Finally, an update...

Geesh!  One would think that I could manage to get my butt in gear and do a little update now and then.

I think a life time of activities have occurred since my last post about Matthew and his ears.  The doctors were really great and his ENT doctor had him scheduled for surgery on November 15th witch was a huge surprise for me.  I didn't think that he would get in so quick but I guess having a little "history" does have its advantages sometimes.  The surgery went well and he was a trooper.  He didn't really do great coming out of the anesthetics all that well and was quickly given morphine for pain.  I was a little shocked to enter the recovery room to find out that he was so medicated and still screaming.  He screamed for a good 45 mins and the nurses were pushing drinks, Popsicle's, even pop.  Matthew would have none of it and really just wanted to sleep so I begged the nurse to let me take him home without the necessary fluid intake before discharge.  Once back home and with Daddy he gladly accepted the juice offered to him and took a nice long nap.  Dad had to stay home with the other kids and see them off to school so he wasn't able to be with Matthew for this surgery.  We have a follow up appointment with the whole cleft team once a month till March, back to being hospital busy for awhile I guess.

My boys Michael and Daniel have been busy with indoor soccer.  Daniel loves it, he has quite a talent for sports in general and has a blast scoring.  He's best scoring of the season was a game a few weeks ago with 6 goals during their 1/2 game!  He is enjoying school and tells his teacher all the time what a smart boy he is.  This little boy needs no confidence building and is quite the ladies man.  He already has a little girl (Paige) kissing him and wanting to hold his at recess.  What can I say, dimples are a girls weakness?? 

Michael however still struggles with soccer.  He likes the idea however doesn't seem to have the confidence and assurance that he needs to be able to stand up to those kids who tower over him or can out play him.  Teaching that is a huge challenge for me and I try so hard to encourage and support him.  Who knows what sport (if any) he will continue with.  Michael's asthma has returned as well as an allergy to peanuts.  I am amazed with how well he is doing in school.  He is so bright and I am so proud of him.

Rebecca has been crazy busy with Nutcracker again this year and preformed in 6 shows, and danced 10 different roles.  She is like the energizer bunny and just keeps going.  She love ballet still and is doing very well.  I am proud of her and enjoy all the time we spend together.  She has quite the personality and beauty to match her sweet spirit.  I can't get over how well she handles her brothers and is asking to start babysitting.  I have assured her that she can start babysitting as soon as she is old enough in a couple of years.  She is doing well in school however has struggled with friends.  I am sure this is that yucky phase that girls seem to go through at her age, its just hard to see her deal with it all. 

My husband and I just celebrated our 12th anniversary and did nothing special.  As in we both forgot until the day after!  We had a good chuckle and went on our way doing the usual family stuff.  I still say one of these years we will get away just the two of us, doing boyfriend and girlfriend stuff.  Don't get me wrong, we do date still at least once a month.  It's just different coming home to a babysitter and life rather than a holiday just the two of you. 

I can't wait to post some Christmas pictures so I will try to get back on here before Easter??? 

Green Angels

I can hardly believe all the love and support that has been shown towards our family.  Especially in the way of donations for the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.  My sisters did put on an amazing card making fundraiser and we had a good turn out.  There were people who came that none of us even knew.  Talk about amazing!  From the website donations and donations made at the card making event I am super excited to take $844.00 to the hospital tomorrow.  I am also aware of one $200.00 donation made by my husbands employer over the phone during our interview.  We met our goal, over $1000.00 was donated in Matthew's name.  Thank you everyone.

It wasn't a big secret that I was nervous about doing the live radio interviews and I didn't end up getting a preview of the questions that would be asked.  Once checked in and sitting down at a table clearly marked reserved for live families.  I was quickly told that the first radio station was ready for us and had me uncomfortably close to a huge microphone.  The radio lady, Lexi was super nice and we jumped right into things.  I was more choked up than I had planned and I felt it came across that way.  It was a good interview and I was able to get a glass of water before my next show time. 
That one was fantastic.  The biggest difference was just as I sat down in front of this mic in the corner of my eye I saw a "sea of green".  No I wasn't given a sedative, it was ALL of Matthew's dental team.  Just as they did back in August of 2009, those friendly, comforting, smiling faces were there.  They lifted me and gave me the courage to tell the thousands of listeners all about Matthew and the amazing people that have forever changed our lives.  After wards they waited by the entrance to the blocked off area and I couldn't help but hug and cry once again on their shoulders.  This time it was tears of great appreciation.  God sent these amazing people into Matthew's life and I truly love this hospital and everyone that is a part of Matthew's care. 

