or point to what she wants. On occasion, she will go to her highchair and shake it when she is hungry. That is about the closest we've been to initiating what she wants. I'm so excited because today she did something new! I was sitting on the couch and she comes into the living room from the dining room. She says to me "Toe Toe"(while she is signing too) and then goes into the kitchen and points to the bread sitting on the counter. She wants TOAST! She just told me what she wanted without me asking her anything. Hooray for small victories!! I can't wait to share with her speech therapist tomorrow!

Summer Favorite

One of my favorite things about summer is corn on the cob. It just isn't the same any other time of the year. Mattie got her first taste of summer Memorial Day weekend. She did amazingly well eating her corn on the cob. Just look at that cob!

"Let's try using the fork"

Mattie Lip Singing to Justin Bieber

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Winding down

Some things are winding down and coming to an end. One of those things is Caroline's Softball. It is bittersweet. We love attending all of her games and cheering on all the team members. However, it will give us a few more nights at home in the evenings. Also, knowing that the girls may not be on the same team next year makes it kind of tough. She has really enjoyed her team this year. Caroline's team is in the final week of tournament and they really have had an awesome season. And the most important thing is that they have all had fun since that IS really what it is all about. Here are some pictures that one of the team moms took for us. They really turned out great!

Surgery

Abby had oral surgery today. She did very well! She has a tooth that is impacted in the roof of her mouth. The doctor had to go in through her gumline and attach a little hook with a chain to the tooth that is impacted. I can't even visualize how this is even done. Anyway, now the orthodontist will be able to use the chain to pull the tooth down into its proper place. There is a slight chance she could still lose the tooth so we are really hopeful that this won't be the case. For now, it is lots of rest for her this weekend AND maybe even a little ice cream!

Beach Time

The family went to the beach for the weekend. It was a much needed mini-vacation. We loaded up our stuff Friday and headed for the ocean blue. A friend of ours let us borrow her beach house. It was a beautiful Saturday. The hubby and Caroline went bodyboarding while Abby and I sat in our chairs just relaxing. Mattie isn't a huge fan of the sand so she was content to just sit in her sand free wagon. She took a nice long nap which gave me lots of time to myself. Of course, I forgot the camera so the only pictures are the ones on my phone. I'll be sure to take the camera on our next trip. I'm hoping to take some day trips this summer since it took us less than two hours to get there. And since we went to the beach this weekend, I won't have to worry about trying to fight the crowds next weekend.

Back from a Looonnnng Break

I've taken a break from the blogging world. I've actually taken a break from a lot of things. I am hoping to get back to blogging on a more regular basis very soon. With school coming to a close, I will have a little more time to keep up with blogging and some other projects that have been neglected as well. Here is a quick update with no pictures. That is something I have neglected to do also. Take pictures. I haven't picked up my camera in over a month. I'll get it together soon I hope!

Mattie:
She continues to keep all of us grounded. Her contagious smiles and happy outlook on everything really helps to put prospective in life. She is still into everything. Climbing and making a mess is her number one source of entertainment. Forget the toys, she'd rather have the stuff that is off limits. I have found her on numerous occasions in the pantry with entire boxes of cereal and spaghetti noodles surrounding her on the floor. I keep asking her if she is trying to play "pick up sticks"? We are making small gains in communication, but I'll take it. We are using signs, sounds, and picture cards to help with her wants and needs. She is finally going up to the refrigerator and pointing to the picture card with her cup! Small steps but steps moving forward!

Caroline:
Poor Caroline. She is so stressed! This is the week of EOG's (End of Grade tests). She is very worried about the whole process. She has been doing well in school so I'm not too worried. She is just bent out of shape and we are all feeling the effects. I will be glad when this week will be over! Caroline continues to play softball. She has been doing a great job and really loves playing the catcher position. She also is into the silly bands craze. Grandma sent her some this weekend and she is having a blast sorting them and trading them. Thanks Grandma!

Abby:
Abby is the complete opposite of Caroline. EOG's? What are they? That's her attitude. She isn't bothered at all by them and in fact is sleeping like a baby. She just finished her school ball season and is now getting ready to start rec ball. She is itchin' to get back on the field. She too is into the silly bands. Thanks Grandma for hers too!

So that pretty much wraps it up. Hopefully, I'll dust that camera off very soon and get some pictures before the kids graduate college! And maybe it won't be another month before you see another post!