2012 Casa de Conner Year End Review

Welcome to our family blog. If this is your first visit, welcome. If you come here often, you already know that I'm kind of hit and miss in the amount of blogs that I post; however, you will be happy to know that my 2013 resolution is to do a better job at blogging. This year, instead of printing out our annual Christmas letter, I decided to do a year end review blog. So, here we go... 

Wow! What a year 2012 has been for Casa de Conner. Before I go into the ins and outs of our year, I would be remiss to not thank God for our abundant blessings that this past year has brought. For without Him, none of this would be possible.

Avery Victoria:

This has been a great year for our Love Bug. In January, she turned three and has been amazing us ever since. If you know our Avery, you know that she can be extremely stubborn and hard-headed. That character trait never was more apparent than during the potty training process. Her and I (and of course Daddy, when was home from work) worked so hard day in and day out. She just didn't want to do it. I kept telling myself that she will not go to school in diapers, so just be patient, but patience isn't a character trait that I hold an abundance of, so it often resulted in epic battles between the two of us. Finally, in April, I went away for a weekend scrapbooking retreat, and Daddy stepped up to the plate and got it done. I returned home on Sunday to a completely potty trained little girl.

Avery has been enrolled in a preschool program since she was a year and half.  She absolutely loves every minute of it and asks every morning if it is a school day. Her teachers are wonderful, and I can tell that they just love our Love Bug. One of her teachers even said that she was a 30 year old trapped in a little body - a statement I couldn't agree with more. Her school has done so much for her, and for that we could not be more grateful.

In August, we enrolled Avery in ballet/tap. I have to say she is the cutest little thing in her dance gear.  She definitely loves the idea of dance more than the actual class, and it's quite comical to watch her and her very limited attention span try to follow the other kiddos and teachers - especially while she can see herself in a mirror. John Lee often says she has the attention span of a gnat, and that has never been more apparent than in dance class. Hopefully, it is just a phase that she will outgrow as she gets older. Nevertheless, all of us really enjoy watching her during practice, and can't wait until her recital in May.

All in all, our Avery amazes us every single day. She is smart beyond her years. She loves with all that she has. She is as spicy as they come. She constantly has us on our toes. She is one of a kind.

Evan Matthew:

This year was a big year for our Brother Bear, Evan. In March, we found out that he would have to wear a cranial reshaping helmet to help correct his flat head (a result of him being a preemie). It wasn't an easy time for our family, especially Evan. He had to wear the helmet 23 hours a day during the hottest part of the summer. Let me tell you, that thing stunk - both literally and figuratively. After 4 months, he came out of the experience with a gorgeous head. We are so thankful for modern medicine (and a good health insurance plan) - especially where our Evan has been concerned.

When I say that 2012 was a big year for Evan, I truly mean it. He learned to crawl. He learned to walk. He is learning to talk. He turned one. He has three teeth. He has grown into a toddler - faster than I like. It really amazes me how much faster the time has seemed to fly by with Evan, as compared to Avery. I guess that is what happens with the second child.

Evan will start school in 2013. It will be bittersweet for me, as I will definitely welcome a morning off once per week to get some stuff done "kid free", but I will also miss our solo-time, while sister is at school. 

Overall, he is such a great kid. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. He loves his momma, daddy and sister so much - never hesitating to share a good hug, or even better, a sloppy kiss. He just makes us very happy - everyday.

John Lee and Emily:

As for John Lee and me, we are loving life, and everything that it throws our way. John Lee is still a Systems Engineer; however, he did start a new position with a new company in January. They are a great company, and he is enjoying his new roll.  I continue to stay home with the kiddos and sell Scentsy on the side. Both "jobs" are great and I couldn't be more thankful that I am able to do them. I am especially thankful to John Lee - he works hard so I can stay home with our kiddos. I know I don't tell him enough, but being here for every single thing in the kids' lives is the best gift he could ever give me.

