Not supposed to make you think AT ALL.
Click here.
In response to the couple questions I received yesterday regarding vaccines. This is not my ONLY reasoning, of course, but it's a nice place to get started ;)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Hesterman Christmas, 2008
Hiding the presents from curious little fingers.
The [ridiculously!] big reveal.
The most people we've ever had for dinner in our dining room.
The girls in their new "shashes" (glasses).
Four outta five.
Aunt Heidi with one of her little nephews.
The big surprise.
Labels:
Christmas
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Pediatrician Updates
Two weeks ago, Lily had her 2-year well-visit. She weighed 24lb 3.5oz (25th percentile), up 2.25lbs from six months ago. She was 34" tall (50th %), up 1.5" from six months ago. Her head was 48" in diameter (65th%), and I don't know what it ever was previously. Her temp was 97.9 degrees, and she was given her HepA shot.
Dr. Dan made me initial his comment, "Parent refuses MMR, varicella (chickenpox), and Flu vaccines," after giving me a long speech about how that was pretty careless on my part. I've done my research and have come to my own conclusions. I appreciate being informed, but those skinny little legs fall under my jurisdiction, so I get to say what does - and doesn't - get injected into them.
She is doing great physically, and after a thorough questioning (of me, about her), was deemed to have met all the two-year milestones. She was saying way more than the normal 50 word minimum for 2 years old, but is also supposed to be starting to string three or more words together, and the most we've ever heard out of her is two, such as, "Hi, Daddy." Apparently, "I love you" and "all done" only count as one word each. Must be the New Math.
As we've been saying all along about her speech, she'll get there in her own time. Look how far she's come just in the last three-six months!
Today, Jacob had his second set of 6-month vaccinations. He was due to have them at Lily's 2-year visit, but he was still so sick that I cancelled his part of the visit (although I did ask Dr. Dan to check his chest while he was there - all clear). Now he is all better - I am SO thankful he is finally done with that awful cold.
I was told the persistent rash he's had on one side of his neck and behind one ear is actually eczema, and to treat it with 1% hydrocortisone cream three times a day until it goes away. It might keep recurring until he's around 4, when it will go away for good. That was good news, because I never knew eczema ever went away, and when I first heard that word, I felt so bad for him.
Jacob cried a little during his two shots, but ultimately was a trooper. Lily didn't make a peep when she got her vaccine at her 2-year visit, and the nurse was so impressed, she hand-picked a princess sticker for Lily to take home.
Dr. Dan made me initial his comment, "Parent refuses MMR, varicella (chickenpox), and Flu vaccines," after giving me a long speech about how that was pretty careless on my part. I've done my research and have come to my own conclusions. I appreciate being informed, but those skinny little legs fall under my jurisdiction, so I get to say what does - and doesn't - get injected into them.
She is doing great physically, and after a thorough questioning (of me, about her), was deemed to have met all the two-year milestones. She was saying way more than the normal 50 word minimum for 2 years old, but is also supposed to be starting to string three or more words together, and the most we've ever heard out of her is two, such as, "Hi, Daddy." Apparently, "I love you" and "all done" only count as one word each. Must be the New Math.
As we've been saying all along about her speech, she'll get there in her own time. Look how far she's come just in the last three-six months!
Today, Jacob had his second set of 6-month vaccinations. He was due to have them at Lily's 2-year visit, but he was still so sick that I cancelled his part of the visit (although I did ask Dr. Dan to check his chest while he was there - all clear). Now he is all better - I am SO thankful he is finally done with that awful cold.
I was told the persistent rash he's had on one side of his neck and behind one ear is actually eczema, and to treat it with 1% hydrocortisone cream three times a day until it goes away. It might keep recurring until he's around 4, when it will go away for good. That was good news, because I never knew eczema ever went away, and when I first heard that word, I felt so bad for him.
Jacob cried a little during his two shots, but ultimately was a trooper. Lily didn't make a peep when she got her vaccine at her 2-year visit, and the nurse was so impressed, she hand-picked a princess sticker for Lily to take home.
Labels:
Jacob
,
Pediatrician
,
Silly Lily
Photo Books
I'm so happy I'm finally able to share the beautiful photo books we gave to our parents and grandparents and aunts for Christmas, featuring our little troublemakers. (Click on any spread to enlarge.)