Matthew had an appointment with his dentist just a few days earlier and we did find out that Matthew has some issues concerning his bite.  Not a huge surprise for bilateral kids, or for Matthew as you can already see where it has effected his appearance somewhat.  It also has effected his ability to eat some things.  It just was something that burned a bit to hear. 

Here is the story that was shared on the Radiothon website:

During a routine ultrasound, Amanda and Cesar learned that their baby boy would be born with a cleft palette.  They were understandably upset and emotional but were determined to tackle what had to be done.  They had appointments at the Cleft Palete Clinic at the Alberta Chidren's Hospital before their baby was even born where they were assigned a social worker, learned about the procedures and surgeries that would fix their child’s palete.  They were even given special feeding bottles. Amanda remembers a nurse trying to reassure her at the time by saying, “I think cleft children are beautiful and you’re going to miss it when it’s gone.” She remembers feeling reassured by that kind of compassion, but thinking I’ll never miss a cleft palete.  Matthew was born with a bilateral cleft (two slits) in his lip. The gaps in his nose and palete were very severe.  And Amanda thought her son was beautiful.  The nurse had been right.  Matthew would now endure a 4 1/2 month correction that would consist of wearing a NAM device – an oversized retainer – for 24 hours a day.  The device would push his lips, palette and nose closer together so surgeons could then perform the two operations that would give him a “normal” face.  The first surgery was a lip repair at 5 months and the second was to close his palette (roof of his mouth) at a year old.  Today, people can’t tell that anything was ever wrong with Matthew.  Amanda thinks back to the days of him having trouble feeding as a newborn because he couldn’t make the suction action, and then finally progressing to solids with every spoonful coming back out his nose.  If he sneezed, food would literally go everywhere.  The family put a funny spin on a situation that could have been sad and overwhelming and Amanda will tell you that the people at the Alberta Chidren's Hospital helped the whole family to cope with all that had to happen.  Matthew will need at least one more surgery when his adult teeth come in which will require a bone graft from his hip to rebuild the gumline.  His mum says that no one at the Children’s is allowed to retire until these surgeries are complete!!

Baby Steps and Little Sips

I was sitting in church today watching Matthew toddle around the back of the room when an older lady turned to me and said "You must be elated watching every little step, every single progress that little boy makes".  There must have been a look on my face because I was thinking about how proud I was of him.  Yes, my heart is overwhelmed when Matthew does something he has been struggling learning to do.  Take walking for example, he took his first steps on Dec 18th.  We have been going to OT with him for a few months and Matthew has been doing things his way.  (This doesn't surprise anyone, I'm sure his hospital chart say: Matthew's way or the highway.)  His therapist was watching Matthew play around the room walking on his knees having a great time.  Every time he was put on his feet he would let his legs go week until he was down and able to toddle off.  She couldn't help but chuckle as it was like he didn't even know he had feet and what they were for.  I can't wait to head back this week to show her all the progress he has made. 
Another great feat for Matthew came this week while I was at lunch with my Mom, Daniel and Matthew.  We were at a new little burger joint and I had forgotten Matthew's bottle at home.  At lunch he wanted to have a drink and he wasn't happy about the sippy cup of water I was offering him and kept pointing to my pop.  So knowing that he would only get frustrated trying the straw I held it down.  I was shocked to see that Matthew was able to get a little suction on the straw and was moving the pop up and down.  So I started to make kissing sounds while he watched and sure enough the little man sucked the pop right up inside his mouth and darn near choked to death.  I was so shocked and amazed that I literally squealed with delight and clapped my hands.  I am sure everyone around us thought I was crazy being so happy my baby was partaking of soda pop.  He had a few more drinks and then was happy to continue on with his lunch.  Triumph, he again did something that a doctor, specialist, therapist, nurse told us he wouldn't or couldn't do.  I drove from the restaurant to a Walmart and bought him a little plastic sippy cup and put his bottles in a plastic bag, ready for the garbage.  We are done and I am thankful not to purchase another $20 bottle.
So yes, I am truly elated when I watch him.  He completes our family and we are all so proud of him. 

