Organized Chaos

The name of this blog background, and how I envision 2012. My favorite is the splatter of spilled coffee on the left...a perfect illustration of what my weekday mornings often look like. And I often feel, like this blog background, many to-do notes push pinned into my brain in a haphazard fashion. This year holds exciting, yet also anxiety-inducing things...

-Interviews for Matt's fellowship begin.

-We are rounding the corner to finish year 4 of residency,

and will begin the 5th - and FINAL - year on July 1st.

-We find out in April where we will go for fellowship starting in August 2013.

-Upon getting the above information we begin the search for a new place to live, for schools, doctors (you get the idea) in a new city.

-We are putting our house on the market in a few short months.

-Blair will turn ONE!

-Blake will start first grade, yes first grade.

-Matt will be seriously searching for a job.

-And last, but certainly not least, we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

Our road continues to be exciting, albeit a challenge. We are looking forward to 2012 and finding out so much that will ultimately lead to new chapters in our lives. I, of course, hope it leads us back to family and friends, but that is yet to be decided. I am sure the Hollenbeck household will remain busy, perhaps imitating our blog background title. Either way, I know new memories will be created and we will handle whatever we are given. Wishing all of you the best for a happy, healthy and memorable 2012...

The Season of Giving...

This year I decided it was time to start a tradition with my children that I was introduced to as a child. Giving our time, energy, love and goods during the holiday season. I have fond memories of volunteering while growing up doing a variety of things to help others in need, which spilled over into adulthood in both volunteer and work efforts. I truly appreciate the exposure I have had to other cultures, socioeconomic levels, home environments and overall needs of those in the communities I have lived. I have seen poverty beyond belief, wealth that seems unattainable and everything in betweeen while doing home health. I have witnessed true need and appreciation at soup kitchens, homeless shelters and battered women homes during times of volunteering. These experiences were and still are a true gift and ones I will never forget. Perhaps that is why I continue to seek them out...

So, during this week while school is out, but it is not yet Christmas I chose four charities in Greenville to give of ourselves. Our first experience was yesterday, Meals on Wheels. All three children plus me arrived at Meals on Wheels to pick up food and our route. The boys carried the cooler, counted out drinks and meals, and were great sports while driving our route to deliver meals to eleven individuals. We talked about how we were providing them food, that they lived very close to us and needed assistance while our pantry is full, and wished each recipient a Merry Christmas. By the end, I think the boys gathered what our goal was and each person enjoyed a warm meal and smiles from us. It was incredibly rewarding! The rest of our week will entail a Toys of Tots drop off, food and toiletry drop off at Harvest Hope Food Bank, and a gift for the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

I am in hopes my children will appreciate these experience as we will do them each year during the holidays, and hopefully throughout the year as times allows. This was my first Meals on Wheels experience and I plan to get a weekly route since I enjoyed it so much! The magic of Christmas is certainly for children, but I would love for mine to not center it around making their lists and checking them twice. I want them to enjoy Santa, opening gifts and being with family, but I also hope they seek out those in need and offer their time and energy as gifts to those in our community who are less fortunate. I hope you are enjoying this season as much as we are!

Santa!

Ready for the party! They clean up nice, huh?

Blair looking pretty in her new Christmas dress from Mimi & Papa

I have a sweet picture of the boys' faces when Santa arrived, but had to share this one instead. This was them waiting in line to see Santa. Priceless. It is like our own version of "The Christmas Story" If only I could have the entire line procession (and party) on video :)

Blake was so excited and ran right to Santa!

Dane, on the other hand, was a bit apprehensive. I was surprised he did it.

Today was the Down syndrome Alliance of Greenville's Christmas party. I took all 3 by myself thinking it was just a "come in, have a cookie or two, drink punch, see Santa, be on your merry way" kind of thing. But, I arrived to find a beautifully decorated hall with a sit-down lunch, centerpieces, and a fully decorated stage with a Santa chair! I was blown away! I have to admit it was a challenge to manage all 3 at a nice meal and for over 2 hours, but the memories were all worth it. And no shopping mall Santa to boot.

