Schneider Family & St. Patty's Weekend!!

I've said it before - I'll say it again...thank goodness you can save drafts:) I am almost 2 weeks behind so in an effort to get all caught up this post may fall short...but I have a feeling you all probably like seeing photos the best and won't miss my attempt to be clever and witty in my commentary!!!

Be sure to check out: http://www.threeschneiders.blogspot.com/ - for a much better recap :):):)

YAY for the Schneider Family making the trip to Chicago - and on such a fun weekend - St. Patty's day. One would almost think we were in Ireland with as much hype Chicago gives the holiday - so we decided to head downtown to see what all the hoop-la was about. We started the morning by going to The Rozell's for brunch, mimosas, beer for the brave and some playtime for the kiddies!!

Then off we went to the parade - look at all of us and our strollers - awww how fun!!!!

Thank you Josie for letting Lyla test out your stroller! I just love this picture - I wish there more moments like these...more moments just strolling around with my sissy...but I am happy to know we having Schneider / Austin weekends already planned for April, May, July and August :)

Look at the girls...passed out...Josie with her Uggs sticking out - haha - too funny:)

It was a tad colder than we thought so we were all very anxious to get home - get some coffee - relax - and most importantly enjoy the company!!!!

I can not tell you how many times I thought about all the fun adventures ahead. Look at this pair...they are going to be the best of friends!!!!

This just melts my heart!!!

This is one of MANY moments when Josie made us all laugh. This one in particular was of Josie hiding a mirror - then we would ask her - Where is it? This is her "HUH" face!!!!

Followed by her "I know where it is - There it is - Why didn't you know it was there - I guess I am smarter than all you - face." Old McDonald is always a crowd pleaser!!!! Look at that face...kisses to you Josie!!!

And I included this one for Michael...he decided this is his new favorite...I guess he likes his girls - haha:):)

Stay tuned for Lyla's first zoo adventure AND we have her last ultrasound appt today at 2pm - which will confirm we can start weaning her off the harness....which means Lyla is getting a BUBBLE BATH - you can definitely count on some Kodak moments :):)

Giggle box!

More to come about this past weekend - The Schneider Family was in town.

Here is a glimpse for now...

5 months!

Happy Birthday to Lyla!

Happy Birthday to Lyla!

Happy Birthday to you - Lyla!

Happy Birthday to you!

5 months - WOW!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!

The harness is doing the trick!! Today's ultrasound confirmed that the harness is going to fix Lyla's hip. Meaning no surgery or body cast!!

To quote the orthopedic - "The ultrasound looked GREAT."

What a relief!!! Our little sweet Lyla bird is on her way to a full recovery.

So what happens now?

We go back in 2 weeks for an ultrasound without her harness. Why 2 weeks? My exact question to the orthopedic. He is very confident that after 2 weeks we will be able to start weaning her off the harness based on today's ultrasound. My next question "Is there a chance that in 2 weeks she will regress - is it too premature to get excited?" He replied, "The harness is working, her hip is going to be fine. The reason for an ultrasound in 2 weeks is simply for final confirmation."

After 2 weeks we will start the below weaning process - which will take 6 weeks. So for those keeping track that means Lyla will be in her harness 8 more weeks from today.

For the next 8 weeks Lyla will wear her harness:

Week 1: 24 hours a day

Week 2: 24 hours a day

Week 3: 22 hours a day

Week 4: 20 hours a day

Week 5: 18 hours a day

Week 6: 16 hours a day

Week 7: 14 hours a day

Week 8: 12 hours a day

After 8 weeks we will go back for another Ultrasound. The orthopedic will then explain the final stages which he explained would involve weaning her at night and for good.

After much research, questions and our friends Michelle & Macala (stay tuned for another blog post regarding M&M) we are very comforted by the fact that once her hip is stable we will no longer have to worry about future treatment or any long term effects!

We are absolutely thrilled that in 2 short weeks we will be able to give Lyla a bath...cause her sponge baths are just not doing the trick - haha!

And in 4 short weeks she will be out of her harness 4 hours a day...our plan is to pick her up from Daycare and keep her out of it until bedtime. WOW what a treat!