Growing

Last Sunday our kids had their Sacrament meeting presentation and I was so happy when my dear husband asked the kids of he could come and watch them.  I was something he did on his own and it meant alot to me.  Our twins were stunning and Daniel was so cute.  This was his first presentation so he was quite reserved.  After we dropped the kids off at their primary classes and I took Hubs home.  While in the car for the 5 minute trip Matthew fell asleep so I held him in my arms in the lobby instead of going to class.  After awhile he woke up and was restless so I decided to take him into the nursery.  The nursery is a class designed for children aged 18 months to 3 years old.  It's a laid back type of atmosphere where the kids get to play, have a small lesson, eat a light snack and maybe do a craft.  Matthew is 18 months in February so I thought it would be interesting to see his reaction to the other kids.  He was so small crawling around the floor happy to play with different things.  The beach ball was a hit and I'm sure he would have kept it a little longer if it wasn't snagged by another little kid.

Watching the other kids play, especially another little girl Matthew's age I really started to wonder if nursery was a good idea for him.  He is delayed and I don't really notice it until we get around kids his age.  There are times when I know his delays could cause a problem.  Take for example snack time.  The kids sit around a little mini table with little mini chairs.  They get a snack, usually cheese, apple slices, and a cracker or cookie on a paper towel.  They also get a small paper cup of water to drink.  Matthew will eat the paper towel.  He can't sit on his bum he sits on his knees, so the chair will be a problem.  He doesn't walk, he doesn't talk, he can't drink well from a cup, he can't feed himself his bottle, he is still such a "baby". 
I know that we have several months before he gets to go and alot of development can happen during this time.  I'm hoping that he, okay that I will be ready for him to go when the time comes. 

Fabulous Four

What's better than a three year old?  A four year old!  Our little monster is celebrating his birthday today.  Daniel is quite the little character.  He always has been and seems to be picking up speed as he grows.  He is full of life and has the best, and really it is the best belly laugh.  When ever something strikes him as funny, I can't help but laugh along with him.  He is sweet and compassionate.  He loves to play with his toys, and his older brothers toys.  He likes cars, especially Lightning McQueen.  He loves Toy Story and he really thinks his Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and Bullseye come to life when he sleeps.  He love his Grandma and if he doesn't see her for a few days he gets quite sad.  He loves McDonald's fries.  If you ask him what he wants for lunch its almost always "Donalds - Fries and Pop".  Daniel is afraid of the dark, so he has to have a light on when he goes to sleep.  Funny thing is he puts his blankie over his eyes.  Speaking of blankie, it is with him all day long.  Not very often will you see him in the house without it.  It's quite funny when he tells his blankie to stay in the house while we go out.  He tells his blankie not to eat his snacks.  Daniel is little.  He knows this and will often say he's not tall.  He may not be tall, and he may sometimes be naughty...but I love him to bits.  I am proud of him, he is my little Monster.
Happy Birthday Baby!!

Spring Show

My little ballerina had an awesome opportunity to dance in Peter and the Wolf this past month.

She was excited to be in a "real dressing room, with lights and everything"!

Lots of time to spend playing with friends before she was to be on stage.

Here she is as a "Mushroom" on the second day of performing.

(I don't have a picture of her as a Little Bird.)

It was a great weekend and a fantastic production!

Need something to do this weekend??

My daughter Rebecca is dancing this weekend in Jeunesse Classique Ballet's performance of Peter and the Wolf. I have been to a couple of the rehearsals and I am so excited to be able to see this, let alone have my little girl be apart of such a fantastic production.



