|
 |
 |
|
WELCOME, GUEST |
|
|
| |
 |
 |
 |
(2 members)
|
 |
 |
stacyat6 |
 |
|
|
yjimmend6 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
RYAN AND NICK
Aileigh |
|
| Category: Home | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | | | | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
|
|
|
|
RYAN WILL BE 4
|
|
Feb 16, 2010 08:19pm (EST)
Gosh, it really doesn't seem that long! But at the same time, it feels like forever! It took me soooo long to come to terms with his birth. I don't think I will ever be at peace with it. But it is much much better.
Ryan is doing awesome these days... He has had a few rough days of preschool, but we have worked through them. His speech is amazing. I NEVER thought he would talk. I mean, when wouldn't even say Hi or Bye at his 2nd birthday and now that he is 4 and will not shut up! I love it! Some of the stuff he comes up with is so freakin cute! Last night he was eating ice cream and said "this is delicious!" I just had to laugh!
Nick, on the other hand, is not speaking. He says nothing. Nada. Zilch. I am getting ready to call First Steps and get him evaluated. He makes car noises and that is it! But he is sooo expressive. The kid has the best smile! It is sooo cute! He can just look at you a certain way and you know he is up to no good! He follows his big brother around everywhere. We have had some hitting problems from Ryan. When Nick gets in his way or gets a toy he wants, Ryan gets physical. We put him in time out and take his toys away, but nothing seems to get through to him. We are working on it.
We are all loving the new house! However, I am not loving this snow! I can't for spring so we can get out of the house! We have kept the sickies away pretty well. I really think the basement was not doing us any favors healthwise!
Not much else to report... I am doing NICU photos next week again. I can't wait for that! I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing it! If you want to check some out, go to my photography site to see just a few. I am hoping to get more releases this time so I can show you more! 
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (3) | Permalink
|
|
|
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME?
|
|
Jan 12, 2010 03:31pm (EST)
Seriously....
I have two amazing boys. A wonderful husband. A new house.
But for some reason, I am bummed. Like super bummed. Maybe it is Ryan's 4th birthday coming up in a month. Maybe because we are totally and completely broke right now while we try to adjust to the new house payment. Maybe because my weight loss has stalled out a little. I am just a complete mess right now.
I think it is my lack of blogging. I haven't used my outlets in so long to get out my frustrations. I kind of slacked off on the blogging for two reasons. One-I was too darn busy. Two-I had some cyber-stalkers watching my every move. (AKA my hubby's crazy ass cousins.) They think that I am out to bash my mother in law to the ground and that is not the case. Yes, we have had our problems. Yes, I get frustrated sometimes. Yes, I can be mouthy and exaggerate for the purpose of a good laugh. Knowing that they have been lurking and waiting to pounce has kept me from my outlet! And that just makes me mad! So here's to not caring!
Whew, I feel better! Okay, so I am in need of a restructure of my life. I need to get our finances back on track. I need to step up my weight loss. I hadn't mentioned this before, but back in September I started changing my life. Exercise was the key. Inspired by my friend, Kelly, I have been exercising and watching what I eat. It has amounted to about 20 lbs lost and 21 inches lost. I still have A LONG WAY TO GO, but it is a start. My butt is a little smaller which is always a good thing! This darn cold weather is weighing on me. And we still have a good 2 months of it left!
Welcome to the complain train.... can I have your ticket please?
I need another Share Union!
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (6) | Permalink
|
|
|
HMMM....
|
|
Dec 11, 2009 04:36pm (EST)
Gosh, time sure is ticking away! I really need to post on here more often!
I totally missed yesterday's chat.... bummer! Lots has happened in the past couple of months. Prematurity Awareness Day came and went. I was more involved this year than I have been in the past which is good! Ryan and I made cookies (we tried to duplicate the ribbon cookies with no luck!) to give out at our local NICU. I also packed all of my fundraising stuff up (bracelets, magnets, etc.) and donated it to giveaway/sell that day. I spent the day with one of my favorite girls, Kelly Parsons jacknkatesmom, and that was fun. In between, I did mini photoshoots with the NICU babies and their families. It was so rewarding! Not to mention a day with Kelly P is a day filled with laughter, friendship, and goofiness!