And in 6 short weeks she will be out of her harness 8 hours a day...GOSH that is practically the entire day in our eyes.

THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers and positive thoughts! Your support, love, and genuine concern means the world to us! We are so thankful!!!!

Hakuna Matata!!!

Hakuna Matata...what a wonderful phrase!!!

It means no worries for the rest of your days!

It's our problem free - philosophy - Hakuna Matata!!!!

Here's what you get when you listen to the Lion King soundtrack...Lyla's first of many African Safari adventures!!!!!

Lyla "Just can't wait to be Queen"

Very impressed that mommy sang every word to every song!!!! And even more entertained by daddy making animal noises in the background!!!!

And here is one tuckered out Lyla ..how great her dreams must be after such an adventure :)

And I realized after being asked the other day about the theme of Lyla's room...that I never posted any pictures.

I am sure everyone has picked up on Lyla's nickname - Lyla Bird...so it seemed appropriate:

Here is Lyla's "jungle room"

Poppin' collars....

Yep we went there! Lyla/Ms. Fashionista is poppin' collars....hehe!!!

Is she not the sweetest thing you have ever seen?

I don't have a lot of time to write...but I wanted everyone to see how great Lyla is doing in her harness. She has adapted extremely well. Look at her go - she is sitting up - and becoming extremely flexible. We just may have a contortionist on our hands!!

And poor little Sophie (Sophie the Giraffe - that is) is getting alot of action these days.

"Get it Lyla - Get it" Gees does she go to town.....

And one of my favorite pictures to date.....the innocence in her eyes...I just want to bottle it up!!!!

And finally- by far the most hilarious moment to date...what was not captured is the best part!! As she fell deeper into sleep her leg would ever so slowly start to drop...once her leg rested into place she would jerk it right back up in the air! Michael and I could not contain ourselves. This went on for about 30 mins...

Lyla goes back a week from today for her ultrasound. Please keep her in your thoughts! This appointment will give us a good understanding of what's to come for sweet Lyla Bird!!

Our little "Hip"pie Baby!!!

Anger can be useful if you use it in a constructive way, such as advocating for your child. Bitterness just gets in the way. Stop thinking about what might happen and be optimistic about the outcome. And most importantly find the strength to be positive for the sake of your child.

Our sweet Lyla bird has Hip Dysplasia.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

It is a condition in which the top of the thigh bone is not in the correct position inside the hip socket, which can affect the shape of the bones in the hip joint. There is no known way to predict or prevent it from occurring, but it is highly treatable. The goal is to position the hip joint so it can grow correctly. About 1 in 1,000 babies have hip dysplasia and is more common for children who have the following risk factors: family history, gender (girls), firstborn, breech, and big babies jammed packed in a small uterus. I think it's pretty safe to say that it's probably a result of Lyla being jammed packed in my belly!

And the story goes...

Wednesday the 11th: Took Lyla to the doctor because she was sick.

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.......

Michael's insurance changed at the first of the year. Lyla's first pediatrician was no longer in-network so we had to find another pediatrician - Dr. Julia Ray!!

While Dr. Ray was checking Lyla for her illness, she did the normal "checking of the hips"...something we had she seen her first pediatrician do at all her other appointments. I'll never forget Dr. Ray's words:

"Has her previous pediatrician started treatment on her hip?"

Our reply...."What.....?"

Friday the 13th: We take Lyla in for an ultrasound

Saturday the 14th: We get a call from Dr. Ray confirming she does indeed have Hip Dysplasia and we need to get into an Orthopedic specialist immediately.

Monday the 16th: Research, research, research!! Read, read read!! Shock, confusion, denial....Take her in for a second opinion!!!

Thursday the 19th: Orthopedic appt and harness "fitting." Next thing we know we are taking sweet Lyla bird home in her harness.

What now????

The next 3 weeks are extremely important. Not that we can do anything in the meantime -besides wait - she goes in for an ultrasound on March 12th. If there is even a small improvement we have a lot to be encouraged about. If she is improving than she will continue to wear her harness 24/7 until the orthopedic believes she is all better. There is SO much uncertainty with this condition. She can be in her harness 6 week up to 6 months!!

