Mammograms

A word in advance: this post has a happy ending. I decided to blog about it because this will hopefully be read by my kiddies one day and may offer them something useful as they face their own development.
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A friend of mine recently told me that she fainted when she got her first mammogram. She is a tough cookie. I figured that mammograms must be something to dread.

Although I was told to get one a few years ago since my maternal grandmother had breast cancer, I was informed that I needed to wait until I was done being pregnant and breast feeding. After that, I needed to wait six months before I'd get an accurate reading.

So roughly, seven years later, pregnancy and nursing behind me, I went for my mammogram. I was a little nervous with thoughts of my friend fainting. But I was delighted to find out that for me it wasn't painful and I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. That never happens with a doctor appointment. I didn't even have to pay for parking because the appointment was so short. I was so happy.

Until I got a call back that they found something suspicious. For some reason, this never occurred to me as a possibility. I went in and had more films done. Being a call back is a totally different experience. The first filmers are traipsing in and out in 20 minutes. Not so for the 'call backs' as they referred to me. We have time for drinks and snacks; magazines and TV.

And then a third call back. The films were still inconclusive. They saw something but weren't completely sure it was a problem. More films. This time they asked me to wait until the doctor came out to give me the results. At this point, I started to really think it was possible that there was a problem. Three sets of films! I started regretting coming to this appointment alone. I started wondering what my first next step would be. This was a long and miserable wait. I was not out in 20 minutes.

To their credit, when the doctor was ready, she immediately said 'we don't think it's cancer'. Breathing resumes. I need to go back for more frequent visits, but they have no cause for concern right now.

When I left the appointment, I called my mom to tell her about the experience. I was a little more shaken than I realized. She told me that she has gotten 'call backs' several times. Who knew? I was worried about being hurt when they smushed my boob in the machine. Turns out that's not the most painful part at all.

Catching Up

I have been barely able to keep up with emails lately, much less blogging. Today, I sat down and updated our activities going back to March. Whoa was I behind! I must have posted 15 blogs today!

I needed the practice too. Blogger has changed format, and I could hardly figure out how to move pictures. I also can't figure out how to tag the blogs. Anyone know how to do that?

Hope you enjoy the pictures. The kids have grown!

Gymnastics - Spring 2012

When ballet was over, we did gymnastics for two months this Spring. You are both getting so much more confident. I don't get to watch much because parents are 'invited' to wait in the back. But, the glimpses I did get and the observation on the last day were so fun. You two are fearless on the bars, ring, and beam now.

 

You like getting your stamp at the end of class on your foot instead of your hand. Seems that many of the kids do :)

Burke Lake Park

We've gone to this park a few times before. More trains. More carousels. Both always a hit.

But, we've never taken the boats out and spent time hiking. A real treat on a gorgeous day. The boats are only allowed to have three people at a time, but that just meant that the rowers got plenty of exercise going in and out to exchange passengers.

Sophie, you sat still and made it really easy! I was certain you were going to try to go swimming.

I was a little yucked out by how much you all insisted on collecting bunches of geese feathers, but it was very funny how you wanted to use them to tickle the geese. 

Strawberry Picking

I think Great Country Farms is a special place. We've had so many fun family days there. Typically we pick more than our weight in whatever is growing at the time. This year, we practiced a little restraint and spent more time playing. Actually, maybe the kids just ate most of what we picked before we left? It's possible. 

This year, everyone was old enough to enjoy nearly everything the farm offers. We picked strawberries, jumped on the jumping pillow, fed the animals, went on the cow train, and went through most of the mazes, slides and playgrounds the farm offers. Scott even tried to teach Sophie to play chess. And, we're always happy to eat a bag of kettle corn on the way home. Looking forward to the next visit.

Last Day of School 2012

Today was your last day of school. 

Mia, you finished your first year at Ashlawn's Montessori program after transferring here last year. You have moved well beyond the practical life activities and spend a lot of time writing, painting, and practicing numbers and early reading activities.

Zoe, you graduated Kindergarten. Why do I continue to be surprised by how much these milestones choke me up? You have grown in to such an independent, kind person who loves to read and feels confident about math and science. That makes my heart big.

Graduation is a very low key thing in your class. You had a special snack. At the end of the day, the kids took turns hugging the graduating Kindergartners and then each other going around in a circle. At the end of each Kindergartner's circle of hugs, he or she received a booklet that had been put together by all the other kids in the class with drawings from each of them. 

Your teachers Ms. Dasbach and Ms. Coia were incredibly kind and helpful this year, and you both thrived. I have the mountains of paperwork that came home with you on the last day of school to prove it!  It is shocking how much you all produce. 

We celebrated with pizza, ice cream and a walk after dinner. You were both so proud and excited. 

Summer is here! First grade is around the corner!

