Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family.

Dave, Erin, Cole and Kendall

Twas 3 Nights Before Christmas

Twas 3 nights before Christmas and all through the house, was the sound of us puking, and the crash when I passed out.

Kendall has had a touch of something since Tuesday (coincidentally the same night Cole came down with croup - again).  She spit up once in her crib in the middle of the night and then promptly went back to sleep.  Of course we discovered this in the morning, after she slept in it all night.  And the parent of the year award goes to ...  After this she mostly had a lack of appetite and a few loose diapers.  But overall, she's been functioning quite well with a little Tylenol.

Then last evening it hit me.  I had been tired all day and decided to lay down while the kids had their quiet time.  When it was time to get up I felt unsettled and called Dave to see if he could come home early from work.  Thank goodness he did because and hour later I was incapacitated.  Literally.  At one point I was on the toilet and passed out.  I now have a bump on the head from where I hit the base of the pedestal sink.  To spare you any more details.  I feel much better now other than its still a little too much to stand up and walk around.  I've been camping out in our spare bedroom since the middle of the night.

Unfortunately, Cole woke up this morning just before 7 and spent the rest of the morning throwing up.  The poor kid hasn't had the stomach flu since he was 9 or 10 months, so he had no idea what was going on.  He'd pretty much just say ouch, scream and then puke (while screaming).  Or at least that's what I heard and was told by my husband, as I laid on my own sick bed.  Cole spent the afternoon laying on the couch sipping water while half asleep.  He's resting and seems to be feeling better.  Somehow his favourite blanket and monkey escaped unscathed.  I'm calling it a Christmas miracle.

Once again the world's most wonderful husband and father has stepped up and taken care of us all.  Here's hoping he remains unaffected.  Just in case my wonderful mother has made the 4 hour trip to stay with us and help out.

We are supposed to be travelling to see my family on Christmas day but at this point I think we'll be taking things one day at a time.  I think the last thing my family would like to receive for Christmas is this nasty flu.  Oh well, things will work out in the end.  They did last time.  5 years to the day to be exact.

The Girl of Christmas Past and Present

2011

2010

A lot can change in one short year!

She may have

grown, but the cuteness factor has stayed the same!

One thing is for sure ...

... it's definitely more difficult to get her to stay still for the camera.

Happy Birthday to Me!

My birthday is December 27th.  Even though it's not Christmas day, it quite often gets lost in the shuffle of all the various family get togethers we go to during the holidays.  So this year my hubby decided we would celebrate my birthday early (on Monday).
Dave isn't big on parties, but he made a huge effort just for me.  It was just us and the kids, and we just had McDonald's from the drive thru, but he decorated.  That's right, I said DECORATED!  I got the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plates, napkins, paper cups and plastic tablecloth.  The man even got me my own cake, which is huge since Dave hates cake, and since I'm the only one who eats it, we don't normally get one (I make him cheesecake or pie every year).  But the icing on the cake, so to say, was my gift this year.

The kids got me the book "The Art of Cars 2" for my Pixar art book collection.  I also got the book "I Want My Hat Back" written and illustrated by my friend Jonathan Klassen.  However, in the front jacked of the book was tucked the greatest present ever.  It was a flight itinerary for a round trip to Alberta in my name.  My husband organized our family to all contribute and buy me a plane ticket to visit my dearly missed friends in Alberta for a week, while he takes a week off work, stays at home, and watches the kids.  And though the middle of January may not be the most ideal time to visit northern Alberta, (there's a reason it was a good seat sale) I'll assure you I'm not going to enjoy the weather.

So do I have the best husband in the whole wide world ... I THINK SO!

To all my Alberta friends ... can't wait to see you in a few weeks!

Firsts

Kendall's first pigtails.

They stayed in for 5 minutes.

Cole's first ...

... high heels?!

We were at Payless the other day where Dave was trying on shoes.  Cole decided he wanted to try some on too.  However, he grabbed a pair from the shelf across the aisle, which happened to be women's shoes.  I was impressed that he shuffled around so well in high heels.  Even more impressed was I that he took off his shoes and put these ones on all by himself.  Getting Cole to do anything that requires self care (like putting on shoes, getting dressed or brushing his teeth) is a HUGE battle.  We are quickly finding out that its not because he can't do it any more, but rather that he physically can but doesn't want to.  This initiative of taking off and putting on shoes is a prime example that he CAN do these things, when he's motivated to do so.  However, I think Daddy would have preferred a different shoe selection for his son.

Now That's Love

For those of you who didn't get the opportunity to see my facebook status earlier today, it read:

"So a moment ago my kids were running around the living room, dancing to Veggie Tales Christmas music. They then stopped to rest their heads on the couch. Kendall lent over and gave her brother a huge, long hug. A big smile spread across his face. As a mother, I was enjoying the moment, permanently imprinting this image in my mind, as my children stood in a long embrace, when ... my son farts, they both giggle, and then run off. Not a Hallmark moment ... but I'll take it."