So if you looking for something to do, please come and support our local young dancers!


This production is suitable for all ages.


Les Sylphides is the archetype of the abstract ballets that flourished at the dawn of the twentieth century: subline in its beauty and the delicacy of the dancers, it is more "poem" than "story": a simple depiction of sylphs dancing by moonlight with the poet.


Choreographer: Mikhail Fokin

Peter and the Wolf, also an early twentieth-century piece, is the beloved children's story told as an introduction to the musical instruments comprising the orchestra.


Choreographer: Bernard Courtot de Bouteiller


Saturday: May 15th, 2010 at 2:30 PM


Sunday: May 16th, 2010 at 2:30 PM


Wright Theatre, Mount Royal University


Location: 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta (map)


Artistic Director: Umran Sumen


Tickets available at College Ticket Center


Phone: 403.440.7770


Online: www.mtroyal.ca/tickets


Adult: $30


Senior, Student and Children: $20


Produced by: Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society

Proud Momma!

Just about a month ago I got a call from the lady who leads our church Cub pack.  Michael's first day of cubs was to fall on the Cub Car Rally night and she invited Michael to start coming a few weeks earlier so that he could work on his car.  Michael was so excited and was funny to watch the first time he put on his cub shirt.  I caught him in front of the hall mirror saluting his reflection.  You could see just how proud he was of his uniform and how dignified he thought he looked.  I will admit that it stung to see my little baby looking all grown up.
Well tonight was the big event.  Micheal weighed in his car, got his number and was ready to have his "Stingray" take it's first trip down the ramp.  I cringed as I watched his car jump off the track crashing into the gym floor.  It was at that point that I started to prep the conversation we would have on the way home, you know the one where I tell him that he should be proud of all the hard work he put into his car, and that someone has to be last.
Well people, he didn't come in last... 

HE CAME IN FIRST PLACE!!! 

Full

While out at our local home improvement store today I was approached by an elderly lady.  She was pushing her cart past mine which held Matthew in his car seat.  The other three where sitting around two small tables enjoying a late lunch. 
Our conversation went something like this:

Are all these kids with you?
Yes, these beautiful kids belong to me.
Your the Mother to all these kids?
Yes, I am their proud Mother.
Well you sure have your hands full.
She then told me to have a good afternoon and she walked away.

This is a typical conversation between curious strangers and I.  Usually I don't think twice about it however this lady got me thinking.  Yes, I am the Mother to four great kids.  I am very proud of my children and the are used to being in public and behave very well.  We are not immune from the odd melt down but for the most part, we hardly ever have problems.

So to this lady and others who ask, my hands are not full...my arms are.  They are the best huggers, the sweetest kissers, and my greatest joys. 

6 Wonders for a Wonderful Boy

Happy 6 month birthday Matthew!

Here's 6 things all about you.

You:

smile

roll over

love rice cereal

giggle

sleep through the night

play peek-a-boo

growl

We love you!

Cupcake Galore!

This was a short week for the kids at school and since Valentines day is creeping up, I sent in some cupcakes for Michael and Becca's classes.  I am so proud of myself, just check them out...

Sharks for the boys...

Butterflies for the girls...

They were so much fun to make and my sister and I had a blast making about 80 cupcakes.

This was quite the undertaking let me tell you.  At several points in the day I was sure buying a box of cookies or a few bags of chips would have been a better idea.  Walking the cupcakes into the school reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place, Mike and Becca brought the coolest snack that day!

Also this week Early Intervention came in to do Matthew's assessment.  Part of my wanted them to say that he was fine and that I was overreacting.  The other part of me was worried that they would over look what seemed so obvious to me.  If you watch Matthew play beside his cousin (who is the same age) no one can deny that she is leaps and bounds past him in development.  Matthew does have some delays and weaknesses.  We have been assigned to a theripist that will come every three weeks to help me work with Matthew.  In the mean time she gave us some exercises to do with him and I am excited to help him catch up. 

As for myself, I am STILL stuck on 16.5 lbs lost to date.  I'm trying really hard to remember that I only started my new lifestyle on Jan. 2 and that 16lbs is really good.  Ugh, I hate not having enough patience. 

