Prescott Place

The everyday adventures of Nolan and Griffin

G’s Thoughts on Teeth Pulling

Several weeks ago Nolan lost two teeth in three days and Griffin was HORRIFIED at the process of James pulling them out. (In G’s defense I cannot be anywhere near the teeth pulling either. Makes me weak in the knees just thinking about it.)   What started as an innocent teasing to Griffin as to if he would like Daddy to pull his teeth,  has turned into a good laugh at Griffin’s expense. He is terrified he will be the next victim and James and I cannot stop poking fun at sweet Griffin and this new found fear. It is just too cute. He runs away from James when we tease him we are going to check for loose teeth.

Take a look at his thoughts on all this.

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Jump for Joy!

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When Griffin was officially diagnosed with Benign Hypotonia in September by a neurologist, we knew a long road of physical and occupational therapy was in store for us. He had already participated in in-home physical therapy for about nine months, but officially knowing there was a reason why Griffin struggled to climb the stairs, run, and jump, helped us better understand the previous why’s and where we needed to go. It helped us understand the need for patience as Griffin struggled to catch up.

When you observe Griffin most do not realize there is anything wrong. He looks normal, but upon closer examination, when he is physically active, you might see what we see.  Griffin did not walk until he was almost 20 months old. At the time we just thought it was because of his size and weight. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say.  When the tiniest of steps Griffin could climb up on his own or run or jump, we knew something was not right. In August we learned Griffin, as a just turned three year old, had the gross motor skills of an eighteen month old.

Twice weekly physical therapy began immediately along with weekly occupational therapy. Goals were set for Griffin and benchmarks to achieve were set.

All along James and I have said we can handle this diagnosis.  There is hope. The best professionals have told us Griffin will catch up within reason. No, he will never be a star athlete, but he should “fit in” among peers.  In reality that is all I want. My children do not have to be rock stars at anything, but feeling exluded or like they do not belong is more than I feel I can bear.  We are commited to providing him the services for as long as he needs to reach these goals.  We will do what it takes and re-evaluate as we go. How long it takes is unknown at this point.

One of my personal goals and measures of improvement for Griffin has always been his ability to jump. Each week in various ways we see improvements and progress in Griffin’s muscle tone, but his ability to jump has always been out of his reach. I have repeatedly told his physical therapist the day that Griffin jumps I will probably start to cry. Jumping is a such a wonderful part of being a child and I hate that as a 3 1/2 year old, he still struggles to accomplish this. He has been getting very close with only the tips of his toes not able to lift off the ground at this point. Close, but not there yet.

Yesterday Griffin was furious when a beloved stuffed animal was taken away for not listening. The irony was as he cried and pleaded with his arms waving in all directions, he also was motioning to jump and getting SO close. I told James Griffin needs more temper tantrums to help him practice his jumping skills. :)

About thirty minutes later when the devastation of no pillow pet has subsided, Griffin and I were practicing the jumping motion. And then it happened, He JUMPED with both feet off the ground. It was brief and it was only once, but he did it. The benchmark I have been waiting for! Thankfully James also saw it (or I would have second guessed myself). We both screamed with delight. And whereas I thought I would cry, instead I ran to him scooped him up and I jumped up and down holding him. “You did it! You did it! You jumped!” He was so proud. We were so proud.

Although Griffin has not been able to replicate that jump again, that is OK. I know the day will come again soon and maybe next time it might not be one jump, but over and over again. After all, our hopes for him are slowly but surely turning into reality. And for that, we are beyond grateful.

 

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Year Seven!

 

I think the seventh year of Santa pictures at Northpark Mall is the charm!   In typical “me” fashion, I never like to take the easy road and, when it comes to Santa pictures at Northpark, it is not easy. As I have talked about year after year, this Santa is highly sought out and wait times to meet the Big Guy are hours.  (Side note. My mom has braved this tradition every single year. I think we bribed James to go with us at year two or three and James has never been back. It is not for the weak of heart.)

The first couple of years we would go to Northpark, take our number and literally kill time for hours on end at the mall before it was our turn. Several years into this I decided to drive to the mall early in the morning to be one of the first to receive a ticket, go back home and return later when it was our approximate time.

This year we took a different approach. Mom and I and the boys and my next door neighbor decided to go on the Thursday night the week after Thanksgiving. This was the earliest we have ever gone and knew it would rule out the procrastinators. I took a risk and did not drive down early in the morning to get a ticket. We figured we would receive our ticket and approximate wait time upon arrival,  eat dinner, visit the Trains at Northpark (a yearly tradition while visiting Santa), write Santa letters at Macy’s  and have our pictures made at some point.

It was a Christmas miracle on that Thursday night because upon arriving at the Santa village, we were handed our ticket and told we could get in line right then! It was only about a 15 minute wait. Mom and I were shocked, stunned and in complete disbelief. The downside was it gave up little time to prep Griffin for the “we expect no crying when you meet Santa” talk. Two years in a row it has been a big ole FAIL. This year I was optimistic.

