Morning with Indie

You can tell Indie Grace doesn't feel good here, poor baby. We had to skip MOPS last Thursday morning so we stayed home and had a lazy day. (We also ate half the donuts I was going to take to MOPs ha!)
Indie wanted to take a warm bath so I let her splash around and play while I got my camera out. I've had my big camera for years but it usually just sits in my camera bag in the back of the closet. I go through phases of taking it out for awhile and trying to learn more about it before I get frustrated and put it away again. But if you've read my blog for long you know I currently have a phone with a really lousy camera. I love to take pictures and take a lot but the lousy camera on my phone has left me frustrated and depressed ha! At this point my big camera is really my only option. I finally found the charger, charged it and decided to get the camera out on Thursday. Some how I managed to get in it on (what I think were) halfway decent settings and got a few cute photos of Indie. I have always wanted to really learn all about photography, get all the fancy add-on lenses and whatnot for my camera and make it a full time hobby. But life gets in the way and I'm super A.D.D. (for real, not just saying that) so it makes it hard for me to focus on one thing for long. I'm pretty much still at square one with the photography thing! Settings, lighting, speed... all that really confuses me and (as you can tell) I don't even know the proper lingo off the top of my head lol! I would really like to try to stick with it and make myself learn this time around. I know practice and consistency are key so I've been trying to take a lot of the pictures the last few days.

You can see Indie is puffy eyed and just not feeling good here but she had a lot of fun playing in the warm bath for awhile.

Side note: I'm just now seeing that her earring was out Thursday morning. Somehow I didn't realize she was missing an earring until late Saturday afternoon. The piercing is all closed up now which means another trip to get it re-pierced. I'm dreading it but she seemed pretty matter-of-fact when I told her she needs to have it done.

Her hair is amazing right after a bath! I use different things on her hair. This time I just sprayed homemade, leave-in conditioner in her hair and gently brushed it out. I need to get a better photo because this one doesn't do it justice.

I asked her how old she is so she held up three fingers on each hand ha! So cute! 

I'm so glad I got this shot. I had just told her that her sisters were on their way to see my mom.

Isn't that a look of surprised mixed with envy? (This was last week when J and the older girls

were in Texas for his grandmother's memorial.)

Definitely not as clear as I wanted, and a little too bright, but I love her smile and sparkly eyes in this one. She was eating a peanut butter and honey sandwich for lunch. 

Right before nap time. She's definitely looking sleepy here.

These pics were taken almost a week ago and she is still sick. This is our one child, out of the four, that gets the brunt of everything. It's ridiculous. She's the only one who has had ear infections and needed tubes in her ears. She's the one who gets sick easier and stays sick longer (not to mention febrile seizures) and needs antibiotics to kick it. I've been giving her over the counter meds for days and realized it was time to see the doctor this morning. We just got back and have a prescription ready to pick up. So she should be on the mend soon! Poor baby! 

w sitting, hyper mobiltiy, special shoes & stuff

We recently discovered (or had it confirmed) that Indie Grace does have issues with her feet turning in and also the way she runs. She's hyper mobile, as many kids with hip dysplasia are, and that can effect them in many areas.



While we're so very thankful for all the amazing things the hip doctors have done for Indie Grace.... it has been really frustrating to have them tell us there's no need for physical therapy after treatment, that her feet look fine and that she walks and runs fine when it all looks a bit "off" to us. We were also told, by professionals, that concerns over W sitting were something of the past and that it's perfectly fine for kids to sit like this and even more so for hip babies since they're more flexible.
Until now we've taken their word for it. Since we were told she didn't need physical therapy we were actually afraid to pursue it after she got out of her spica cast for fear a physical therapist wouldn't be familiar with child who had hip dysplasia. In my gut NONE of that sounded right but... never having had a child with hip dysplasia before we wanted to listen to the hip doctors first and foremost. Nevermind that we had pediatricians and other professionals telling us the opposite. The hip doctors fixed her hip (and they did a great job and we are so, so thankful for that!) but maybe we falsely assumed they're also the experts when it comes to all things Indie?

