A Proper Birthday Post

I have been feeling guilty for not writing a birthday post for my youngest who just turned 2.  I wouldn't feel guilty normally, it doesn't mean I love her any less, but all of my other girls have had one so she deserves one too, not one riddled with ER visits overshadowing her beautiful day.  I wont be writing her entire birth story, it may be beautiful to me but I am sure you wouldn't mind me skipping the details of my slimy baby and girly parts.  However, I do have to mention how much of a moron I was and how close I was to having her at home.  I had already taken my oldest to school and was home alone with my middle girl and started to feel pain that felt like gas pains.  It felt nothing like labor.  I mentioned to my sister over Facebook (oh technology) how I felt like I was having gas pains every five minutes.  She told me gas was not timeable and to be careful and the next thing I knew, my mom was calling and she was on her way.  And thank God for her, by the time she got down here and picked up my oldest from school, I knew it was labor pains......and the hospital is a good hour away.  Needless to say, she was born within 45 minutes of us getting to the hospital.  Good job mom!!!!  So glad my little gas bubble was born in a hospital!!!
So, to celebrate her 2nd birthday, we ventured down to Sea World.  The girls love this place and it isn't too much to do all in one day.  Not to mention, Elmo is there now and we cannot leave without a giant hug fest.

The next day, on her actual birthday, we had a family party.  yes, the morning did not start out right and yes, it put me way behind schedule and yes, the food was not that great and the cake was embarrassing, but we were together and celebrating the life of my sweet girl and because of that, I say it was perfect.  So, it may be a little late, but Happy Birthday my sweet angel.  you bless us each and every day with your sweet smile and your infectious laugh.  You brighten mommies day when you are right next to her helping with the laundry and I don't think your sisters mind when you help clean their rooms too.  You are practically perfect in every way!!!!

Growing Up

Ever since our oldest was about 4 years old, when we would be out shopping and pass by a Claire's store, we would ask if she wanted to get her ears pierced.  She said yes, until we explained that it would mean a needle in her ears.  I know some parents don't tell their kids ti will hurt but I didn't want to lie to her and then have her be mad at me.  So, it has always been a no.  We have done the same thing for our second little one.  And we have always had the same reaction, NO!!!  So, we eventually stopped asking.  Well, 2 weeks ago I was at the mall with my two younger girls just walking around and we happened to pass by a Claire's store.  Next thing I hear is "mom, can I get my ears pierced today", I stopped.  "Are you sure?  You do realize they will put needles in your ears"  Which was followed by an "I know, I am a big girl, it will be fine".  So, we went into the store and started browsing the piercing area.  "Are you sure you still want to do this?"  "Yes, I want to!!!"  So, I put her in the chair they have and we waited for the lady to finish up with her customer.  She was very excited to be sitting in the chair.

Once the lady came over with the forms, I told my girl that she couldn't back out once I signed everything and she let me know that she was ready.  However, there was only one girl working and I knew that they needed to have both ears done at the same time.  There was no way that once she felt the first one that she would let her do the second one.  So, she called to a girl who was working in the Claire's kiosk in the mall and she came down to help out.  And with that, my little girl seemed to grow up a little bit before my eyes.

And the thing is, I expected a fit.  I expected crying and sobbing and plenty of "ow's" but it didn't happen.  She almost sat there in a state of shock and with one single tear falling down her cheek, she whispered "ow".  It was then that my momma heart turned to mush and I felt horrible.  How could I let her do this?!  how could I willingly let her get hurt?  I picked her up out of the chair and hugged her tight.  I told her how brave she was and how pretty her ears looked.  That didn't seem to work, so I asked her if she needed something else from the store.  I know, I am a huge sucker because of course she said yes.  So, with new earrings, a pink fluffy pen and a new Dora diary, we left the store.

She has done pretty well with them.  She did take them out once, she swore she didn't do it and that they just flew out of her ears, haha.  But, they quickly went back in and we cleaned them really good.  We have just a little over 4 weeks and then we will be able to go and get her a new pair, she is hoping they have Beiber earrings, lol.

