Our little family!My Sister took this picture at her house at the end of January when we were celebrating Shaun and my birthday together. I love this picture of my little family!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
I was sure that post was more recent!
Another update!
Time is just flying by. Days are long sometimes, but being at work all day actually gives me energy to play with the kids in the evening, which is great!
Patrick is doing fantastic at school. He's now made a little friend! I'm so happy for him! And he's still wow-ing his teachers with his academic skills. His pottying is coming along really well for them and I'm so glad. They're going to let me know when he's ready for undies, which they don't think will be long. Its really exciting!
Patrick is still seeing 3 therapists. They come and visit him at the Y. Sherri is his OT and she's working on his social skills and teaching him coping skills for when things don't go his way (he's very methodical and gets upset when he's interrupted, or if something is moved, etc). He sees Sarah, a speech pathologist, who is teaching him social speech (i.e. to use his words instead of lashing out). He's also recently started seeing a Food Therapist because he wasn't eating ALL DAY at school, even things he would eat at home. It was decided that it was sensory overload because his room is attached to the kitchen and an experiment of having him eat in the Supervisor's office showed it was. He now eats lunch with the supervisor in her office and is actually eating! On Friday he ate 10 chicken nuggets for lunch.
Of course, it makes so much sense when explained. Patrick does get 'overloaded' in the sensory department. Big spaces, bright lights, crowds, new places - so it makes sense that his sense of smell could be overwhelmed too. I'm so glad they've found a solution that works. Now that he's eating at school, he's less weary and weapy in the afternoon. Excellent!
AND now he's even trying new foods at home! We can get him to kiss or lick something without too much fuss, and after that he's free to ignore it on his plate and just eat bread.
Kathryn is still weapy at drop off but apparently recovers quickly. She's wow-ing her teachers with her ability to remember everyone's name. She's quite the little social bug and friends with everyone. She talks about her little friends at home which is super cute!
However, her attitude here at home has spilled over to there as well. She's giving everyone a hard time about diaper changes and I know her teachers are frustrated with that. Unlike at home, where she gets a little swat on her bare bum if she's trying to roll away during a diaper change, they can't do that there!
Actually, Kathryn has a lot of attitude these days. It is not fun!! She can drop down on her little face and melt at any given moment over the slightest little things. I remember Patrick going thru this but I don't remember it being too awful or lasting too long so here's hoping she's the same!
Another update!
Time is just flying by. Days are long sometimes, but being at work all day actually gives me energy to play with the kids in the evening, which is great!
Patrick is doing fantastic at school. He's now made a little friend! I'm so happy for him! And he's still wow-ing his teachers with his academic skills. His pottying is coming along really well for them and I'm so glad. They're going to let me know when he's ready for undies, which they don't think will be long. Its really exciting!
Patrick is still seeing 3 therapists. They come and visit him at the Y. Sherri is his OT and she's working on his social skills and teaching him coping skills for when things don't go his way (he's very methodical and gets upset when he's interrupted, or if something is moved, etc). He sees Sarah, a speech pathologist, who is teaching him social speech (i.e. to use his words instead of lashing out). He's also recently started seeing a Food Therapist because he wasn't eating ALL DAY at school, even things he would eat at home. It was decided that it was sensory overload because his room is attached to the kitchen and an experiment of having him eat in the Supervisor's office showed it was. He now eats lunch with the supervisor in her office and is actually eating! On Friday he ate 10 chicken nuggets for lunch.
Of course, it makes so much sense when explained. Patrick does get 'overloaded' in the sensory department. Big spaces, bright lights, crowds, new places - so it makes sense that his sense of smell could be overwhelmed too. I'm so glad they've found a solution that works. Now that he's eating at school, he's less weary and weapy in the afternoon. Excellent!
AND now he's even trying new foods at home! We can get him to kiss or lick something without too much fuss, and after that he's free to ignore it on his plate and just eat bread.
Kathryn is still weapy at drop off but apparently recovers quickly. She's wow-ing her teachers with her ability to remember everyone's name. She's quite the little social bug and friends with everyone. She talks about her little friends at home which is super cute!