We have moved into our new house! Our dream of owning a home has become a reality! Yay! I have found myself more domestic these days. I have even let Ryan do some cooking projects with me. We made turkey cookies for Thanksgiving. And I cooked my very first Thanksgiving dinner in my new house! I LOVE it! We have so much more room! Our life isn't cluttered and messy anymore. I kind of felt like moving out of our apartment was leaving Ryan's prematurity behind in a way. I credit that place with keeping him sick through the winters. Now we have hardwood instead of carpet. Hopefully it will keep the dander down and keep us all healthier! We have been utilizing our wood burning fireplace. LOVE THAT TOO!!!! And I have spent several evenings chillin out in my whirlpool tub (with a heater)!!! Seriously, it doesn't get better than that!
Ryan is doing good in pre-school. We have had a few "off" days since August, but I am happy to report that he got a "Good Behavior Award" the other day! Yay!!! Maybe we are finally making some progress! It's a learning curve, that's for sure! I have our upcoming days planned with gatherings, a cookie bake, and some quality time with the family. I can't wait! Not to mention, Ryan is super excited about Santa Claus! He REALLY knows what is going on this year and it is making it soooo exciting for all of us!
Nick turned 1! I can not believe it! He was sick for about a month before his birthday. I think Ryan brought home some nasty bugs from school and it just recirculated in our apartment. Hopefully we can all stay healthy this winter. Keeping my fingers crossed. He started walking on his first birthday. He now toddles around like a pro. He still isn't talking yet, but he knows his car and truck sounds. Jamie accuses him of being a pirate from time to time. He eats like a horse. He flat out refused baby food by the time he was 1! The kid has all four molars. And 8 front teeth. He is such a delight! We had some issues with sleeping there for a while. He was wanting to get up in the middle of the night. We finally had to just let him cry it out. That worked and we are not zombie parents anymore! Yay!
Not much else to report! Hope everyone is having a good holiday season so far. I can't wait for things to slow down so I can catch up with everyone! Hopefully soon....
Love and Hugs,
Aimee
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (4) | Permalink
|
|
|
SHARE UNION 2009
|
|
Oct 13, 2009 01:55am (EST)
I was a little apprehensive about going to SU this year. I was very active on Share until my 2nd son, Nick, was born the day of Share Union last year. Since then, my life has been sooo busy and hectic. Two kids, a full time job, a side photography business, and building a house is about to do me in. I really meant to get "acquainted" with those coming to SU that I didn't meet in 07 before I even left. Well, I pretty much failed at that! Our whole household has been sick off and on since the end of August. I simply haven't had time.
However, when I got there and started talking to you wonderful ladies, I realized that I was right where I should be. The emotions of all I have been through are getting easier to deal with, but when you sit and listen to someone else's story, it brings it all back to the surface.
I felt like I was with old friends. Some I had met before and others I had not. But it didn't matter. The love I feel in my heart for all of you runs deep. I really wanted to go to Italy. But I love Holland way more. I am more understood in Holland. I am more accepted. It is a gift that I could never get anywhere other than Share!
There were def some funny moments. The fire stands out the most! Kelly is a rock star for putting it out cause my blowing just wasn't cutting it! She still owes me a glass of water! I missed the shopping cart incident. I don't know where I was for that one! I am a little scared to see some of the photos from the late hours of Fri and Sat. I think I am a bit pickled and I know for a fact that I was hungover Monday morning and not Sunday.
The strength of this group is inspiring. I look forward to getting caught up on everyone and you can bet your bottom that I will be there for SU 2010!
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (10) | Permalink
|
|
|
ADHD OR JUST TERRIBLE THREE'S?
|
|
Jul 17, 2009 12:26pm (EST)
My brother had ADHD. He was diagnosed when he was about 4 or 5. I think when he started school. I can't remember. What I do remember is how annoying he was. I was a teenager at the time, so his annoyingness was probably magnified! However, I always knew he was different. He just WOULD. NOT. SIT. STILL.
About a month ago, my mom and I took a trip to Pikeville for a wedding shoot. It is a 3 hour drive. It gave us the opportunity to talk. I remember something she said to me one time. I was really complaining about how Tommy always got away with everything and basically questioning her discipline practices. She looked at me and asked me "What do you want me to do? Beat him?" Obviously my answer was no.
Ryan has been increasingly difficult to discipline. You spank him and he laughs. You put him in time out and he screams at the top of his lungs. You tell him to stop and he just keeps right on going. It's like he doesn't even hear us! He will run around the living room like a wild man. Not just a typical kid with lots of energy, but one who is seriously acting out. You threaten all of the above punishments and he just completely ignores it.