Earning Their Keep

Today was house cleaning day.  It was much neglected and had to be done before the babysitter came tonight, and a home visit tomorrow morning.  Most of the reason for the neglect was a couple of weeks of grumpy kids.  Cole has been having what we call a "bad" stint, and Kendall had a cold followed by some major teething grumpies.  Fortunately, the kids were both very pleasant today.  When I told them it was time for Mommy to do some vacuuming, Cole wanted to help.  So I gave him the vacuum cleaner.  Kendall instantly had left-out-sibling jealousy.  No problem!  Gave the 19 month old the swiffer duster.  Ahh ... time to sit back and watch the kids go to work ... and get a great photo opt.  You know  ... to remind them when they're teenagers that they DO know how to do this stuff.

Though this picture from the previous day shows that I may have to work on keeping them on task.  Those toddlers ... they're such slackers ;)

Good Peer Pressure

Part of Cole's Nursery School routine includes snack time.  The school provides a nut free snack for all the kids.  Cole has a very limited diet (his own choice) and refuses to try new things.  A majority of the time we bring one of his favourite snacks to things like Sunday morning nursery, playgroup, etc.  His peanut allergy is usually a good excuse.  However, we decided that we wouldn't do this when it came to school.  Cole doesn't always have an afternoon snack at home, and we thought it would be good for him to have to conform to the rest of the class or, simply not partake if he didn't like what was served.  So we weren't surprised to hear that Cole wasn't eating snack almost on a regular basis.  However, the last couple of weeks Cole has had a change of heart!

First we were informed that Cole had 2 graham cracker biscuits that day.  Then at the end of last week we were told he ate 10 Ritz crackers and a container of applesauce.  These are things Cole has refused to touch since he was about 1 year old!  We always knew that Dave and I had no influence of what he was willing to eat.  We could talk something up and make something seem like it was the most delicious thing in the world ,and he still wouldn't try it.  We thought having a little sister with an adventurous appetite would perhaps influence him, but he hasn't followed suit.  So after months of sitting with his peers, and simply observing during snack time - Cole has taken the plunge!

Yesterday at dinner we put a couple of crackers on his plate.  Usually he just ignores these or offers them to his sister.  While we were finishing putting the rest of dinner on the table (the kids usually get a head start on us) we looked over and were amazed to see the crackers were missing.  Our first verbal enquiry gained no response so we looked over at Kendall's plate (a frequent strategy).  No crackers there.  We checked his lap and the sides of the booster seat.  Empty.  Finally we asked Cole again.  "Did you eat the rectangle crackers?".  His response:  "Yes."  "Would you like some more crackers Cole?"  "Yes."  There was much praise and then hushed high fives by the parents in the kitchen.  He probably ate 7 and polished off the diced pears and macaroni (something he almost dropped from his diet for months) on his plate as well.  Then this afternoon he tried a new kind of cookie he previously refused many times before.  He took a tiny bite to begin with, and then finished the whole thing (except a mushy corner).

I'm going to be paying close attention to the snack schedule at nursery school to see when vegetables are the menu.  These parents can only hope!!

The Geek in Me Wants This (I Won't Tell You Percentage That Is)

I LOVE the television show The Big Bang Theory!  Probably because I am a self professed geek, or at least I was in high school ... right?!?  Math and science weren't my strong suits.  I was more of a yearbook committee, Sr. Concert Band kind of gal.  Have I mentioned I was in the Gifted Program? 

So yeah ... I own seasons 1 to 3 on DVD and season 4 would make a great birthday gift (hint, hint).

Anyway, a post on Big Bang's facebook page made me smile in giddy disbelief:

It's a Soft Kitty singing plush doll!!

I just have to share the write up on the website with you  (Warning:  If you're not a fan of the show you're just not going to understand this post):

Soft Kitty,
Warm kitty,
Little ball of fur.
Happy kitty,
Sleepy kitty,
Purr purr purr.


The Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Plush


From: The Big Bang Theory Labs


Prescribing MD: Sheldon’s Mom


RX: #355717


Contains: 1 Soft Kitty Plush


Indications: For when you're sick Instruction: Press Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Plush on the paw to hear song, “Soft Kitty” at least once a day or as needed. Repeat until symptoms subside.


Refill: Put Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Plush in cart again, and check out.


Exp: Not likely

Warnings: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while listening. Will make you fall in love with blonde girl across the hall who will forever keep you in the friend zone. Do not allow Soft Kitty Plush to come in contact with vapor rub.

Love it!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like ...

I LOVE Christmas!

I love the music, the decorations, sending cards and thinking of that special gift to give someone.  I love the cheesy TV specials, drinking out of mugs that look like snowmen, meals with family and the cookies you bake just once a year.  I love driving around the neighbourhood with a travel mug of hot chocolate while admiring someone's light display at 5 kms an hour.  I could go on ... but you get the idea.  My favourite of the favourite is decorating the tree.