We have been fortunate enough to be able to take a couple "adults only" trips this year. In June, we went to Albuquerque for our eight-year wedding anniversary. We saw a Primus concert, and John Lee surprised me with a resort/spa package, complete with an awesome massage. Just last week, we checked off an item on both of our bucket lists. We went to Oakland for a Raiders (John Lee's favorite NFL team) game, then spent the weekend in beautiful San Fransisco. While we were there, we toured Alcatraz, went to China Town and rented a "GoCar" to tour the city. It was one of the greatest weekends we have had. These trips would not be possible without some great people in our lives that come hang out with the kids - Grandma (my mom), Momo and Popo (John Lee's parents, Roberta (Evan's Godmother), and Matt (my cousin) and Kim (Matt's fiance). They are always ready to help out and give us some "time off", and for that, we are so blessed. Thank you all!

 
As a family we have also traveled some this year - mainly to see our extended families. In April, we visited my family in Minnesota. It was so nice to spend Easter up North. I can't recall the last holiday that I had spent up there. Over Labor Day, we got to go to San Antonio to visit John Lee's family. We love to visit everyone - always having a great time. All of our nieces and nephews are growing so fast, and we really love the young ladies and gentlemen they are becoming.

So that is what 2012 has brought our family. It has really been a great year. We look forward to an even better 2013.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Emily, John Lee, Avery and Evan

Seeing a light at the end of the tunnel...

I know, I know. It's been too long since I last wrote a blog (that seems to be my norm, I guess). Today, however, I thought I would hop on a let y'all know that the countdown is on. Evan only has two weeks left of his helmet...

As I was starting to write this particular blog entry I was looking at images online of other babies who have gone through the same treatment as Evan. I happened across a blog that blamed neglect from parents as the reason that babies have flat heads. It made me so angry that I decided to take a different approach to this particular entry.

First and foremost, for the record, Evan has NEVER been neglected. Since day one, he has been loved and nurtured with the greatest of passion from everyone in his life. Now, I assume if you read this blog, you know me and my family on a personal level. I would also assume you know full-well that Evan has never been neglected; however, I feel like I need to shout it from the roof tops right now, just to prove a point. But since everyone is inside, because it's over 100 degrees outside, I will save my voice and just say it here instead.

Reading those accusations on the blog today, was not the first time I had heard that theory, and it won't be the last. Over the last 3 1/2 months, we have heard a lot different things, been asked a lot of different questions, and looked at funnily (is that a word? oh well, I'm using it anyway) by a lot of different people. A teenage girl even flat out laughed at him while we were walking through the mall (of course I gave her the mom death stare). Normally, I let it roll off my back, because after all, he only has to wear it for 4 months, not forever, like some people do for other disabilities. Who am I to feel sorry for myself?! But today was different. I couldn't just sit back and read flat out lies based on misguided assumptions.

So here it goes. A child, if prone to it, will develop a flat head, no matter what measures you take to prevent it. Unless you sit your baby up 24/7 or lay them on their belly when they sleep (which is dangerous in itself), it is practically inevitable. It is in no way the parents fault. It would be like saying that it was the parent's fault when a child's teeth grew in crooked and they needed braces. It just isn't the case.

Yes, I know there are many cases out there of neglected children who also developed a flat head. Otherwise, there wouldn't be the stigma in the first place. But for people to immediately go there, is unfair and naive. Obviously pediatricians and specialists don't always go there. Otherwise, everyone who steps in to their office with this situation, would be monitored by CPS.

I guess, what I'm trying to say, is as a society, we should stop assuming the worst of everyone else, and thinking that we are the only ones who have it all figured out - especially when it comes to parenting. It is hard enough. Tough decisions are made all of the time. Do you think it was easy for John Lee and I to say, yes, go ahead and put a helmet on our infant for 23 hours/day for four months? No, it wasn't. It was a decision that we talked about, researched, and most importantly prayed about.

All in all, it was the BEST decision we could have made for our son. His head is beautiful. He no longer is at risk of developmental delays in the part of the brain where his head was flat, and he has a better chance to avoid TMJ and vision problems, usually associated with his type deformed head. And the best part is, during this time that he has been most prone to falls, because he learned to crawl and now walk, he has been protected by his helmet. So, no complaints there.