My point... On our trip, I asked her if she saw some of the same characteristics in Ryan as she did in Tommy. This was a question that I had been afraid to ask because I was afraid of the answer... "Yes" I had suspected it, but to have her confirm it was something that was difficult to hear. I have been blaming most of it on his sensory issues. She did say that in some aspects Ryan is calmer than Tommy was. At least Ryan will sit through you reading him a book. Tommy never would.
I guess only time will tell. He is going into pre-school this fall and I am hoping that this will be a red flag if he does have ADD or ADHD. We should know pretty quickly. Meanwhile, I will discuss it with his pediatrician at his physical.
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (4) | Permalink
|
|
|
NO, I AM NOT DEAD
|
|
Jul 15, 2009 12:29pm (EST)
Just really really busy!
I feel like I should re-introduce myself! I have been away for FOUR freakin months! So to those of you new Share members, I am Aimee. Nice to meet you!
My son Ryan was born 3 1/2 years ago at 33 weeks due to an infection that nearly cost me my life. I also developed a blood clot. My second son, Nick, was born full term during Share Union last year! He tried to come early, but we held him off. I was on blood thinner injections the entire duration of the pregnancy. I was hospitalized twice and had the P17 shots. It all worked! I found Share about six months after Ryan was born. It saved me and started my healing process! I was very active on Share for a while, but have slacked off here lately!
So now that introductions are over, I should tell those of you that know me how the last four months have been! Some of you keep up with my other blog. So this might be a little redundant! I apologize in advance if it is!
Nick is 9 months old! He weighs well over 22 pounds! It is nuts having a full termer! Easier too! Ryan got discharged from Early Intervention in February. I fought for 4 months to get him into the pre-school program and it finally paid off. He will be receiving OT and well be a part of the new Sensory Center! I am excited about that! He is still having some issues. We deal with them on a daily basis. I am just going to keep my eye on him! Hopefully, getting started in pre-school early will help his transition when kindergarten rolls around! In just two short years!
I have ventured into the world of photography. This is what is taking up most of my time, but I love it! You can check out my photography site
here if you like! It is booming right now!
I did get a little bit of a scare. Another blood clot was found. In my leg this time. So now I am a passenger of the lifetime of coumadin train! I was checked (again) for auto-immune disorders. Negative. I was also checked for cancer. That was also negative. I do have a hernia and diverticulosis. No big deal though.
Other than that, things have been fairly normal. I have found myself going back to Ryan's birth lately. Yesterday, I was part of a focus group on short stay NICU families. The phrase that knocked me down and took my breathe away was "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." Yes, I experienced this. And, no, it does not ever go away. It has, though, gotten better. With time. The focus group was good. I just hope that my input helps them understand how traumatic the whole NICU experience is for a parent. Whether they are there for a day or 100 days.
Well, that's about it for now! I hope everyone is doing well! I will probably poke around here and catch up on some of you!
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
P.S. If you would like to catch up on me, you can hop over to my blog here. If you want a good laugh, check out my "Sparkly Boobies" post on the right sidebar! It's a hoot!
IMG_4928
IMG_4987
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (9) | Permalink
|
|
|
HOW DID I LET 2 MONTHS GO BY?
|
|
Mar 20, 2009 12:48am (EST)
Yeah, great promise huh? Life has been crazy busy! I am sorry that I have neglected Share so much. I feel so out of touch! Between a birthday party, sicknesses, photography (which I am loving BTW), and work, I am one big ol mess! Seriously... I don't feel like I have a free minute.
Okay, so the 3rd birthday party was sooo much fun! We had a Mickey's Clubhouse birthday and it was so fun! I took the kids to a place called All About Kids. That is exactly what it is. For two hours they ran, jumped, played, fell in foam pits, climbed, swung, etc.... It is a gym that has ALL of the equipment for gymnastics. It was sooo fun! I loved taking pictures. Ryan loved his party. He didn't even run when we sang to him! He blew out his candles for the first time! It was awesome.
However, with his third birthday came his discharge from First Steps. The public school system denied him the preschool program and I am currently appealing the decision. He clearly has sensory problems and visual motor problems. He needs to be in the program. I am working on it. Hopefully I will get somewhere soon so he can get the OT that he needs.
Nick is doing great! Happy baby that even has fat rolls! Gotta love it! He sleeps good! Is eating well. He is happy, most of the time. Just the perfect baby. I couldn't ask for anything more! He weighed 16 pounds 8 ounces at his 4 month appt! Can you believe that? It took Ryan 7-8 months to get to that point. I think he will pass up Ryan soon! He loves to watch Ryan. It is too cute!