Last week Dave had the week off, so we decided to set up our trees.  We have 2 artificial ones.  A large one set up upstairs in our livingroom with all my nice ornaments I've collected since we've been married.  This tree is a definite no touch for those under 4 feet tall.  The second is a small 3 ft. tree kept in our family room/play room. 

Cole has always been good about not touching anything he was told not too.  When he was younger we never even had to put safety locks on a single item in our house.  Kendall is now 18 months.  We still don't have any safety latches, but Kendall likes to push the boundaries when she thinks no one is looking.  Okay ... sometimes even when I AM looking!  So this year I knew that I needed to be creative about the tree readily accessable to little hands.  That, or watch Kendall every second of the day. 

So I chose option #1.  I put anything breakable away and left out only ornaments that were plastic, foam, or metal.  Then I found this tutorial for these felt ornaments online. 

Believe me they are super simple because my sewing abilities are limited to mending buttons and the straight stitch my Oma taught me when I was a little girl.  I think they turned out quite well and I only worked on them for a couple of days ( I did a dozen of them).  If they peak your interest check out the link.  You can make them simple like I did or, add a little bling in the form of beads.  If I had to do it again I think I would add a couple of layers of fabric to make them a little fuller.

The kids for the first time this year got into helping me decorate their tree.  Cole had trouble hanging the ornaments but, had just as much fun looking at all of them and bringing each one over to me.  They didn't tell me but, I'm pretty sure they are enjoying the finished product.

Happy Halloween

Last year we didn't celebrate Halloween.  We had just gotten possession of our house and Dave, Kendall and I were in town frantically painting Cole's room before the moving truck arrived with our furniture and Grandma arrived with Cole.





My Assistant

Once again, Halloween wasn't a big event at our house this year.  Kendall is still too young to really eat candy and Cole WON'T eat candy ... so Trick or Treating is sort of a lot of work for the payoff.  There were no parties to go to this year and with no family to visit, I didn't go to the trouble of buying costumes for the kids.  I did dress them up to see the other kids come to the door.  Cole wore some of his dress up clothes and Kendall got to wear Cole's costume from 2 years ago.  However, we probably only had a dozen kids, and my kids managed to rip off their costumes within 10 minutes of putting them on.

Something we did do this year was carve pumpkins.  Cole was actually interested in doing this, this year.  They had carved a pumpkin in class at nursery school which probably helped peak his interest.  First off Cole wanted to use the knife which was a definite No No.  He was rather persistent.  I told him he could help me scoop the seeds and the insides out, but after getting the smallest amount of goop on his hands he was instantly turned off by that idea and was frantically trying to clean his hand.  He watched me for a while and then once again appealed for the knife.  When he finally felt I wouldn't relent, he gave up asking.  I then watched him pull a chair over to the kitchen cutlery drawer, open it and then stare at it for awhile before abandoning his post.  I realized after, that he probably figured that since I wouldn't give him one of the knives on the table, that he would go get his own.  However, the reason he just sat there staring at the drawer was that all the knives were dirty and in the dishwasher.  There were no knives.  It was good to see him take some initiative though and do some follow through problem solving.  This is huge for a kid who has trouble with sequencing and cause and effect.  Even if that thought process involved knives!

Sock Monkeys

Construction Worker Cole

So with the end of Halloween, you know what that means .....

 IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!! :)





The Finished Product





Here, There, and Everywhere

This month's calendar has been full of appointments ... mostly for Cole.  First I'd like to say how impressed I am about how quickly the ball has started rolling since Cole's assessment by the Child Development Centre.  In the past 2 months we've seen occupational therapy, who has referred us to a feeding team.  We've seen a speech pathologist, who has recommended us for a communication course for parents of children with, or possibly with, Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Next week Cole starts a gymnastic class designed as Occupational therapy.

I won't lie ... we're tired.  All these extra appointments has meant shuffling days off, and using what would normally be down time, going from one office to the next.  But I'm happy we're here.  I'm optimistic of seeing Cole reach his best potential.  I'm receptive for input on how I can be a better parent to my son.  I'm feeling blessed for all these resources and all the people who seem to genuinely care about Cole and our family.

Healed!

Thanks to the world's most wonderful husband (mine) and Geek Squad my computer now has a new adapter.  We previously thought there was something wrong with the battery (as in it wouldn't charge) and therefore I was totally reliable on my power adapter.  When the adapter bit the dust, my laptop was stuck in permanent OFF mode.  It turns out that the adapter was the problem all along.  A new adapter and now not only does my computer turn on, but it also charges.  HURRAY.

Now that I've bored you all with those details, I'm back online and the blogging can once again resume.  I can't even begin to tell you have busy the last month has been.  Cole got croup, we all got sick, there's been family visits, family pictures, and there has been appointment after appointment regarding consultations and programs for Cole.  All this I will leave for another day. 

