Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The latest...
I have recently accepted a position with my old company, Cultural Care Au Pair, out of Cambridge, Mass. I'll be supporting au pairs and families here in the Lancaster area. I'm excited to return to this position.
(but don't worry, I'm still creating accessories from Izzy Lane tweed...look for more pieces at Mommalicious by the end of the month).
I've spent the last couple of weeks retraining online, and will attend a training conference in the next few weeks.
in other news...
I am still convinced that Mimi has more going on than just your standard Constitutional Short Stature. Her nutritionist rang today and she talked with me about outfitting Mimi with a continuous blood glucose monitor for three days. I was a little startled by this, but I don't think Mimi's eating habits are at all normal.
Mimi begs for food often from 11pm until 1am, even though she is still logging in 1400 calories a day on average. She now has gram gaining goals, and with her dairy allergy, we are pacing the aisles of Giant looking for fattening, protein rich things she'll like. (First couple weeks of January, and I'm searching for fattening foods, with the highest calories, while other shoppers whisk past me with their energy bars and salads!)
While at the store the other day, Mimi said hello to a little girl. The girl said to her mother, "Mommy! That baby can talk!"
...
Max came down with the flu on Tuesday, the same day he was supposed to get his flu shot. I ended up taking his shot instead, and am suffering with some aches of the universe. I'm just hoping it stays away from Mimi, who hugs Max constantly, and plays doctor, with her giant medical kit.
Have a great week!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Post Genetics...
Dear Mimi, when we took you to Hershey yesterday to see the genetic specialist, you captivated the entire "team." In fact, I think your doctor complete with bow-tie, fell in love with you. Above is a picture of you yesterday afternoon back at home in your confidently aqua new blue shirt that you wore to the visit.
There were two resident students, two genetic doctors, and two nurses. Your doctor diagnosed you as a beautiful creature who probably, in his opinion has Constitutional Short Stature. He thinks you are tiny and will watch how you grow, thinking you will be about five feet tall.
Today I felt his answer might not be completely right- or that maybe something was missed.
I felt so tired today, that I was in danger of having a stroke!
but behind the scenes of your mother, you have other people watching out for you.
The author of the Russell Silver book, Jennifer Salem, contacted me last night and asked to review your growth. She has given me instruction on how to handle the next year, and I have called the genetic office back and asked them to run a specific blood test that she recommended.
I will remember that appt fondly yesterday, your doctor walking us through the facility himself to have your hand x-rayed, and declaring multiple times that you are so beautiful! so bright! with skin so soft! and hair so silky!
cheers to you:)! Ms. Captivating:)
1/28/13 UPDATE: Hershey Genetics has decided to test Mimi for a variant form of Russell Silver Syndrome.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
What Awaits Little One I do not know for sure...but I think I know...
My little Mimi, you see a genetics doctor tomorrow. I hope the doctor can tell us why are so small and not growing well.
You are 32 inches tall and you weigh 21 lbs 15 ounces.
You are 26.5 months old.
I've done all the research I can find. I think you have Russell Silver Syndrome.
I've found you little friends who are growing like you.
I've gotten used to you not outgrowing your clothes, and taking in the waist of your pants. I don't mind anymore that when you stand next to another two year old, sometimes you just reach their shoulder. You are silly and so smart.I love you, my Mimi Angeline. you fabulous and tiny little one. You can be and do anything you want to do no matter your size. You show them tomorrow, give them all you got...
You are 32 inches tall and you weigh 21 lbs 15 ounces.
You are 26.5 months old.
I've done all the research I can find. I think you have Russell Silver Syndrome.
I've found you little friends who are growing like you.
I've gotten used to you not outgrowing your clothes, and taking in the waist of your pants. I don't mind anymore that when you stand next to another two year old, sometimes you just reach their shoulder. You are silly and so smart.I love you, my Mimi Angeline. you fabulous and tiny little one. You can be and do anything you want to do no matter your size. You show them tomorrow, give them all you got...
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We had a snowy Christmas Eve (imagine!), and our Nashville family up the days before. We hit the National Christmas Center, went out to eat, and went to Hands on House. We managed to fit in Dutch Winter Wonderland Sunday night, and church and Chinese food Christmas Eve.
We celebrated a lovely Christmas day with family, a new dollhouse and pirate ships, and went sledding the next day. The snow melted, then it snowed again, and we've sled the last two days, and built a snowman.
Mimi has taken to eating at midnight now, and playing dollhouse with me until 1am.
Both are part of her (probable) condition. A fierce need to eat, and a little bit of hyperactivity.
I'm giving myself a mini makeover, and I'm looking forward to the New Year.
Mimi sees the genetic doctor in January. And so I bid a happy farewell to 2012.
