These last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.  With it being spring break last week, Avery didn't have preschool and I didn't have Bible study.  We took the opportunity to go visit my parents for a few days.  The plan was to enjoy the outdoors, but the weather did not cooperate and we got snow instead.  So we indulged ourselves with shopping.  It was a nice little trip away from our usual schedule.
We were still recovering from being away when Easter decided to come.  It completely sneaked up on me this year and holidays are always very busy (and a little stressful) now that we have kids.  It is hard trying to balance your own family time along with two other families as well.  It makes for a long day.  We did have a wonderful Easter even though the kids were tired.  Avery and I made a resurrection cake this year and also did resurrection eggs.  And of course Avery loved finding the Easter eggs.  We were able to spend time with both families that day, and our church service was amazing.  I can't even describe it other than it brought tears to my eyes and included a drum line.  I will keep you guessing on that one.
We also had several birthdays to celebrate these last couple of weeks too (mine, my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws).  April is a bit crazy, but so much fun.  My parents treated us to an amazing German feast at Inge's in Fishers and Jerrry treated us to a gourmet meal at Scholar's Inn.  All in all, I think I have gained 20 pounds in the last two weeks - ha-ha!
All of our activities have left the girls both tired, but we are getting back into our routine.  Mia, however, has been struggling with another lung flare-up.  She started wheezing and coughing several weeks ago and by today her coughing was so bad she vomited.  We usually put her back on all her breathing treatments immediately but sometimes she needs an extra boost.  The doctor did a chest x-ray that came back clear and added a steroid to her breathing treatments for her lungs.  We are used to all of this.  However, I was telling the doctor about how Mia gets blotchy and clammy when she drinks her bottles.  And that this happens more and more frequently, to the point where it is almost every time.  He started asking me about her heart and when we last saw a cardiologist.  Mia had problems as a preemie with hole in the tissue between the chambers of her heart, both of which we thought were closed now.  I was confused because I thought it was an aspiration issue that had to do with her lungs.  Turns out this could be a sign of a heart condition.  So, she is getting an echo-cardiogram this week and sees the cardiologist on Monday.  I hate to even share this since it could be nothing... especially since I know the way my mind wonders.  Keep in mind, this could be nothing (and I pray that it is nothing), but we are going to check everything out to make sure. 
We also saw a gastrointestinal specialist last week due to Mia's difficulty gaining weight.  We are doing an gastro emptying study on Tuesday to find out if her digestive system is reacting too slowly so that Mia still feels full when it is time to eat again.  If this test shows normal function, our hands are a bit tied as to how we can help develop an appetite in her, other than using highly-addictive steroids or putting in a "mickey button" (a hole in her tummy that would allow us to dump food directly into her stomach).  Turns out there is a lot of research into why our brains allow us to overeat, but not much research on why our brains tell us not to eat (only in America!).  So, we continue to fight this battle.  With all of this going on, Mia continues to take it all in stride. 
Avery was very excited to get back to school this week and see all of her friends.  The school started a new system for behavior where they put either a green, yellow or red square in their backpack to let us know what kind of day they had.  Avery got yellow on Monday, but she got a green today!  She was so proud of herself for making good choices.  She also is learning how to write her name at school and it very interested in writing her letters along with knowing their sounds.  I think reading is right around the corner, although I have no idea how to even begin to teach her that.  I should have gotten my teaching degree!  And she continues to love Spanish.  I can't keep up with her.  We listen to the Hispanic channel in the car and the girls love it.  They dance the whole time.  It kind of feels like your at a Mexican restaurant.  I have no idea what they are saying, but the girls can't get enough.  Both of them keep me on my toes.