For now, here are a few pictures I took a month ago before the great computer blackout.  Be back soon!

Get Well Soon

My laptop is dead at the moment.  That's why its been been pretty quiet on the blogging front.  Thankfully my hubby is letting me use his one from work otherwise, I'm checking all my internet stuff on my smartphone.  Typing on that tiny touch screen is just plain ... well ... its just not worth the effort.  So I apologize if its been pretty quiet around here.  That is if anyone actually reads this blog?  Really I have no idea who does.  Just sending my thoughts out there to cyberspace ...

So Impressed

Cole's new Nursery School teachers sent Cole an email today (to our accounts) to tell him how much they fun they had yesterday, and how much they enjoyed having him in their class. 

They also included a couple of pictures of his first day.

Isn't that wonderful?!

First Day of Nursery School

Today was Cole's first day of Nursery School by himself.  Of course he was convinced that Mommy, Daddy and Kendall were all going with him, even though I explained to him all week that he would be going by himself.  I don't think he finally realized he was going solo until I got him buckled in his carseat and the one next to him was empty.  Fortunately he was so excited to be going we avoided a meltdown, and were on our way.  Removal of his coat, hat and a change of the shoes, and he took off to play on his own. 

2 hours later Dave picked him up.  His teachers reported that he was very social and played cars with a boy named Liam.  He did not eat snack, or do his craft but that's not at all surprising (Cole's has yet to grab on to any concept as to why one would do something artistic). I had an hour and a half of pure quiet while Kendall had her nap.  A pretty good first day had by all!

You Can Lead a Horse to Water ...

... but if Kendall gets a glimpse of it, she'll jump right in!!

We've quickly learned that Kendall (16 months) LOVES the water.  We've known most of her life how excited she always gets about bathtime.  This summer while on vacation, we visited a zoo which also had a splash park.  Kendall spotted the pool from across the neighbouring playground and she eagerly gestured for us to take her there.  She then spent the next hour and a half letting us walk her around the circumference of the pool.  She loved the feel of the water, every spash and wave and the loads of shreiking children didn't phase her one bit.  As you can guess Cole didn't want to come with in 20 meters of the place.



Lion Ride by the Lake



Last night we decided to take the kids for a walk down by the lake.  We neglected to check if our Sit and Stand stroller was in the back, and sure enough we found no stroller when we arrived.  Cole enjoyed following the path and trying to get me to run like all those highly dedicated individuals that jogged passed us (he was rather unsuccessful!).  Kendall however, caugh a glimpse of the water and B-lined it straight the steep rocky edge of the parkway.  After many foiled attempts on her part, we conceeded to having to carry her (note to self - next time check trunk for stroller before leaving house).  Near the end of our stroll we came to a section of rocky beac.  We thought maybe Kendall would be more contented by going down to the shoreline to inspect the waves.  We were wrong.  A mere glimpse of the water lapping on the ground wouldn't satisfy her.  She struggled in Dave's arms while attempting to jump right in.

So I think we'll be looking to enroll her in some swimming classes this year.  For now Kendall will have to be content to limit he plunges to the tub.

Our Family Goes to Nursery School

Today was family orientation day at Cole's new preschool.  If you read my previous post on Global delays you will remember that Daycare was a recommended for Cole by the Developmental Pediatrician.  Being in a Nursery school should be beneficial for his speech and social skills.  After 2 to 3 months Cole will be evaluated in this setting, and then he should receive further diagnosis.

Cole attended our church's Vacation Bible Camp (Pandamania) back in July and he had a blast!  He did really, really well with transitioning with the schedule, the leaders and the other kids.  We knew then, even before his evaluation, that something like Nursery School may be really great for Cole.

Before we started having kids, Dave and I agreed that it would be awesome if I could stay at home with our children, at least until they were in full-time school.  I love and have volunteered with Preschoolers after all, and I didn't see the point in paying someone to watch my kids and teach them things I could do on my own.  So looking at Nursery Schools isn't something I thought I'd ever be doing.  However, parenthood never goes as planned, and I never thought I'd have a child who may likely have Autism either.

Since Cole's appointment with CDC wasn't until the beginning of August, quickly followed by a week of holidays out of town, we were left quickly looking for a Daycare, in a new city, only a couple of weeks before the Fall programs started.  Fortunately (to make a long story short) we ended up with 2 choices literally down the road from us. 