If after 3 weeks she does "not" improve the orthopedic will keep her in the harness for another 2 weeks. If after those 2 weeks she still shows no improvement than we will have to take a more severe course of treatment....which involves surgery and a body cast.

So in 3 weeks we will have a much better understanding of the severity and if the harness is working!

We are so incredibly fortunate that her new pediatrician found it "now". If discovered after 6 months the harness would not have been an option for Lyla.

Because she is 4 months the odds are very much in her favor for a full recovery! She will have to wear her harness much longer than if it were caught sooner...BUT as can be seen below Lyla is adapting very well!!! And it helps that we are finding lots of creative ways to keep her comfortable:)

Needless to say Michael and I are having a much harder time with this than sweet Lyla. We have spent so much time telling ourselves it will be okay, she'll never remember, aren't we lucky it isn't a serious illness, that we have to remember it's okay to "grieve our loss." We know this too shall pass but in the meantime it is a loss to us. You spend so much time imagining holding your sweet baby, thinking about all the future milestones -all these images never involved our sweet Lyla bird in a harness :(

Just as quick as I typed the above thought - it's even quicker how quickly you gather your emotions and perspective!!! We know sweet Lyla bird is going to be absolutely fine! Her condition IS treatable - it's going to be a long road but as I started off this post....you find the strength and positivity for the sake of your child!!!!!!!!!

Below is a very good website that explains her condition in more detail:

http://www2.massgeneral.org/ortho/Hip_Dysplasia.htm

You can't see her legs in this pic -but we rolled up a blanket and put on the floor in between her legs...easy solution for tummy time:):)

So as you can see Lyla is just a sweet as ever! It is truly amazing how adaptable and resilient children are. In 3 days she has already taught us so much:

* The actual meaning of strength and perseverance- not the textbook version!

* That a smile CAN light up a room!

* That one person, no matter how small, can impact a lot of lives!

* Patience, patience and more patience!

* To slow down and enjoy today!

* That I am stronger than I thought!

Our little "hip" baby.....

Weekend Fun!!

The Austin Family weekends!!!!

Laundry, bottles, shopping, brunch with friends (thanks for meeting us Case & Von) and lots of cuddling oh my!!!

Lots of cuddling!!!!

60 degrees in February...the perfect day to take Lyla to Michigan Ave for her first magnificent mile experience. The day made us so excited for warmer days - so many adventures to come. Now notice below we are missing a stroller. We aimed to find the perfect stroller. After testing every model of stroller imaginable we decided to stay with The Orbit..well now a week later we have changed our minds again. Ughhhhh...the perfect stroller is out there and we are determined to find it!!!! Stay tuned...I just may start my own line of strollers after this is all said and done. Why a mother hasn't invented the perfect stroller for city living is beyond me...I am onto something ;)

This past weekend Grandma & Grand-daddy visited. As you can see Lyla bird is feeling much much better. Still a tad hoarse with a cough but she is sleeping thru the nights again - YAY!!! Lyla was all smiles and giggles all weekend. She just could not get enough of grandma and grand-daddy's hugs and kisses.

Grand-daddy even entertained Lyla which allowed us to enjoy our lunch:)

This picture I just adore - captures the weekend perfectly. Well I take that back...when Lyla napped grandma headed to the kitchen and grand-daddy worked on our fix it list:)

And we accomplished our goal - we feel rested!!! But only because Grandma changed every poopy diaper...and boy did Lyla put her to work. Grandma did all our laundry. Grandma played with Lyla while we slept until 8:30am - whoopie:):) Grandma cooked every meal and then some because we have enough left-overs for a week.

And grand-daddy fixed every thing and more. After 2 Home Depot trips our back door, water leak, and Lyla's toys are all fixed:)

Now someone please answer this question - how in the world can grandma and grand-daddy do all the above and still manage to keep Lyla the happiest baby, no tears- just smiles and giggles! It's the grandparents touch...oh so special...there is nothing else like it!!!