Blair Elise is 5 months old today!

...and apparently she is taking the same hair coloring route her Mommy did. She is now sporting an adorable red hue, which is what I did as an infant before my hair turned blond. Whatever color her hair decides on staying I am making note now to encourage her to treasure it and never color/highlight it! Or she will be in the same boat - expensive boat - that I am! Let's not mention all of the gray hair I am trying to cover...either way, Happy 5th Month, Blair!

Sorbet Stripes

What fun it is to have a little girl...

Pleasant Surprise...

For probably the second time since we moved to Greenville I went to the local Down syndrome alliance's website. I just needed to verify the time for their Christmas party this weekend. When the site came up my sweet boys' faces were looking back at me! I had no idea! It sure makes me proud to be their Mommy! Here is the link if you want to check it out...

www.dsfagreenville.org

Christmas Parade

Getting ready to go...Blair in her Christmas fancy pants :)

Waiting patiently for the parade to begin...

Enjoying all of the sights and sounds of Christmas

No caption needed...

This year instead of going to Greenville's parade downtown, we decided to check out the Simpsonville's Christmas parade. Personally, I liked it a lot better. It was less crowded and at 3pm, not late in the evening. We really enjoyed seeing the floats, listening to the bands play Christmas music, and simply seeing the excitement and smiles on the boys' faces (Blair was napping through it all). And, as always, we cherished having Matt there with us and being able to take it all in as a family.

Developmentally Appropriate?

I don't recall every seeing "cover the face with a lovey" on any developmental charts in school or during my last 11 years of practice. It seems you have to do this as part of your development to be a Hollenbeck. Dane would cover his face with his lovey to fall asleep, and now his sister is doing the same thing. Hey, whatever works to self-soothe, right? I love the picture of her peeking out to see if I was watching...

4 Months...All Smiles :)

Ruffles

Thanks Great Aunt Peggy for my adorable girly girl outfit :)

Progress Note

So, as therapists we write progress notes once a month or once a quarter...whatever the facility you work at has implemented as their policy. After breakfast this morning I believe I could have written an interesting progress note. You see, not only does Blake have Down syndrome, he also has a diagnosis called "apraxia of speech." It is such a challenging and frustrating thing to deal with as a parent, and probably more so for Blake. He knows what he wants to say, but can't figure out how to motor plan (place/move his oral musculature) to make sounds that form letters and words. Once he learns how to form a letter or word his ability to say it can come and go for awhile until it finally clicks and he can say it comfortably all of the time. *please note I am NOT a speech pathologist, so this explanation is not perfect, but just how I interpret apraxia!

Lately Blake has been making HUGE gains in the area of speech and language including tons of imitation of words, forming long sentences, spontaneously telling us stories and communicating much more typical for his age. We have loved watching his speech blossom! So, this morning I could have written a fantastic progress report about his speech and how incredibly appropriate it was. This is what happened...

During the breakfast rush, which is an understatement, Blake requested more milk. We currently have milk from Costco, which I loathe because it always spills. Poor design for a milk jug, in my opinion. Anyway, I poured his milk and of course it spilled onto the table. Blake nonchalantly shouted, "SH*T!" As most parents would have scolded their child and explained how we don't use vulgar language, I said "Nice talking, Blake!" Now that's progress. And a reminder I need to watch what I say and buy milk at Publix.

A Halloween Tradition

A big thanks to the Barden's for hosting us for Halloween again this year! Since moving to Greenville we have spent each Halloween with Ben and Lauren...and now with Lola, too! We love going to their house, sharing dinner and trick or treating in their neighborhood. This year Blake and Dane were in on the passing out candy and loved running to the door with each knock or doorbell. It has been fun watching the boys grow up each year as they are now able to independently walk to the door, knock, say trick or treat (and thank you, thank goodness!) and eagerly find the next house with the front porch light on. Blake had some difficulty controlling his impulses, but we had to try to work through it. We look forward to next year - our LAST year! - as we watch Blake, Dane, Lola and Blair share in the Halloween tradition at the Barden's...

