Horrible News!!

My client's Floating Home burnt down last night!!!

After I heard the news I called Jim (my client) and he said he was going to call me to tell me "that he wanted to drop the listing price." But I had already heard the news.

My heart goes out to him. His home was crafted entirely by him, it was some of the most beautiful wood work you could imagine.

From the Marin IJ:
"Firefighters with the help of two fire boats were able to contain an explosive two-alarm blaze Thursday afternoon that gutted one houseboat and nearly destroyed another on the Sausalito waterfront.

Fire crews who arrived near the end of Liberty Dock at Waldo Point Harbor at about noon found a big column of smoke rising from a two-story houseboat at 49 Liberty Dock that was fully engulfed in flames. Fire then shot over to the neighboring houseboat at 48 Liberty Dock....

News story Link w/pictures of fire

Watch video of fire






There are more pictures of his home on my listing website:

www.48LibertyDock.com

There is going to be a benefit for Jim, my client. As soon as I know more, I'll post it here!

Response to Comments from Happy and Sad Post

Felt this should have it's own post.

This is in reply to a commenter from my previous post:

WTF....

Sorry but I had to reply. My gosh!!!

I could just delete, but if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, I don't delete others opinions, but I had to reply....

Jean's Quote: " as a regular reader, I have to finally say that I wish you'd please, please, stop classifying your children as "super-duper delayed" and focusing on the loss of Corrine. Kids develop at varying rates - some are faster than others and some are slower than others. And not every child who doesn't sit up when you want him to needs some sort of intervention. "

My response: Quinn is STIFF, very STIFF. So Stiff that I can't get him into his car seat, bend his legs to put his leg into his pj's and I can't put him in sitting position at times. He also wants to arch backwardes out of my arms. This isn't my "wanting" him to sit! His is now totally able to sit on his own (and prefers to at all times) he can't get to sitting position, He can't roll, nor do much else.

Our Pediatrician did notice at his 9 month review that he's delayed (3 months delayed, reminder he is only 6 weeks early). She offered the ability to visit a PT one time. I declined, feeling (hoping) that things would get better. They haven't, they have gotten worse and I know that our Pediatrican will agree when we see her for our 12 month check up next month.

Quinn hyperextends his legs and arms and it's preventing him from developing as he should. At this point PT and EI CAN help him to get back on track. I KNOW this. It's not when I "want" him to sit up. How can you "offer" opinions when you don't really know what he's doing? I haven't posted much about it, as I've been hoping that he would stop doing the stiff legs and arms and hoping it was from reflux. But it's getting worse not better.

You think I don't know that kids develop at different times? If he was just developing slower than I'd agree. But Quinn is doing things that are very noticeable.

Jean's Quote:

"Many kids aren't good drinkers of breast milk or formula. Life with an infant can be difficult - most infants are not fun most or all of the time, they are a TON of work! "

my response - do all infants have blood in their stool and scream bloody murder? No. Because of my persistence we discovered that Quinn had a milk protein intolerance (from my drinking dairy). After we got him on an elemental formula and reflux meds he went from hardly drinking 3 ounces at a time and screaming all the time, to drinking 8 ounces.

Ok, and what's normal? Probably not your neighbor coming over to ask if everything is ok when they've heard Quinn screaming for hours on end.

Jean's quote: "But constantly complaining, worrying and researching which dreaded disorders your children might have takes away the precious time you have with them - time that is particularly precious if you're a mom with lots of outside activities and a demanding career."

my response - constantly researching dreaded disorders???? WHAT?? Not sure where you fabricated this from...Don't even know what to stay about one... Is this in regards to Quinn? Fabricating bloody stool? Signs of reflux?

Or Kaitlyn? I believe that is my research to find solutions is why Kaitlyn is doing so well today. She is going to graduate out of special education at her 4th birthday. I'm soooo happy. She still has issues, but she is doing GREAT. Really Great!

Jean's quote:
" I know Kaitlyn has difficulties that need to be addressed, but for goodness sake - let Quinn grow for awhile without trying to classify him as a candidate for (in your words, not mine) "the short bus.""

My response - Quinn WAS a preemie. He IS delayed. He is hyperextending his legs, arms and trunk, he wants to stand on tip toes when put on his feet. He goes stiff at any opportunity. This can be from reflux from pain. I don't know. He had a GI follow-up today and The GI couldn't believe how stiff he gets. She said that he indeed should be evaluated.

I'm SAD and BUMMED that this is happening. I'm not making this up. I wanted a regular experience this time around, and Quinn isn't easy. I've EVER expected babies to be easy. (I'm sure you've got something to say about my comment here).

I KNOW that he'll be fine. But I also know that EI will help him. and I NEVER said that he needs special education (or my one time of saying the short bus...which you took totally out of context."

