Hello from Homen!

Well, Rob informed me it's my turn to send a lengthy blog so here's an update on us:

We had a nice Thanksgiving here w/ Rob's parents. We went to a nearby supper club for a great buffet!

Fri. Claire had her 15 mo. checkup. She weighs 17# 11oz., which puts her at just under the third percentile and she's at the 5th for heigth. As the nurse said, "she's a peanut!" Despite this, she is healthy and developing well. She asked is she was good natured....I said yes, although she is developing her own opinions at times. She asked if she was having "fits" and said about 2-3 good ones a day was typical; Claire might fuss if she can't have something she wants but it's very minor and doesn't last long. The nurse said most kids cry or carry on throughout the exam; Claire smiled at her the entire time and didn't fuss once. So, she is VERY GOOD NATURED indeed:) She wasn't concerned w/ her size/weight but did think she was slightly delayed in her speech. Again, she wasn't concerned but said she'd monitor that at the next visit (18 mo.)

School is going pretty well; no bomb threats:) Rob continues to work 36 hr. weeks.

I'm slowly adjusting to my sleep apnea machine. Some nights, if I get up to go to the bathroom, I go back to sleep without putting the face mask back on. It's kinda a pain, especially since I sleep on my side but this is the second mask I've tried and it's MUCH better to breath with than the first. I had one recheck and the dr. said it can take up to 6 months to fully get used to it and benefit fully from the machine. She could see, however, that with use of the second mask, I was sleeping better; less disturbed. All in all, I guess I feel somewhat better during the day and am confident it will continue to improve as I get used to wearing it and do so 100% of the time.

Sami had a bought w/ bad allergies and was in to the vet. As result, she is on prednisone and a cream for her ears which were pretty sore from scratching. She's on the mend and doing remarkablly well for pushing 13 (she has her 13th bday next Wed; no cards required:) She'll get lots of treats and a special supper of something in a can.

Well, hope all is well with everyone else. I'm sure you're all busy getting ready for the holidays as we are. The tree is up but not decorated yet. Claire hasn't given it much attention but I'm sure the lights and ornaments will dazzle her the first time she sees them.

Well, I think I hear her awake from her nap.

Take care....

Love,

Sue, Rob, Claire, and Sami!