We look forward to an answer for Mimi, new friends we've made and hope to meet, new things to do, see, and learn, new confidence, and enjoying the strength we've earned from our challenges this year.
We celebrated a lovely Christmas day with family, a new dollhouse and pirate ships, and went sledding the next day. The snow melted, then it snowed again, and we've sled the last two days, and built a snowman.
Mimi has taken to eating at midnight now, and playing dollhouse with me until 1am.
Both are part of her (probable) condition. A fierce need to eat, and a little bit of hyperactivity.
I'm giving myself a mini makeover, and I'm looking forward to the New Year.
Mimi sees the genetic doctor in January. And so I bid a happy farewell to 2012.
We look forward to an answer for Mimi, new friends we've made and hope to meet, new things to do, see, and learn, new confidence, and enjoying the strength we've earned from our challenges this year.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Happy Kids
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We had family visiting, and the kids had a great time with their three cousins. Max and his cousin Audrey made a hideout under the porch of my parents house. It doesn't get more fun than that, really!
We have entered into a serious (and messy) crafty phase in the house.
It's Play Doh time every other day. But all of our Play Doh has this colorful tie dye thing going on. We need the super Play Doh pack for Christmas. Everything we've been creating, critters, little marbles, ice cream cones...everything is marbled.
Surprisingly, we had no school all last week. that was followed by a holiday. I need a few days to deep clean.
The night before Thanksgiving, Mimi's endocrine doctor called us and said that he thinks they'll just test her again in six months. I asked him about the short stature statement on his notes to her primary. He said, "we'll see if she falls off her growth curve." I said, "i think she's only grown a cm since July." I told him we'll see genetics in January. He doesn't think it's necessary, but my primary does.
I'm trying not to think of it today. Even though yesterday, from my calculations she ate 56+ grams of protein.
Max got new glasses! He can see a bit better and thinks they'll be cool with his bow ties.
Is Christmas really near? It seems so. but we have relatives headed to Europe during December, the cousins not coming after Christmas (which will make for a quieter holiday), Christmas lists made, a fake tree in the garage, which we'll probably (for budgets sake) break out again, and our holiday activities lined up on the calendar.
I would like to decorate a tiny bit. Maybe I'll just put the holiday wreathe on the door. I'll wait to get the rest out, until I have a handle on the house. XX
We have entered into a serious (and messy) crafty phase in the house.
It's Play Doh time every other day. But all of our Play Doh has this colorful tie dye thing going on. We need the super Play Doh pack for Christmas. Everything we've been creating, critters, little marbles, ice cream cones...everything is marbled.
Surprisingly, we had no school all last week. that was followed by a holiday. I need a few days to deep clean.
The night before Thanksgiving, Mimi's endocrine doctor called us and said that he thinks they'll just test her again in six months. I asked him about the short stature statement on his notes to her primary. He said, "we'll see if she falls off her growth curve." I said, "i think she's only grown a cm since July." I told him we'll see genetics in January. He doesn't think it's necessary, but my primary does.
I'm trying not to think of it today. Even though yesterday, from my calculations she ate 56+ grams of protein.
Max got new glasses! He can see a bit better and thinks they'll be cool with his bow ties.
Is Christmas really near? It seems so. but we have relatives headed to Europe during December, the cousins not coming after Christmas (which will make for a quieter holiday), Christmas lists made, a fake tree in the garage, which we'll probably (for budgets sake) break out again, and our holiday activities lined up on the calendar.
I would like to decorate a tiny bit. Maybe I'll just put the holiday wreathe on the door. I'll wait to get the rest out, until I have a handle on the house. XX
Saturday, November 17, 2012
from:
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Fifth Annual Philadelphia Tweed Ride has arrived!
This Saturday, November 17th, make your way on down to the Water Works at noon for a stylish, leisurely ride through the union's most historical city! Filled with camaraderie, this ride is one of the most fun the city has to offer. For how relaxed the ride is, the competition between riders to win prizes provided by some generous local independent companies can really heat up. Riders are judged by tally against each other in the following categories: Most Magnificent Millinery, Most Marvelous Moustache, Most Stylish Steed, Most Snappy Lass, and Most Dapper Chap. Since you are already 16 days into No Shave November, don't be stingy on the moustache wax! There’s also a new prize for the most Picturesque Picnic, so come prepared with a lavish spread, a fun game, or other fine trappings! Additional prizes will be given out in a raffle.
This year the ride's organizers ask that all riders make a voluntary donation of only $1 to Philabundance in advance of the Thanksgiving and Holiday seasons. A single donation alone is able to provide 2 meals.The list of fabulous sponsors includes: Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, Art Star, Briar Vintage, Community Bikes, Duke & Winston, Fabric Horse, Fairmount Bicycles, Maggie French Ethical Tweed Accessories, Philadelphia Salvage, R.E.Load Bags, RevivalSmith Vintage Goods, Rothera Cycling, Spodee, Trophy Bikes, Velo Orange, Volta Organics, and Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream.