I have become serious about photography. I bought a digital SLR a month ago and have not put it down since! I love it! I can't wait to take pictures of all of my friends kids! Yes Tracy O, I will take Lesley's picture!
I hope everyone is okay! I pop in from time to time, but I just lurk. I am known for it! Love you guys!
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (4) | Permalink
|
|
|
NICU FAMILY SUPPORT
|
|
Jan 12, 2009 03:40pm (EST)
When I found Share in August of 2006, I was at a very dark place in my life. Ryan was 6 months old and doing really well, but I wasn't. I had been re-hospitalized twice after his birth. Both times with life threatening complications. I was in a pool of self pity. It was an extremely low point in my life. I felt like a failure. How could I be so bad at pregnancy and delivery? Why couldn't my body hold out just a little longer? I had so many questions and no answers.
When I found this place of warmth and compassion, I cried. I must have cried for 2 weeks straight as I read through stories of struggle and heartbreak. I also cried when I read stories of triumph. It gave me hope. Hope that one day there will be no need for this place. As I read through and commented, even starting my own blog, I never dreamed of where it would lead me. I started to feel a little better. On this site I felt "normal." My friends and family empathized with me, but they just didn't understand. I often felt like they were gazing at me every time I told my story thinking "When is she going to get over this?" Here, it was okay that I wasn't over it. Only the people here knew that!
I started to get involved. I did my first WalkAmerica only 6 weeks later and the feeling was amazing! I felt like I was investing in my child's future. I felt like I was undoing the wrong that was Ryan's premature birth. It was, to say the least, addictive! Raising money felt so good, but I wanted to do more. I wanted first hand! I wanted to look into a scared parent's eyes and tell them it would be okay. I wanted to do something directly to impact the lives of these people who were walking down the same path that I did. I wanted to take away some of that heartache that I was all too familiar with.
Then it happened. In the spring of 2007, my dear friend Kelly, who had lost her daughter only months before, asked me to join the local NICU Family Support Committee. There, I met Mary Beth Camp. Wow, I could do something that actually impacted the lives of people in my community that were going through what I went through. I could help ease their pain just a little bit. Offer a bit of comfort and support! It was the best decision I have ever made!
I am now entering my second year and I plan on becoming a parent to parent volunteer. I hope to go into the NICU and listen. Just let a parent tell their story and get it out. It would have helped me so much to have someone like that by my side. I hope to be able to offer some hope and understanding. And, best of all, I hope to lead them to the March of Dimes. Without them, I wouldn't have found all of you. I wouldn't have felt "normal." And I wouldn't have begun the healing process!
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
Join us for a live chat on Tuesday, January 13th at 2 pm EST. We'll be discussing Volunteering in the NICU with special guest Mary Beth Camp, my NICU Family Support Specialist.
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (7) | Permalink
|
|
|
FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS
|
|
Dec 20, 2008 02:18pm (EST)
Hi everyone!
I wrote a long post and lost it! Ugh, I hate that! Here is the rundown...
Nick-12 Pounds and 12 Ounces! 90th percentile!!!! Crazy, eh? He is 23 inches long which puts him in the 50th percentile! His colic is almost completely gone, thank goodness! He is finally sleeping in his bed! We are still getting up twice every night, but I can deal with that! He is eating us out of house and home! He is smiling which is completely adorable! I can get reactions out of him and his personality is starting to shine through! I LOVE it! I couldn't be happier! (And... I am thinking that doing it again might not be so bad! Crazy, I know! I just have to get Jamie talked into it!)
Ryan is doing good! He has been wonderful with his baby brother! No signs of jealousy whatsoever! He even kisses baby Nick! It is sweet! Now his attitude toward us, on the other hand, not so good... "No" "Stop It Mommy" "Be Quiet" and "Shhhh" are not what we signed up for when we put him in speech therapy! Can I get a refund? JK! He is being the typical two year old! Crazy child! We visited Kelly and Jack last night and Ryan just took over their house like it was his. He was WILD to say the least! Does it get better?
Both boys have had a touch of croup. I think they are getting over it though! Hopefully, we will have a germ free Christmas! I am so looking forward to it. We have put our foot down and decided to stay home on Christmas day. Just the four of us! It should be a pretty awesome day! I have so much to be thankful for! I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday as well!
Hugs and Love,
Aimee
|
|
|
|
Posted by Aileigh | Comments: (9) | Permalink
|
|
 Archives
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
I can't believe it! I hope to be on here a little more in the coming weeks! I got the ball rolling on becoming a parent to parent volunteer! I start training next Thursday! Here is a pic from the holidays! 
