The New Year

I can't believe 2011 is already here! With the new year came sickness. Kristen had a cold with a pretty bad cough, and today Lauren is coming down with it. I have albuterol treatments on hand and I am not afraid to use them! I gave Kristen honey for her cough, as recommended by Paul H. and google then backed up by the doctor. It seemed to work just as good as cough syrup. I think this will be a cold that is a little worse for Lauren than she has had in the past and I might end up having to do some treatments. Even though 2011 started off a little rocky, we are very optimistic about this year being great. Lots of good things happened in 2010, and I am looking forward to an even better year in 2011. Here is a recap of all of the good 2010 brought.

-WE SPENT 2010 HOSPITAL FREE!! Well, kinda sorta. We did have to take Kristen to the ER, but no overnight stays.
-Kristen finally conquered potty training.
-Lauren started walking and conquered going up and down the stairs.
-Lauren has come so far with her eating. She eats better than Kristen and likes all varieties of food. She would eat all day if we would let her.
-Lauren was released from targeted management through early intervention and is now only getting speech therapy. She was released from both Educational therapy and Occupational therapy.
-We found out that Lauren's vocal chord is overcompensating and if it continues to do so she will not need to have surgery after all.
-Lauren started vocalizing more and is now saying close to 40 words. Her little word bank is just filling up.
-We got a good report on Lauren's eyes. She is showing no signs of nearsightedness or week eyes due to stage 2 ROP or the brain hemorrhages.
-Kristen turned 3 and had a little mermaid party with an AWESOME mermaid cake. She still talks about that cake. I am doing her cake this year and I know I will not top it, but I will try.
-Kristen turned 3 and became more and more independent and can do so many things on her own now like buckle herself in her own car seat. It amazes me how much they grow up in just a year.
-Kristen went to the dentist for the first time and did great.
-Kristen went fishing and skating for the first time and loved both. Now she wants to go hunting.
-Kristen got her first hair cut.
-Paul and I got to get away for a couple of days and go to a cabin in Shennendoah. It was much needed!
-We went to the NICU reunion and saw nurses and doctors that we got to know and love during our llloooonnnngggg NICU stay.
-We went on a day trip to the beach as a family and enjoyed it.
-We got to see my grandmother more.
-A whole new world opened up for Lauren since she no longer has to be quarantined.
-The Harris family purchased a new car. No more van.

We pray 2011 turns out to be a great year for all of our friends and family. Happy belated New Year!