Turner Syndrome......

This is a sort of difficult post for me today, not exactly sure why, but here goes. We have decided to bring you all up to date since y'all are a part of our support system. Most of you do not know but Mikiah was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome about 4 days after birth. We had a few indicators at birth to have the genetic testing done, one being edema (swelling) in the hands & feet and her slightly wide spaced nipples. Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal condition that describes girls and women with common features that are caused by complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome. TS occurs in approximately 1 of 2,000 female's born and in as many as 10% of all miscarriages. For more in depth info here are the basics.

Mikiah has a few of the physical characteristics but for the most part her case is fairly mild (if you could call it that). She is missing her second sex chromosome on all of her genes which could lead to her being of smaller stature, average girl with TS is 4'7'', and she will have premature ovarian failure/infertility. Estrogen replacement therapy is necessary for breast development, feminine body contours, menstruation and proper bone development & Fertility without assisted reproduction therapy is rare (less than 1%). So MJ will most likely not be able to bare children with out medical intervention. We will also need to continue to keep a close eye on her Heart, Thyroid, Kidneys and will be testing for diabetes.

The reason I am catching you all up on this today is we just had her first Endocrinologist appointment. We drove to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston and learned a bit more about the next course of action. We had a good appointment with our new Endo Doctor. We will be going to see her every six months for the time being. The main thing we are watching for is her growth pattern, she is currently in the 33% for height, so she is still plotting on the normal growth chart. Once she begins to fall off that growth chart we will begin discussing growth hormone therapy with our Endo doctor. Most TS girls start growth hormone therapy around age 4 (we would like to avoid it if we can but also want the best for MJ and if it's a few more inches then we will choose to do it). Before we head back in August we will be running a few baseline labs for Diabetes including glucose levels and Insulin testing. She will also be doing a few more labs and blood work. We will be going over the results of these labs in August. So more to come later.

MJ was great today and enjoyed her appointment, although I think she was a little nervous as Texas Children's is HUGE, but super colorful and fun! She's a trooper!!

Busy, Busy Thursday......

My Thursday was a active one.....We got took dad to work and then got ready to head to HEB Plus! (a grocery store similar to Fred Meyer)....Down here there are H-E-B grocery stores and SuperWalMart/Super Target no other chains exist down here, no Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway/Randall's or QFC.....took some getting use too but I LOVE H-E-B......So anyway the girls had a Moppets Play date at the H-E-B Plus! store (Grocery and Home Goods all in one).....They got to tour around, learn about Produce, Cheese and Milk....they even got to touch a Lobster....it was super fun. I think all the kids favorite part was seeing HEBuddy and tasting the Mootopia Chocolate Milk (and HEB milk that is lactose free and boosted with protein)!!!

After the play date we headed home so I could get my work done and then it was time to get ready to head out for the night for me. I put on a little black dress and headed out to COCO Chocolate Lounge and Bistro w/Sarah for her birthday party with the girls. It was super fun all of Sarah's friends are really nice and very sweet. The food (well I didn't eat dinner) look good, their desserts were amazing and the Chocolate Martinis were good. I had the Bliss Martini Flight which included 3 small tasting martinis: Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Macaroon, Chocolate Sin.....So yummy! The atmosphere and decor were pretty cool.....Very cool place especially for chocolate lovers like myself.....I will be honest I was a skeptic of the martinis....but man they were pretty good....So good that I may have to hit the gym once this weekend!!!

First Full Day....

So today is President Obama's first full day in office. Whether you like him or not yesterday was an amazing day for our Country!!! I was glued to the TV coverage yesterday, hence the lack of blogging.....I am so positive and looking forward to where Obama is going to lead us.....It isn't going to be easy but I have never felt so emotional and inspired for us as a nation as I was yesterday....What a historic day!.....I love the Obama's! Loved that the girls wore J Crew and that Michelle always picks for the most part little known American Fashion Designers......They are so normal.....True American Family......

Beside watching the coverage yesterday, I also babysat the neighbor girls from down the street. It was fun for all the girls....a bit crazy having 6 girls under one roof, running around, girly screaming and having a good time.....It was great the twins loved having their friends over.....

Well I just got back from the gym, I think I am finally on track with being back there everyday....Hopefully I can shed the fat and continue to build my muscles again.....I am off to get the morning going!....

Sunday, Sunday......