Jean's quote: "Finally, I truly believe you should see a counselor for your paralyzing grief. I know you will always grieve Corrine's loss - it was and is a terrible thing. Despite that fact, you need to move forward. You need to let Kaitlyn be Kaitlyn and not attribute her perfectly normal habit of talking to herself (i.e. entertaining herself) to missing her sister. Kids talk to themselves - frequently while lying in bed waiting to fall asleep. While sad, it is true that Corrine and Kaitlyn shared a womb and that Corrine died so Kaitlyn will never know her. But the reality is that Kaitlyn didn't know her and can only be hampered by you not letting go of them as a two-some. Any grief she feels now and in the future over that loss will be because of your desire to instill grief in her psyche, not a cosmic attachment from the womb."

my comment:

"shesh! paralyzing grief! Did you not read that I stood outside my daughter's door for almost 10 minutes smiling from ear to ear at how amazing my daughter is?

The grief that came on was from a realization that I wish my TWO daughters were talking to one another. Is this paralyzing? hell no! I miss my daughter. I miss her not being here. I don't know if you have lost a child or not. BUT I know that I will hold the empty space in my heart for my ENTIRE life.

I don't recall writing as Jean said: the reason she was talking was due "to missing her sister" . I felt it was so great that she is having imagination play (she's only been doing this for a few months now) and I loved it. Yes, after quite a long time, I got hit by a wave of sadness (which I honestly said here) and I got sad that she wasn't in the room "playing" with her sister, should her sister be alive today.

And yes, maybe you find it creepy, but I do believe that Kaitlyn's sister Corinne watches over her. And I'm sorry if you feel that I have paralyzing guilt" that I thought of Kaitlyn "talking" to her angel sister.

I recently met a grandmother in her 80's that told me she lost a child. She carries that "grief" still, but she's living her life. It's not paralyzing me. It's healthy the way I look at it, I think it's more worrisome for those that ignore it. That grief IS there somewhere inside. How can it not be? It's what you do with that grief and whether you let it run your life (I certainly do not).

For those that know me, they would NEVER call me paralyzed with Grief. I'm a very happy person. I love helping others with their situation (just today a mom called me with a difficult decision to make about carrying twins or not).

Jean's quote: "I have always found it a bit disturbing that you take Kaitlyn to twins events. It sometimes seems like a pathetic plea for attention - "look at me, I'm the mom with one surviving twin, feel bad for me because my daughter died at birth." I think it is creepy that you would force your young child to be a singleton at twin events and absorb the idea that she will never be a whole person in your eyes - she will always be the live one-half of a pair for which you endlessly grieve.

My response. Now in this case I think you have a point. I realize that. When I first attended a twin moms event not long after Kaitlyn came home from the NICU, the Club President told me, "Liz, we'd still welcome your membership, you are a mom of twins and will always be a mom to twins." That's stuck with me.

There are a few reasons I still belong to my local twins club and I'll tell you: 1) The moms that I met when my water first broke hold a special place in my heart. They were there to support my in my darkest times and I will forever cherish their friendship and support (to me a stranger at the time) . I attend functions to see them and they always want to know how Kaitlyn is doing. They really care. Now I mainly attend the mom's functions. These are my friends!

2). I had a hard time bonding with moms in regular moms groups. Their experience of motherhood was nothing like what I was going through with Kaitlyn. It's harder to be a mom of twins than it is of a singleton. They "got" a bit more of how hard my life was so I didn't have to hear women complain about how their child "spit up" or applying for preschools (when I just wanted my daughter to eat)" That may sound heartless, but it's the truth.

3) I haven't taken Kaitlyn to any twin events now for close to a year as now she is getting older and I don't want it to be uncomfortable for her. (this is where I think Jean made a good point), I don't want to be there for a pity party for me, especially for the moms who have never met me before. It was nice to go when I knew so many members and know their children, I have more friends in the local twins group than I do in other mom's club. It felt like "home" to me.

4) I continue to belong to the club as I get asked all the time to help mothers who have lost twins or are having serious twin pregnancy complications.

jean said: "I started to read your blog because it provided some information I needed when dealing with a similar situation. But now, I look because it is like a car wreck - I can't seem to turn away."

My response: Train wreck? hmm, don't know how to comment on that one!

Jean's quote: " Please, please, get some help for yourself before you damage your children. And yes, fellow blog readers, I know I am a terrible person for saying these truthful things, but I am concerned for those two beautiful and perfect children - Kaitlyn and Quin. Sometimes, the truth hurts, but that pain might trigger a change for the better. Probably not, though. And to make everyone happy, I will now avert my gaze."

My response: "damage my children" How in the world am I damaging my children? The truth hurts?

I'm all for the truth. I will tell Kaitlyn about her sister. I am very aware that she could suffer from survivors guilt. I will do EVERYTHING in my power to prevent that from happening. I know that Quinn wouldn't be here with me today if I hadn't lost Corinne. We only wanted to have 2 children. I'm forever blessed to have my son Quinn.

