This was suppose to be a brief update!

I first have to start off with my frustration with computers. With our computer dead, they had to replace the motherboard and the hard drives. Because I didn't back things up, I lost everything on my computer. I had to order recovery discs and was to have Best Buy install them on Monday. I should be back in business except for the fact that there is an issue with the new motherboard that they installed and has to go back to the service warehouse. I wish they would just buy me a new computer and be done with it. I hope that once it's home i don't get any problems but I'm leery.

Other then that things have been going good. Spring sort of showed up, at least for a week. There has been 60 degree weather and sunshine. It's been nice to get out of the house and take some walks. I wish the scenery was better. Lots of construction. I have to dodge dirt, mud, broken sidewalks, huge holes and cars! Yes, cars because without sidewalks we are forced into the streets. I've been able to crack a window for some fresh air in the house. That has been so nice.

Nathan and Audrey had their yearly check-up at the doctors. I love my pediatrician. She comes in and sits down and talks to us about everything. This past time was such a good conversation and I realized how similar our lives are. She has a daughter that's a year or two older than Audrey and goes through the same things with her daughter. Audrey is not your typical 6 year old. She's a foot taller than kids her age and probably 30 pounds heavier. The doctor told me at this rate of growth she will be 6 foot tall. Nathan had a good check-up also. Plotted on the growth charts for Achons he is right at the mean. At 2 years his
Height: 29 inches
Weight: 23 lbs. 10 oz.
Head : 21 1/4.
His head size did increase this time. I was hoping for it to stay steady but it's still in the range. We are now working to adjust his wardrobe. Since Nate can still wear smaller sizes (Shirt 12-18 month and pants 9-12 month), I need to make sure that he looks like a 2 year old and not a baby. I have been foregoing the one piece outfits. I really feel that overalls need to be limited because it may make him look to babyish. I still get the comments from everyone that he's a cute baby. I hope that "baby" will be heard less and less but I don't know. He definitely doesn't want to be carried around anymore and persists on walking now. Hard for me to adjust because I'm such a fast moving person. Easier to scoop him up and go go go! But I know the importance of him walking and have not worry if I'm running late. Nate is doing well with steps too. He is more aware of them and waits for help if he needs it. At our house we have 2 steps down and am considering putting in a railing. I really don't want one but I have to make sure that he is independent as possible. In the near future I will be installing a lower stair rail for him, getting an adaption for light switches and converting one of the lower cabinets in the kitchen to his. The next big task is potty training. He is already coming to tell me that he made a "poo-poo" in his diaper and likes to help wipe when he pees. He even tried an assist on his mom which I politely declined.

Nate loves to help around the house. He opens and closes all kinds of doors. He insists on me lifting him up to open the door to let the dog in. OMG as I'm typing he's trying to plunge the toilet! LOL!! He likes to help with the laundry. I ball up the socks and open the drawer. He stands on the bed and throws them in. He loves to clean and organize. I hope this stays with him through life.

Audrey has been doing well in school. She has progressed really quickly with reading. She doesn't need too much help from me anymore. She is also becoming quite and artist. If see can sit still and focus long enough she does amazing art work. Hopefully I can showcase one of her drawings when I get my computer back. Audrey also loves the water. She has been swimming since she was 6 months old and is learning the different strokes at age 6. I'm signing her up for classes next month to get some more instruction. At the moment she swims twice a week at the fitness center her grandma goes to. I can't wait for spring and then summer. Four months till Nationals. I can't wait to meet everyone and see the kids all together. I'm so excited for Nate to meet and play with LP's his age and size.

I also had my first run in with someone who recognized Nate as a dwarf. I was picking up pizza one night when a lady asked how old Nate was (I do get the age question a lot now). I responded with his age and then she asked if he was a dwarf. I responded yes. She explained that she knew "Lexi" a 5th grader at her daughters school. I know OF Lexi but haven't formally met and from what I heard the family is not involved with LPA. I remember once seeing Lexi and her family at my work some 5 years ago (I had thought she looked little) but knew nothing about them. About 2 years ago I was at her school and also saw her and how happy and full of energy she was. The irony being that I was pregnant with Nate and had no idea that he was a dwarf. I guess it was a "soft" opening to what God had in store for me. Since then I have met several LP's and their families but still feel that awkwardness of belonging. I sometimes don't know what to talk about. I don't want to be nosey and am always afraid that I'm going to offend someone. So I'm quiet and I hang back. I'm really hoping that I can break out of that shell. Am I rambling? I think I'll end the post here. Happy Spring Everyone!!