Super Stars!

Rebecca is getting ready to take her RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet exam.  She is in Grade one and is doing so well.  After speaking to her dance teacher last week Bec is more than ready and should do very well again this year.  Bec also got the highest Math test score this past week.  She was so proud and excited that everyone in the class clapped for her.  She continues so shine in her class at school and is so keen.  I love listening to her read to Daniel some evenings and she uses fun and cute voices to tell the stories.  Daniel just giggles and it's a great thing for a Mom to hear.

Michael's creativity sure does shine at home and school.  His art/math teacher is completely smitten with him and it shows.  He tries his very best for her and has learned alot.  I just love reading his weekly journal and the stories he write in his creative writing book.  He is excited to be starting soccer this spring and is SO excited for Cubs in April.  Every day he asks if we can go by his Cubs shirt and sash.

Daniel is such a good big brother.  I will often see him getting down on the floor with Matthew to play with him.  Daniel is now potty trained and is so proud of him self, he was so ready and trained himself.  Every morning Daniel packs his back pack and fills it with a few toys and his blanket.  When the twins get out of the van he always asks to go with them on the bus.  Daniel is so good about brushing his teeth, I swear he has his brush in his mouth every hour or so.  

Matthew is getting better with his development.  We are waiting for Early Intervention to come to our house to work with some of his delays.  He just started to put his fingers back up to his mouth this past week.  Matthew mostly plays with his feet, apparently they are the cats meow!  Matthew learned how to play peek-a-boo with his Grandma last week.  He has started solids and liked his rice cereal.  We tried oat cereal and that quickly became his favorite.  He is doing quite well with eating solids and shocked his speech pathologist and nutritionist.  

As for me, I am changing my life...for the better.  I have lost 16.5 lbs since Jan. 2/10 and if you find them, consider them a gift.  :P 

    

My Heros

M-masterful

I-imagination

C-charismatic

H-humorous

A-attitude

E-example

L-loving

R-reliant
E-energetic
B-brave
E-elegant
C-caring
C-curious
A-adorable

D-daring
A-adventurous
N-nailbiter
I-imaginative
E-elaborate
L-loving

M-mighty
A-adaptable
T-teeny
T-tenacious
H-happy
E-elect
W-willing

Bits

Matthew is now 8lbs 5oz. Come on everyone lets cheer!!!

Michael has an allergy to something and has broken out in hives all over his body.

Rebecca learned that she can have the office call home when she is "not feeling well".

Daniel is such a little character. I love how he sings and dances the whole day through.

My DH let me go to bed first last Friday night while he stayed up with Matthew until his next feed. I "heart" him!

I made banana muffins today and a homemade meal.

Matthew smiles and coos.

Michael calls his little brothers his little Dumplings, I am his big Tomato.

Rebecca is so keen when it comes to dancing. She even asked for an extra part in the Nutcracker. (No, I didn't encourage it. It was all her.)

Daniel held my hand and told me it was okay while my Dr. checked my section sight last week. Daniel kept saying, "It's okay Mommy. I'm here, I'm here".

My DH got the kids ready for school earlier this week while I sat and pumped for our Matthew. I love how much he supports my pumping.

I haven't cried all week.

Noise

My house has been filled with the laughter of all three kids since Thursday. It has been so nice to have them home and enjoying being here. Daniel is in his glory cause his big brother and sister are here to entertain him. Michael builds space ships out of his Lego, one for him and one for Daniel. I can't help but fall into a puddle of mush watching these two boys play. They are so much alike and it is hard to believe that we will be adding another little man into this family. Rebecca is my light. She is such a big helper and begs to do things around the house for me. She cleans the front closet, arranging all the shoes nicely. She likes to cut the vegetables up for supper. She helps me put away the laundry and even changed Daniel's clothes and diaper for me. I am sure that this won't last forever, but for now I am grateful.

I am heading off for another ultrasound tomorrow. I am excited cause my sister who is due three weeks before me is having one done just before me. I am so excited for her and her family to be welcoming this little lady into their home. She is such a good mom to her boys and their new addition will be so loved by her older brothers.