I am very anxious, however, for the day we are done with it forever. I will not miss the stinky, stinky, stinky, head. I will not miss not being able to properly snuggle with my little man. I will not miss having to stay inside more because he gets overheated easily. I will not miss the heat rashes. I will not miss the head butts to to the nose that hurt so, so, so bad. I will not miss the stares in public or the absurd questions people ask. I'm telling you, this situation has given me a only a very small glimpse into the life of someone with disabilities or deformities, and I am walking away from it a better, more understanding person of the obstacles that they face day in and day out. They are angels among us - that I know for sure.

So, that brings me back to the original intention of this post - July 9th is the day - I will have my little man back in the way that he was intended...  Watch out world, he is going to be a major heart breaker!

Lots of love!

Emily

Sorry this is sideways. I couldn't figure out how to adjust it.

Fixin' My Flat!

Last week, I announced on Facebook that Mr. Evan will be getting a helmet to fix his flat head. I know I had a lot of questions about everything, and thought that our family and friends probably did as well. So, I will do my best to give y'all the run down on what this means for him and our family for the next four to five months.

So, let me start from the beginning. Evan was four weeks early, therefore classified as a preemie - and, as most of you know, he had a brief stay in the NICU after birth (one week). He also slept a lot. And by a lot, I mean A LOT. There were days that he was up maybe 2 hours collectively the entire day. He would sleep through feedings, diaper changes, everything. I told John Lee repeatedly that I didn't remember Avery sleeping as much as Evan did. I also told my pediatrician. To be honest, it kind of worried me; however, his doctor said he just needed to catch up from his early arrival, and to not worry about it.

He did catch up. Though he is still a great sleeper, he doesn't sleep all the time and is quite normal, as far as babies his age go. But, as a result of his excess sleeping, trip to the NICU, and just being a preemie, in general, he developed a flat head in the back.

Of course as parents, you are told to always lay your children on their backs, to prevent SIDS. So we did, religiously. At his two month appointment, when I first brought up my concern over his head shape, I was told to make sure to reposition him as to not favor one side or the other - which I did; however as a result, his entire back of his head is flat. He doesn't have one particular "spot" over the other. At that appointment, I was also told that we could watch it and see how it shapes up once he is awake more for tummy time and not on his head so much.

By the time his 4 month appointment approached, he still had his flat head. So, I brought it up again and she said that it still could correct itself with tummy time, repositioning, and sitting in his Bumbo chair more, but we would determine a plan of action at his 6 month appointment if there is no improvement.

Evan on Jan. 9, 2012 - 4 months old

During those two months, I watched it pretty closely. John Lee and I discussed the possibilities. What we would do if he had to wear a helmet, etc. I was all for it. John Lee was a little more hesitant - "It really isn't that bad, Emily." was his response. I had days where I would look at it and agree with him, but then there were days that I would look at it and think, "Boy, it really is flat." Then I would see grown men, with flat and misshaped heads and think, "I bet they wished their moms did something about that when they were young." 

As his 6 month appointment approached, I knew that we were going to be referred to a specialist. His head was still very flat (though it did change shape somewhat). I guess you can say I was ready for what was coming. My view was, if he needed to get braces to fix his crooked teeth as a teenager, we wouldn't hesitate to get them fixed, so there shouldn't be any hesitation to do this - whatever "this" was.

Needless to say, Evan's doctor did refer us out. The specialist immediately got us in and took measurements of his head and a 3D image. He was diagnosed with Deformational Plagiocephaly, which is the most common head shape deformity in young infants. The skull can assume an abnormal shape due to many different factors, position in the womb, prematurity, how their plates fused or grew, etc.; and though they can't say for sure, what causes it specifically in each case, they can speculate, and they assume Evan's was caused by the fact that he was a preemie. Of course, as a parent, you immediately ask if there was anything that we could have done differently to prevent it? And the answer in Evan's case was, no. We did what we could, and by no fault of our own, he developed a flat head. It's that simple. Some kids are more prone to it than others. There are stories of twins, with similar sleeping habits, same families, same amount of tummy time, etc., that one developed the condition and the other did not. So, it could not have been prevented, but it can be treated.