Recently two of Indie Grace's occupational therapists have expressed concern over the way she sits in the W position. Indie Grace has had a weak core since she was a baby.. slumping and very poor posture. I never connected a weak core to W sitting. But from what I'm learning sitting in the W position does nothing to help strengthen the core... it actually makes it worse... and it can also negatively effect the feet and the position of the legs when a child walks and runs. I'm thinking it can effect a child with hyper mobility even more? (Here is a great article that explains more.)

Her current OT has also been concerned about Indie Grace's feet and the way that she runs. All I needed was that nagging concern validated before I went and dug a little deeper for info related to hip babies, hyper mobility, feet position, running, etc. I've known that many hip babies are hyper mobile but in the past 2 years I've somehow missed the fact (despite asking around and searching numerous times to no avail) that many hip kids also have issues with their feet and legs. Many need special inserts, shoes and physical therapy. Once I learned that I went ahead ordered a pair of orthopedic shoes for Indie off eBay. I didn't want to buy new until I knew for sure what type of shoe she needed but the shoes we got are nice and supportive and seem very well made. Indie loves them and wears them all the time now! She was so excited to get them in the mail!

Opening her "new" shoes!! I was surprised they came a few days early! 

She got them a week ago yesterday!

Proudly wearing her "new" shoes!

The shoes we bought are $120 new but I found them on eBay for less than $40 shipped! The pair we got are gently worn but look fine and still have a lot of life left! I was thrilled to find such a great deal! They hold her feet in the proper position and keep her ankles straight instead of slumping inward. She's been wearing them every single day with no complaints even though they're a bit "clunkier" than the shoes she was used to.

We had a physical therapist look at her feet during OT last week. The PT recommended little inserts for arch support. This will help her feet which will also help the position of her legs. I'm glad I didn't spend a full $120 on brand new orthopedic shoes because the PT isn't recommending anything that drastic. But she is recommending "quality" shoes over the Wal-Mart, Old Navy, Target or the cheap stuff Indie Grace has been wearing. Personally I do love the orthopedic ones we got with the extra support around the ankles and I'll definitely be looking for more good deals on something similar. 

She'll be getting shoe inserts similar to these. 

Indie will be fitted for inserts at therapy tomorrow and they'll place an order for us. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she'll adjust quickly to the inserts as well.

We're also trying to remember to correct her when she sits in the W position. I feel like we should probably go ahead with a full PT evaluation. I'm certain a little physical therapy wouldn't hurt with her weak core, hyper mobility and overall clumsiness. Clumsiness is just something she deals with having hyper mobility and having had hip dysplasia. 

It's been one thing after another with Indie Grace since she was born and time after time we've heard various opinions from different professionals. I end up beating myself up for either not realizing there was an issue or because I didn't listen to my gut to begin with and dig harder for answers.

We're so thankful for all the help and treatment Indie has received. We couldn't be more thankful to Scottish Rite and Shriners. My eyes honestly start to well up every time I think of these amazing hospitals and all they do. It's unbelievable.

We're so thankful that we caught hip dysplasia earlier than some and that she was treated when she was still a baby. We're thankful that Indie is pretty much thriving now! She's healthy and strong and super smart!

I almost hate to write about anything she's gone through because I know it's a drop in the bucket compared to what so many others are dealing with. Having been to Scottish Rite and Shriners on multiple occasions we know full well just how incredibly blessed we are. Walking in to these hospitals with a patient who has four perfectly developed limbs, who can walk and talk and run is not lost on us. We leave with incredibly grateful and humbled hearts every single time. On the other hand, this is her story and these are the minor frustrations what we've dealt with and/or are dealing with and I will not be ashamed about sharing our lives.

I'll be sharing more about her journey in the future for a few reasons. I don't want to forget any of it. I want Indie to be able to read it all as she gets older. And, I firmly believe in helping others go through the things we've already been through. If I can share something that will help even one mother out there dealing with any of the things Indie has gone through.. from torticollis, Doc Band, hip dysplasia, hyper mobility, sensory processing disorder, evaluations, finding a therapist, OT, PT, febrile seizures and now shoe inserts and orthopedic shoes... then it's worth sharing.