A Little Bit Older

I know a lot of people don't see the difference but I took a good 5 inches off of Kendall's hair a while back (yes, I cut all of my girls hair and yes, I did go to cosmetology school) and I think it aged her into a real little girl.  Her longer hair was so wispy and young and fun and I think it kept her looking like a tiny girl, now she looks older.  Maybe it is just me seeing my girls grow up too fast, what do you think?

Epilepsy Freedom Walk 2010

I cant believe it has taken me this long to write about the amazing time we had at our first ever Epilepsy Walk!  I partly blame it on my computer being down for a while but ti has been back up for a good week so I can rightly now blame it on my lack of brain cells I seem to be having lately.  Seriously people, the other night we went out to dinner and as we were walking out of the restaurant  had that brief second of "oh my gosh, where is the baby", which I then realized was in my arms.  Perhaps I can blame the fact that she wears this squeaky shoes everywhere lately so I am used to hearing it when she is walking beside me so to not hear them made me think she was not with me.  Then again, I really should be blaming the lack of brain cell usage.  Ok, enough scattered talk, lets get to our walk.

Cass and I were accompanied by my Uncle Bill, Aunt Mickie, Aunt Kathy and both of my cousins, both named Jessica.

It was a chilly rainy day in Pasadena, CA but they didn't stop people from coming out.  I think they said ti was close to 1,000 people who were there.  After registering we were able to go to different booths and for Cass to make some crafts.  We got a lot of great information, from finding out about something called SUDEP (sudden unexplained death in Epilepsy) to new meds that are out.  One of the defining moments, as far as Cassidy goes, was when she was going to take her picture with a seizure rescue dog.  She is very intimidated by dogs, I don't think the dog attack and 18 stitches in her face at age 3 helped that fear whatsoever.  But, when she saw the dog, she knelt down and hugged it around the neck and smiled for the camera.  Who is this child?!!!  I wanted to cry!!!!  Soon after that, some people from the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles stood up to speak.  And they introduced the chair for this years walk.  For the second year in a row, Greg Grunberg was the chair of the walk!!!  He is not just an actor, his son has Epilepsy.  He said some inspiring words and then we were off to walk.  It wasn't a long walk but it was inspirational to me.  At one point there was a group of people standing off to the sides cheering everyone on and when they saw our shirts, they yelled "Go Team Cassidy!!!!"  They spotted Cass and asked if she was Cassidy and after telling them yes, they yelled "woo hoo, go Cassidy!!!!"  Her smile was priceless.  The walk may have been small but the strides we made were mighty!!!!!!!!  I hope more can join us next year.  Until then, be inspired and talk about it!!!  Spread the word and lets make a difference!!!

Yipppeee!!

Why am I squealing with delight?  Why, haven't you noticed?  I have a computer once again!!!!!!!!  My friends husband is amazing!!!!  Beyond amazing actually, he is all techy and handy and I am thankful to have her married to him.............and of course her too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  So, get ready because I have some stories and I have some pictures and I will make you all read them :)

Epilepsy Freedom Walk 2010

In just a couple of weeks, my sweet girl and I will be walking in our very first walk for Epilepsy.  This in itself is a huge stride.  We have gone through quite a bit this year.  Meds were not working properly, seizures were still happening quite frequently and my girl was always tired because of all of the change going on in her body.  We have recently celebrated one year with epilepsy, I know it sounds silly to celebrate living one year with a disease but we are excited.  She could be in a hospital bed or a wheelchair, she could be having seizures that could keep her from living a normal life, but just one year into it, we are starting to get the hang of things.  We do still have our small set-backs but she is living a normal life, as normal as it could be.  And she is so excited to walk for Epilepsy!  She is even more excited that she can get sponsors to sponsor her in her walk.  And that money that is donated will be used to help find a cure so that not another moment is lost to seizures.  One day children will not have to worry about being around loud sounds, or seeing flashing lights or wondering if they will have a seizure in front of kids who will wonder why "that kid is so weird".  I know that for some it is a tough time financially, but if you have anything to spare, we would forever be grateful and you would have the satisfaction knowing that you are helping a wonderful cause and wonderful children.  If you can donate, you can go to www.EpilepsyFreedomWalk.org and sponsor a walker, look it up under Cassidy Hall.  And if you cannot donate financially but live in the Southern California area, come and walk with us on October 17!!!  All ages are welcome and you can register at the same website.  It will be a great time!!!!  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  Lets make this event extraordinary!!!!!

