Looking Back

Ummmm . . . so, how are you? Oh, I guess it has been a while since we last spoke. Really, over two months? Wow, I guess it just doesn't seem like that long ago. Well don't worry, I mean really, what all could happen in a few short months? Oh, that Wilson started walking . . . and we celebrated having them home for a year . . . and Halloween . . . and one year check-ups and, ok, you're right we probably should have posted something. To make matters worse, we started several blog entries but never got around to finishing/posting them.

This is what happens when we say "look back"

Today we have extra incentive to report Clara's and Wilson's recent adventures. Our good friend, Christen Terry ("CT"), arrives tonight and will be here through Thanksgiving. You might remember CT from her visit last year. Not only is she a dear friend, but she is the queen of social media and, as she did during her previous visit, will probably want to use this space to write about her time with Clara and Wilson. Since we don't want to be worse parents for Clara and Wilson than our single friend who lives in Chicago Accordingly, we feel compelled to bring everyone up to speed on Clara's and Wilson's development. Starting with their most recent activity, below are some of the things we should have posted over the past couple of months.

Growing Pains - November 17, 2012

Clara and Wilson get bigger and stronger every day. We constantly rejoice in their progress but, as with any babies/toddlers, their natural progression has its consequences . . .

Wilson's feet got in front of him and he did a face plant into
the corner of the door. After consoling him we engaged in a time-honored
McGarvey family tradition and took embarrassing pictures.

"Hehe, nothing to see here! And ignore
all those dishes on the floor."

"They'll never notice me . . . ."


 

Wilson is the Ricky Bobby of the baby slide:
"I wanna go fast!"

 

We finally had to move the baby monitor system and clock radio
to higher ground.

Even Mimi and Mac have taken drastic baby-proofing measures.
Nothing says "stay outta our stuff" like their self-made baby guard.
Now that's Kentucky proud.

Happy Halloween - October 31, 2012

Last year Clara and Wilson had barely been home from the hospital for a month and were on house arrest for Halloween. This year we were able to dress them and take them trick-or-treating for the first time.

Morgan came up with the idea for the costumes but Chris
did all the work and actually made them. Hey, every relationship needs
an "idea guy."

Clara and Wilson went as the chicken and the egg. We walked to two houses close to ours
before hitting the road.

And Clara was excited to show off her costume!

We stopped  by Ellie's and Ian's house.

And ended the night at Mimi and Mac's house. Dad came to the door and,
when he saw who it was, joyfully shouted "it's ours!"

The Chicken finally had to go home but we think she is already excited
about dressing up next year.

First Year Final Exams - October 24, 2012

On October 24th we had possibly our most important doctor's visit to date. Clara and Wilson met with the developmental psychologist and, for the first time, were evaluated for cognitive skills.

We were surprisingly apprehensive while walking down the hall from the "normal" doctor to the developmental psychologist. Regardless of the report, we were about to receive our first official opinion of how Clara and Wilson were progressing mentally.  

Wilson was the first to be "tested." He sat down with the doctor and she encouraged him to pick up sticks and place them upright into holes along a flat board. We sat behind him and have never been more nervous. He didn't make it the first try and we were on the edge of our seats. It was all I could do to keep from standing up and shouting "are those pegs regulation size!?!" Although it was agonizing at first, Wilson began to enjoy himself and did really well. Clara was up next and used this as an opportunity to show off. She was doing things we had no idea she could do.

That's exactly what we wanted the developmental psychologist
to see Wilson doing. Yep, he is our child! 

It might look like they're in prison, but we prefer to believe Wilson had some
encouraging words for Clara before she was tested.

All in all, the prognosis was good and further affirmed what we we've seen at home; Clara and Wilson are doing better than we ever thought possible. The doctors officially ruled out the possibility of cerebral palsy and several other potentially severe mental challenges. Most importantly, Clara and Wilson are right on track, if not slightly advanced, for their corrected age. The doctors are optimistic they will be completely caught up by the time they are three or four years old.

We know this first round of tests is just that - the first in a series of guideposts to let us know how Clara and Wilson are developing. However, we are thrilled with the result and will continue doing all we can to help them beat the odds. At least today, one more time, our prayers were answered.

Fall 2012

What you don't see is both of us standing behind our friend
doing everything in our power to get them to look in the same direction and smile.

Without the concerted effort mentioned in the caption above,
you get a trip to the pumpkin patch and not a single picture of
both kids looking at the camera at the same time.

We took a picnic dinner to Big Rock during Highlands Week
and Wilson was only interested in feeding us.

We were able to take the kids to Family Day at Yum this year.

Wilson and Clara playing with their friend Jackson.

The Fab Four, Part II - September 24, 2012

One year ago today we brought Clara home from the hospital. This is the date the doctors use for their corrected "birthday" and it is the date we will always remember for our family being together for the first time. We didn't have a parade this year but we're just as happy.

This isn't such a bad picture for using the self timer button setting on the camera.

Walk This Way - September 22, 2012

Wilson started walking today. He has been taking a few little steps for a while but he finally put it all together. We don't have pictures, but Chris was able to capture the event on video on her phone.

Say Goodbye to Our Breast Friend - September 14, 2012

The pump received an award at the end of its tour of duty

After 15 months it is time to bid adieu to pumping. We use Clara's and Wilson's corrected age for most of their developmental milestones, including what and how they eat. As we officially approach their one year "corrected" age, the doctors have finally given Chris the green light to put away the breast pump! Although it might only feel like a year to Clara and Wilson, Chris has been pumping like a champ for 15 months. This pump has been used in the car, at work, at people's houses, even in an occasional public restroom. Not only was this no ordinary pumper, this was no ordinary pump. There are hospital grade pumps and then there is the industrial strength hemi-powered pump Chris used. This thing was built for speed instead of comfort and you could hear the motor whirring in the other room. But that's all behind us. No more pump, no more pump parts, and no more bottles!