What an Exciting Day! (And TONS of Kennedy's Cuteness)

Grandma came to visit today and what an exciting day we had.  Let me tell you - Kennedy is a trooper!  She put up with SO much today.  We started out the morning by working on a surprise for Father's Day.   Ssshhh...no one tell Daddy!  (And Marlon - if by any chance you actually do read this blog - CLOSE THIE WINDOW - NOW!)  We went and had some professional pictures done, to make a few Father's Day surprises for Daddy and Grandpa.  I was really nervous, based on how she reacts to the EI Therapist.  Well, she did fine.  Clearly she just hates the girl.  The pictures came out sooo adorable!!!  Here are just a few!  (By the time we got to the end - she was over it!  This was about a 90 minute photo session, so she did amazing.)

Can you tell she was over it by the last picture???  Now the hard part will be keeping it a secret until Sunday when we can show Daddy!

She was exhausted after our photos!  The poor baby slept through mommy and grandma having lunch.  We also had Kennedy's 4 month well baby visit.  Because surgery is on July 5th, I had to move our appointment up from next week.  This meant we had to see the nurse practitioner instead of the pediatrician we saw the first time.  Needless to say, I was incredibly nervous after all of the issues we've had thus far.  I'm happy to report - she was WONDERFUL!  Kennedy is in the 15% for height (23 inches) and the 10% for weight (11lbs 3oz).  This also puts her in the 50% for both on the Down syndrome growth charts.  They were thrilled with her growth and her development.  While she was being examined, she was kicking and rolling, had the paper on the table all torn apart.  She was grabbing at the stethoscope, and pulling at the nurses hand.  It was so cute!  She said it's way too soon for stranger anxiety.  Did I mention that Kennedy didn't have any issues with her OR the nurse?  Another example of her clearly hating the EIT.  She had to have 3 shots and the oral vaccine, in order to be caught up before surgery.  She didn't even flinch for the first two, and only cried for about 30 seconds with the third one.  I was so proud of her.  I will admit, that I was expecting extra snuggles tonight, but she's wanted to play and carry on just as normal - and she still is going strong for the night. 

What a Difference a Year Makes (And More Stranger Anxiety)

It was on this day last year that I found out I was pregnant!  I somehow managed to keep it a surprise from Marlon for the night.  It was exactly one year ago that I was sitting on the couch trying not to explode with excitement.  The next day was our "one month" wedding anniversary.  I went to the store, got a pack of digital tests, a baby bib that said "I love Daddy" and a gift bag.  When he got home from work I gave him his "anniversary gift."  Here we are - one year later.  I'm sitting on the couch, snuggling my precious baby girl.

We had our second appointment with the Early Intervention Therapist.  Kennedy still hates her.  And I'm not exaggerating.  From the moment she was looking and talking at Kennedy, she screamed bloody murder.  I've never seen her do this, except with Amanda.  She didn't do this with the nurse, the ARNP, or the surgeon yesterday.  When Amanda would move out of her view, she would calm down.  As soon as she realized Amanda was still there, she screamed again.  I'm not talking a little crying.  She turned bright red, fists clenched, body tensed up, eyes closed, ear piercing screaming.  At one point, she was sitting in her Bumbo, eyes closed and screaming.  She stopped crying, opened her eyes, and saw Amanda.  We were back at square one, the second she saw her.  Needless to say, I'm at a loss.  We don't have a lot of strangers around her, but my husband's co-worker held her the other day and she did fine.  We're seeing an ARNP tomorrow for her 4 month well baby visit.  I'm curious to see how it goes.  I'm torn between giving it one more attempt, and just requesting a new therapist.

A Great Report!

After MONTHS of trying - we finally had our first meeting with the Early Interventionist today.  The good news, I really like her.  The bad news, Kennedy doesn't like her so much.  We haven't seen much stranger anxiety with Kennedy.  I assumed she was still too young, combined with the fact that we don't really have many any strangers holding her. 

Things started out great.  Kennedy ate before she got here, and we were happily playing.  Everything went fine, until she picked up Kennedy.  Anyone who knows Kennedy, knows she has the pouty lip down.  Well, Amanda picked up Kennedy - the bottom lip poked out further than I've ever seen it, and the tears started pouring out of her eyes.  I've never seen real tears come from her like they did today. 

But Amanda said stranger anxiety is a great thing for her to be exhibiting at this age.  The only thing we really need to work on is the strength in her arms - which is what I expected.  Kennedy is right on track with everything else. 

Hopefully Kennedy doesn't forget Amanda between now and Tuesday when we see her again.