And that leads me to Evan's new piece of head gear - his cranial remolding helmet.With the 3D image that was taken of Evan's head, they will make a mold. The helmet will then be fitted to that mold. We got to choose the colors. We opted for a plain blue and we are going to decorate it with stickers. My cousin told me about a little girl she knew who had to do the same treatment and they put a sticker on her helmet that said "Fixin' My Flat!" We love that, as it will help deter some questions people may have, and face it, it is dang cute.

 An picture of what the helmet will look like

He will have to wear his helmet for 3 or 4 months, 23 hours a day. I have read a lot about them and even got to meet another 6 month old who was in the office when I was there who had his helmet for about a week. The dad said that it hasn't phased him one bit, and to be honest, has been harder on he and his wife, than his son. It will be a commitment on our part, to ensure that he wears it when he should, but we are ready. We are committed. Of course, we had our reservations and anxieties about the stigmas attached to something like this, but quickly got over it, because we know that it is what is best for our son. There isn't anything wrong with what he has to go through and like I said, when you compare it to braces to fix crooked teeth, then it really isn't really a big deal. His three months will be over before we know it.

Right now, we are in a waiting game. We are waiting to see if it is approved by our insurance. The doctor doesn't seem to think that there will be a problem with the approval, but you just never know. Of course, I will keep everyone updated as this process continues. And like I've said before, just think how much more of a stud muffin he is going to be once this is all said and done?! I mean really, have you seen how cute he is?!

Lots of Love!

Emily

Avery Victoria turns three!

Dear Avery,

Today is your third birthday. Three short years ago, your daddy and I welcomed you to this world with open arms. It was the happiest day of our lives. You see, we had dreamed about that day for so long.

We had no clue if you were a boy or girl, and we really didn't care; however, when they announced you were a girl, I had a pure joy in my heart that I cannot even explain. I had hoped for you. Yes, YOU. You were the answer to all of my prayers. You were (are) my blessing. The love in my heart grew a million times over that day.

Since then, our relationship has grown to be one that I will forever cherish. Sure, we bump heads, because after all, we are the same person. I often say that you get just as sick of me as I do of you. But we have a love for each other that is indescribable with words.

I will forever cherish your hugs and kisses, your jokes and giggles, your stories and voice. Avery, you are one of a kind. You are smart. You are sassy. You are a know-it-all. You are funny. You have the ability to make a bad day, good. You dance to your own beat. You will go as far in life as you put your mind to, for you will not take no for an answer. You are the best big sister in the world. You are a great helper. You love to read, and color, and play. You love to watch T.V. You love school. You love the moon and hate the sun (at least when it shines in your face). You love your friends and cousins. You love family hugs, and kissing your brother. You are inquisitive. You remember things that you shouldn't. You are the best YOU, EVER!

Today, on your third birthday, I wish you joy, love and happiness. I wish you a year of exploration, as well as lots of trial and error, for that is how you will learn. Mostly, I wish you to be the best you, you can be. I will be here every step of the way, and I'm telling you here and now, I can't wait!!!

I love you up to the sky and down to ground, my sweet Love Bug.

Happy Birthday!

Momma

Here are some things we want to remember about you at 3-years-old:

- You weigh 29.4 lbs. (Height and percentiles will have to wait until your check-up in a couple of weeks)

- You are total girlie-girl. You love dresses and are extremely scared of bugs.

- You love to talk. And talk. And talk. Quite frankly, if you are awake, you are talking about something.

- You are a picky eater and will only eat a couple of fruits, lots of apple sauce and no vegetables.

- Your favorite food right now is peanut butter sandwiches, but you love noodles, pepperoni, and cheese; however, you are picky about the way each is prepared.

- Your favorite thing to do is read. You will "read" all day long to your self and take in every word when we read to you.

- You love to color and draw. You create masterpieces and put them on the refrigerator yourself. I often have to go through and clean off the many pieces of art work, or we can't even open the door.

