The Circle of Life...August 20 - September 2, 2011

It's been two weeks, rather than one since I had an opportunity to share what's been going on.  It's been quite a ride these last two weeks.  Mommy wasn't able to help out last weekend or earlier this week, so we've been a bit inhibited, since I can't get on the computer myself...YET!  This two-week period has been filled with ups and downs and I've gotten to learn a little about the Circle of Life. 

The two-week period started out a bit rough, when we found out over the weekend of August 20th that my oldest dog, Jesse, who has been struggling with seizures and thyroid issues for years, was really at the end of her ability to take the medicines that have been helping keep her stable.  My poor Jesse was in liver failure, so we had to send her to play ball with the Big Man in the Sky on Monday the 22nd.  I will miss her very much, as she was the most tolerant, sweet doggie in the world.  Mommy and Daddy say she'll watch me and my Baby Sister grow up from Heaven.

My Jesse Dog

Despite the rough beginning, we did have a good week later in the week when my Grandma Ward and Grandpa Lynn came to visit.  They came to watch me when Baby Sister comes and I got to play LOTS with my Grandma. 

Speaking of Baby Sister, the Circle of Life completed itself on Monday, August 29th at 2:17 p.m. (about 1 week to the day AND the hour after we had to let Jesse go), when my Baby Sister Grace was born!  I AM A BIG SISTER!!!!

Pretty proud of being a BIG sister!

Baby Sister Grace Margaret Spivey, Born 8/29/11 2:17 p.m. - 7 lb 10 oz, 20" long

I am not so sure about my Baby Sister Grace yet.  She makes a lot of crying sounds pretty often and I can't figure out what all the squawking is about.  I am fascinated with watching Mommy hold her and though I was pretty upset about that on the first day, I am coming to grips with the fact that she has to hold Gracie a lot.  I really do like to stand near Mommy when she's holding Gracie to look at her.  I like to touch Gracie's back and head - I've learned that nice touches are good ;).  Not nice touches get me in trouble, which I don't like at all!  On the positive side, Gramma Ward is still here (though Grampa Lynn went home), so I get to play a LOT with her and she's been helping out with making sure I get lots of attention.  Also, my Big Sissy has been helping out a lot because she hasn't yet left for college this fall :)

Me and my two sisters at the hospital...Big Sissy Megan and Baby Sister Grace

Learning to eat with a big girl fork - Gramma Ward helping me!

Mommy, Daddy, and Baby Sister Grace

In other news, there were several other notable and fun things that went on in the past two weeks.  First of all, my teacher, Miss Patti left and went to teach at a local elementary, so I got a new teacher, Miss Erin.  Miss Erin is very nice and plays a lot.  The most fun thing that happened the last two weeks was that we had PONY VISITS at school!!!  They had ponies come to our school and we got to sit on them and the bigger kids got to ride them around the playground!  It was a real adventure :)

Riding a pony at school with my new teacher, Ms. Erin, helping me balance

Waiting on my friends to ride the pony too...sitting with my friend Peyton.

I haven't had therapy or gotten to see Ms. Colleen this week because Mommy's been so busy, but we will start back the week after next.  Ms. Colleen is going to be SHOCKED at what a big girl I am.  In the last week, I've made some real progress - not just with Baby Sister Grace!  I now will pick up and rock and hug my Baby Doll.  I have started to try to ask for things a little by signing "more", "all done", "eat", and "bath".  I don't do it consistently, but it is pretty clear when I do it.  When Ms. Colleen comes next, she'll be bringing a new person, a Speech Therapist named Ms. Erin (different than my teacher!), so hopefully she'll help me even more!  I sure am going to teach my Baby Sister Grace a lot of things.  I'm going to be a GREAT big sister!


Random picture of the week...I love to help with laundry!!!

Laundry is VERY fun to watch!

Mommy's going to be home for the next couple of months while Gracie grows, so hopefully she'll help me (and Gracie) keep everyone up-to-date on time from now on!  I can't wait to share all our adventures together as sisters!  Have a great week everyone...I'm sure going to! :)

Gracie after her first bath

Big Sister Sunglasses from Aunt Rachel O.  (note...no batteries in these! :) )