And finally just a few recent pics of sweet Lyla bird -just because she is so sweet:)

Every single morning I am entertained by this...it honestly can not get any cuter than this..she cracks me up!!!!

14 LBS!

Sweet Lyla Bird is sick :(:(

Lyla has her first cold - let's all say it together.....awwwwwww....poor baby girl!!!!

She has lost her voice which is so strange to "not" hear. WOW that was bad verbiage....but give me a break...my brain isn't firing....lack of sleep is the excuse ;) It is by far the cutest yet saddest thing to see. She tries to cry but nothing comes out - she tries to "talk" but nothing. We are entertained by her failed attempts but only because she smiles at herself because she must think she has discovered a new way of communicating. On that note, she is in great spirits...it's just a nuisance for her to not be able to breathe or talk. I honestly did not know a baby could become hoarse...

What brought us to the doctor appt? She wasn't getting any better. Nights were sleepless, choking/coughing, slight fever, diarrhea...all the fun stuff. But luckily today her ears, nose, and most importantly lungs checked out okay - but she is so congested that they want to see her again tomorrow to make sure she doesn't get an ear infection.

So for now we will continue our home remedies of steam showers, the torturous nose bulb, nose drops and LOTS of tender lovin' care!!!

AND what great timing!!! Grandma and Grand-daddy are coming into town this weekend. Just in time for them to take care of the entire Austin family. Lyla has given her parents her cold...so we are all looking forward to some extra TLC, home cooked meals, and the best part - the opportunity for the grandparents to care for Lyla while we get some much needed rest ;) WOW - I may just ask for them to move in again:):):)

But as I started by the title - see weighed 14lbs!!! No wonder my biceps are getting more defined - haha!!

I will get some pictures posted soon. You'll be amazed at what Miss Lyla is doing these days.

To name a few:

1. Grabbing everything within reach

2. Putting everything within reach in her mouth

3. Chewing toys

4. So close to sitting up on her own...she has almost mastered the tri-pod pose!

5. Rolling from side to side...so ready to roll over on her own.

6. Makes a complete rotation turn in her exersaucer...now that both feet touch the bottom

7. The discovery of Elmo - when Elmo comes on she giggles hysterically.

* Must note that is it absolutely okay to sit a child in front of the television for 60 mins to watch Sesame Street. Something I swore I would never do - but I can not and will not deprive her of such enjoyment ;)

* * Her first sesame street experience was captured on video...stay tuned:)

8. She knows when mommy and daddy are no longer in the room...awww she misses us and most defintiely will let us know!!

9. We found her tickle zone...

10. Loves LOVES watching her reflection in the mirrow...but if you ask Michael she likes watching him the most.

So we have made it past Hump Day....2 more days to go.....

3-month photo shoot!

And we're back :)

THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH MINUTES IN THE DAY!!!!

Thank goodness you can save drafts....this makes the 3rd day of "trying" to finish this post!

Where to begin?!?!?! So many updates...let's start with some recent photos of sweet Lyla bird.

As can be seen below Lyla has found her hands and can not keep them out of her mouth. I have to say the most amusing thing to date is when Lyla spots her own hand and realizes it is attached to her and she has control.

And right when you thought those big brown eyes could not get any bigger....

I just love this pic...look at those legs...I just want to eat them! I am very much looking forward to her 4 month check-up (Feb. 12th) I can't wait to see how much see weighs!!!!

Can you believe she is big enough to play in her exercauser?!?! One day I thought "Heck I am going to give it a shot" - she loved her freedom to explore on her own. And what is not captured in this photo is how much she loves staring at her friend - The Sun. Another video moment...she gets "stuck" on the sun and just cracks herself up!!!!

Another first...look at her go!!! She is so strong and sturdy!!! Growing leaps and bounds by the hour!

So did you notice how I breezed right past the part about returning to work??? Sorry you aren't going to get any details about that...I really don't want to relive that day :(

So as I started off by saying...there are not enough minutes in the day. I'll expand on that by saying - thank goodness Lyla is her mothers daughter and loves a schedule:):):) Because she is definitely on one!!!