Dane's 4th Birthday!

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Dane turned 4 years old on October 30th! We were so happy Mimi was able to travel here to celebrate his birthday and spend a few days with all of us. Dane and his friends had a great time at Giggle Bugs, a local bounce house for kids, and we especially loved his Cars cake :) Thanks to all who attended his party and here's to a great year of less talking back, limited tantrums and minimal brotherly love in the form of wrestling and fighting...

Trial Run...my first attempt at posting a Picasa slideshow

Celebrating Blake - Buddy Walk 2011

Our walking group!

Having fun before the walk...

Blake's best buddy!

Blake had the best idea for the walk!

Celebrating Blake's accomplishments with a medal!

We returned to the beautiful Furman University campus for this year's Buddy Walk, and the weather and company were perfect! Our great friends, Catie (with daughter, Sullivan) and Lauren (with daughter, Lola) joined us for this special event. We thank them tremendously for supporting Blake and taking time out of their Sunday and precious family time to spend a few hours with us. Unfortunately, Matt had to stay home with Blair who was dealing with her first cold :( The activities prior to the walk, the walk itself and dancing afterwards were such fun! I can't believe next year will be our last Buddy Walk in Greenville before leaving for fellowship.

3 Months

Growing...Changing...Learning to suck my thumb :)

Tummy Time

Before...

After!

On the Horizon...

Things I am looking forward to...

A much-anticipated visit from Matt's brother, his wife and two boys in just 2 weeks!!!

A visit from my Mom over Dane's birthday the last weekend of October

A visit from my parents to celebrate Thanksgiving in November

Yet another visit from my parents (thanks for all of your travels!!!) during the Christmas holidays in December.

These visits will save me from the one thing I am NOT looking forward to...

Trauma Rotation. The dreaded trauma rotation. Three months of agony for Matt with an incredibly demanding schedule and super human responsibilities. Agony for us, as well, as we won't see him near as much and during the holidays to boot. Such is life as a resident. We'll savor the moments this last week of his rotation at Shriner's Children's Hospital, and mentally prepare ourselves for the abrupt change October 1st.

Already a Fan

My cousin Todd and his wife, Tracy, gave Blair this adorable Kansas City Royals outfit! Although Blair has only been to KC once, she is already a fan. If only we could click our heels three times and be home sweet home (I guess that is Kansas, but it's just across the state line!).

Work Hard, Play Hard

...then, rest.

Birthday Suprise

Matt's birthday isn't until September 19th, but I just couldn't wait to give him his gift! Here he is posing with his new TV...and a little helper. Our main TV was so old and out of date, but Matt never complained or wished for anything new or better (he never does for anything). He loves watching sports in his down time, which is never since he is always working. I decided last year at this time my goal would be to have enough money for him to purchase a new TV, so I did things the old-fashioned way and saved my money. I did so consigning the boys' old clothes and toys, and it took all of that year to ultimately have enough money to purchase this TV. I am so proud of having the patience and drive to do that in this instant gratification world we live in! I think he was very surprised and excited, considering all of the research he did before purchasing. It is now proudly displayed in our home, and already many football games have been viewed. Happy early birthday to Matt...someone more deserving of this than anyone else I know!

2 Months

Blair is 2 months old, and is showing off many rolls in this picture...I love it! She is one happy baby. Blair is so alert, has started cooing, loves to smile and has even shown us a giggle or two. She is growing by leaps and bounds!

Happy Baby!