However, her attitude here at home has spilled over to there as well. She's giving everyone a hard time about diaper changes and I know her teachers are frustrated with that. Unlike at home, where she gets a little swat on her bare bum if she's trying to roll away during a diaper change, they can't do that there!
Actually, Kathryn has a lot of attitude these days. It is not fun!! She can drop down on her little face and melt at any given moment over the slightest little things. I remember Patrick going thru this but I don't remember it being too awful or lasting too long so here's hoping she's the same!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Time for an update.
I can't believe how fast time is flying along. Days and weeks seem to be going very quickly.
The kids are doing great at daycare. Patrick now says "bye Mommy" and runs away to play when i drop him of. Amazing. K is getting better too. She is still teary but it doesn't last. She's having a great time there, and making friends! She refers to one little girl, Courtney, often. She's also turned into a jukebox and breaks out into songs - often with actions - all the time. Its adorable.
Patrick is wowing his teachers with his intellectual skills - especially numbers and writing. His pottying is coming along too, but he's no where near being 'potty trained'. Its nice to have the extra help in that department!
As for work, its going great! Every day I learn something new and I am really enjoying being back at it. Days can be long, though. I get up at 6:20 every morning and get the kids up by 7:30 (typically they wake up on their own before that). We're out the door by 8:15 and I get to work about 10-15 minutes early - enough time to get my stuff settled in the locker, clock in and walk over to the pharmacy. Some days just fly by. I seem to be spending a lot of time on the phone finding suppliers, transferring from other pharmacies and tracking down stuff we should have, but don't. Sometimes I don't even look at the clock till noon!
After I clock out at 5, its a mad dash over to daycare to pick up the kids. After gathering their things and getting all their outdoor stuff on, we don't get into the house until 5:30, sometimes later. Shaun gets home first so he makes supper (AWESOME!). After supper clean up, we play and read, and on Mondays and Thursdays its bath night.
After the kids are in bed (8-8:30) Shaun and I do our chores and then we get to relax briefly before going to bed.
Whew.
But I'm enjoying it. I do wonder at what point I'm going to physically 'hit the wall' and not be able to keep up this pace (especially the nightly housework), but I know we'll adapt.
I can't believe how fast time is flying along. Days and weeks seem to be going very quickly.
The kids are doing great at daycare. Patrick now says "bye Mommy" and runs away to play when i drop him of. Amazing. K is getting better too. She is still teary but it doesn't last. She's having a great time there, and making friends! She refers to one little girl, Courtney, often. She's also turned into a jukebox and breaks out into songs - often with actions - all the time. Its adorable.
Patrick is wowing his teachers with his intellectual skills - especially numbers and writing. His pottying is coming along too, but he's no where near being 'potty trained'. Its nice to have the extra help in that department!
As for work, its going great! Every day I learn something new and I am really enjoying being back at it. Days can be long, though. I get up at 6:20 every morning and get the kids up by 7:30 (typically they wake up on their own before that). We're out the door by 8:15 and I get to work about 10-15 minutes early - enough time to get my stuff settled in the locker, clock in and walk over to the pharmacy. Some days just fly by. I seem to be spending a lot of time on the phone finding suppliers, transferring from other pharmacies and tracking down stuff we should have, but don't. Sometimes I don't even look at the clock till noon!
After I clock out at 5, its a mad dash over to daycare to pick up the kids. After gathering their things and getting all their outdoor stuff on, we don't get into the house until 5:30, sometimes later. Shaun gets home first so he makes supper (AWESOME!). After supper clean up, we play and read, and on Mondays and Thursdays its bath night.
After the kids are in bed (8-8:30) Shaun and I do our chores and then we get to relax briefly before going to bed.
Whew.
But I'm enjoying it. I do wonder at what point I'm going to physically 'hit the wall' and not be able to keep up this pace (especially the nightly housework), but I know we'll adapt.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
We had a fairly good first week of work and daycare, all things considered.