Those who really KNOW me know that I have found the positive in Corinne's passing. I tell folks this when they ask me how I can seem so "unaffected" when I tell them about Corinne's passing.

I truly believe in finding the positive in really crappy situations. I'd take Corinne back in a heart beat, and spare Kaitlyn from her prematurity related issues, BUT I have found: amazing new friends, strength that I never knew I had, the ability to help others more than I ever had in the past, getting involved with charities, and the ability to overcome such hardships to come out a better person.

So, please tell me what type of damage I'm inflicting?

Oh and one other thing, I often write how I am feeling at a moment in time. I'm crazy busy. (you can probably tell by my infrequent blog posts). Life is good. Really good. I don't take the time to post as I'm spending time with my kids (and working), which is MORE important than blogging right?

And to the poster after Jean, how dare you say that "Kaitlyn find her voice"...you do know that Kaitlyn has a paralyzed vocal chord don't you? What type of voice do you "want" her to find? You said rebel against me? Do you know how often I hold her tight (when she lets me, which is ONLY in the shower due to her dislike of being held) and tell her over and over how special she is to me, how much I love her and how happy I am that I'm her mama?

sheesh!

Happy and Sad

Kaitlyn LOVES to talk to herself. She does it all the time.

She often (when not finding excuses to leave her bedroom) talks to herself in her room for almost 2 hours before she falls asleep.

Tonight, she was talking so much I stood outside her door and listened, which brought such a huge feeling of joy to me. She is soooo darn cute! She was talking about wearing party hats that had a roller coaster on it, and says things like: "oh, yes, I'd love to wear a party hat." "Oh, I lost the party hat, where is it?" "oooh, I think it's in the bushes." "Yes, there is a roller coaster on my party hat!" "Yes, I'd love a cupcake, oh, it's an imaginary cup-cake, mmmmm it's good, Yes, I'd like a cupcake.".....

So darn cute. I felt so incredibly happy listening to my little miracle

Then all of a sudden, I got hit with an incredible sadness. I started tearing up there outside her door. It hit me as I listened to her for over 5 minutes talking with herself (or her imaginary friend) that she might be talking to her sister. She SHOULD be talking to her sister. Maybe that's why she talks to herself so much, she's actually talking to her angel sister who I KNOW is always looking over Kaitlyn's shoulder.

Oh, I miss Corinne. She should be here with us.

Happy Father's Day!

Brian and Kaitlyn are going camping for the next 3 days. I can't go, I'm swamped with work (a good thing obviously), but I'm sad as I really wanted to go on Kaitlyn's first camping trip, and I've been working 7 days a week for along time now and could use a break!.

But we ARE going on vacation soon to the East Coast (Chautauqua, NY, I can't wait! (and Hope I can get everything done until we leave!)

More about Quinn in a later post, the little guy LOVES to eat real food (talk about the tears this brings me, as he's never been a good milk/formula drinker), but he is super duper delayed. I'm finally quite worried about him. I've got to contact the Regional Center about getting an evaluation. sigh. it's never easy is it?

Kaitlyn today at a birthday party for her friend Eliza from her Special Ed class. The most amazing balloon guy was there, and of course, Katilyn tried to take everyone's balloons.

PTS disorder linked to preemie parents

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Good article, relates to my earlier post about a micro mom allegedly doing a horrible thing to her child.

story

Some Pictures...

Blogging started out as a way to past the time (as I was lying in bed praying for my twins), now my life is so crazy busy, that I get stressed out thinking that I MUST blog. Sorry for the blog lagging lately, but work has to take a precedence!, which is a good (no great thing) that I'm busy again in Real Estate. I do love to blog and continue to want to do it in more earnest, but at this piont, I've got to pay the bills!)

Kaitlyn's last day of Special Ed preschool is tomorrow! I'm sad, I really love her teachers....But she will be back in preschool (the 3 year old class again next year repeated) and she will be in a week of summer special ed too.

Quinn's first little bottom teeth are just finally showing themselves, he is a very opinionated little guy! About everything! Last night I had 1.5 hours of crying (not going to bed). poor little guy (poor mom!)

So, at least here are some pictures!

My daughter likes sweets a lot like her mom, hard to believe how MUCH she likes to eat (well sweets at least!) How do you like her glasses by the way! They are from ZenniOptical

This was taken on Saturday, Kaitlyn is sitting next to another micro preemie twin (whose water broke at 17 weeks like on Corinne). Look at the 2 of them chomping down their birthday cake!

OK a mystery man holding Quinn, any guesses? his name is Brian (but it's not Quinn's dad......) He likes ice skating like Quinn's dad....(figure not hockey however...) Any Guesses??. PS, what do you think about my new VERY SHORT hair cut?