On that note if anyone has further info on any of this stuff please share! I'm still confused about a lot of this!

October happenings

Another busy week around here!! 

 My mom came into town last Thursday evening! You can see how excited the little girls

were to see her!!

 We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner afterwards. We always love looking around the shop

at all the toys and knick knacks!

 I thought this platypus was just adorable with the sparkly beak and feet. I guess it's

a platypus lol?

The miniature toys were really cute too!

  Alex loved the oversized lollypop!

I thought this rocking swan would be adorable for a baby girl photo shoot! Izzy's 

a little too big for it though haha! 

Friday morning Indie Grace had her last, in home, OT visit with her awesome

therapist, JoAnne. Indie turns three later this week and will be aging out 

of therapy through the state. 

Friday evening my mom, the kids, the puppy and I all walked down to the neighborhood

pond and playground. This was our first time walking around the pond. The kids and

puppy loved it! Since we moved here in the summer it's just now cool enough to get out 

and explore a bit. 

 We love having my mom here but I think the kids may be wearing her out a bit.

Saturday morning my mom, Gabby and I went to Nest Fest and got a signed copy of The Nester's new book, The Cozy Minimalist. Here's Gabby sitting in the tiny trailer that's currently on the cozy home tour. The trailer is adorable! It was raining off and on at Nest Fest but we had fun! We visited all the booths, bought a few things and thought about getting something to eat from the food trucks (everything smelled delicious!) but decided we would rather sit down in a cozy restaurant so we went to Macaroni Grill instead. Macaroni Grill was yummy.. as always.. and perfect for a cold, rainy day.

Sunday morning we were excited to have friends join us for church, then J and I worked in Alex's second grade class for second service. Sunday afternoon we hosted life group at our house. We had a big crowd.. it was noisy but fun!

I think we stayed home all day Monday...

Tuesday morning Indie Grace had her first OT visit with the private therapist. (She had her evaluation with them over the summer so she was a little bit familiar with their office when she went in yesterday.) She had a great visit and will be going back every Tuesday! Tuesday evening Alex had Trail Life and all of us girl's browsed around Target. I bought one tray from the dollar (five dollar) bin. And went around collecting ShopKicks ha! I just started doing ShopKicks again and the kids love helping out and scanning things!!

I had my yearly check up this morning (fun, fun!). The girls have dance this afternoon and then Gabby goes to American Heritage Girls right after dance. The rest of us will probably do a little shopping and browsing around while Gabby is at AHG. The kids like to hang out at Pets Mart and I think I'll go back to Target for a couple things that caught my eye last night.

Tomorrow (Thursday) should be a pretty lazy day until afternoon when Gabby has Girls On The Run and I pick up the neighbor kids and bring them home for a couple hours. Honestly, last time they were here it was QUIETER with 6 kids in the house than it normally is with just my 4. Not sure how that happened but it was nice ha!

Indie Grace turns THREE on Friday! I can't believe it! Time has flown by. It's hard watching my youngest grow out of the baby stage and so bittersweet for me. Three is officially "not a baby" any more. She's super excited to go out to Starbucks with her daddy Friday morning for a little birthday breakfast! We'll have a cake and presents sometime later. With Alex going to school early and J working late it's hard to get the whole family together for birthday celebrations but we'll figure something out. She wants a Minnie Mouse cake and but I haven't been able to find Minnie Mouse cake topper so we settled on these little squishy Minnie keychain faces ha! I guess they'll have to do.

We've been planning to go up to Asheville for the day on Saturday. But it's looking like there might be a chance of rain on Saturday so we may just skip it and stay close to home. Our neighborhood is hosting a kid friendly, haunted Halloween walk around the pond Saturday evening so we may just 

do that instead.