"From our happy family, to yours."
(Back and front of dust jacket)
"Lily & Jacob, 2008"
"Welcome to our 2008 photo journal. We hope you like it!"
(Front inside flap and first page)
"Lily enjoyed celebrating her first birthday..."
"...but she did not enjoy the snow!"
"Lily spent lots of time outside (after the snow melted)."
"Looks like someone's going to be a big sister!"
"Jacob Ryan, May 18, 2008"
"Lily meeting her little brother for the first time."
"9lb 5oz of sweetness."
"Mama loves her chubby little buddy."
"Lily and Jacob had lots of fun going to the park with Mama and Daddy."
"A day of adventure at the Turtleback Zoo."
"Goofing off at Long Beach Island."
"Lily was the flower girl in cousin Heidi's wedding."
"A beautiful Fall day at Ort Farms."
"Pumpkin picking"
"Two little tricksters!"
"Thanks for joining us!"
(Last page and back inside flap)
The photo books were made with Snapfish. Last year's calendars were made with Lulu.
"From our happy family, to yours."
(Back and front of dust jacket)
"Lily & Jacob, 2008"
"Welcome to our 2008 photo journal. We hope you like it!"
(Front inside flap and first page)
"Lily enjoyed celebrating her first birthday..."
"...but she did not enjoy the snow!"
"Lily spent lots of time outside (after the snow melted)."
"Looks like someone's going to be a big sister!"
"Jacob Ryan, May 18, 2008"
"Lily meeting her little brother for the first time."
"9lb 5oz of sweetness."
"Mama loves her chubby little buddy."
"Lily and Jacob had lots of fun going to the park with Mama and Daddy."
"A day of adventure at the Turtleback Zoo."
"Goofing off at Long Beach Island."
"Lily was the flower girl in cousin Heidi's wedding."
"A beautiful Fall day at Ort Farms."
"Pumpkin picking"
"Two little tricksters!"
"Thanks for joining us!"
(Last page and back inside flap)
The photo books were made with Snapfish. Last year's calendars were made with Lulu.
Labels:
Miscellaneous
Monday, December 29, 2008
Lily's 2nd Birthday Party
My Sweet Lily,
Yesterday* you turned two years old. I still can't believe I'm saying that. Wasn't it just last week that you and I spent an intimate 31 1/2 hours together in labor?
Last Saturday, you had your second birthday party. In attendance (at your party, not your labor) were your Oma and Opa; Grandma and Grandpa; Grosse Oma and Grosse Opa; Aunt Lori, Uncle Jay, and cousins Kirsten and Jeffrey; Aunt Heidi; and of course Mama, Daddy, and Jacob. Quite a smaller party than last year - but also quite less work and just as much fun.
[The Babelfish just translated Grosse Oma into "Large Granny" - I hurt my tummy laughing so hard.]
You wore your new purple jumper over a white longsleeve onesie and white tights with your fuzzy brown thrift store Mary Janes, which have been your favorite shoes lately. Those and your boots. Any boots, especially with handles. You could walk around the house in your boots and snow hat all day, happy as a clam.
Pants optional.
Your Opa held you on his lap and snuck you sweets while your Mama finished making the cake. It was a white Betty Crocker box cake with homemade strawberry frosting. This was my first time ever making frosting or stacking a sheet cake, and thankfully, your Aunt Heidi supervised. Together, we made you a cake that was super tasty, and - by the way you shoved every last crumb into your mouth (and asked for seconds) - I'd say you approved.
This was your first real present opening experience. Sure, you've already celebrated two Christmases - barely - and one birthday, but this was the first time you were really old enough to get the hang of things. This was probably the first time you were encouraged to rip anything, and after you got over your initial, "Seriously? Just tear? I won't get yelled at?" you were off and running.
Nothing made me happier than watching the excitement on your cute little face each time you spied the next gift peeking out at you beneath torn paper. After opening each present, you wanted to unpackage and play with it instantly, which was super-gratifying for the gift giver.