It's Brian Boitano, Olympic Gold Medalist of course! Brian is the god-father to my good friend Lisa's children (she has 2 sets of twins). I met Lisa through our children (our non-eating children) and we've become good friends. We attended her 4 children's birthday party on Saturday and got to visit again with Brian Boitano (who loved the color of Quinn's hair by the way!) Brian and Lisa grew up ice skating together.

Kaitlyn visiting her dad at work

And wearing dad's fire helmet

Just a quick note

It's almost midnight. Have GOT to get to bed. Just wanted to give a quick update on everyone:

me: I was in Sacramento for the last few days for another Women's Council State Meeting, where I had to do some public speaking. I have 4 houses in escrow and wrote another offer tonight. I think the real estate market (at least here in Marin) is picking up!

Kaitlyn: is finally better after 2 weeks of being sick. She seemed to be back to her cheerful self today (after weeks of whining and crying). For the first time she actually ate some of her dinner neatly! (she has to be the messiest eater of all times). She lost close to 2 pounds over the last 2 weeks, but seemed to eat a lot tonight finally.

Quinn: Boy, he's one sensitive little guy. 2 nights last week I had 2.5 hours of crying in the middle of the night. It might be teething, as I can see a little of his bottom teeth finally coming in. He's still quite delayed. He is FINALLY sitting up on his own (but we have to get him to sitting). He will also now allow us to leave him on his belly for a while, but he can't seem to roll over any more in any direction. He is able to push himself around in a circle while on his belly, (I think he's trying to roll, but get's his arms stuck). He isn't eating great, but I have to say, when he does want to eat solids, it's soooo amazing to watch him open his mouth. That's something that is totally new to me! His milk/formula intake has gone way down (I'm hoping it's just cause he was sick the last 2 weeks). we'll see. But I do have to say, when he's not crying, he's the happiest, cutest giggly smiley little guy ever! Just wish he wasn't such an "extreme" little man. Boy can he cry and drive his mama a bit loco!

On a side note, I'm in total shock, as one of my micro preemie blog mom members has been in the news with a shockingly awful news story. I'm not going to mention the details here, as this is a criminal case, but for those of you who know what I'm talking about, I at least had to blog that I'm in shock, saddened and just speechless. I know this mom. She's been a member of my group for a long time and has been a very active participant.

I do believe that this is a mental illness situation. But it's heartbreakingly sad for her children and her husband.

When I feel I can, (as I'm sure this is going to be a very public story) I'll post the link. In the meantime, for those of you who know what I'm talking about, just know I'm in shock and am trying to decide what to do about it for the groups sake.

Hug and love your children! Please be good to them!

Wow, where has Liz been?

So sorry for the very long radio silence...

Today I started having a bit of a break-down as I just have a whole lot of my plate at the moment, both kids are sick (again) and there just isn't enough time in the day!

I want to have dinner (it's 9:45 pm) so I'm going to keep this short!

Recent recap:

I was in Washington DC for almost a week (which is why I'm a bit overwhelmed at the moment, as I'm trying to catch up after being gone for 6 days). I was there for a Women Council of Realtors (WCR) National Meeting. Our chapter (of which I'm the Vice President of Membership for the Marin Chapter of WCR was going to receive a Gold Award for our Performance last year, so the President and myself (I'm the President Elect) attended. Not only did we receive a Gold Award, our chapter was one of 4 chosen Nationally to receive a $1,000 special award for Outstanding Programs. Every month we put on a program for the local Realtor members of our chapter and our chapter was chosen as having some of the best Programs Nationally! We were very surprised and honored.




Liz McCarthy (WCR Marin President Elect) and David Smadback (WCR Marin President 09) at Awards Banquet in Washington DC

Liz and David receiving our chapters award for "Gold" Level of Excellence for 2008 with the 2008 National President Becky Hill

Lastly, as part of WCR I took courses for a WCR/ National Association of Realtors Designation called Performance Management Network (PMN) This required me to take 3 courses as well as give and/or receive referrals from other Realtors or clients. I was one of 5 nationally to receive their PMN Designation at the conference. Here I am with the National WCR President for 2009, Ann Defries.

I was busy during the entire conference but did manage to arrange to stay an extra day as my 2 cousins live in Washington DC and nearby Virginia. I spent the last night at my Cousin Chris's house who I haven't seen in 8 years! We spent a little time touring the sites and I got to meet his girlfriend. Also I've never had the chance to meet my Cousin Kathy's 2 young children, so we drove out one night to see them too.

The reflecting pools and the National Monument

At the Natural History Museum

Cousin Chris, me, Cousin Kathy and Kathy's husband Rob (I'm the total shrimp of the family)

Did I mention that my Cousin is VERY tall? This is his sweet girlfriend Loren.