Alex was really excited to be one of the first viewers to email and respond to 

the "Axel & Daddy" YouTube show last week. He'll be getting a piece of real

silver in the mail and gets to a be a special "Secret Agent" for their program. 

Exciting things for an 8 year old boy! :) 

Hope everyone is having a great week! I have another fun review coming up soon and my first giveaway coming up too! :)

You can see my past reviews here, here and here. 

Life Lately & Weightloss Goals

 We're so glad it's finally feeling like fall around here! 

We had a yard sale Saturday. It wasn't great but at least we sold a few things 

and the kids had fun with their lemonade stand!And the weather was absolutely 

perfect so sitting outside was actually enjoyable! 

Sunday I skipped church while J took the kids. Every once in a while I'll skip

church when I just need time at home, alone, to unwind. I don't like to skip 

often but I am SO refreshed whenever they all get back home. I took a long bath,

did my Bible study and just relaxed. 

Sunday afternoon we went to life group for Bible study. 

We meet every week and really enjoy it! 

Monday was a super lazy day! The girls and I had stayed home all day until 

it was time to pick up Alex from school. 

We loaded up the puppy, picked up Alex and went to the dog park and 

play ground to meet friends after school.

My friend took this pic of Indie. She's getting so big.. look at those long legs!
Almost too big for the baby swing. I can't believe she'll be 3 next week!  

 My friend also took this pic of her little boy pushing Sol on the swing. So cute ha! 

Tuesday afternoon we stopped by the library after school. They were having a touch and feel

Halloween contest in the kids area. My kids had fun with that! (Some of those things felt so 

gross... like the tomatoes they called "hearts". Ew!) My kids didn't guess many of them

correctly but each got to pick 2 pieces of candy and bring home a book to keep! 

 Tuesday evening the girls and I walked around Target while Alex was at 

Trail Life down the road. I forgot my wallet which was probably a good thing ha! 

This morning Mar was sitting on the floor doing school work and Indie joined her. :)

Indie loves to do her "homework" too.. aka scribbling on paper. 

Today was supposed to be pretty busy with co-op and dance but we

ended up skipping both and had another lazy day at home. 

Indie was fighting a fever yesterday so we skipped co-op this morning. 

She seems fine now but felt feverish yesterday afternoon and 

during the night last night. I'm starting to panic a bit, again, 

every time she feels feverish since her febrile seizures have caught 

us off guard in the past. It doesn't help that she seems to catch everything

 much quicker, and worse, than her siblings do. Thankfully she seems 

fine now but I'm going to put all the kids, 

on a good multi-vitamin and elderberry.

We skipped dance today because Mar went to a new homeschool

 friend's house this afternoon instead.  I know they had a great time playing 

with American Girl dolls and painting! 

I've heard others worry about "socialization" of homeschoolers but
I have to say Mar's social life is busier than ever since starting

homeschool! She's actually a little overbooked on activities this fall.. 

 Alex and Indie helped clean out the van this afternoon. It was WAY overdue for a 

good cleaning and we wanted it nice and clean for my mom who's coming in to

town tomorrow evening. 

 Indie was so excited to help clean the van for her grandma! :) 

Sol just LOVES this Ninja Turtle some neighbor's have up in their yard.

She wanted her picture with it on our walk this afternoon. Yep, lazy days means she's wearing

yesterday's clothes again today ha! And I love that she wears rainboots rain or shine! 

I have MOPS tomorrow morning and then my mom is coming in tomorrow 

evening and staying for 2 weeks!! We're all looking forward to seeing her again!

Indie has her last OT appointment with her current therapist, 
here at home, Friday morning. 

She ages out next week when she turns 3 and we have her scheduled to start with a 

private therapist next week. We're going to miss her sweet therapist but know private

therapy in an outside environment will be really beneficial too. 

My mom, Mar and I are headed to Nest Fest on Saturday ! I started reading The Nester several years ago when I lived in Texas but somehow missed that she lives in North Carolina! I didn't realize she lives less than an hour away until we moved out here last year. We even have several mutual friends and acquaintances. Small world! Looks like some fun vendors will be at Nest Fest along with food trucks and a few bands! I know it will be a fun girls days out! I think a few friends from church

are planning to be there as well. I'm hoping it doesn't rain but I'm sure we'll have fun regardless! 