Sophie - 2 1/4 Years Old

Sophie, you've been very busy!

Since you turned two, we took a trip to a friend's beach house. Turns out it was 5 hours away, but you were a real trooper on the car ride and had a blast at the ocean.

We went to Houston to celebrate Great Grandpa Milton's 97th birthday. You were very cuddly and sweet with him, and he appreciated your visit very much. You loved playing at his store, visiting with your cousins, aunts and uncles, and taking a train ride in the park.

You had visits from Grandma Bette and Grandpa Steven and also Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Ed (and their dog Scarlet). At first you kept calling their dog Chevis (Grandpa Randy's dog) and Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Ed a combined name of Grandpa Bette. By the end of the trip though, you had everyone's names straightened out.

You easily transitioned out of diapers, and in to a big bed too. I still can't believe it when I walk by your room and see you in there on a twin bed, and no diaper pail or changing table in sight. It just boggles my mind.

The potty training had one unintended consequence though. Few of your pants fit you now that you don't have bulky diapers on, and I've given away most of your old 18 month old clothes. I'm often rolling the tops of your pants over to keep them up.

Daddy got nostalgic about you moving out of your crib. He took lots of pictures of your last night in the crib.

Your last morning in the crib.

And, you in your new bed.

We're hoping to get super crafty and convert the crib, which you, Zoe, and Mia all used, in to three headboards for you and your sister's beds.

You enjoyed gymnastics and learned how to do somersaults and pencil rolls. You are very silly about running up to people and as soon as they take your arms, you lift your legs in the air so that they are destined to swing you. You won't put your feet back down either in order to swing as long as possible.

You also liked your activities at the nature centers, story times, and music. The pool is a hit too. You're pretty easy going about how you spend your time. Often we just walk around the block or play in the backyard.

You and your sisters continue to be incredibly close. A look at some of the other posts will show some of your cuddly times. One of my favorite things is finding the three of you reading or playing dress up together in the morning or right before bed.

You know what you want and aren't shy about letting us know too. That helps when you're hungry and tired especially. Truly, it's very nice to have a little person speak up when they are hungry or tired. The alternative (random crying fits) we're happy to have little of. We don't have to work too hard to figure out why you're cranky. You let us know. Sometimes you add some finger wagging or pointing to direct us.

For instance, quite often, you insist on standing on a step stool at the table at meal times instead of in your chair. You have gotten quite good with your utensils and drinking from a cup and manage these fine standing up.

You are so gentle and kind with animals. The neighborhood outdoor cats are surprisingly comfortable approaching you and letting you pet them. I'm hoping to get a pet in the next few months.

It feels like you're growing so fast now. I hear you're baby voice, and I know that pretty soon it will have matured. It reminds of the yummy new puppy smell that somehow disappears overnight. I'm going to miss your sweet little girl sounds.

Sophie, happy 27 months! It's been a wonderful time with you. You have so much zest and joy. Looking forward to more of whatever comes our way.

Love,

Mom

Father's Day and Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Ed Visit

Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Ed came for their annual visit on the way up to the Berkshires for the summer. We got lucky to spend Father's Day with them this year. We spent the morning at Clemyjontri Park, which is a fantastically accessible park with a carousel. Then we joined the rest of the guys for brunch including our dear friend Gene. 

Three Moret girls on the monkey bars with Grandma Barbara in charge.

Grandpa Ed and Grandma Barbara with our friend Gene.

Snuggle time.

Great Grandpa Milton's 97th Birthday - Houston 2012

We've been going to Houston to celebrate annually since my Great Grandma Ganny turned 80 many, many years ago. Now, we travel to celebrate my Grandfather Milton. It's hard to capture all the family fun we pack in to just a few days. There's always a trip to Southern Importers, the family costume and display store.

Zoe and Ryan slaying dragons.

Sophie putting as many leis around her neck as physically possible.

Loving the hats and leis...almost as much as the fake snakes she found to play with a few minutes after this picture was taken.

More leis.

More hat changes.

Train ride at the park with Aunt Julie and Ryan.

Zoe spent much of the weekend balancing a spoon on her nose. My grandma and grandpa used to always do this as a joke. When Zoe realized she could do it, she was very excited!

Coloring with Bella, Sophie and Mia.

Aunt Cindy with Julia and Sophie.

Grandma Barbara with Aunt Julie and Aunt Cindy.

Thank you Grandpa Ed for jumping in the pool. The kids loved it.

Daddy and Mia.

Happy birthday to my Grandpa!

Our present to him, with help from Zoe and Mia. "A piece of mind for peace of mind" Photos and captions are of all his favorite things.

Cousin Sandy being silly with the littler cousins. 

Grandma Barbara and Mia.

Crawling to the finish line...

seriously...the kids were exhausted!!!