I've decided I really do like Facebook. I took a few hours break one day from the conference (my only break) and took a jog around all the National Monuments. While I was jogging, I had my Blackberry with me and snapped a few pictures, and I updated my Facebook status to that I was really feeling blessed at being in DC. Crazy enough a family member of mine (Family due to my ex-family from my previous marriage, but I still consider them family) who live in New Orleans just happened to be in DC! How cool is that! We arranged to meet and even got to go to dinner on my last night in town. It made me realize how much I miss my New Orleans family. I soo wish we lived closer, but it just made me realize that I'll have to plan a trip to New Orleans for Jazz Fest (trying to remember my old life pre kids) sometime soon!

Rick and Renee Zibilich standing at the top of the Lincoln Memorial looking down at the National Monument

MOTHERS DAY!

I haven't had a chance to update about my awesome Mother's Day. Brian and I and some friends went to a winery in Sonoma, where they had a Mothers Day celebration. It was super kid friendly (with a bounce house and all) and bocce ball court (and wine of course) for the moms. They even had a wagon cart ride. What a great time we had.

Just had to say that Kaitlyn says the BOunce House is "too scarey" but she also says she wants to "play hockey, baseball, be an astarurant, race car driver, doctor, sell houses" but she says no, she doesn't want to go into the bounce house when she grows up as it's "too scarey"! Too cute.

This is my best friend's son Justin holding Quinn.

Dad and Quinn in the Wagon

Dad and Quinn

Justin and Kaitlyn playing with mom's Baseball bat (Kaitlyn felt that Mom really wanted a baseball bat and ball for Mother's Day). I was a very nice mom and let her play with it :) When dad asked if she wanted jewelry, Kaitlyn said, No, she wants a baseball bat and ball. It was very funny!

The McCarthys on Mothers Day 2009

My best friend Keri with Quinn

Keri and Liz on Mother's Day! (we are college friends)

BALLET CLASS

Our local community center (walking distance to our house) had a 30 minute ballet class for toddlers, and thought I'd try again (remember the soccer class, that DIDN'T go over very well as Kaitlyn ran around the time time and rolled around inside the net). I was sooo hoping that with Kaitlyn's new sense of calmness (sometimes) that she might do better. The first class didn't go very well (she ran around not listening to the directions BUT, although she was a bit crazed, she had the hugest smile on her face so I couldn't stop laughing at/with her) and I seriously considered pulling her out, but the class was too big and the teacher broke the class into 2 for the following weeks and Kaitlyn is doing really really well!

Looking at these picture's it's hard to tell she was a bit "crazed" but I think I took these in the first 5 minutes of the class, the rest of the time I was too busy chasing her around to take any pictures.

These pictures are from the first (large) class

OK, isn't my little girl amazingly cute!

Oh and guess what Kaitlyn weighs 28.8 Pounds! This is HUGE for us. It took her about 10 months to go from 26 to 27 and literally over night she's now 28.5 pounds and seems to be staying there! She is on periactin again, but she's eating a ton (when she wants to) so when she doesn't want to eat much we let it go! I love smiling with Brian as we sit eating (a rarity) with Kaitlyn and love love love watching her explore new foods "what's this?" (to an onion) and eat food. She starting to get clear likes and dislikes, but we dont' make an issue out of the dislikes, hoping to teach her good eating habits, as she missed out on so much.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to reminnd myself of where we were not so long ago, constant vomiting and 100% fed by a feding tube.

Way to go Kaitlyn!

Wow - my daughter is amazing!

Sorry for my delays in posting as of late. With my March of Dimes commitments, being super busy with new Real Estate clients and Listings, Kaitlyn’s sickness for 3 weeks last month I’ve been up to midnight every night trying to get work done - blogging just fell off my urgent to-do list.

OH and by the way, I may have mentioned it in the past, but I’ve been worried about Quinn’s lack of a lot of things, and he is now officially 3 months (12 weeks) delayed. He was only 6 weeks early, so he is quite delayed. Sigh. He’s not eating solids well. Sigh. Will have to update more on that later. He’s doing what 6 month old babies are doing (just learning to sit-up for example). Thankfully he finally is sleeping through the night!!!

But on to an up-beat post -

Kaitlyn has been thriving lately! I can honestly say that the alternative therapy that we’ve been doing for her is really, really working. I have an amazing, wonderful little girl on my hands, and to be honest, for the first time EVER I feel like she is emerging from the strange little world that she was living in and coming out to be this wonderful, intelligent, and amazing girl.

There have been so many times that I’ve teared up, just watching her. Here are some examples:

I caught her playing with her dollhouse one day. She put one of the dolls on a bed and covered it up with a rug (that she was using as a blanket). She said “good-night” to the doll and then started talking as if the dolls were talking. I stood there absolutely enraptured by this. She’s never done anything like this before. “mommy wants you to go to bed now” “here’s a blanket to tuck you in” Oh my goodness, tears sprang to my eyes. I was holding Quinn at the moment, and just stood and stared and was taken over by the most amazing emotion. Do all parents feel this way?