My ultrasound is basically to monitor the baby for signs of heart failure and to make sure that our little gift is happy and enjoying his time in hotel mommy. We met with the Dr's at the hospital and they told us what to expect after he is born. His name should be Charlie cause he is holding a Golden Ticket into the NICU. Hopefully his stay will be rather uneventful and that he will be able to come home quickly.

Baby Steps

I have posted ultrasound pictures on Facebook however I have left out this one. Here is a picture that shows our babies bilateral cleft lip. I am still having a hard time with all of this but there are more good days than bad ones. I'm taking baby steps. People and friends are finding out and it is hard to answer people when they ask how the baby is doing. I never know if they have heard the "gossip" or if they are just asking to be nice. It doesn't make a difference, he is fine. He is a normal little baby with a few extra heart sounds and a lip/mouth that did quite get enough time to fuse together. We have another ultrasound next week so hopefully we will get some good news and get a few more pictures.

Keep in mind he is 23 weeks at this point and I apologise that he is laying sideways. I tried to rotate the picture but it distorted it and made it look all wrong. So turn your head, go on. Cute eh? Okay the big black space is filled with his big wonderful brain. The two eye spaces do have eyeballs in them, trust me. I saw that during my last ultrasound and it was more creepy than the empty look. If you look at the bottom of his face you can see his chin. In between the eyes and the chin you can see his little nose and then his lips. From the upper lip to his nose are two dark lines that run up his face. This would be his bilateral cleft. The big large "ball" at the bottom (or right) of the face is his belly. His little fists are close to his chin and he is giving us the evil eye for spying on him and taking a look at this man bits.

So put up your dukes, this ones a real fighter.

New Year = New Blessings

So many little things happen in our lives that always forget to write them down or blog about them. Lately by the time I get around to heading into bed I am so exhausted that I can't even think straight. I am sure that it has everything to do with this pregnancy but I can't help but feel like I've lost control. I hope things return to normal in a few weeks, until then I will just keep surviving.
Everyone had a good Christmas in our house, we went to the pageant, ate a tone of food, welcomed Santa's offerings, etc. Cesar was off extra days so it was nice to have him around. It's not very often we all get to spend so much time together, it was nice.
Over the holiday we found out that we are expecting another baby. We should be welcoming this little one sometime in August. I am still finding it hard to believe that I will be the Mom to 4 kids. It just seems so surreal. I am excited and can't wait for my ultrasound next week to see exactly when he/she will be coming and to make sure all is well within hotel mommy.
The kids are doing so well in school. I can't believe how smart they are, I am very proud of my little scholars. Daniel is just being himself. This kid can make us laugh like no other.
Time for me to head off to the couch, breakfast isn't sitting to well today. ;o(

'Tis the Season

Nutcracker has come and gone and it was such a fantastic year. Here are a few picture of her in two of her roles. This picture is of her teacher, Ms. Mimi (Grandmother) and Rebecca (Seraphim). All the girls are downstairs waiting to be lead by the wonderful volunteers to the wings.

Here is Rebecca getting ready to dance her favorite role, a Royal Guard. This was something that she was asked to do by her teacher. There were many comments from the other teachers on what a good Royal Guard she was. She was so happy to get to do this that she gave it her all, the look on this little sharp shooters face was priceless. I don't think there was ever a practice that she missed the music cue to shoot the Mouse King.

Here is Rebecca with two of the other Royal Guards all finished and getting ready to head back to wardrobe.

This is a picture of her very scary stage make up. It isn't as bad as some of the leading roles like the Sugar Plum Fairy or the Snow Queen, but it does look real odd when you are standing next to them. She was so happy to have the "bigger dancers" make up that she was showing off her little red eye dots. Silly girl!

She did dance another role but I wasn't able to get any picture on that day. Which is a shame cause she had the most perfect ringlets and was absolutely stunning. Really she was, and this isn't just a bragging mother talking here. (Okay, so this post has been a bit of a brag...but with a daughter like this, I have a right!)