Philadelphia Tweed Ride
Water Works
640 Water Works Drive
Registration begins at 11:00 am
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Fifth Annual Philadelphia Tweed Ride has arrived!
This Saturday, November 17th, make your way on down to the Water Works at noon for a stylish, leisurely ride through the union's most historical city! Filled with camaraderie, this ride is one of the most fun the city has to offer. For how relaxed the ride is, the competition between riders to win prizes provided by some generous local independent companies can really heat up. Riders are judged by tally against each other in the following categories: Most Magnificent Millinery, Most Marvelous Moustache, Most Stylish Steed, Most Snappy Lass, and Most Dapper Chap. Since you are already 16 days into No Shave November, don't be stingy on the moustache wax! There’s also a new prize for the most Picturesque Picnic, so come prepared with a lavish spread, a fun game, or other fine trappings! Additional prizes will be given out in a raffle.
This year the ride's organizers ask that all riders make a voluntary donation of only $1 to Philabundance in advance of the Thanksgiving and Holiday seasons. A single donation alone is able to provide 2 meals.The list of fabulous sponsors includes: Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, Art Star, Briar Vintage, Community Bikes, Duke & Winston, Fabric Horse, Fairmount Bicycles, Maggie French Ethical Tweed Accessories, Philadelphia Salvage, R.E.Load Bags, RevivalSmith Vintage Goods, Rothera Cycling, Spodee, Trophy Bikes, Velo Orange, Volta Organics, and Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream.
Philadelphia Tweed Ride
Water Works
640 Water Works Drive
Registration begins at 11:00 am
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Shop Local for the Holidays
A Saturday in downtown Lancaster promises great food and amazing shopping!
You can pick up Maggie French for Izzy Lane accessories at Mommalicious, 310 North Queen and my famous felted flowers at the Mandarin Rose Spa at the Marriott Convention Center, 5th Floor.
Happy Holidays!
You can pick up Maggie French for Izzy Lane accessories at Mommalicious, 310 North Queen and my famous felted flowers at the Mandarin Rose Spa at the Marriott Convention Center, 5th Floor.
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I Vote for a President, and a Clothes Switcharoo...
I voted today and made boysenberry muffins. At night, when all the traffic was at the polls, I lugged all my "old life" clothes to the Candy Factory, for a cool trade-a-thon.
Give up your old clothes, see your friends, and find some new stuff to wear.
Whatever isn't taken, goes to Sandy victims, some who have lost everything.
Well, you can't beat hanging at the Candy Factory. Or seeing old friends. Or networking. Although I just told the group, "I'm Maggie French." Did not say, "I make headbands. and they are available across the street at Mommalicious." I was a bit hungry and excited to get started on my new wardrobe.
That's ok, though, because I found a photographer and a good model. What more do I need?
I did not think I had enough clothes to bring to work with.
Of course like any typical woman my age, I came up with a pile that went up to my hip.
Did I find anything new? Of course! It was great:)
I walked away with lots of new stuff. And surprisingly lots of stuff for the kids.
It was really fun and a bit exciting too:)
And it made election day extra cool.
Have a good evening, and Congratulations to President Obama.
Give up your old clothes, see your friends, and find some new stuff to wear.
Whatever isn't taken, goes to Sandy victims, some who have lost everything.
Well, you can't beat hanging at the Candy Factory. Or seeing old friends. Or networking. Although I just told the group, "I'm Maggie French." Did not say, "I make headbands. and they are available across the street at Mommalicious." I was a bit hungry and excited to get started on my new wardrobe.
That's ok, though, because I found a photographer and a good model. What more do I need?
I did not think I had enough clothes to bring to work with.
Of course like any typical woman my age, I came up with a pile that went up to my hip.
Did I find anything new? Of course! It was great:)
I walked away with lots of new stuff. And surprisingly lots of stuff for the kids.
It was really fun and a bit exciting too:)
And it made election day extra cool.
Have a good evening, and Congratulations to President Obama.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Ready to Ride?
In preparation for the Philadelphia Tweed Ride, which I am sponsoring, I am happy to offer 20% off pieces in my Etsy shop, now through Friday November 9. Simply enter coupon code: Philly2012 at checkout.
All my pieces are made using Izzy Lane remnants which are sent to me from the design house in Richmond, England. You can learn more about that here.
They are incredibly soft and made from Shetland wool. Izzy Lane won the RSPCA for Small Fashion Company last month in England.
Pieces ship from nearby Lancaster, PA where my home studio is located. I like to mail pieces using Priority Flat Rate, which should have your accessory arriving within 2-3 business days.