For me it was elation that she is finally starting to pretend play (at age 3.5 which is very delayed). It was so dang cute.

Another example, she is eating up a storm and she’s up to 28+ pounds!! Yippee! Here it took almost a year to go from 26 to 27 pounds. She lost that pound in 3 days when she was sick and quickly gained it back and then some and weights over 28 pounds now. It was practically overnight! Kaitlyn loves spoonfuls of sour cream, straight butter, broccoli “trees” loaded with sour cream, It’s SUCH a joy to watch her.

Some days Brian and I watch her while we are eating a “family dinner” together and we say quietly, “oh my god” while we watch her scooping up food and feeding herself. Now some days, she won’t eat much at all, but other days she makes up for it (finally like a regular toddler).

My strategy of stopping the “pushing” has finally paid off. I has also reinstated Periactin (which is an antihistamine with a side-effect of increasing appetite). Before we loved the drug as it was finally what made Kaitlyn stop vomiting. I stopped it awhile ago when we realized finally she stopped vomiting with out drugs. But I do now cycle her on and off it which I do believe enhances her appetite.

She smiles all the time now. My mom commented when she was just up for the March of Dimes walk that she’s never seen Kaitlyn happy before. Maybe with a 2 day visit she’d smile a few times. But now she smiles, giggles, laughs and makes little jokes all the time. She has quite a sense of humor that’s come out.

Her talking has also increased. Before she used to repeat a lot of what she’s heard, sort of verbatim. Now she says random things on her own. For Example, when we were coloring Easter eggs, she said: “Wow, this is a really beautiful egg.” Brian and I smiled at each other as this was such a new statement from her. She now speaks in complete sentences most of the time (where before it was a lot of one word sentences). She says some of the cutest, most amazing things. It makes me smile all the time.

Sometimes I even see advancements in her from week-to-week.

Some other things I’ve noticed:
-Kaitlyn doesn’t fall down as much. She isn’t as awkward when she runs. She doesn’t always have to have a thing in each of her hands.

Our Therapist (Boutaina Rosen) in the Svetlanta Mustgova method started giving Kaitlyn treatments 2x a week and that’s when things really took off. Before I wasn’t really sure I could attribute the changes in her to seeing this therapist. After we started 2 x a week, it was like a light bulb went off in side Kaitlyn.

And once I started realizing how different she was, I for the first time since she was born way too early starting feeling some relief. That she really is going to be ok.

I know some of my readers have felt that I’m negative. That I worry too much.

All I know is that my gut instinct has always told me that something just wasn’t right with Kaitlyn. I hated this feeling that I got all the time. And the worry that went along with it. For me, it was this feeling that has continued to make me reach out to try to find ways to help her.

For the first time since the twins were born I’ve become filled with the joy of being a mother to an amazing wonderful joyfull little girl. I hate that it’s taken me so long to not feel the constant worry about her future. I know that readers have commented on my negativity. But there’s a reason she is in Special Education 5 days aweek. Her teachers noticed her differences also.

Of course I still get doses of that we not out of the woods yet so to say.

I enrolled Kaitlyn in a 30 minute ballet class, and her first day was yesterday. Kaitlyn was the only one that was running around the room in circles (with a HUGE grin on her face) while all the other girls were following directions. She also spent time crawling on the floor on all fours and flopping around the floor. So the worry crept right back again. But at least you could certainly tell that she was absolutely joy-filled at her ballet class. I took some cute video that I hope to get around to processing and posting.

Our walk was a success!!

More later, but here is a few pictures Team McCarthy pictures!!!





THANK YOU to everyone who walked and/or donated Team McCarthy!!!

Our shirts are here!

Oh, they are so cute! Obviously all the adult walkers shirts will be big!

www.Marchforbabies.org/kcmccarthy

Our TV debut and Easter pictures

Here is a picture from yesterday's TV taping as the March of Dimes Ambassador Family for the San Francisco Bay Area. Our March of Dimes Page

It was fun being on the actual tv set where they film our news. Kaitlyn had fun at the "tv station" and when we watched the news yesterday evening I think she "got it" as Cheryl was doing the news (in the same outfit) and she got to see the set where she was just a few hours earlier. It was a lot of fun! (Thankfully my nanny came to help to keep the kids (yes both of them) occupied while I was filming my portion. Then Katilyn came on set and even with all her practicing it was a bit hard for her to stay sitting and quiet for her part. Wonder how it will look on the show! You'll have to watch to find out!

