Dec 17, 2012

Wellness Visits

That's what they call them now, wellness visits.  And we happened to have Ben's 4 year physical and Hailey's 18month physical this afternoon.  Ben is as healthy as ever.  He was such a good patient.  Sat so calmly, followed directions, amazing.  He is 43inches tall and 41lbs (Brian recalled those numbers), and Hailey is 35 inches long and 26lbs.  For Ben, I have no idea where this puts him chart wise, they didn't say, all they said was "HE IS TALL!"  We'll look it up.  Hailey is way off the chart for length, like at least an inch above the curve for length, and 75% for weight.

And yes, Brian was with me to help me with taking both kids because we just returned from Kalamazoo for my Grandpa's funeral which was yesterday (Sunday December 16).  It was nice to be with everyone and celebrate, but well...you know.  Nice that Brian got the day off so we could stay over.  Work our way home, get kids to doctors, errands, all that stuff.

Hailey and Grandma, December 15, 2012

Aunt Lenore, Hailey, and Grandma, she's really getting used to other people!  Finally!

Hailey and Aunt Maggie had a special connection!
Hope all is well!

Dec 14, 2012

Happy Birthday Ben!


I clearly don't know how to do the You-Tube thing, so maybe Brian can help me when he gets home.  But I'm here with my kids, we've had a wonderful day of celebration!  Ben is so excited for his birthday!  We went out to lunch, bought a balloon, he helped me make his cake, and now waiting for Daddy so we can open presents and eat said cake! 

We were sad to turn on the tv and see what happened this morning as we were celebrating.  My heart is broken for those families who got up this morning, sent their kids to school as they always do, and then this.  So tragic.  We will give extra hugs and kisses to everyone today and remember that you need to tell each other how much we love them!

Ok, anyway, updates:
Ben: FOUR YEARS OLD TODAY!  He's thriving!  He screamed "Birthday boy here!"  all the way through the grocery store this morning!  Never shy!  His biggest achievement as he hits 4 is that he is completely out of any sort of pull up!  Even at night!!!!!  It's so nice for all of us! 

Hailey:  18months old!  She had her developmental exam yesterday and has her physical on Monday (as does Ben).  She exceeded everything except verbal skills.  Yuck.  She has a big brother that does all the talking for her!  She was able to point to all appropriate pictures and body parts but she just can't quite say them all.  She has her words for things which are generally the beginning of the actual word (example: "Mill"=Milk, "No"=nose, "plee"= please, and a ton more).  The Dr. said she's not worried yet because she is trying and mimicking so well.  As for any of her motor skills, she is off the chart!  She's doing a lot of things at a 2 year old level.  Likely keeping up with Ben has assisted in this!


Now, I know there a number of parenting no-no's in this video, but I think I can explain at least a couple.  Hailey doesn't have a shirt on because she just messed it up at dinner, we stripped it off and she ran over to do this.  She's standing on a chair, I know, but they were having so much fun!  Ben's playing a video game, I know.  He's actually getting very good at them and we are limiting his use of media!

Benjamin Lee Bishop, December 14, 2008

Benjamin Lee Bishop, December 14, 2012



Dec 9, 2012

A little catch up...






We've had more successful trips to see Santa.  Santa understood.  He and Ben had a nice talk after I "rescued" Hailey.  This didn't really surprise me.  She's a little...sensitive to strangers.  It comes with the age.

News:  I started a new job last week and have my first day following orientation tomorrow.  I'm excited.  I'll be back in the hospital!  Working for Advocate Christ Hospital. It's closer to home and I'll still just be "substitute teaching" for therapists which means I keep my flexibility.  Should be great!

Also news this week.  After 85 years, 1 loving wife, 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, my Grandpa passed away after a mercifully short illness.  Although it didn't seem short in the midst of it. It's well known, and documented how much he meant to me and my family.  It's still so strange that he is gone and we're all still coming to terms with that.  He is reunited with my loving Grandmother, his daughter and son who all went before him to warm things up for him.

My favorite photo of all time!  The Huling girls with Grandpa, Halloween 1982.

 One of my favorite memories is of him playing the first dance for me and Brian at our wedding in 2006.  It was a piece he wrote for my Grandmother as a wedding gift to her called "The Love Waltz."  No one has a better first dance story than that!  Thanks Grandpa!

Hailey Slideshow

Slideshow for you!