Dance Class

Our sweet middle child is feeling depraved and non-sociable.  She always wants to go to someones house to play or just "dooooooo something!!!!!!!"  Since she isn't in preschool, we decided to enroll her in dance.  She is having a blast!!!

What is sweeter than a little one in tights and a leotard?!!!!!!

Happy Birthday!

Four years have gone by so fast!!!  It seems like only yesterday I was carrying you in my belly and your sister was performing her greatest art works at your expense...or mine.

The day you were born was a beautiful day.  You made your sister a sister for the first time. And at that moment that we held you in our arms, you made our family complete.



I always knew that you would grow up to be a beautiful young girl.  You have amazed me with your adventurous spirit and a love of life.  You are an amazing daughter, wonderful sister and friend.  We love you so very much Kendall!!!!

First Ponytail

Our first two girls had hair that was long enough on their first birthdays that they each have their first year pictures with hair in itty bitty pigtails.  They weren't much of a pigtail but it was super cute!!!  Hayley has decided that she wants to take her sweet time in growing any sort of hair!  I get annoyed when we have to leave the house and have tons of hair to do and Will reminds me that one day I will have Hayley's to do as well and will complain more.  But for now, I will complain that I want the girl to grow some darn hair!!!  She is 17 months old and this was her first ponytail, can you even call it a ponytail?  We ran errands that day and a lady at the store did one of those pity looks and said "awww, look at that little hair-do".....yeah well, it had to be done!!  I cannot wait and I want my girl to have pigtails and bows!!!!  So until then, it is Aladdin style ponies!!!  Flash forward to this time next year when I complain of the tons of hair I am having to do before leaving the house :)

Cruisin'

Our little one has been trying to walk for quite a while now but recently she has been getting the hang of it.  So, without further adieu, I present to you some cute little toddling walking by Hayley.  And try not to listen to me nagging my husband to let go of her hand, its what I do best :)

Moving Up

We are slowly moving from babyhood into toddlerhood in our house these days.  I had loathed the highchair for quite some time, mainly for the fact that the thing was huge.  The legs jetted out from under the seat and could only fit in certain places in the house.  And since ti was on wheels I would find the girls wanting to push their sister around in it.  Then our little bit go bigger and was able to push with her legs and have screws come flying out in the back of the seat.  I had horrid images of her flying out of her seat and us rushing to the ER.  So, with all the negatives to that chair, we got rid of the highchair and got one of the ones you sit at the table.  I must admit, I cried seeing our old chair on the curb on trash day.  That thing may have been a nuisance but it also lovingly held our 2 smallest girls through their baby years.  I know I am not the only one who gets emotional seeing some of their babies things go.  And Hayley loves her new seat, she feels like such a big girl being able to sit at the table.  The first day in there she was looking around all goofy grinned trying to make eye contact with her bigger sisters trying to bond big girl style.

Sweet Baby Curls

None of my girls have ever had curly hair, so I am loving having these around while they last!!!!

Milestone

Today is Cassidy's last day of second grade.  I know she is old enough but it still boggles my mind that I am old enough to have a child getting ready to go into the third grade.  I actually think I am taking it harder than she is, she is excited to be out for the summer, well, minus summer school, but that's not real school is what she tells me, haha.  I got all teary going into her classroom this morning to give Ms.James her gift and a nice big hug.  I guess I just feel close to certain people within the school since it has been a trying year.  Her teacher saw her through a seizure and helped her to calm down when she had behavioral outbursts.  The nurse was always right there if the hint of seizures popped up and helped to keep her healthy by being her lunch buddy.  This school year has been a different one for us and she missed quite a bit of it, but the times she was there (physically and mentally), she had amazing teachers to help her grow.  I was sad to not see her special ed teacher there.  Unfortunately she had a family emergency, she has been with Cass for 2 years now.  I look forward to seeing her at the beginning of next year.  And then Kendall will be in school too, Oy Vey, time will not stop for nothin!!!!!