One of the Engineers showing Katilyn his timing machine (Kaitlyn of course wanted to wear it) Kaitlyn has her own mike (as they were concerned over her very quiet voice)
Dr Retyzic was there for the taping also. that was very special for both of us, as he was our NICU Doctor that delivered Corinne and had to give us the news that Corinne just wasn't going to make it. He was so happy to see Kaitlyn and was absolutely amazed at how well she was doing. it's a small world, as a very good friend of mine (Lucy) happend to grow up across the street from Dr R back East and told me about him before I delivered the girls. So, we have a special connection.

Remember, here is the link to watch the show after it airs at 10:00 am on Channel 7 (SF Bay Area) on Sunday April 19th: Beyond the Headlines

Kaitlyn at her Developmental Preschool Easter Party

She wanted to wear her fancy (Forth of July) dress

Getting ready for snack time!

After the kids are outside, they all learn to wait and ask to go inside

Kaitlyn working on her sentences

Quinn was at the School Easter party too

On Easter Sunday, we had a great time at a neighbors house for Easter Brunch and Easter Egg hunt

Our local community is so wonderful (www.MarinwoodMoms.com) . On Saturday before Easter the Easter Bunny came to visit (on the fire truck of course) and here is a family shot!

Kaitlyn and our neighbor Ava searching for eggs at the Community Egg hunt, it seems Kaitlyn is really seaching closely! :)

Kaitlyn and Ava (somewhat patiently) waiting for the egg hunt to start

Dad, our neighbor Theresa and Kaitlyn Eating (yes she DID eat a bit too) pancakes after the egg hunt at our community center

Kaitlyn searching for eggs during the community egg hunt

Mom, Kaitlyn and Quinn at the pancake breakfast

March for babies is almost here!

Hi everyone,

I've been really busy doing a lot to get ready for our upcoming March For Babies Walk as both the Ambassador Family as well as the Bay Area Family Teams Chair.

Our walk is coming up on Saturday April 25th in San Francisco.

I did a radio interview a few weeks ago for KOIT radio which aired March 29th.

Here is the link to listen to my radio interview.

Listen to the McCarthy Radio interview

Tomorrow I will be doing a TV interview, (my TV debut!) . It is going to air this Sunday here in the Bay area at 10:00am on Sunday 4/19 Channel 7 (ABC), the show is the Emmy Award winning program called: "Behind the Headlines".

I'm a bit nervous - so wish me luck!!

ABC 7 - Behind the Headlines

If you haven't yet helped in my teams effort to raise money for the March For Babies walk, here's the link, anything helps, even just $5!:

Support the McCarthys on their Walk for Babies

Horribly Sad awful story

Oh my, I just came across this fellow preemie mom blogger (her water broke at 18 weeks (mine broke at 17weeks).

She was all ready to walk with her daughter this year in her 2nd March for Babies walk and her daughter passed away yesterday on April 7th.

I'm so sad. I KNOW that if Corinne had survivied, she too would have horrible, horrible lungs. Kaitlyn's lungs are not great, but she had amnitoic fluid, babies without fluid are even worse off.

It just takes my breath away how precious our little ones are, and how vulnerable their lungs are.

http://remembermaddie.com/

PLEASE remember why the Mission of the March of Dimes is so very important. Please help donate in my families name or in Maddies. March of Dimes mission is to help prevent preamture births, birth defects and infant mortality. Please help.

Even a little can help save the suffering of familes from knowing the devastating effects that Premature births can have. No one should know the loss of their child. Ever.

Kaitlyn update

I've actually lost track of how many doctor visits I've taken Kaitlyn too in the last 3 weeks...7 or 8 I think?

The most recent:

We went back into the doctor on Monday and Kaitlyn got another antibiotic shot. The steroid started working quickly, but then her cough came back horribly with a vengeance, so we went back into the doctor and they felt she now also had Bronchitis, more antibiotics!

Today, we had another visit (to see if she needed the 3rd dose of antibiotic shot for her ear infection). the doc felt that her ear infection was on the mend, BUT she did still have fluid in her ears, so we are now needing to go back to the ENT as well as we need to go back to see our Pulmonologist (I thought maybe just maybe we were going to escape dreaded lung issues).

BUT the good news, is that today, for the first day, Kaitlyn really seems a bit happier (not as cranky etc).

the bad news, Quinn's nose started running...I'm sure now that just as soon as K is better I'll be running back to the Doctor to take the little man.

Hope your kids are healthy!

Stop exposing our babies (and us!)

A friend just sent me the link to this video.

I highly recommend you watch it and support the cause: Kid Safe!

This will enrage you!

http://www.ewg.org/kidsafe

My friend Denise wrote:

"Please take a few minutes when you can and click on the EnvironmentalWorking Group link below and then please view their video '10 Americans'. Itwill introduce you to an issue that has concerned and outraged me since Ibecame a mom 3 years ago.If you are so inclined, then please sign the petition which urges ourcongress people to take action to help protect our children. Then, pleaseplease pass this information on to everyone you know who also cares about children. Together, we can affect change and make the world a better place for, not just our children, but all children."