For those of you who know me well know I would have never posted a title like this with the boys! Not that I don't love them dearly, but they weren't the happiest of babies. This baby girl is happy and content most of the time! I feel like I am going to jinx myself by posting this, but I just had to share. Blair is sleeping 7 hours at night consistently, eats like a champ (I didn't escape the excessive spit-up, but no reflux!), smiles and coos at all of us, loves to cuddle and puts herself to sleep with a little bit of fussing. She tolerates all of the commuting to schools, errand running and other activities well. She is a sweet pea!

First Day of Kindergarten!

Honestly, it seems unreal, but Blake started Kindergarten this morning! When we received his school assignment letter this Summer I was concerned with the school that was assigned and thought the transition might be a tough one. But, after petitioning and filling out lots of paperwork to request a transfer to a different (and much better) school we found ourselves at the one we wanted, Oakview Elementary School...ranked #9 in the entire state of South Carolina and an amazing reputation. Plus, a teacher with an impeccable track record and only success stories. To say we were lucky is an understatement! When you have a child with special needs you make lots of sacrifices and learn to become quite the advocate, so the extra work and the 30-minute drive to this school is totally worth it.

This morning went great! Matt was able to leave the hospital long enough to walk Blake into school and meet his teacher, which was the first time he was able to do so since Blake started public school at age 3. Blake was so eager! He waved and said "Hi!" as he walked in, found his cubby and put his bag away, then we realized he knew some of his classmates. Two of them were from his school two years ago and he recognized them and hugged them! We really like his teachers and classroom, and are looking forward to a great year. Aside from a few tears we walked away feeling confident Blake will fit in well and make great gains at Oakview...home of 900 students, yes 900! Whoa! Like Oakview's motto..."School is Cool!"

Time is Already Flying...

Happy 1 month birthday, Blair Elise!

Big Brothers!

Finally! Pictures of Blair with her big brothers holding her. Blake and Dane are being such great big brothers, and are very sweet to her :)

Little Chefs

Mimi and Papa purchased the Cars collection from Williams Sonoma for the boys! We now have a cake pan for mini Cars cakes, Cars cookie cutters and those adorable aprons you see pictured above. The boys are so thrilled to have them and had lots of fun today making their first batch of Cars cookies! They are also very into helping and have adopted a new chore of emptying the dishwasher...fine with me! Thanks Mimi and Papa for the new, fun activities! It has been a great distraction from the almost constant attention Blair needs from Mommy :)

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Well, my parents have gone and the boys are off of school this entire week, which means I am diving in head first staying home with three kids. I have already been antsy for several days, and luckily was cleared by my OB this morning to do as I please. I have already been driving for a week and decided to return to work the week of August 8th seeing a couple of kids in the evening. I will resume my regular work schedule when Blair is three months old thanks to the majority of child care facilities not taking them until then (she can't start where Dane attends until SIX months...crazy). Anyway! I am thrilled to be back to my busy lifestyle and feel great. I am ready to hit the gym and the pavement...and Zumba in the privacy of my home, with all of the blinds closed, of course!

Introducing...Blair Elise Hollenbeck!

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Blair Elise Hollenbeck arrived on July 10th at 9:49am!

9lbs., 4oz. - 21 inches

We are all smitten with our sweet baby girl, and are doing well at home after an eventful hospital stay. Blair's big brothers seem to be adjusting well and love to talk about her and pat her on the head (with reminders to do it gently!). Thanks for all of your love, support and prayers during the pregnancy and her arrival. We are extra thankful to my parents for making the trip from Iowa to help out, and arriving just in time for me to walk out the door :) And also to all of the great friends here in Greenville who have already starting providing dinners, and who have been so caring and supportive. An early thank you to Matt's parents who will be making the trip from St. Louis in August to help out.

The Plan

Induction is scheduled for 6am next Tuesday, July 12th if baby decides not to arrive on her own before then. I saw the OB this morning and I am still progressing on my own, just not enough yet to be admitted. We continue to makes lots of plans doing various things around town. I am certainly not to going to sit around and wait, unless I could do so at a pool. Honestly, I am regretting take off of work since June 16th, and have already been daydreaming about going back to work...