I was delighted to see my pieces worn at the Minneapolis Tweed Ride, which I sponsored last month, and on my friend at Tweed Ride Victoria last May.
Scroll through my blog for recent pics of the Minneapolis Ride. Each rider received a Maggie French for Izzy Lane accessory, and I created prizes for best dressed.
You may get lucky and win a piece at the Philly Ride. (Two headbands are now in safe keeping with John at Tweed Ride Philadelphia headquarters!)
Thank you and happy ordering!
PS. the herringbone pieces coordinate with the 2012 Philly Tweed Ride poster:)
All my pieces are made using Izzy Lane remnants which are sent to me from the design house in Richmond, England. You can learn more about that here.
They are incredibly soft and made from Shetland wool. Izzy Lane won the RSPCA for Small Fashion Company last month in England.
Pieces ship from nearby Lancaster, PA where my home studio is located. I like to mail pieces using Priority Flat Rate, which should have your accessory arriving within 2-3 business days.
I was delighted to see my pieces worn at the Minneapolis Tweed Ride, which I sponsored last month, and on my friend at Tweed Ride Victoria last May.
Scroll through my blog for recent pics of the Minneapolis Ride. Each rider received a Maggie French for Izzy Lane accessory, and I created prizes for best dressed.
You may get lucky and win a piece at the Philly Ride. (Two headbands are now in safe keeping with John at Tweed Ride Philadelphia headquarters!)
Thank you and happy ordering!
PS. the herringbone pieces coordinate with the 2012 Philly Tweed Ride poster:)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sandy
I was not at all nervous about Sandy. I've learned a little more about Mimi and her lack of growth. It is appearing that she has some kind of dwarfism. It could be pituitary...in which she could be aided by growth hormone. But maybe it's not...I'm a bit stunned. She is so gorgeous and precious. Always the researcher, I have discovered that the Little People of America National Conference 2013 is in D.C.!
Let's see if she grows till then...and what the doctors say. My love.
Anyway, back to the storm...I tidied the house and made chili, jello, cookies, and hard cooked eggs.
I toured the outside of the house and took pictures. We've secured things. We put lots in the garage. We cleaned out the gutters - put covers on the chairs. Every neighbor around me still has their normal stuff out.
I'm feeling like anxiety Girl Scout. But then watch the news and the news reporters are SO SERIOUS. Then I get a little panic in my chest.
I am nervous about the big trees in the front yards of my house and my neighbors. I parked my car elsewhere, not in the driveway.
I have upped my typical storm plan. I now know to hide in the basement bathroom if the wind is dangerously insane (which would be super fun with two kids considering how narrow the bathroom is). I found a little sterno stove. We have a fancy radio light thing. Wondering what Max would do without Jake and Neverland Pirates, and Mimi without Peppa Pig. and no heat...that's not very nice is it?
well here we go...let's see what happens...!
Let's see if she grows till then...and what the doctors say. My love.
Anyway, back to the storm...I tidied the house and made chili, jello, cookies, and hard cooked eggs.
I toured the outside of the house and took pictures. We've secured things. We put lots in the garage. We cleaned out the gutters - put covers on the chairs. Every neighbor around me still has their normal stuff out.
I'm feeling like anxiety Girl Scout. But then watch the news and the news reporters are SO SERIOUS. Then I get a little panic in my chest.
I am nervous about the big trees in the front yards of my house and my neighbors. I parked my car elsewhere, not in the driveway.
I have upped my typical storm plan. I now know to hide in the basement bathroom if the wind is dangerously insane (which would be super fun with two kids considering how narrow the bathroom is). I found a little sterno stove. We have a fancy radio light thing. Wondering what Max would do without Jake and Neverland Pirates, and Mimi without Peppa Pig. and no heat...that's not very nice is it?
well here we go...let's see what happens...!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Izzy Lane won! The 2012 RSPCA Good Business Awards
2012 Winners:
Fashion Awards
George at Asda: Winner, Large Company
Izzy Lane: Winner, Small Company, Clothing
ASOS: Winner, Innovation Award
Rapanui: Highly commended, Small company
Food Awards
Eco cuisine:Winner, Caterers
Lussmanns Fish & Grill Restaurants: Winner, Independent Restaurants
Cafe spice namaste Highly commended, Independent restaurants
The British Larder: Winner, Independent Pubs
The Navigation Inn: Highly Commended, Independent Pubs
Edge & Son: Winner, Independent Retailers
Abel & Cole: Highly Commended, Independent Retailers
The Bath Pig Company Highly Commended, Independent Retailers
Sainsbury's: Retailer of the year, Supermarkets
Sainsbury's: Engagement award, Supermarkets
The Co-Operative: Hot Topic Award, Supermarkets
My heartfelt Congratulations go out to Isobel, Ernest, Lorraine, the Sheep, and all at Izzy Lane!!!
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