Ahhh so it is Sunday night....I am always amazed at how fast the weekends truly go by. We didn't do much this weekend, stayed home mostly. Saturday we cleaned the whole upstairs, including cleaning out all the girls old clothes and stuff that they do not use anymore. We also watched Danielle (9) and Tim (6), our neighbor kids while their parents attended a wedding. The girls loved having them over, they pretty much smothered poor Danielle, I have learned that I need to teach the girls a little more about personal space......but they will get there. We did bbq burgers and ice cream sundaes, always a big hit with the kiddos....So fun! I think Tim played his DS pretty much the whole time, poor guy, its hard being the only boy sometimes.....I was surprised that we were able to get all the girls down pretty much on time, while Tim and Danielle stayed up until their parents came over........and it was nice to have Danielle read some Fancy Nancy to the girls!

Today we walked the 'hood, and washed the car.....it was so nice a sunny/breezy 76 degree day.....the girls helped with the car which was fun and wet!!! As it should be I suppose.

Washing the Car Jan 2009

We are looking forward to the week ahead and Barack Obama's Inauguration! As you know we are big supporters and can not wait to see what the future holds for all of us! We watched the concert on HBO today, so awesome and amazing to see so many different artists and actors and everyday people all in one place.....I Love America!

Bloggers Block....

I suppose you could call it that....I hope to be back, revived and inspired soon!.....With pics of course.....Sorry to all the faithful!

She's a free spirit.....

So Miss Lila has taken to taking her clothes off and staying nude as long as she can.....it started with me bringing out the potty chair, it has been out for a month or so.......Now when we change her diaper she asks to go potty (we are not training yet, just letting her experiment).....she has gone a handful of times.....Anyway she has learned how to take off most of her clothes......and even her diaper on occasion.....she probably gets nude at least once sometimes twice a day.....she LOVES it.....I suppose I can not blame her......she is hilarious too, lounging or dancing or singing....all in the buff.....she certainly keeps us laughing....

Back to an empty house.....

Well of course not empty....But the Harper's headed out early this morning. We enjoyed having them here and all had a wonderful time! Our last few days with them were spent on kids projects, house projects, card games, and GREAT food! I must tell you the BBQ is worth its weight in gold! Everything we have cooked on it has been 'Spectacular' as MJ would say (thanks to Fancy Nancy and her fancy words). Last night we did pizza's on my stone on the grill and they were so goooood! Direct on the grill would have been good too....

So Shawn got a Home Depot gift card for Christmas (Thanks Joe/Victoria!!) and took advantage of after Christmas sales to get us a new light fixture for the upstairs sort of hallway and a new outdoor light for above our garage doors....it matches our light outside our front door. Good thing Grandpa Harper was here to help install the outdoor light it was definitely a two manly person project mounting on the brick plus we wanted to make sure we did the wiring correct and to code.....It looks awesome and they were so good that they connected it up to my front door light so the both go on together and off together! Love it. First shots are of the upstairs and the last ones are the outdoor project....

We managed to get the tree and all the holiday decorations down including the outdoor lights. So sad to see Christmas be put away, but I am sure it will be back here before we know it. I guess I now get to look forward to our Valentine's Date with the girls, burgers and shakes....Suppose I better get looking for a place to try......

Anyway I hope everyone had a Happy New Year. Shawn, the girls and I did. We went to our neighbors house and rang in the new year with the twins and our wonderful neighbors and friends. I am surprised that the twins made it that long.....I did have to take Lila home around 11.15pm and put her to bed. She rang in the new year sleeping as did Nanna and Grandpa! Too cute!! The New Years Angel came sometime after new year.....We all awoke to stuffed stockings...an ol' family tradition on my side. It was fun for all....and we all got stuff we needed!.....

A loungy day at home...

So with the Harper's in Austin for another day the girls and I decided to take it easy. I even got a full night of sleep (caused me to miss my workout I was sleeping so good)....which has been rare the last few weeks, as one of the girls has been waking up in the middle of the night, they do trade off on which girls.....but some nights I feel like I am up and down the stairs all night....Oh well what is a mother to do....

Today I got caught up on my work and I am staring the process of taking down the Christmas decor and cleaning up the house.....Well, I should be clear.....I am thinking about getting started....The girls and I played some V-Motion in the playroom as a distraction or procrastination.....and yes they are still in their PJ's.....

.....this was of course after we cleaned the playroom (a reward)....I am always amazed at how messy it can get when the girls forget (or choose not too) to put away their toys.....We are hoping to go through their toys and purge toys that are now too young for Lila....I tell you it is sometimes hard to keep two different age group of toys around.....I will go to donate something and then remember that Lila would probably like to play with it in a few months....it will still be nice to donate some though.....

Now I am just being lazy and trying to think about something to type so I do not have to get up and actually get something done....does one load in the dishwasher count as doing something???? I do have that running.....

A Trip up to Austin....

