Updates and More Updates!

I'm a bad bad blogger.  March 6 was Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Day.  For those of you who have been following my blog, know how strongly I feel about the r-word.  Yet, I didn't manage to find time to blog about it.  I did manage to flood Facebook with facts, photos and articles about why it's so inappropriate to use it.  I fought a few arguments as well.  Arguments I shouldn't have to have, about why I find it so offensive.  And why the word should be eliminated, even when used "appropriately" and replaced with terms like intellectual disability.  On the plus side, I'm happy to say that I haven't seen the r-word pop up on my Facebook newsfeed in a long time, so I consider that a step in the right direction.  Or everyone that uses it got annoyed with me and hid or deleted me.

In other news, we've been busy since the little miss celebrated her birthday.  Her 2 year well visit went wonderful!  She weighed in at 23lb 4oz and 32 inches, and although I typically dread the "developmental assessment" I found that this time wasn't so bad.  I recognize that she has delays and apparently I've had a pretty realistic depiction of where she is because I didn't leave with an overwhelming feeling of how many things we should be working on.  I adore our new pediatrician, who spent an unreal amount of time discussing things like nutrition and vaccines.

Unfortunately, a mere 12 hours after her "well visit" Kennedy got sick.  Our first stomach bug.  Which quickly made it's way through the house, and half the family.  The stupid germs plagued her off and on for an entire week.  Mommy and daddy learned that we can no longer call in the Grandmothers for backup, because they BOTH got incredibly sick.  We spent a lot of time reading and watching TV.  And keeping Kennedy from smothering Caleb with slobbery kisses.  Good times.  (Insert sarcastic eye roll here.)

Apparently turning two meant big things for Kennedy.  I think we're finally beginning to see the shift from her focus on physical development to her communication skills.  Don't get me wrong, Kennedy has never had trouble getting her point across.  But her signing and speaking has definitely not been one of her strengths.  However, in the past week she has picked up two new words and two new signs. She will run up to you with an iPhone, asking for music.  She will ask to be put down.  And although she's very capable of walking, she more often than not, asks to be picked up.  Because apparently mommy needs the work out of carrying a combined 46+ pounds of kid.  Her receptive language has continued to grow by leaps and bounds.  We started working with a new speech therapist who I really like.  Kennedy is not thrilled with her, but only because she makes her work.

And last but not least, Kennedy got to do something VERY exciting today.  She was able to meet Lauren Potter, from Glee!  Okay, so Kennedy didn't really understand the significance of it.  And I had a horrible time getting her to sit still for a photo with her.  Kennedy just wanted to run around, and she was over tired as a result of the time change.  But I was incredibly excited about the opportunity.  She was incredibly sweet!  And Kennedy loved her iPhone.  I'm pretty sure she was going to try to steal it.  Unfortunately, my husband was juggling Caleb, and I was trying to snap photos.  We were ALL trying to get Kennedy to cooperate, with out much success.  But at least there is a photo of Kennedy with her, right?  And we got her autograph.

Speaking of photos, here are a few of the latest, in random order.  And a few videos of Kennedy's impressive dance skills.  I would promise another blog update soon, but we're headed back to the sunshine state for some warm weather, beach time, friends, family and MICKEY MOUSE!!!  So, as usual, the updates may be sparse, but I should have some great photos coming up!

Watching Signing Times with brother! So incredibly sweet. 

Don't bother me mom, I'm reading.

I'm going to kiss you brother!!!!

Watch, this is how you throw a ball.

And this is how you play the piano.

MOM! Why won't he chase me???

Come on Caleb! Chase me!

Let me show you how this works Caleb.

Just brushing my teeth.

Uh, excuse me, I don't care if mom wants a picture, I want to run away!

No, I'm not going to look at the camera and smile.

I sure do love this horse, even if it doesn't go anywhere.

Giving daddy kisses. Poor sick baby. 

Daddy, I'll read you a bedtime story.

Hey people! 

I love this thing!

Mom fail. I dressed them both in gray stripes. And 5,000 people asked if they were twins.

My little princess doing her princess dance!

Dance Queen.  She'll get every musical toy going just to dance.