- Your favorite thing in the world is your "gankie" (blanket). You have to have that thing to sleep. You bring it out of your room every morning and if you don't, you say, "oh, I almost forgot my gankie."

- You just learned the sign for "I Love You" and you do it for daddy every morning before he leaves, along with a "drive carefully, daddy."

- You are a great pretender. You have your "kids" and those kids do everything. They are very well taken care of by you.

- You are learning your right from your left and 9 times out of 10, you get it right.

- You love your brother more than anything in the whole world, but you aren't smothering to him either. You let him do his thing, while you do yours, but you often stop what you are doing to entertain him and make him smile. Sometimes you get a little jealous if I'm feeding him and you need me to do something for you.

- You love to look at the moon and try to figure out what it is shaped like (a circle, a banana, a smiley face, etc.)

- You love your family, extended family, etc.

- You are terrified of dogs, but love horses and cats - go figure.

- You love "Hucky Cheeses" (Chucky Cheeses), even though you have only been there a couple of times.

- You love to play tag and hide and go seek with who ever you can get to play with you, but always give up your location with a giggle or your loud voice.

- You are in love with the idea of your birthday. We have been counting down the days since around July when you went to your cousin Payton's birthday party.

- You love to dance and will make everyone in the room dance with you.

- You are super bossy and pretty much a know-it-all

- We know you are in your "fast run" when you arms swing beside you, up near your armpits.

- You want to go back to Disneyland so badly, because you are obsessed with everything Disney - Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and the Princesses.

- You love to run errands with me and sit in the big girl part of the cart.

- You are extremely timid, but once you warm up to someone, you will talk their ear off.

- You hate getting out of the bath, because you get cold.

- You have to have both your night lights on in order to sleep.

- You are a great napper. Usually, you will take a 2 to 4 hour nap every day. If you don't, though, watch out. You are one grouchy little lady once 7 p.m. hits, then it's off to bed for you.

- You go to bed at 8:30 p.m. and get up at 7 a.m.

- You can't wait to play sports with kids your own age.  

- Your best friends at school are Piper, Marcus and Evan

- Your teachers are Mrs. Elise and Mrs. Patricia

- You still haven't gotten the hang of your tricycle, but we are planning lots of practice times this year, so you can get a big girl bike either for Christmas or for your fourth birthday.

- You are the coolest kid I know. ;0)

Meeting your brother for the first time.

Our family

Such a goober

My love bug.

 

My little Love Bug isn't so little anymore...

Well, let the countdown begin. Avery's third birthday is in 11 days. Yes, that's right, she will be three years old. My oh my, where has the time gone? Seems like only yesterday that I found out that we were expecting her and now she is closer to her first day of kindergarten than her birth. CRAZY!

I saw a great idea on Pinterest and thought that I would start a new tradition at Casa de Conner - birthday questions. Tonight, John Lee and I sat Avery down, after her brother went to bed, and asked her a list of questions. This is the same list of questions that I will ask her every year on, or around, her birthday. I am so curious to see how the answers change with each passing year. These are completely her answers. Enjoy!

How old are you? Three! (with three fingers up)
What makes you happy?  Mickey Mouse
What is your favorite animal? Giraffe
What is your favorite thing to eat? Noodles
What is your favorite thing to do? Toys
What is your favorite TV show? Caillou
What are you really good at? Big Sister (totally melted my heart)
What is your favorite movie? Mouseketeers
What is your favorite color? Pink
What is your favorite song? Jesus Love Me (awesome, right?!)
Who is your best friend? Piper
What do you and mommy do together? Play
What do you and daddy do together? Watch cartoons
What is your favorite sport? Soccer
What is your favorite place to go? Zoo
What is your favorite book? The apple book (that is not the name of the book, but that is what she calls it)
What do you want to be when you grow up? Play soccer

I am sure this will be the first of a couple posts leading up to Avery's big day. I love this little kid with every bit of myself and I am so happy to have her in my life and call her my daughter.

At the El Paso Zoo a couple of weeks ago

Until the next post.

Lots of love!
Emily