The first choice has a great reputation, is 3 days a week in the mornings.  It has a maximum of 16 kids and was full when we enquired.  We were put on a waiting list but were informed of an opening the same day we went to visit ... Option Number 2:  is located in the Christian School and is 2 days a week.  They had an opening in one of their 2 morning classes but there afternoon class was only half full.  Really both options looked great, and Cole seemed comfortable in both settings and I'm sure would be thrilled with either.  Both had also worked with Community Living; the organization that will work with the Preschool to address Cole needs due to his delays.  So after much prayerful thought we chose Option Number 2.  We felt 2 days a week may be enough on top of any other therapy sessions Cole may have (eg. speech, OT, PT, Infant Dev.) and we felt the communication between the parents and the teachers was excellent.  Something really important when your child has delays in communication, and you may not hear anything about his day from him.  Also the smaller class size (9) seemed beneficial and would mean some extra one on one time for him.

So today our whole family attended the Nursery school.  We had been talking it up for a few days and Cole was super excited!  He remembered the building as soon as we pulled up saying "Nursery School".  We were only there for an hour to hand in our registration forms and meet the other kids and parents.  Next week he'll attend just one day with half his class, and then the next week and following he'll go Tuesday and Thursday afternoons regularly.  He seems to have a great class with a great bunch of friendly kids.  Kendall was the only sibling there, but you almost didn't know it because she was right in there like a dirty shirt playing with the toys, and bringing the teachers dress up shoes to wear (she's much cuter than a dog who fetches slippers).  Nursery school is looking like a very positive experience.  I'm glad we can change our perception on things. 

Potty Training Pride

Cole still isn't potty trained.  I started getting him familiar with potty time around 16 months.  The boy loves books, and so I would sit him on the potty 3 to 4 times a day and literally read for hours.  He would go, but it never really registered with him ... and he would want to continue reading.

2 years later its obvious from Cole's various delays that starting this early was doomed to fail.  If potty training has potential for struggle - Autism is a major obstacle leading to potential potty training war. 

Until recently Cole wasn't physically ready (bladder control, self dressing, etc.) or mentally ready.  A child who can't tell their parent if they're hot, cold, sore, afraid, or hungry is definitely not able to communicate the urges of their bladder.

Cole has made huge strides over the spring and summer.  His speech has come a long way and we are getting a glimpse into his desires feelings and preferences.  Over the past few months Cole has been able to accomplish some huge milestones with some huge pushing on our part.  These are things most kids do naturally but we have learned not to take for granted.  Since the winter Cole has learned to take off his own shoes when he enters the house, take off his own shirt and pants, drink from a regular cup (not a sippy), and take bites from a sandwich (previously cut into bite-sized pieces).  All these were skills we wanted Cole to accomplish before "the big one" ... potty training.

So now that he has made these huge strides it was time to address the elephant in the room. 

Potty training in a weekend was just not going to happen for us.  Once Cole is content in a routine it takes a while to break it.  Wearing diapers has been a lifetime routine ... this was going to be tough slugging.

We are now in our 3rd week.  The routine is simple.  When we're hanging out at home Cole wears underwear.  Diapers are still worn at night and for going out in public and occasionally for nap time.  We're casual about it and there is a lot of praise and encouragement.  When Cole goes on the potty he gets a "potty present" (a.k.a. my old Happy meal Toy collection).  Having a small training potty in the room in front of his eyes seems to be more successful than having to remember to get to the bathroom and the extra steps of climbing onto a stool.

Cole has been exceeding our expectations.  In the last 2 days he's only had 2 accidents.  He still rarely tells us he needs to go, and he isn't able to take himself to his potty.  But he's willing to sit on his potty if we think he needs to go (he walks on his tip toes).  He's figured out the reward system after a couple of weeks.  That's a big accomplishment in itself.  He still asks for Mickey Mouse (a diaper) but that usually means he really does need to go, even if he denies it.  He still would rather go in a diaper, but he's become comfortable going on the potty for the most part instead of holding things in at all costs like he did when we began.

So sparing you any more details, I just had to brag about my little man.  He still has a long way to go, but he has made HUGE steps and we're very proud.

Global Delays

You may remember from a previous post that Cole was due for a multidisciplinary preschool team assessment with the Child Development Centre's Preschool Team back on August 2nd.  This appointment was and is a big deal for us because it would be the first time we would actually get an official Medical assessment and initial diagnosis for Cole's various identified delays.

The appointment went very well as Cole was having a good day.  Of course at these types of appointments I'm never sure whether having a good day is an asset, or, whether it would be better for others to truly see him at his worst.  I think after seeing the written report of our appointment, it probably didn't matter since the Pediatrician was clearly observant of what was atypical behaviour no matter what the degree it was presented.

The team seeing Cole that day was made up of a Developmental Pediatrician, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist.  Here is what the Pediatrician had to say in summary about Cole:

Cole is a 3 year, 4 month old child referred for a developmental assessment.  Based on assessment today, his fine motor skills/visual motor skills were at a 27 month old level while his gross motor and problem solving skills were around a 30 month old level.  On the other had, Cole was certainly ahead with his letters, numbers, colours and shapes.  Based on our assessment today, Cole has a diagnosis of global developmental delay (language, cognitive, fine motor).  I suspect that he scored lower than what his true potential is in terms of his Cognitive Adaptive Test since most of the tasked involved visual motor skills.