See? Griffin at 1 1/2 years old

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And Griffin at 2 1/2

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As we approached our turn we talked about how nice Santa is, how important it is to tell him what you want if you want presents, and to remember that TOY if you smile! I also instructed Nolan (as in years past) that no matter what Griffin does, just look at that camera and smile (see above pictures of proof that Nolan listened)…..and you will receive a toy too!

Up next!

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And by another Christmas miracle on that Thursday night, WE GOT THE PICTURE!!! No smiles, but no tears either.

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Here is a picture of the “official” picture.

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After much praise, we headed to the toy store for the promised bribe. Well worth it in my opinion.

Onward to the Trains at Northpark. Always a favorite!

Our next door neighbor pushing Griffin.

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Dinner and then letter writing at Macy’s.

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I believe we have finally turned a corner with Northpark Santa. It only took my mom and I seven years to master the “code” to making this as easy as possible. And now I actually may have no more years of tears by the boys (In a strange way it actually makes me sort of sad). I have no regrets about doing this year after year. I know I probaby pass 10 other Santa options on our way to this one, but I don’t care! I love this Santa. I love this tradition and love looking at my pictures by this Santa all in a row on my kitchen counter.  It makes me very happy.

Priceless.

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And I actually may finally get James to come with my mom and I again!

 

 

 

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Weekend at the Gaylord (Part Two)

(Forgot to include this picture on the first blog post) Before Ice we had lunch at one of the several restaurants on the property.

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After we peeled off the layers of clothes from Ice we enjoyed a cocktail (or two) in my parent’s room and enjoyed the beautiful view.

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Next up was decorating a gingerbread house. We happened to run into our friends there and were able to decorate our houses together.

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The boys had a picture made with Gengy from Shrek!

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Dinner at the Riverwalk Cantina at the resort that night.

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Before heading up to bed we walked around the hotel at night. Previously we had only been at the hotel during the day and we were missing out! I think it was more beautiful in the evening.

Life-size Gingerbread House. The smell was amazing!

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View from our room. It was a beautiful too!

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The next morning.  The boys love to stay in hotels and I can’t really blame them!

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More walking around the hotel and exploring. So much to see!

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PIctures with Nolan, Griffin, Olivia and Kate (a.k.a our “travel buddies”) We have been on multiple trips with them including two trips to Disney World, Hot Springs, Broken Bow and others. We have the best time together and it is so fun that they all get along so well. More trips together in our future for sure!

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Until next year! Another must do again.

 

 

 

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Frisco Fire Safety Town

Tonight I took the boys and our next door neighbor to Frisco Fire Safety Town’s Holiday event.  Frisco Fire Safety Town is a part of the Frisco Fire Deparment. Safety Town is a a miniature Frisco complete with a variety of buildings and organizations (hospital, fire and police station, news station, church, hospital, grocery store, etc.) There are working traffic and crosswalk lights, railroad crossings and toll booths!  It truly is like you are in a little city. Nolan has been there as a part of a school field trip last year and this year and has not been able to stop talking about it. During the school field trips the children actually drive power wheels through the town learning about stop lights, road signs, and safety procedures.  Of course driving the cars is Nolan’s favorite part. This was the first time I have ever been and I was beyond impressed.  This “hands on” experience is an incredible way for kids to learn about all different ways to stay safe. Another reason why we LOVE living in Frisco!

During the holiday season Safety Town has special evening hours to celebrate the holidays. The “town” was completely decorated and many of the buildings had activities, games, and crafts. This is a FREE event open to the community and is another tradition we will add at the holidays!

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Emailing a letter to Santa (where Nolan changed his mind AGAIN on what he wants Santa to bring. Beyond frustratiing!)

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First time G had his face painted! He is a big snowman fan so I was not surprised he chose this. We purposefully did not wash his hair and half of his face tonight to try to preserve his snowman. Praying it is still there in the morning or this is going to be one sad boy.

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In the Fed Ex building. Do you think they are a sponsor? :)

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Getting holiday tattoos

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Nolan and Amberlee

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No town is complete without a Walmart! Or WFAA TV station.

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While I was trying to take a picture of the kids in front of the mock fire station, Santa came up behind me and was making silly faces at the kids.There was a long line inside where the crowd was waiting for Santa to return from break. We happened to be at the right place at the right time! I am never that lucky!

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Pin the Red Nose on the Reindeer

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In front of the “NTTA toll booth”

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A fire truck all for exploring.

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Can you see Nolan in the driver’s seat?

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They also have a “house” where the kids learn about different ways to stay safe in your house. Here Nolan is practicing how to get out a window in case of a fire.

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Until next year!

 

 

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