1) Lyla Jane is 2 1/2 years old! She turned 2 1/2 on May 28th--the same day that my mom flew into town. Here's some of the latest regarding Lyla:
- She had a check-up and she weighs 24 lbs 6 oz and she's 37 inches long. Over 3 feet! She just seems SO big lately! Her care team, as always, is very pleased with her progress, health, and development. She had a kidney ultrasound as well, to check on that right kidney, which has improved since last summer. Yay!
- Lyla still has not said any clear words, but she is getting much better at imitating actions. She knows how to give kisses on your cheek, on your hand, and she knows how to blow kisses. She continues to be our little lovey-dovey. She loves to snuggle and give tight hugs too.
- She can clap and can point out mama's nose, and she can make mama's hands do patty-cake.
- She is walking with her walker better and better--she likes to walk on our little road which is ideal because it's a cul-du-sac and there's never any traffic. Sometimes she's hard to keep up with! Also, she can walk with a big exercise ball which is awesome because it takes a lot of balance and coordination.
- And recently she's just decided to start standing up next to our couch and recliner. Just decided to do it on her own! Yay Lyla!
- She really, really loves water and splashing in it. She loves bath time and she loves going out in her little pool. She even likes to help mama do dishes!
- She still loves music and we are going to start music therapy this summer--I know she'll really respond to it.
- Another very exciting thing is that Lyla will be starting PRESCHOOL in December! Kids with special needs can start preschool as soon as they turn three. She turns three at the end of November (can you believe it?). We had a meeting with her teacher, and the PT, OT, and speech therapist who will be working with her. Her class size will be 5 or 6, and we are SO excited about it. I know she will love being with the other kids, and that it will be so stimulating for her! She is so social and just gets a kick out of playing with kids. I think she will really take off when she starts preschool--all the people working with her are top-notch!
Silly girl
2) My parents and my grandma came for a visit this past week. It was serendipity! My mom was here for 9 days, my dad was here for 3 days, and my grandma (later on in the week) was here for 4 days. What a blessing it was to have such great company. :)
My Uncle Mark, Aunt Mary, Grandma (from my dad's side), Uncle Pat, and Uncle Paul also stopped by for a short visit. This is my Uncle Mark and Lyla--it was the first time they met! :)
Papa and Lyla having some fun
Grandma and Lyla just chillin
Kisses
My mom and Grandma got to meet Lyla's handsome little cousin, Ethan. He's pretty serious here, but he does smile too!
My grandma Anita holding Ethan, and Grandma Carol holding Lyla
Lyla is very interested in her cute little cuzzie. :)
She loves to read the paper at Grandma's house!
Four generations on the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler
If you think of it, say a prayer for my grandma. She is 88 years old and she has multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer). She started oral chemotherapy yesterday, and we are praying the side-effects are not too bad, and that it keeps the cancer in check. We aren't ready to say goodbye to Grandma Nita just yet! She is still so young at heart and continues to be sharp as a tack and witty as ever. Love you Grandma!
Lyla's first time in the pool this summer :)
Lyla & Papa
My parents--love them so much
Joel got this pic of a doe with her fawn in the creek in our back yard!
We hosted a party with all the folks in our life group--there were 11 adults and 15 kids! We had a full house and it was lots of fun. Here are some of the kids out on our front yard. Lyla loves the girls (especially Emma who always takes time to play with her). So sweet!
3) And last but certainly not least--we have been waiting for 12 weeks to spill the beans--Lyla is going to have a little brother or sister!!! Just today I had a doctor's appointment and we got to hear the heartbeat. It was strong and steady and brought tears to my eyes. We even got to hear the baby move while we were listening to the heartbeat! We thank the Lord for the blessing of new life--it truly is a miracle. If you think of it, please pray that the pregnancy continues to go well. I have been feeling great and I'm getting my energy back. I am 12 weeks and 3 days along--baby is due December 19th. We will have our Thanksgiving baby and our Christmas baby! I do love the holidays!
So there you have the BIG update. Lots of things to look forward to this year.
Love, Jenny
2) My parents and my grandma came for a visit this past week. It was serendipity! My mom was here for 9 days, my dad was here for 3 days, and my grandma (later on in the week) was here for 4 days. What a blessing it was to have such great company. :)
If you think of it, say a prayer for my grandma. She is 88 years old and she has multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer). She started oral chemotherapy yesterday, and we are praying the side-effects are not too bad, and that it keeps the cancer in check. We aren't ready to say goodbye to Grandma Nita just yet! She is still so young at heart and continues to be sharp as a tack and witty as ever. Love you Grandma!
We hosted a party with all the folks in our life group--there were 11 adults and 15 kids! We had a full house and it was lots of fun. Here are some of the kids out on our front yard. Lyla loves the girls (especially Emma who always takes time to play with her). So sweet!
3) And last but certainly not least--we have been waiting for 12 weeks to spill the beans--Lyla is going to have a little brother or sister!!! Just today I had a doctor's appointment and we got to hear the heartbeat. It was strong and steady and brought tears to my eyes. We even got to hear the baby move while we were listening to the heartbeat! We thank the Lord for the blessing of new life--it truly is a miracle. If you think of it, please pray that the pregnancy continues to go well. I have been feeling great and I'm getting my energy back. I am 12 weeks and 3 days along--baby is due December 19th. We will have our Thanksgiving baby and our Christmas baby! I do love the holidays! 
