Christmas Lights

We decided that this would be the week to go look at lights. The weather has been warmer so it's been nice to drive around without a ton of snow in the way. Our first light show was at our local city park. They do a bunch of fun light up characters. You can drive around or get out and walk. Since it was raining we decided to stay in the car. A big elephant.

Dragons.

A mermaid and other sea creatures.

A moose.

I think we'll have to go back on a night that isn't raining/snowing so we can get out of the car and look at all the lights.

Our next adventure was to take the train to Salt Lake City and look at the lights on Temple Square.

Waiting for the train to come.

Jillian riding the train. She has her ticket in her hand.

Chloe enjoying the train ride.

The Nativity scene.

There are a lot more lights around the square, I just didn't take any pictures of them. I think we were too busy enjoying the view. Jillian had a great time riding the train and I was so glad we could go see the lights. Sean and I have been meaning to since we moved to Utah and this is the first year we actually did (it only took 5 years!).

Check-Up

Chloe had her 1 year check up yesterday. It went a little like this:

Chloe weighed in at 18lbs 3 oz which is what she weighed last week (we are still getting weighed every week). This puts her in the 8th percentile.
Chloe is 27 inches long which puts her in the 4th percentile.
Chloe's head circumference is 44cm which puts her in the 20th percentile.

Our wonderful pediatrician was very pleased with Chloe's progress. She told me Chloe looked healthy and robust (bet most kids in the 8th percentile don't get told that!). She said her head looks great and that her helmet did its job. In fact, the doctor said this was the best she's ever seen her head.

We talked about placing the G-tube and I told the doctor we wanted to wait until the end of January to pursue it because Chloe started drinking from a cup last week! Yay! She doesn't drink much but she will do it so we are going to work really hard to get her taking her liquids from a cup so we don't have to switch to a G-tube. We can use the NG-tube (which is what we have now) until the end of January so we've got a little wiggle room and I am hoping she will just decide one day that drinking is fun and will be fed up with the tube (heaven knows I am!!!). On the flip side, Chloe loves to eat and is a really good eater so who knows why she can't/won't drink. She has the doctor and her occupational therapist totally stumped. Good thing I think it's funny that we can stump all these medical professionals, otherwise I would be stressed out about it!

Chloe is a little slower developmentally, about a month or so behind. Nothing major, she's just a late bloomer (just like her dad...love you Sean!). At first it worried me because Jillian was a quick developer but I've learned to relax a little bit. I know what you're thinking, "Holly relaxed?" It's ok, sometimes I impress myself too.

What else did we talk about? We take more time than we are allotted when we have a doctor's visit for Chloe so we were there an hour or more. We upped her overnights feeds so she's getting enough liquid. The doctor asked if Chloe laughs and smiles because she was so serious at her appointment. I think Chloe gets annoyed getting poked and prodded. She knows doctor's offices aren't the place to laugh! Oh, and the poor thing had to get 5 shots so she was grouchy yesterday and again today. I guess I'd be grouchy too if I got poked 5 times.

Chloe has come a long way in a year. She still has some work to do before we're in the clear so wish us luck and send lots of prayers our way. We'll need them! Probably me more than Chloe, she's one tough cookie!

Parade

A few Saturdays ago my good friend, Melissa, called me up and said, "I'm in Layton, come to a parade!" so I packed the girls up and off we went. Waiting for the parade to start.

Before the lighting of the tree:


After the lighting of the tree:

Yeah, I can't tell a difference either.

Melissa looking so cute and Jillian looking a little confused.

While the parade was a little lame (and over in 10 minutes), we had a good time visiting with Melissa.

P.S. The parade was to celebrate the new freeway entrance completion and Melissa was working and had to be there. I think I want a job that pays me to go to parades...

Chloe's 1st Birthday

I can't believe my little Chloe is a whole year old! This has been on crazy year with three hospital stays and dozens of other doctor appointments! This girl sure taught me a lot about medicine this year. Good thing we love her so much! Hanging out this morning in her jammies.
Self portrait of me and Chloe.

Her birthday girl shirt from Aunt Alyssa.

I wanted to do something different for Chloe's birthday cake. I saw some cute cake pops on bakerella.com that I wanted to try. She mentions that cake balls are a little bit easier on newbies so I decided to try those out first. Promise not to laugh at how they turned out:

Not a pretty sight but I think I can do better next time. I've got some things figured out so I'm planning on trying these again and hopefully they will be more attractive. Good looking or not, they sure tasted good!

Chloe playing with her new mailbox. Jillian took over most of Chloe's new toys. I guess that's what I can expect. Good to know with Christmas coming up!

Blowing out the candle. I figured Chloe wouldn't be able to manage a cake ball so she got an actual slice of cake.

She dug right in!

"Yum!"

Messy girl.

Unwrapping gifts.

Soft, cuddly friends.

Jilly giving a hand (of course!).

Chloe with all her loot! Chloe had a good day and loved all of her gifts! Thanks to those who sent her gifts and birthday wishes!