Everyday, it got easier for P to say goodbye to me and now we have a little ritual so that helps things along too.
Kathryn was just as sad every day, but on Friday she did reach up for her teacher instead of me - sad, but I'm glad she's bonding with her teacher.
I've been calling regularly through the day, and both kids are doing well. K is napping well after lunch on her cot, and P is resting although on Friday he did nap! Both kids seem to be making progress accepting and enjoying 'school'.
Work is going well for me too - I'm really enjoying it. I think of the kids a lot, and sometimes I am sad, but I know that eventually they have to go to school... and now is working fine. Plus, this was basically my last opportunity to get back to my job before governement regulations changed. If I had waited longer, I would have lost my certification, and because I was trained on the job, I would not have been able to be employed any longer in my field - crazy but true! They are changing the legislation so that only those who have gone to college for Pharmacy technician can become certified and work in a pharmacy. This is going to begin in 2010. All currently employed technicians, who have enough hours each year, will be 'safe' and can continue to work. Next step of the process is becoming a Registered pharmacy tech and as soon as they roll out the courses online (they've already begun running courses at various community colleges) I'll be moving forward for that! Its kind of exciting.
Yesterday was the store's first day of business. It was a ZOO! We had predicted that Pharmacy wouldn't be very busy but we were wrong! We were quite busy. I only worked 8:45-3 but I didn't stop moving the whole time, except when Shaun and the kids came to visit and we went fo lunch at the McDonalds in the store.
Shaun had his dad take this picture, and he brought me one to hang in the pharmacy. The kids also drew me pictures and I put them up too!
It will be nice to look at their smiling faces while I work!
Everyday, it got easier for P to say goodbye to me and now we have a little ritual so that helps things along too.
Kathryn was just as sad every day, but on Friday she did reach up for her teacher instead of me - sad, but I'm glad she's bonding with her teacher.
I've been calling regularly through the day, and both kids are doing well. K is napping well after lunch on her cot, and P is resting although on Friday he did nap! Both kids seem to be making progress accepting and enjoying 'school'.
Work is going well for me too - I'm really enjoying it. I think of the kids a lot, and sometimes I am sad, but I know that eventually they have to go to school... and now is working fine. Plus, this was basically my last opportunity to get back to my job before governement regulations changed. If I had waited longer, I would have lost my certification, and because I was trained on the job, I would not have been able to be employed any longer in my field - crazy but true! They are changing the legislation so that only those who have gone to college for Pharmacy technician can become certified and work in a pharmacy. This is going to begin in 2010. All currently employed technicians, who have enough hours each year, will be 'safe' and can continue to work. Next step of the process is becoming a Registered pharmacy tech and as soon as they roll out the courses online (they've already begun running courses at various community colleges) I'll be moving forward for that! Its kind of exciting.
Yesterday was the store's first day of business. It was a ZOO! We had predicted that Pharmacy wouldn't be very busy but we were wrong! We were quite busy. I only worked 8:45-3 but I didn't stop moving the whole time, except when Shaun and the kids came to visit and we went fo lunch at the McDonalds in the store.
Shaun had his dad take this picture, and he brought me one to hang in the pharmacy. The kids also drew me pictures and I put them up too!
It will be nice to look at their smiling faces while I work!
Monday, January 12, 2009
We had our big visit to the daycare this morning. The kids were excited to go! We're been talking about school and reading books about going to school for a while. Yesterday, I packed their backpacks (extra clothes, mittens, etc) and they were super excited to get to wear them!
Our visit went OK. I am very pleased with Kathryn's room and teachers and she had a great time playing with the other kids. She even went outside without us - just with her little friends and teachers. I really feel comfortable leaving her there. Right now, their numbers are low for toddlers, so there are only 10 of them in that class.