If your audience "ooh"ed and "aah"ed, you did likewise, and it was the funniest thing coming out of your mouth. When you opened the dress from your cousin Kirsten, you wanted to put it on instantly, then walked around so proud of yourself, patting your chest, like, "Look at me! I'm so pretty!" And you were ;)
When you opened a card with no present (just that un-fun money stuff), you quickly tossed it aside and said, "Done!" which was hysterical. You sure you don't want it? OK, I'll take it.
When you opened your Aunt Ilse's card that played music, a huge grin spread across your face and you started bopping your head from side to side. I'm so sad the video of your presents stopped RIGHT before you opened this card!
Then came cake time. I was a little leery about you blowing on the cake with your cold after much throwing up the previous week (by me) from another infected birthday cake. So we took the candle off your cake and held it out for you to blow. The only problem was, you didn't realize how hot the little flame was and put your mouth right up to it, hurting your poor little upper lip a little.
But the hurt was immediately forgotten the moment you tasted your cake. You little stinker. Just the year before at your first birthday party, you were trying sweets and sugar and cupcakes for the very first time. Now you're an old pro talking about "Tate!" (cake) and eating seconds!
You have grown up so very much in this past year. You are tall and skinny like a string bean - like your daddy! Your little bald head is now covered with long, blonde hair. I'm so happy that I can finally put clips in it now, so there's no WAY you can be mistaken for a little boy like when your hair was short, no matter how much pink you were wearing.
You are funny and silly. You love to show off and make us laugh. You love to dance with Daddy and read books with Oma. You say, "I love you!" when we tuck you in at night, and it makes my heart melt when I think of how much we love you back. Sometimes you wake up at night, and I'm so happy for the chance to slip into your room for an extra hug and a kiss, to tide me over 'til morning. You are becoming affectionate. You give kisses freely and hug your friends when they leave.
You always think I'm talking to your Oma and Opa on the phone. No matter who it is, you ask, "Oma? Opa? Awake? Asleep? Home? House? Seeeeeee?"
Your best friend is your cousin Kirsten. You ask about her constantly, and so many things remind you of her. "See these boots I'm wearing? They're Kirsten's." Or, "See the pantry? We hid in there together and shut the door and knocked and giggled loudly until you found us."
OK, so you can't say all that, but when you point at the pantry and say, "Tay-tum?" Mama knows what you mean. It's amazing how much (I think) I understand you. With just a word, or a point, or a glance, I know exactly what is going on in that little head of yours. Where your train of thought is going or from where it has come. That's probably why you didn't feel the need to start talking...because Mama already understood.
Lily, I promise to always make an effort to understand. To give you extra hugs and kisses and your "ra-ra-ra-ra" (pacifier) when you need them late at night. To listen when you're trying your hardest to tell me something and I just don't understand. To laugh when you're running around in your bib, snow hat, and rain boots, all of which you've put on yourself just for my amusement.
You are an amazing, sensitive, sweet, fun-loving, inteligent, busy busy busy little girl. You can't know how much I love you or how blessed I feel every day to have you in my life.
Much love, Mama
Read last year's Letter to Lily
*This letter was started December 20th...but things got a little hectic.
Yesterday* you turned two years old. I still can't believe I'm saying that. Wasn't it just last week that you and I spent an intimate 31 1/2 hours together in labor?
Last Saturday, you had your second birthday party. In attendance (at your party, not your labor) were your Oma and Opa; Grandma and Grandpa; Grosse Oma and Grosse Opa; Aunt Lori, Uncle Jay, and cousins Kirsten and Jeffrey; Aunt Heidi; and of course Mama, Daddy, and Jacob. Quite a smaller party than last year - but also quite less work and just as much fun.
[The Babelfish just translated Grosse Oma into "Large Granny" - I hurt my tummy laughing so hard.]
You wore your new purple jumper over a white longsleeve onesie and white tights with your fuzzy brown thrift store Mary Janes, which have been your favorite shoes lately. Those and your boots. Any boots, especially with handles. You could walk around the house in your boots and snow hat all day, happy as a clam.
Pants optional.