From history, Cole has a number of atypical features in terms of his language development, communication, play skills and poor joint attention.  On the social communication questionnaire filled by mom he had a score of 21, which is significant.  I suspect that Cole does have autism spectrum disorder but have not made a formal diagnosis at the present time since I need more information around his social skills.  I suggested to the family that Cole be placed in a formal daycare setting for his social and overall development.

Diagnosis: Global developmental delay

The Pediatrician has recommended that Cole be referred for speech and language assessment as well as to a social worker for paper work and funding.  She has also recommended daycare for Cole as she had mentioned above.  After 2 or 3 months of being enrolled in daycare she would once again like to review Cole in order to make a better diagnosis about his social skills with the input of his teachers.

So indeed, it is likely that Cole does have autism.  But for now he has been diagnosed with Global Delays.  This primary diagnosis enables us to be approved for any programs and/or funding that may be available to help him with his needs.

So where do we go from here?  Step One:  Put Cole in childcare!  Stay tuned for a whole other post on this topic.

Playing Ketchup

Its been about a month since my last post.  There has definitely not been a lacking of stuff to blog about ... It's simply just been too busy.  Any extra down time I've had has been me taking a break from all the stuff floating around in my head.  There have been a lot of decisions and stuff to process through, plus 2 weeks of vacation.  So I'm attempting this week to play catch up on the blogging front.  There's just to much do say in one post, so I'll be chopping things up in their own little chunks.  Bear with me and please keep reading.  Who doesn't like Ketchup ... right?!

R.I.P.

Last week there was a funny smell in the house.  I could smell it between a couple of floors of our spilt level but in the same area.  After a couple of days Dave decided to extend the search.  We have a dirt crawl space that gets pretty creepy crawly, but that turned out empty.  Finally Dave tracked it to our furnace/storage area.  And sure enough there on top of the box of our packed up Christmas tree was a dead chipmunk.  How he got in, we don't know.  How he died is as much of a mystery.

I've been watching a whole family of chipmunks all spring and summer that like to hang out in our yard.  They come right up to our patio and can often be seen sitting on the pair of wooden planter boxes in the garden outside our backdoor in the morning (see picture).  I haven't seen them as much lately (though they're still there) but this could perhaps be why.

Dave did the removal since we all know that I don't do dead rodents.

Poor little chipmunk.  I'm too thrilled about having a dead chipmunk in my house, but I'm not sure having a live one running around would have been any better.

Rest In Peace Chipmunk

? - 2011

My Pollywog

Splash, splash, splash

Ready, set ...

... catch!

Family Mantra #8

Just say "NO" to eating Playdough.

That means you Miss Kendall.

That's right ... I caught on to your compulsion.  It goes something like this:

1) put playdough up to your nose and take a HUGE sniff.  We're talking one large inhale for at least 5 seconds.  Not sure if you can huff playdough ... but if so ... I think you may have a problem.

and then ...

2) in less than a blink of an eye, shove a whole wad of that salty dough into your mouth.

My husband said this would be a better post if I had some video of it.  It REALLY IS hilarious.  However, I was too busy trying to keep her from sniffing and then devouring a whole can of the stuff, and until she kicks the habit, I'm afraid any video will remain illusive.

Amen

Dave and I pray with Cole every night when we tuck him into bed.  We say the following;

"Thank you God for play and fun, and quiet rest when day is done."

Then we add our own personal prayers thanking God for the day, prayers for our family and various other things like help obeying Mommy and Daddy or a good night's sleep.

Lately Cole will occasionally say his own prayer.  We can usually only make out a few words because of his speech setbacks.  Usually I hear the words Mommy, Daddy, Baby Kendall, and good night sleep, etc.  Last week he prayed for Grandma a couple of times.

This week Cole has been attending our Jr. VBC (vacation bible camp) for ages 3 to 5.  We weren't sure how he would do, especially with transitioning from activity to activity but he has exceeded our expectations.  He loves it, especially the music and the singing.  He talks about Pandamania a few times a day and yesterday evening he tried teaching me one of the songs he learned (note to self: buy CD).

At bedtime this evening we told Cole he needed to go to bed and have a good night's sleep for Pandamania.  He said "Go to church for Pandamania tomorrow".  For a kid who usually only repeats sentences he learns from television or in our own repetition, this was pretty impressive.  Plus I think he's finally gotten the concept of when tomorrow is. 

But what I really wanted to share was his prayer tonight.