Our visit went OK. I am very pleased with Kathryn's room and teachers and she had a great time playing with the other kids. She even went outside without us - just with her little friends and teachers. I really feel comfortable leaving her there. Right now, their numbers are low for toddlers, so there are only 10 of them in that class. Patrick is in a larger classroom with a lot more children - 24 I do believe. He has 3 teachers and they try to split the class up during the day (i.e. take shifts outside) so that it is quieter. I didn't 'feel the love' in P's class when I was in there to visit and some of the kids are quite older and one in particular was mean to him while I was standing there! I did ask to have him changed to another room, but there is no space for him to move him for all 5 days. The director assured me (after hugging me) that she would talk to the teachers about being more involved with him and encouraging him to participate since he is such an extreme introvert and keep an eye on him since his social skills aren't the best.
Tomorrow is their first 'real' day. Shaun is working, so I'll be taking them by myself and staying briefly before going to work! Such changes. I keep wondering if I am doing the right thing. I know that this is good for Patrick - he needs to learn how to function socially without me before he goes to 'real school' in September. And, I need to get back to work before my certification bites the dust. Interestingly, I am not too worried about Ms. K.... right now anyway. I hope she really enjoys it.
We asked both kids last night if they were looking forward to going to school again in the morning and they both said Yes so that is encouraging.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Shaun is celebrating his 30th birthday this weekend with 3 of his guy friends. They've invaded my basement, and are eating foods I would never, ever, eat. They're enjoying lots of beverages and playing lots of X-box 360. They even crashed down there last night (and probably will tonight too). So, the kids and I are mostly hanging out together!
However, Shaun and his buddies did take a short break so that we could sing, and serve cake to P before he went to bed. He's only been asking for the cake since I made it yesterday morning!
A pre-cake picture:
Singing to the birthday boy:
Finally enjoying the cake:
Kathryn doesn't like cake (I know! Isn't that crazy?!) so she had some sour cream and onion chips instead!
However, Shaun and his buddies did take a short break so that we could sing, and serve cake to P before he went to bed. He's only been asking for the cake since I made it yesterday morning!
A pre-cake picture:
Singing to the birthday boy:
Finally enjoying the cake:
Kathryn doesn't like cake (I know! Isn't that crazy?!) so she had some sour cream and onion chips instead!
Happy Birthday to Kathryn again!
She got another gift today. This one is from Mike and Lesley, all the way from Kanata!
Opening with Mike:
Patrick gets in on the ripping:
Checking out whats inside:
Mommy helping with the tissue paper. Yay for more great books!!
A hug of thanks for Mike:
Reading the card with Mommy:
Kathryn then asked Mike to "read it" with her on the couch and they read Bad Kitty together. She took the books with her upstairs for naptime!
She got another gift today. This one is from Mike and Lesley, all the way from Kanata!
Opening with Mike:
Patrick gets in on the ripping:
Checking out whats inside:
Mommy helping with the tissue paper. Yay for more great books!!
A hug of thanks for Mike:
Reading the card with Mommy:
Kathryn then asked Mike to "read it" with her on the couch and they read Bad Kitty together. She took the books with her upstairs for naptime!
Thanks Mike and Lesley!!
Friday, January 09, 2009
More Birthday Pictures! Shaun's Mom emailed these to me.
Patrick with the balloons:
Mommy with her Princess:
Kathryn and Grandpa reading:
Kathryn and the new dolly cradle (she just loves it so much!):
Princess dressed as a princess:
Patrick dressed as a princess:
The kids are really enjoying the dress up clothes!
Patrick with the balloons:
Mommy with her Princess:
Kathryn and Grandpa reading:
Kathryn and the new dolly cradle (she just loves it so much!):
Princess dressed as a princess:
Patrick dressed as a princess:
The kids are really enjoying the dress up clothes!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY KATHRYN!!!
We celebrated Kathryn's 2nd Birthday on Saturday January 3rd, 2008 with a family party.
We had a winnie-the-pooh theme, and I made this cake using Boo's cake pan. It was my first attempt at 'piped' icing and I am pleased with how it looked. And it tasted yummy too!
This is the 'spread' we provided. Shaun made his famous chili, and we had buns, veggies, bits&bites mix, punch and lots of sweets!
