Taking A Stand

One of the exercises that p.t. has given Gwendolyn to practice is really starting to pay off.

Our little Gwenner has been trying to master standing unaided with her back against a wall for the past month-and-a-half now. As has been a common theme on this blog of late, Gwen's leg strength continues to get stronger and stronger. So much so that her little legs have begun allowing her to stand taller and for a longer period of time during this exercise.

Today, she decided to have a nice long stand without even using her braces. As you can see, Mom got proof as she was able to snap the lead photo of Gwen standing nice and proud.

In another Castellano milestone, it's the first picture we've ever taken of the girls truly "sanding" next to one another.

Have a great weekend... I sure know we'll try to!

1....2.....3!!!

Too cute not to share.
I've had to get a bit creative on how to entertain the girls lately.

You will see our latest game here.

~Heather ;)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

So, we took advantage of the one day in Kansas City that didn't hit triple digits of late (it was a blustery 92 instead... brrrrrrrrrrrr) to bring Braelyn and Gwendolyn to their first baseball game.

Mom and Dad went into this experience thinking we'd be lucky to make it an hour before we had to depart for home with a pair of spent girls.

We're happy to share that they exceeded our expectations. We stayed pretty much the entire game, only leaving a tad bit early to make sure we didn't hit any post-game traffic.

As you can see, everyone seemed to have a great time at the old ballpark. Mom even took the time to introduce Cracker Jacks to the girls. (Yes, Gwen was a BIG fan.)

Now that's what the summer should be all about!!!

We'll Help Out Mommy

Nothing says "Let's beat the triple-digit heat outside" like volunteering to help Mommy with the laundry.

Apparently, Braelyn and Gwendolyn are still learning exactly what the terms "fold" and "put away" mean but we guess it's the thought that counts.

Stay cool out there this week!!!

Sisterly Love & Medusa Hair

Luckily, the week past had a lot less drama in store for us than the week that preceded it. Everyone is still breathing while sporting their normal flesh-tone color. That meant we could go back to focusing on being a family.

The girls have continued to form a close bond with one another this summer. If one of them wakes up before the other from a nap, there's always concern as to where their sister is at when they are solo with Mom or Dad. When she first gets up, Braelyn asks to hop into bed with her sister so she can give her hugs and kisses to start the morning.

Hopefully this type of affection will continue as they get older.

Braelyn's hair has become quite the topic of conversation lately. She's reached the unfortunate time where her hair really isn't long enough to cut but it's long enough to be constantly getting in her way. Add into the equation that she quickly pulls out any bands Mom uses for pony or pig tails and her hair seems in a constant state that looks like this:

Okay, well maybe it isn't quite THAT bad all the time but it can get interesting.

Gwendolyn continues her physical progress. She went to the pool with her at-home P.T. today and did pretty well. Since they went to a local community center this time and not the hospital, Mom had Braelyn in tow. So, she was able to spend time with her sister while Gwen got her session. Last week, Gwendolyn's therapist at the hospital was out of town so we thought it would be a nice addition for us to try this out and make sure she didn't have a lost week of aqua therapy. We've been so blessed with her progress using the pool for her therapy that we didn't want to miss the opportunity.

Plus the fact, to Gwen it's akin to having a pool party with a friend so she's just fine with it.

Until later...

Life 'Aint Always a Picnic... So Says the Hulk

For the most part, we've had a (welcomed) mundane go of things since we arrived back in town from Florida.

Braelyn continues to straddle the line between tomboy and girly girl. One minute she's playing demolition derby with her cars and the next she's comforting her baby dolls. (Dad's still working on turning her into a baseball fan... No luck yet.)

And Gwendolyn continues to bridge the gap between her physical abilities and that of her sister. In fact, the P.T. exclaimed during last week's session that he's seen a considerable upswing in her ability these three weeks she's been getting aqua therapy.

However, once again as we started to feel as though we're hitting our stride, life tends to remind us that it's not always a picnic.

Yesterday, Mom was unloading the girls from a quick errand and heading back inside from the garage. For some reason, Gwen became upset and started crying uncontrollably. Unfortunately, whatever triggered it must have really upset her because she was soon holding her breath... Then she stopped breathing altogether and turned blue... Then she went pale and limp.

Fortunately, Heather was able to keep her wits about her. First, she tried some of the old standbys (while Gwen's only reached a point like this just one time before, she's also been known to hold her breath for a momentary second or two during a particularly hard cry every now and then) such as blowing in her face and rubbing her chest. Quickly, she realized that wasn't working. So, she started CPR.

Luckily, after Mom blew air into her mouth a couple of times, Gwen let out a big exhale. Within a minute, she was her normal smiling self. And of course, she hasn't had an issue since.

As Dr. Banner used to exclaim on the old CBS series The Incredible Hulk (Yes, Dad used to LOVE that show as a child so no comments from the peanut gallery!): "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

Yep... Mom and Dad hear you loud and clear Gwendolyn!!!

Life in an Airport Terminal

As has become commonplace, no trip involving the Castellanos would be complete without some sort of travel drama. While awaiting our flight back to Kansas City, the plane had to be pulled out of service. As a result, we had a couple of extra hours to kill in the airport last night.

Here's where the common observer would be perplexed. When one has a travel delay like this normally, they find a cosy spot to lay down and catch up on some sleep...

Or maybe partake in some other activities that are, shall we say, a little less than mainstream.

But here we were this rainy night in the Orlando International Airport watching Gwendolyn crawl on the floor of the terminal... And not being completely freaked out by it.

Given the fact that her crawling is such a recent occurrence, Mom and Dad didn't know what to do. On one hand, there are few locations we can think of that have less dirt and grime associated with it than a surface that can see uncountable amounts of shoes with who knows what stuck to their soles.

But, on the other, it was the first time we could think of that she was able to engage in playful activities with her sister. While Braelyn was her typical social butterfly self - making new friends with just about everyone, right behind her was her sister Gwendolyn, squealing in delight at her new found inclusion.

So, for one night (and likely one night only) we were just A-okay with Gwendolyn crawling on the terminal floor.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Another Florida Photo Album

Well, believe it or not, the Castellanos slipped away to visit Poppa and Nana in Florida again. It was a fun-filled trip and of course involved a lot of time in the pool.

As you can see from the following photos, the girls have become quite the little tadpoles this time around.

Dad, quit mugging for the camera... We want to get really wet!

Oh yeah... I make this look GOOD!!!

Nana look... They aren't in the pool and we are. SUCKERS!

Mom, I LOVE this floaty!



Ohhhhh. This is a good book Nana.



Hey Poppa... Check out my wheels!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh

Nothing gets the girls in the mood for a lengthy slumber like a long car ride.

And nothing gives Mom and Dad more cause to smile than a pair of sleeping angels in the back seat.

Enjoy your Holiday weekend!