Tonight when we said it was time to say our prayers.  Cole jumped in and did all the praying himself.  As before we could only make out a few things, but one thing we could definitely make out was the name of his Team Leader at Pandamania, Stephanie.  It was so touching to hear our little boy praying on his own, but just as wonderful to hear him praying for something sincere from his own heart.  Cole's regular speech is often comprised mostly of  repetitive phrases or centered around favourite songs or movies.  Praying for his Leader was completely his own original thought.  So this prayer was encouraging on 3 levels.  1) He is obviously loving VBC and his Leader.  2) He felt the need to pray for Stephanie all on his own.  and 3) Cole has figured out the purpose of prayer as opposed to something learned we say on a daily basis.  A HUGE thing for a little boy who has big gaps when it comes to the purpose and function of communication. 

It has recently been my prayer focus that Cole, no matter what his setback or challenges are, would simply grow up to be a man who loves and follows God.  Most of the time I am left in the dark as to what is going on inside the head of my little boy.  I am often left guessing how much he truly comprehends, since he is unable to communicate fluently with us.  This is particularly true when it comes to spirituality.  Most days I don't know some of Cole's most basic feeling (tired, hungry, cold, sore, etc.).  To know that Cole is comprehending something like talking to God overwhelms and encourages me.  My heart is gushing.  I can hardly find the words to express my joy.  Guess its my turn to have trouble communicating :)

No News Turned to Good News

It's been over 3 months since we got a letter confirming that Cole is scheduled for an medical evaluation with Child Development.  This letter stated that we confirmed to be seen by their pediatric team but that there is a lengthy list for a scheduled appointment.

So we've waited.

Last week I called their office.  So did our Infant Development worker.  The woman who is head of the department was on vacation.  I left a message.  Our worker called again today.  This afternoon Child Development called to schedule an appointment.  Cole will see a Pediatrician, Occupational and Physical Therapist August 2nd!

I don't like to nag or believe in "who ever yells the loudest gets heard" ... but I made a polite inquiry and it got results.  No apologies here.  My son and his well being are definitely worth it.

Feel The Burn

Jillian Michaels move over ... have I got a work out that will make you sweat.

All you need is:

2 children ages 1 and 3 years old
1 double stroller
Your own 2 legs

Put children in stroller and push around your hilly neighbourhood, for 45 minutes to an hour, in humid weather that feels of 35 degrees Celsius.  Feel the burn in every inch of your body ... if you can under all that sweat!

F.Y.I.:  If your lacking the child component of this workout.  Mine are available any time upon request.  No deposit required.  Hey ... I'll even provide the stroller!

If You Blink You Might Miss It

My house is clean.  It will be until the kids wake up in the morning. 

The floors are vacuumed, the bathrooms scrubbed and cleaned, laundry is folded and put away, the dusting is done and everything is put away and in its place.  I even managed to clean up a few more piles from the junk room office ... enough to even get in there with the vacuum cleaner. 

Too bad no one will see it in the next few midnight hours.  So here is a written record of it for posterity.

P.S.  Thanks to my husband ... we're even cleaned up 1 dead mouse ... which I found in the empty recycling bin in the garage while taking out some jars.  I do diapers, take out the garbage, and scrub toilets.  I do NOT clean up dead rodents.  Thanks Sweetie.

On The Road Again

I hate to tell her ... but its going to be a long drive to Grandma's.

Comparison Shopping

Here we are at Walmart again.  (That's what happens when you have to buy milk every 3 days.)  Cole was price savy and brought his Toys R Us flyer to do his price checks.  Fortunately for the others in line, he was content to merely consult Mickey.  We were out in 5 minutes.

Here We Go Again!

By now you all know how much I DREAD haircuts.

Well its about that time again.  I called to make an appointment with Nikki again since she did a decent job.  To my surprise she is gone for the summer and won't be back until October.  I'm guessing she's a student.  There is no way I can wait until October.  I need at least 3 haircuts a year!  So I'm seeing someone named Jessie tomorrow.  Hopefully I can get over my anxiety, get a good cut and then enjoy the rest of my hubby's 2 days off with the kids.  It's supposed to be gorgeous weather!

Buddies

I mentioned a few posts ago that we suspect that our son Cole whose 3 may have Autism.  Though he likes his baby sister, he's not usually the most interactive with her or any other kids for that matter.  Most typically Kendall (now that she's fully mobile) gets into his stuff or goes somewhere she shouldn't, and Cole just repremands her ("No Ken-all") or blocks her off at the path to his room.

Lately however, they seem to tolerate eachother more.  Cole has actually let Kendall into his room on occassion, and the other day he even went through a bin of his cars, passing each one to her after he had looked at it.

So here are a couple of snap shots of the kids hanging out together.  I'm sure one day they'll be great friends.

Reading together in their chairs

Why is it when you're about to get a good picture, someone scratches their eye and then walks away?



Kendall hamming it up for the camera.