Auntie Boo was the first to arrive. Actually, she was the first 2 to arrive!! And is sporting a very nice little belly with my NEPHEW in it... at least it best be a nephew - I don't have one of those yet.
Shaun's parents were next to arrive with a big bunch of helium balloons for Ms K. You can see her enjoying them... ok you can see part of her. She really enjoyed them.
The Grandpa's havin' a chat about the important things in life:
We celebrated Kathryn's 2nd Birthday on Saturday January 3rd, 2008 with a family party.
We had a winnie-the-pooh theme, and I made this cake using Boo's cake pan. It was my first attempt at 'piped' icing and I am pleased with how it looked. And it tasted yummy too!
This is the 'spread' we provided. Shaun made his famous chili, and we had buns, veggies, bits&bites mix, punch and lots of sweets!
Auntie Boo was the first to arrive. Actually, she was the first 2 to arrive!! And is sporting a very nice little belly with my NEPHEW in it... at least it best be a nephew - I don't have one of those yet.
Shaun's parents were next to arrive with a big bunch of helium balloons for Ms K. You can see her enjoying them... ok you can see part of her. She really enjoyed them.
The Grandpa's havin' a chat about the important things in life:
The ladies having a chat about the other important things in life... and Patrick eating a bun:
Two of my gorgeous nieces playing with the Little People:
We enjoyed the food, and then jumped into present time!
A fantastic dolly cradle from my parents. Mom knit a little blanket too:
Kathryn got everyone in on the present fun! Here she's asking Auntie Boo to help:
A lovely outfit from Great Gramma Noot:
And a gorgeous dress from Auntie Sara, Uncle Derek, A,M&J:
And new tights.. which she had to try on immediately. This is how I liked to wear my pants when I was pregnant. I see she prefers that arrangement too!
Asking Ayla to help unwrap Auntie Boo's gift:
New Panties! Thanks Auntie Boo!
A big gift from Grandpy and Gramma too! A Princess Dress up Trunk!!
Reading a princess story in her new princess dress with Auntie Sara and A:
Patrick is enjoying the dress up trunk too:
Kathryn in her princess dress:
Two of my gorgeous nieces playing with the Little People:
We enjoyed the food, and then jumped into present time!
A fantastic dolly cradle from my parents. Mom knit a little blanket too:
Kathryn got everyone in on the present fun! Here she's asking Auntie Boo to help:
A lovely outfit from Great Gramma Noot:
And a gorgeous dress from Auntie Sara, Uncle Derek, A,M&J:
And new tights.. which she had to try on immediately. This is how I liked to wear my pants when I was pregnant. I see she prefers that arrangement too!
Asking Ayla to help unwrap Auntie Boo's gift:
New Panties! Thanks Auntie Boo!
A big gift from Grandpy and Gramma too! A Princess Dress up Trunk!!
Reading a princess story in her new princess dress with Auntie Sara and A:
Patrick is enjoying the dress up trunk too:
Kathryn in her princess dress:
So happy in her princess dress:
Playing with Rosie, a gift from us. She sings "ring around the rosey" when you hold her hands:
Cake time!! K wasn't too sure about the candle in Pooh's head, so mommy blew it out for her:
Another story time with Grandpa and Ayla:
Both kids asked to go to nap, and after that, the party broke up. When Patrick got up, we gave him his 'loot' bag, having sent the girls home with theirs.
Unwrapping:
In his loot bag, he got a new v-smile game, CARS. They were clearning them out at WM for $10!! Crazy!!
Cake time!! K wasn't too sure about the candle in Pooh's head, so mommy blew it out for her:
Another story time with Grandpa and Ayla:
Both kids asked to go to nap, and after that, the party broke up. When Patrick got up, we gave him his 'loot' bag, having sent the girls home with theirs.
Unwrapping:
In his loot bag, he got a new v-smile game, CARS. They were clearning them out at WM for $10!! Crazy!!
We had a fantastic day. Thank you to everyone for attending and for your generous gifts!
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