Your Opa held you on his lap and snuck you sweets while your Mama finished making the cake. It was a white Betty Crocker box cake with homemade strawberry frosting. This was my first time ever making frosting or stacking a sheet cake, and thankfully, your Aunt Heidi supervised. Together, we made you a cake that was super tasty, and - by the way you shoved every last crumb into your mouth (and asked for seconds) - I'd say you approved.
This was your first real present opening experience. Sure, you've already celebrated two Christmases - barely - and one birthday, but this was the first time you were really old enough to get the hang of things. This was probably the first time you were encouraged to rip anything, and after you got over your initial, "Seriously? Just tear? I won't get yelled at?" you were off and running.
Nothing made me happier than watching the excitement on your cute little face each time you spied the next gift peeking out at you beneath torn paper. After opening each present, you wanted to unpackage and play with it instantly, which was super-gratifying for the gift giver.
If your audience "ooh"ed and "aah"ed, you did likewise, and it was the funniest thing coming out of your mouth. When you opened the dress from your cousin Kirsten, you wanted to put it on instantly, then walked around so proud of yourself, patting your chest, like, "Look at me! I'm so pretty!" And you were ;)
When you opened a card with no present (just that un-fun money stuff), you quickly tossed it aside and said, "Done!" which was hysterical. You sure you don't want it? OK, I'll take it.
When you opened your Aunt Ilse's card that played music, a huge grin spread across your face and you started bopping your head from side to side. I'm so sad the video of your presents stopped RIGHT before you opened this card!
Then came cake time. I was a little leery about you blowing on the cake with your cold after much throwing up the previous week (by me) from another infected birthday cake. So we took the candle off your cake and held it out for you to blow. The only problem was, you didn't realize how hot the little flame was and put your mouth right up to it, hurting your poor little upper lip a little.
But the hurt was immediately forgotten the moment you tasted your cake. You little stinker. Just the year before at your first birthday party, you were trying sweets and sugar and cupcakes for the very first time. Now you're an old pro talking about "Tate!" (cake) and eating seconds!
You have grown up so very much in this past year. You are tall and skinny like a string bean - like your daddy! Your little bald head is now covered with long, blonde hair. I'm so happy that I can finally put clips in it now, so there's no WAY you can be mistaken for a little boy like when your hair was short, no matter how much pink you were wearing.
You are funny and silly. You love to show off and make us laugh. You love to dance with Daddy and read books with Oma. You say, "I love you!" when we tuck you in at night, and it makes my heart melt when I think of how much we love you back. Sometimes you wake up at night, and I'm so happy for the chance to slip into your room for an extra hug and a kiss, to tide me over 'til morning. You are becoming affectionate. You give kisses freely and hug your friends when they leave.
You always think I'm talking to your Oma and Opa on the phone. No matter who it is, you ask, "Oma? Opa? Awake? Asleep? Home? House? Seeeeeee?"
Your best friend is your cousin Kirsten. You ask about her constantly, and so many things remind you of her. "See these boots I'm wearing? They're Kirsten's." Or, "See the pantry? We hid in there together and shut the door and knocked and giggled loudly until you found us."
OK, so you can't say all that, but when you point at the pantry and say, "Tay-tum?" Mama knows what you mean. It's amazing how much (I think) I understand you. With just a word, or a point, or a glance, I know exactly what is going on in that little head of yours. Where your train of thought is going or from where it has come. That's probably why you didn't feel the need to start talking...because Mama already understood.
Lily, I promise to always make an effort to understand. To give you extra hugs and kisses and your "ra-ra-ra-ra" (pacifier) when you need them late at night. To listen when you're trying your hardest to tell me something and I just don't understand. To laugh when you're running around in your bib, snow hat, and rain boots, all of which you've put on yourself just for my amusement.
You are an amazing, sensitive, sweet, fun-loving, inteligent, busy busy busy little girl. You can't know how much I love you or how blessed I feel every day to have you in my life.
Much love, Mama
Read last year's Letter to Lily
*This letter was started December 20th...but things got a little hectic.
Labels:
Birthday
,
Letter to Lily
Lily-Speak
A sampling...
