Juliana's Baby Turkey
January 31, 2006 8:16 PM

At the grocery store today I set a turkey roast in the cart next to Juliana, and then I went about my business getting more groceries. I watched her for a minute trying to figure out what she was doing with the turkey. Then she put it down and signed "baby" to me. She picked the turkey back up and began rocking it again and cuddled it up to her cheek. And then the delicate little flower that she is she began swinging it over her head and trying to throw it out of the cart. Not even a trip to the grocery store is uneventful with Juliana along.

She is responding very well to her hearing aide lately. She is answering questions by shaking her head yes or no. She is usually very honest with her answers. When I ask her if she is going to be a good girl sometimes she shakes her head no. At least she tells the truth.

—Tami

Bowling With Juliana
January 14, 2006 6:59 AM

It is quiet in our house right now, so now is my chance for an update. Juliana is still sleeping, Kendra had a sleepover with a friend and Thom is at work. I need more time like this! Anyway, on with the funny Juliana stories.

We were at the store a few days ago, just inside the windows. There were four kids outside the windows staring at her. Of course if she has an audience she is going to perform. She crouched down, put her arms up and was slowly walking toward them like she was a monster and was going to scare them. I was laughing so hard I just had to pick her up and leave.

Yesterday the girls and I decided to go bowling. This was the first time that Juliana actually got to bowl with us. Of course I didn't have my camera this was a spur of the moment thing after her appt. She is almost three, so of course she can conquer the world by herself. She picked up her 6lb. ball and strutted up to the line. The first couple of times she actually let me help until she got the hang of it. She put her ball down and pushed it as hard as she could. Then she would lay down and watch it roll. Only once did it STOP rolling and someone had to go get it for us. Why is it that every child thinks that they can chase the ball? Three times I had to grab her as she started down the alley after it.

Now for the more serious issues. I have been in contact with her surgeon this week. We are looking at going to Miami late in March for her next procedure. This will be a repeat of the past two March's. She will be having the tubes changed in her nose, a lower jaw distraction and a CT scan to determine how well the BMP from the last surgery is progressing. Since all of the swelling finally went away there have been no complications. Her head feels hard in the places that it was not before. We are expecting to see great results on the scan!

—Tami

Running Through Life
January 06, 2006 12:59 AM

Once again I don't have much to report. Our life is pretty typical and boring right now, but I like boring.

Our Christmas was fairly relaxing. We enjoyed the morning with the girls at home and then went to Thom's parents for dinner. They live about 2 hours from us way out in the country. They are excited about the day when they can take Juliana fishing. I don't think she will be able to sit still long enough though. She doesn't walk anywhere anymore. She always has to be running or jumping.

We also have days like today when she doesn't want to do anything except throw herself on the floor and wait for me to pick her up. She decided to do that today while we were shoe shopping for Kendra.

Looking at the bright side though, I am building my muscles by carrying her and all of her equipment!

—Tami