Why Extreme Couponing Gives Me a Headache

"Extreme Couponing" is a show on TLC.  It's a reality show where they document people who use couponing to buy massive amounts of groceries for barely nothing.  Seriously,  these people spend around 40 hours a week researching store sales online and clipping coupon flyers, and in the end they pay one or two dollars for $600 worth of products from the store.  These savings lead to stock piles that fill whole rooms of the house and garages.  Now here in Canada we just don't have the same coupon policies that make this kind of savings possible.  However, I admit after watching the show, I've gone from tossing my flyers away to actually flipping through to see if I could save a buck on something I would normally buy.

What they mention in passing on the show, but you don't necessarily feel the full effect of while sitting in front of your TV, is the sheer amount of hours these people spend checking out in the grocery line.  They're buying hundreds of products over several separate transactions (as to not max out the number of items allowed by the tills), each item in return being accompanied by 1 or 2 coupons in order to get their extreme savings.

Now enter my reality (not seen on TV).  This show has caught on (remember I admit to clipping a coupon or two).  I've begun to see people being price savy at my own grocery store.  Not with a file folder full of hundred of coupons, but we have begun to take note of what we're paying and taking store policies seriously.

Direct example was Sunday night at Walmart.  Dave, the kids and I hit Walmart to get a few groceries (milk, cheese, bananas, an avocado, jarred fruit and cereal).  It was evening and it was Walmart, so there were only a few cashiers open.  Dave got into line behind one other woman.  I took the kids over to the mechanical Mickey Mouse golf cart which, Cole loves and has yet to realize actually moves since we never put money in it (why wreck a good thing if he enjoys just sitting in it?).  It took us at the very least 20 minutes to check out (seriously).  Why?  Because the woman in front of us was having the store price check all her items against other store flyers.  You see its Walmart policy to match a lower price from another store so they won't be under sold.  Good policy.  But this lady had done her research.  EVERYTHING she was buying she had found cheaper in other flyers.  Good time to jump to the line next door you say?  The lady in the next aisle had her written out list and was doing the same.  Did they come together or was it coincidence ... I don't know. 

Now times for some are tough, and I can't blame anyone for wanting to get the best deal for their money, but here's my suggestion for our new found couponing society.  Mickey Mouse is fun and all, but my 1 and 3 year olds get ancy doing their most favourite thing after 15 minutes.  If you would like to price check EVERY item of your purchase PLEASE just go to customer service - they have a till there.  In fact, the manager who is working in customer service is going to have to come over and help your cashier authorize every adjustment to the price of your items.  And if you would like to save a buck with a friend, please share a cashier.  That way us, and everyone else wanting to buy milk, cheese, bananas, a avocado, jarred fruit and cereal while totting along our preschoolers, can pay and leave in the normal 5 to 10 minutes.  Thanks for your service, have a nice day :)

Meeting Celebrity

Today was Customer Appreciation Day at our local Loblaws.  They had a free BBQ, pony rides and other animals to pet.  That stuff was all good but the real reason our family went was for the guest appearances of some of our kids most favourite celebrities.

We arrived right after lunch (we didn't take advantage of the free food because feeding 2 toddlers in public is just crazy).  Minutes after we arrived, Elmo, Dora, and Kung Fu Panda made their appearances.  All the kids were thrilled.  There was much hugging, high five-ing and picture taking.  Funny are the things you would have never gotten excited about before you had kids. 

Kendall spotted Elmo right away.  We snapped a couple of pictures and she let Elmo hold her without panicking for "Ma ma" (not usual).  She spent the rest of  the time we were there saying his name and keeping him in her sights. 

I wasn't sure how Cole would react to the over sized renditions of his favourite characters, but he was thrilled.  He wanted to see Elmo and especially Dora.  He let them both embrace him and let us take his  picture with both.

I felt sorry for Kung Fu Panda.  I know he was just a Loblaws employee in costume, but while Elmo and Dora had throngs of adoring fans, he hardly got acknowledged.  Cole almost gave him a high five but he, along with most of the 5 and under crowd really didn't know who Kung Fu Panda was.

As we left to walk next door to Toys R Us, Elmo was getting onto one of the ponies for a ride.  Kudos to you Loblaws for making the day of some small children.

Wedded Bliss

I won't be blogging over the next few days because my husband is whisking me away to a hotel for the weekend for our 9th wedding anniversary.  Well I wouldn't quite say "whisking" since the kids are spending the weekend at Grandma's.  This involves packing everything 2 preschoolers would need for 5 or 6 days.  Oh, and my dad is coming back with us for a visit, so the house needs to look like it didn't explode while I engaged on my packing endeavour.  But when we check into that hotel all those hours of prep will all be worth it. 


We have nothing planned but that's the whole joy of it.  2 whole days without the kids.  Sleeping and eating when and what we want, and time to do whatever else we'd like at our own pace and without objection.  Its going to be wonderful and I'm going to spend a lot of time in a large jacuzzi tub.


Thank you husband and thank you Grandma.


Now for a trip down memory lane.  I can't believe its almost been a decade!