On another subject: The girls and I had fun trying on sunglasses at Target last night! 

They wanted me to take a few pictures. I love hanging out with my girls and love making 

memories but have to say I'm not at all happy with the way I'm looking, or feeling, lately. 

Too many sweet, sugary coffee drinks = heaviest I've ever been when not pregnant. 

I know it's time to make some changes! 

I tried 3 sample packs of Revital U coffee a few weeks ago and LOVED the energy it 

gave me and how it curbed my appetite.  I wasn't even craving my usual two to 

three DAILY iced, sugary sweet coffee drinks at all and had great energy all day!

I just got my first month's supply of Revital U in the mail today and can't wait to get started! 

I know of several people who've lost 20+ pounds on this! I'm not selling this stuff.. just 

really loved the samples I tried and can't wait to use it every day!

I also plan to start eating better (cutting down on sugar and carbs!) 

and I already know that a daily work-out and drinking lemon water both 

work great for my metabolism! My goal is to be down 25 lbs by Christmas!! 

I'll actually be happy if I lose even 10-15 but need to aim high! I do know just 

losing inches makes a huge difference too! We'll see how it goes.

This is way outside my comfort zone but I want to blog about my 

progress on a weekly basis to hold myself accountable!

Hope everyone is having a great week! Let me know if you've tried Revital U 

and how you like it! 

Princess Awesome

We're so excited to review these amazing items from Princess Awesome! 

Princess Awesome clothing and prints are unique in that they appeal to the tomboy
and the girly girl. I immediately thought of Sol, 4, when I found out about
Princess Awesome! Sol is our little tomboy but also has a girly girl side. 

I chose the Super Secret Hidden Ninja Twirly Play Dress for her in 5T. Look 

at the print closely and you'll find little hidden ninjas scattered among the flowers 

on her dress. Sol loves the Ninja Turtles and Ninjago so the the Hidden Ninja print

was the obvious choice for her and she really loves it as much as I thought she would!

Indie helped me chose the "Fleur-De-Lift-Off" Rockets Twirly Play Dress" in 4T for her.

I love the colors on this one and know she loves pink too! 

 These twirly dresses really are perfect for twirling! 

The girls loved twirling around in the them!

I know the little girls will be wearing their dresses a lot as the weather gets cooler! 

They had so much fun posing in these and keep asking to wear them again even

though it still feels like summer around here ha! Once the cooler weather sets
in I know they'll be wearing their Princess Awesome dresses often! I love that
they can be dressed up for church but they're perfect for school or every day wear
as well. 

 Mar chose the "SOAR" Pink Airplane Tee Shirt by Free To Be Kids in size 10-12
and the "AirHeart" Airplane Leggings With Pockets in size 10. 

Mar had a great experience flying for the first time earlier this year and 

immediately decided on the airplane print! Mar says the t-shirt and leggings 

are both really comfy! She really loves the deep pockets in the leggings! 

This outfit is perfect for going out or staying home! She says she's going to

wear it on her next plane trip! 

Indie has been making goofy faces when I ask her to smile but I thought

these two pics were pretty cute! :) 

All three girls in their Princess Awesome attire! 

The clothes are true to size. Mar is 9.5 and the size 10 is a perfect fit for her! Her t-shirt
is 100% cotton while the leggings are 92% cotton and 8% spandex.

Sol is 4.5 and on the smaller side but I went ahead and ordered 5T for her so
she'll have a little room to grow. Indie is almost 3 but she's on the bigger side so I ordered
4T for her. The 4T gives her a little room to grow too. Both dresses are 100% cotton.

We're really happy with the products and would definitely recommend them!!

Thank you so much Princess Awesome for letting us review your products!

Use code sunshiney2018 for a 15% discount on air and space collection through Friday! 

*Products were sent to me for review. All opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.*