What are your thoughts?

Adults Preemies Needed for research

Hi, from my friend Stacy's blog:

Adult Preemies Needed for Research
I received an email from an adult former preemie asking if I wouldn't mind posting a request on my blog. Not only do I not mind, I am grateful to see research being done into BPD and honored to help in any way that I can.Let's help him out... pass along the info to any adult preemies you may know. Please note... they are looking for former preemies even if they do not have BPD.

Click here to go to Stacy's blog:

Interesting to note that Steve (and his twin brohter Tim) were born at the same hosptial where my twins were born. Steve notes that he and his brother were some of the first to get Surfactant Therapy (thank you March of Dimes!)

Steve wrote:

"I'm not sure how much information is given out to parents regarding lung function of their preemies, but I can give you a brief idea of what we are interested in. Basically, with the advent of surfactant in the early 1980s (my brother and I were some of the first to get it) it has dramatically helped the long term lung function of these kids. However, as the lung is not completely developed when these kids are born, it finishes it's development while these kids are on oxygen and it is the high oxygen levels that actually stunt the lung's growth and consequently limit their overall lung function later in life.

My brother Tim and I were born in 1980 at Children's Hospital in San Francisco <<>>(see The Premature Baby book by Helen Harrison, we're in there) - I was 2 lbs even, Tim was 1 lb 16 oz. I remember growing up and going back for follow-up appointments until we were in our early teens and remarkably, we have nothing wrong with us. I think a lot of it is luck for being born at the hospital we were at; I know our parents said they were signing experimental treatment forms on a weekly basis! Actually, the only thing we do exhibit that is abnormal is that our lung function is slightly compromised due to the high levels of oxygen we were on while in the NICU for 3 months after being born."

Quick update

Kaitlyn has been sick now on and off for 3 WEEKS! I've taken her to the doctor (urgent care 2x) 7 times! We almost went to the ER twice.

Here's a quick rundown:

I can't even remember the first visits 3 weeks ago, but last Thursday in the middle of the night she started crying horribly at 2am (never happens) and she felt hot, brought her into bed with my after Tylenol and knew we'd have to go to doc first thing last Friday morning (confirmed ear infection), antibiotics.

That Monday, the cough was so horrible, went back to the doctor, as she was having coughing spells lasting up to 2 hours long. She was stating at 91 percent (not great), so was given more breathing treatments even after we had just give one to her 2 hours before).

Later in the week she was still whiny/crying, not her self, so went back, went on oral steroids), bough a bit better, but still not herself.

Last night started crying again in middle of the night, took temp in am, 101.5 (highest she's ever had) and to urgent care this am (while trying to juggle out of town clients that I was to take out in the afternoon), and her ear infection was now raging, but thankfully her lungs sounded good and the cough is better.

As she was already on a level 2 antibiotic, they wanted to give her an injectable type (mixed with some lydocaine, as it's very thick painful stuff), she's so small (she's now lost almost 2 pounds and is down to a tad over 26 pounds), they broke the injection into 2 (one in each thigh). They wanted me to stay in office to make sure she didn't have an allergic reaction, but when we tried to get her to walk, she couldn't. Poor baby, was crying horribly and literally couldn't move her legs at all. Boy was mom worried. (and continuing to look at my watch as I was due to meet clients in 30 minutes and I still had to drive 30 minutes home from SF).

After some Tylenol in the doctors office, she took 2 tiny steps (upon my promising her that we'd go home if she took tiny steps). Had to carry her out, she fell asleep in the car (which freaked me out, was worried that she was having a reaction to the antibiotic), but her color looked good through my rear view mirror.

Still could hardly walk at home, put her to bed and she took a 5 hour nap.

Finally tonight, after more pain meds, she was walking better, but still upset.

Let's hope for things to really improve tomorrow, as she'll have to get another of the horrible shots on Monday if her infection doesn't start to clear.

Poor little thing...seeing her while dressing tonight for bed, she's tiny, skinny and looked so sad.

Liz

Amazing resource for moms of Angel Babies

Hi Everyone,

Someone just told me about this great, wonderful much needed blog.

www.glowinthewoods.com

It's an amazing community for those who have lost children!

Thank you gal for letting me know about it (she is a contributor on the site). I just met Gal through my work as the March of Dimes Ambassador and Family Teams Chair.

A great autisim blog post

I'm always coming across great finds/reads on the internet, just thought I'd share this great post:

A mom's blog about a trip to the grocery store with her autistic kid...very familiar!

Read Blog:

Really makes you think before you judge...

OH ps, Kaitlyn is sick AGAIN, I've been to the docs office 1 time a week for about 4 weeks now. K has a raging ear infection and more cough/ crud, this time her oxygen levels were 91 (should be 99-100). I knew something was up today....