Patiently Waiting...

This weekend I have...gone out to eat with the family multiple times, run lots of errands, washed all sheets and vacuumed all comforters and mattresses, cleaned and vacuumed the house, cleaned and organized the garage, dropped off items at Goodwill, worked on consignment tagging, played soccer with my boys (literally!) and spent time at the park playing. No baby yet and running out of things to clean and organize. Stay tuned...

Busy!

Since last Wednesday we have been super busy! I have a bucket list so to speak before baby arrives wanting to do fun things with the boys before their world changes quite a bit. Last Wednesday I took them to the zoo, they had school Tuesday and Thursday, & Friday I took them to see Cars 2 (by the way...terrible movie). Then, as a family we spent hours at a park Saturday morning playing and riding the tricycle. That night we attended the annual ortho resident picnic to welcome the new residents and had a great time hanging out, eating and watching the kids play. Yesterday, Sunday, we went to a very fun birthday party for the little boy of one of the outgoing residents who will be leaving soon to do fellowship in Salt Lake City. Now, we begin our week with more fun things planned and hopefully some news of progress at the OB on Thursday :) Just click on the Picasa link above (Blake), then click on slideshow to see all the pictures from our fun times...

Residency Roast 2011

The handsome M.D. and his large sidekick!


The ladies that hold it all together :)

As awful as I looked and felt this past Saturday night, it was still a very fun and exciting event! This was our third roast since Matt began the residency program, which means we are saying goodbye to people we are closer to each year. But, we also get to say hello to a new group! June is a busy month in the world of residency as the 5th years take their last calls and get ready to move, the new interns arrive and adjust to a new city, and we attend the roast and then the annual picnic is next weekend. Then...the residents all rotate "up" one year on July 1st. For Matt, this year is significant as he becomes a 4th year, a chief, and his responsibilities increase tremendously. He will also soon make the decision on fellowship (sub-specialty) and begin the interview process late fall/early winter of this year. We should know where we are headed for the 6th (yes, 6th!!) year sometime next spring. Cross your fingers it is somewhere exciting :) New Zealand has been mentioned, so you never know!

Extend your congrats to Matt for almost having another year of residency under his belt. As always, the hours and hard work he puts in is unimaginable and something most cannot relate to. His abilities as a physician and surgeon are amazing and continue to grow. We are so proud of him and can't wait to see what the final two years of residency bring....a baby girl hopefully soon :) and more visitors to see the beautiful place we are calling home for another two years.

Memorial Day Fun!

Memorial Day weekend was a busy and hot one for us! It was in the 90's all weekend, not to mention the high humidity...yikes! already! I was able to spend all of Saturday with my great friend, Deanna, (from my Florence, SC days in 2000-01) in Columbia, SC. We spent our day sipping iced coffee, shopping, eating lunch and catching up. So fun! Lucky for us Matt was off all weekend and Memorial Day, so we spent Sunday morning playing outside in the water and that evening at Freedom Weekend Aloft. FWA is a festival at a large park in the community we live in, Simpsonville, and includes games, rides, bands, and lots of food and vendors. We also enjoyed a train ride, watching the dog frisbee competitions and the most exciting of all, the hot air balloons, which is what the festival is famous for! Matt thinks he counted up to 50 balloons. It was so amazing to watch and the boys were mesmerized! Then Monday we packed a picnic lunch to eat downtown after the boys played in the fountains for what seemed like hours. They had a blast! After lunch we enjoyed watching the USA Cycling Championships that took place right here in Greenville. They raced right through downtown a few times, so we lined up with the crowds and their cow bells to cheer them on. The weekend was full of fun, family memories and lots of walking and heat exposure for this pregnant gal...but, it was well worth it and enjoyed thoroughly especially when I looked at Matt's call schedule for June :)