Today we headed up to Austin for some lunch and a visit to the Texas State History Museum......It was a good time had by all.....Nanna and Grandpa are staying up there for two nights to see some sights and hang out with Uncle Joel.....The museum was pretty awesome.....I would have loved to have gone there sans the kids, especially Lila, I think I would have learned a bit more....(I was chasing her around most of the time).....but still a great time!!!

Merry Christmas Y'all......

So today was our 2nd Christmas in Southern Texas.....and what a great one it was.....The men got up early 6.45ish to start the BBQ......the Brisket was on by 7.30am and done around 2-2.30pm.....(It was 16lbs).......The girls were excited to see that Santa did come after tracking him all day on the Norad website.....they loved knowing where he was......The twins each got spoiled by Santa and all our relatives.....Thanks to all for making this Christmas so special for us and our children!.....I could try to list the loot the kiddos and we got but I am sure I would leave something out.....

Our dinner was wonderful, Homemade Texas BBQ......The brisket was perfect, the potato salad I made using County Line's recipe tasted exactly like theirs so good, the creamy cheesy corn turned out as yummy as always, the Pinto Druken Beans were great and the Pumpkin Dessert was awesome.....I am so full!

So instead of rambling on, I will leave you with some pictures over the last few days, there are a lot so I do apologize!

Christmas 08

A little early Christmas Present for All....

So Christmas came a little early for the WHOLE Harper Family......Grandpa, Daddy and Uncle Joel headed out to do some Christmas shopping and here is what they brought home.....

It is a 20" Trailblazer Smoker w/Fire box on Cart w/Wheels....made in Texas and finished in SA....We are talking top of the line....this is what happens when men are left up to their own devices.....Needless to say, I LOVE it and they are seasoning it as I type this......We are so looking forward to our Christmas Brisket and have planned on Smoking some Salmon, Ribs and possible a Turkey....We might have to add a ham to that list......Oh man!

Today we also wished Grandpa Harper a "VERY Happy Birthday!".....The girls and I made him a Red Velvet Princess Cake....we even used his mom's recipe (Great Grandma Harper is the best cook!).....

We like Surprises....

So here is what was delivered to us today......

Thanks Mom, now our house truly feels like Christmas now.....It even smells like Christmas! We love it.....

Back to square one......

So after having the Library, Parlor, Red Room.....(Whatever you want to call it) painted now for almost a year, I finally decided to move the Hutch out of there.....it was just too big for the square room.....of course now the walls look a bit DULL, but artwork will come later and I still need a good floor lamp too.....Shawn and I are both pleased with the results and think we may actually sit out there now.....I think we just wanted it to feel more spacious.....So my lovely antique like hutch is now in the garage and I think I will be creating a crafting center out of it and maybe even add some lighting under the top part.....maybe that will help me get my crafty ways back.....well that and actually having time to do it.....

This weekend has been a low keyed one for us.....We took the kids on a nighttime walk around the 'hood w/ hot cocoa to look at Christmas lights.....They liked it so much I think we are going again tonight! The twins went to a snowflake birthday party yesterday morning down the street and had a really good time.....they were so excited to give their friend her present.....So cute! We spent the rest of the weekend cleaning, organizing, pruning, trimming and just anything and everything to get ready for the Harper's on Friday!! We are looking forward to the week to fly by as I know it will.....since I have a bunch of work to do and still more cleaning.....Oh well. Hope everyone had a great weekend! I have included some pics of daddy and the girls gathering some rocks for momma, which seems to be a monthly trip for daddy and the twins....They love it!

Dec 08

Sometimes I forget about me........

Well I have spent the last few days on me, I wish I could say I spent the last two days at the spa or getting my nails done or shopping but it was more for health maintenance.....I get so wound up with all the scheduling of appointments for my kids that I have been leaving myself out.....SO yesterday I went to the dentist.....it was my first time going in a long time....note to all of you try to get to the dentist every 6 months and floss everyday! It actually wasn't that bad, I just had to have a deeper then normal cleaning....I must say my hygienist was great.....I will going back for a normal cleaning in a few months and also get lovely enjoyment of having REALLY OLD fillings replaced.....can not wait to see what all that is going to cost......We have dental insurance but you know how that goes they usually only cover at 80% for most stuff.....and 50% for some stuff.....blah blah.....I am getting my treatment plan today so we shall see....

Today I went to my new Doctors office and met my new Doctor....She is awesome, I knew from the moment I met her that I was going to like her....She is similar to me in a few ways, she has 5 year old twin girls, she also has a 3rd daughter who is two and they even have a female dog....Too funny! Anyway I had a good check up and so far so good. I have to go back when I fast to do blood work (which is standard) but other then that a clean bill of health.....I did weigh more then I thought I would....I now I have renewed drive to hit the gym daily....since lately I have been averaging 1-2 times week...