Family
Hop-chop (Jacob)
Me me (Lily)
Ee-tuh (Aunt Ilse)
Pa-pa (Grandpa)
Pa-ma (Grandma)
Tay-tum (Kirsten)[same word as pumpkin]
Feff-free (Jeffrey)
Foo-foo Fay (Uncle Jay)
Woh-ree (Lori)
Hi-hee (Heidi)
Friends:
Jin-jin (Jillian)
Ha Ham (Miss Pam)
Hay-hin (Hayden)
Da-hnee (Datnee)
Ay-mim (Eowyn)
Ta-na (Kiana)
Objects:
Baa (ball)
Bah (bath)
Tay-tum (pumpkin)[same word as Kirsten]
Foof (juice)[sounds a lot like "woof" for a dog]
Noises:
Shish shish shish (swish swish swish)[what the bus wipers do]
Wee-ooh Wee-ooh [the noise an ambulance makes]
Other:
Wuv voo! (I love you)
Nigh nigh (goodnight)
She also says many words perfectly. Important words like Oma and Opa, Mama and Daddy, and hi and bye. Words we hear repeated constantly like eat and done, apple and shoe.
Family
Hop-chop (Jacob)
Me me (Lily)
Ee-tuh (Aunt Ilse)
Pa-pa (Grandpa)
Pa-ma (Grandma)
Tay-tum (Kirsten)[same word as pumpkin]
Feff-free (Jeffrey)
Foo-foo Fay (Uncle Jay)
Woh-ree (Lori)
Hi-hee (Heidi)
Friends:
Jin-jin (Jillian)
Ha Ham (Miss Pam)
Hay-hin (Hayden)
Da-hnee (Datnee)
Ay-mim (Eowyn)
Ta-na (Kiana)
Objects:
Baa (ball)
Bah (bath)
Tay-tum (pumpkin)[same word as Kirsten]
Foof (juice)[sounds a lot like "woof" for a dog]
Noises:
Shish shish shish (swish swish swish)[what the bus wipers do]
Wee-ooh Wee-ooh [the noise an ambulance makes]
Other:
Wuv voo! (I love you)
Nigh nigh (goodnight)
She also says many words perfectly. Important words like Oma and Opa, Mama and Daddy, and hi and bye. Words we hear repeated constantly like eat and done, apple and shoe.
Labels:
Silly Lily
,
Talking
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Photographic Proof, As Promised
Here's an ultrasound of my abdomen with the gall bladder circled:
Apparently, a healthy and stone-free gall bladder should look something like this:
Meaning all those white things circled below? Gall stones:
You can understand why I'd be a LITTLE uncomfortable...
Apparently, a healthy and stone-free gall bladder should look something like this:
Meaning all those white things circled below? Gall stones:
You can understand why I'd be a LITTLE uncomfortable...
Labels:
Gall Bladder
Fun in the Snow
Last night was Lily's first real snow experience since last year. She was a little scared at first - it's one thing to look at the snow through the window and talk about it as you watch it falling, but quite another to have it squishing under your feet.
After a minute or two, she was more in awe than fear, and like usual, spent most of the time pointing at the snow:
We went down to her house, and she was surprised to find no snow inside!
She carefully watched her steps as she trudged along:
(Was I supposed to cut the string on the gloves? Why is it there?)
And we left sled tracks in the snow that were evident the next morning:
(Sorry, no pictures of us actually sledding!)
All in all, it was a marked improvement from how she felt about snow LAST year:
Look how much longer her snowsuit was!
Labels:
Silly Lily
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Birthday Party Video
This past Saturday, my little girl had her second birthday party. What a sweet little family party! I will post my favorite pics later, but for now, here is a video of her opening Tante Ilse and Uncle David's present (sorry it's sideways). Everyone is laughing at the beginning because she just opened a card and when it didn't DO anything and wasn't a toy, she quickly announced, "Done!" (You can catch the end of her Grosse Opa saying, "...Nothing to play with!" and Lily saying, "Back! Back!" as she tries to put it back in the envelope and move on to the next thing.)
Labels:
Birthday
,
Silly Lily
Fun with Elbows
 |  |
 |  |
Like father, like daughter.
 |  |
 |  |
I love these pictures, because it's usually so hard to get Lily really laughing.
And so Jacob doesn't feel left out, here's what he was doing during the fun:
Labels:
Jacob
,
Silly Lily
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)