8/24/05 - Daksolis. Lots has happened since I was able to write last. Raising two girls is indeed a challenge. Last time I wrote, Emily had just smiled. As of Sunday August 21st, she giggled for the first time. It was actually her auntie Melissa that made her do that! So far, no one else has been able to do it.
The biggest challenge we have these days is trying to make Emily comfortable. We learned late last month that she has eczema, or dermatitis. Its a skin condition that causes the skin to be dry, hot, and itchy. Much of the time, most of her body doesn't feel like a baby's. Sometimes you can't tell by feeling her skin whether she is wearing clothes or not since it is often so course and leathery. Several things aggravate the situation. Although we know a few of them, we don't think we've found them all. We know that latex, polyester, most laundry detergents, and heat aggravate the situation. On the trip to Wisconsin a few months ago, she had a nasty heat rash and ever since then the symptoms have appeared. Beneath the dry skin she is a beautiful baby and happy when we are able to keep her away from irritants. We always wish we could do more for her.
Sam returned to work July 18th and has been busy there ever since. I've noticed she hasn't let things get to her there as much as she has in the past. I'm very happy about that. It probably has something to do with having so much to look forward to coming home.
Next monday, August 29th, Samantha's sister Carolyn will be visiting us from Alaska for a month. She's never met either of her two nieces so this should be a treat. She's looking forward to baby sitting and swimming at the local pool. We'll ask her if she still feels that way after a week or so. We plan on showing her all the sights here in St. Louis. It should be a fun time. I'm hoping to be able to get some exercise in with the kids being otherwise engaged.