So finally after being down here a year I have found a great dentist and a wonderful doctor for me and Shawn (he goes to the same dentist and I think he is going to join my Dr's practice, not to mention, the girls excellent doctor and dentist....This is all we have been up to this week....Boring I know...

1 Year and 1 day......

Yup....it has been 1 year and 1 day since I arrived down here in San Antonio with the girls....So much to reflect on that has happened this past year....and so many new great memories....I must say I feel at home in my new city....it has been great exploring the ins and outs of this new great place to live, the shopping, the restaurants, the neighborhoods....So much culture for us to experience....Shawn and I celebrated tonight with a good bottle of WA wine....Yummy....

Tag I'm it......

So I was tagged by MaryCatherine at Peaches and Posh, so now I must list 6 things about myself and then tag 6 other people.....I am going to list Random things....it's is always more fun...

1. High Heels are my favorite shoe choice especially when worn with jeans and a tank, although working at home I do not wear them as much as I use too...my girls dress up in them more then me...

2. I want to start a non-profit company, something to benefit and help children in the USA; I am still brainstorming but have lots of ideas...

3. I love music; I could listen to it night and day and am pondering guitar lessons….I would love to learn how to play....

4. I was a tomboy & athlete growing up, I hated skirts/dresses….Now I would rather where a skirt then shorts (I hate shorts)……

5. I went to college to major in Chemistry and ended up getting a Business Degree instead, I am thinking now I should have stayed with Chem.....

6. When I am sick, I like to watch Pride & Prejudice (the BBC Mini Series Version) I am easily sucked in to good romance stories....

Tagged.....any and all of my girlfriends that blog....Erin, Molly, Jill, Lorrie, Charity, Miranda.....

We've been Elf-ed

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

So Tired.....

Man after a quick trip to Costco and Wal-Mart this morning we spend most of the day outside....and I mean most of the day.....today we put up the lights on the house and man when you do it right (with clips) it sure does take a long time. I am pretty sure that Shawn was on the roof for 5-6 hours or so.....But it is so worth it. Our house looks great, it has 15 strands of LED White lights (25 bulbs to a strand) we have them going from the back of the house down the side around the front and part way down that side....Then we decided since you can see the back roof line when you come into the neighborhood we also put them along the back of the house.....so all but one side....it looks pretty sweet.....plus most of our neighbors have put theirs up too....I love Christmastime......While we were putting up the lights Lila napped (for a part of it) and the twins played with the neighbors.....I simply LOVE our neighbors....they our little corner of the 'hood totally rocks!.....Heather even took the girls on a bike ride around the 'hood with her kids.....So awesome and Carlos came and helped out a bit with the lower lights when he was taking a break from their lights.....Carlos and Heather's house looks so great too....they have so many cool light structures in their lawn.....Anyway here are some pics of our house....and the tree.....oh and few of Lila climbing the ladder....I swear she would have climbed onto the house if I let her.....

Christmas Lights 08

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all.......

Ahhh so I am finally sitting on my bum.....we had a wonderful day filled with family, food, fun and football......and now we are resting watching the end of the Seahawks.....we had dinner at 4.00pm, our usual Turkey Day time....I cooked another 21lb bird.....my usual size of choice.....We LOVE leftover turkey...so much you can do.....we did go with less sides this year since it was just us and Joel.....Juicy Roasted Turkey basted in wine and butter, Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, Cauliflower Gratin, Gravy and Rolls....Simple but sooooo good.....the usuals we didnt make, Steamed Green beans w/Balsamic, Corn Bread Pudding, and Mashed potatoes.....I must say I didn't miss any.....I did love the new Cauliflower dish....soo tasty, it had panko bread crumbs and Gruyere Cheese......So good....I plan on posted the Recipes up on the Breezy later this week.....We hope everyone had a great holiday....Love and miss all.......Here is a glance at our dinner.....and dessert....(homemade pumpkin pie)......

Old Friends.....a random post......

I have been thinking about old friends as of late.....Probably due to Facebook as I have been able to catch up with so many......There are people that have come and gone in my life that I may or may not have kept in contact with, shared great times with and now for me am missing their steady friendship....I could being feeling this way because we are heading into the holiday season.....the time for being thankful and the time for giving, the happy time of family and friends.....or maybe its because I am in Texas and have not made as many close connections with my friends down here......do not get me wrong I have met some wonderful friends down here.....and I know I will continue to find those gems.......So anyway if you are an old friend of mine....just wait I will find you and start a dialog again.....Here is to all those old friends.....