A day in the life for the Austin Family:

5:00am: Daddy gets up for work- gives his girls a big ole' hug and kiss and takes our supplies (bottles, diaper bag, breast pump,etc...) to our car. On that note - we bit the bullet and got a second car. What started off as a mission to get Michael a reliable enough car to get him to and from work - ended up being a new car for mommy and Lyla. I drove "our" car 1 time and immediately started referring to "her" as mommy and Lyla's car. It's just so darn cute and is perfect for us.

6:30am: Nurse & Play & Cuddle

7:15am: Get ready for work while singing, talking and hanging out with my sweet Lyla:)

8:00am: Morning checklist (do I have everything I need)

8:15am: Change Lyla and get her ready for her day

8:30am: Out the door - Lyla falls asleep in her car seat and sleeps until 10:00-ish

8:45am: Drop off Sweet Lyla bird - give her a million kisses and tell her how much I love her!

10:00am: Double pump session at work

2:00pm: Double pump session at work

4:00pm: YAY time to leave work and get my hands on Lyla

4:15pm: Give Lyla a million kisses, NURSE and take her home

4:30pm: Mom and Lyla are back at home - TIME TO PLAY

5:00pm: Daddy's home - TIME TO PLAY

6:00pm: Fix and eat dinner - mom and dad "fight" over who gets to hold Lyla ;)

6:30pm: Daddy gives Lyla a nighttime bottle (expressed breast milk)

7:00pm: Change diaper, clothes, read a book, and Daddy rocks her to sleep while listening to Lionel Richie:)

7:30pm: Mommy and daddy get things ready for the next day - which includes: make/pack lunch, wash bottles, pump milk for the next day, clean up dinner, laundry, restock diaper bag, set coffee maker, put work clothes in bathroom - get the point:):)

9:00pm: Michael reads his book. Amanda watches brainless reality TV

10:00pm: Bedtime for mom and dad

3:00am: Nurse Lyla

AND THEN YOU START ALL OVER AGAIN!

Okay so I realize the above may sound a bit obsessive, rigid, crazy...BUT it works for us and keeps us all on track:) But like any schedule it's naturally going to get off pace, tweaked, improved! I expect Lyla to give us a curve ball at any point. I've heard it said before...and thought to myself...what a line of bull crap and here I go saying it to myself..."I look forward to those hectic days" but I can honestly say hectic days have never been so enjoyable!! Lyla has made those hectic days a joy...honestly what more could you ask for. Work stays at work. We work with more purpose and count down every hour until we can get our hands on Lyla. Every day I remind myself that I am only away from her 7 to 8 hours...of which she sleeps at least 4 of them!!!

Every morning I wake up and have to remind myself that Lyla is really here!!! The whole pinch me scenario. Those that know me well probably expected a rigid schedule - even a spreadsheet detailing my every move...but I am VERY happy to report that my to-do list could not be longer and it's just okay. It will eventually all get accomplished. Priorities - they are a changin'...

Okay I think that ought to do it for now:) We took Lyla in this past weekend for her 3 month photo shoot. I will post the link to view her gallery as soon as I receive!!!

Oh just remembered one thing...the once thought perfect stroller - The Orbit - is NOT perfect. I just posted it on craigslist. I HATE it! It is the most impractical piece of you know what. Okay so it doesn't help that I have to carry it up 4 flights of stairs but I know there is something more feasible for us out there. Ughhhhh... So if you love your stroller - please pass along your recommendation:)

A Mothers Protest

The Austin Family survived the holidays. In fact, it was the best holiday season ever....wonder why:) I am sure everyone is wondering where the update is....well that is because I am officially protesting "the computer."

Why you ask?

I have 2 more weeks before returning to work part-time:( My plan is to start 3 days a week the 3rd and 4th week of January and then back to full-time the first week in February.

I am in COMPLETE denial and must wrap this post up very quickly before the tears start...

So for now I am enjoying TODAY with sweet Lyla - and enjoying every waking moment....make that EVERY second....I may just even stare at her while she sleeps!!!!

So now my "computer" protest begins...

If you "need" more check out:

http://www.threeschneiders.blogspot.com/

To know surprise....my sister captioned and summarized our holiday beautifully!!!!