Speeding up

Learning to stand and walk is something that many of us take for granted as our babies for the most part just manage to figure this out. Watching Ashley struggle with this each and every day in her short life so far I've really come to appreciate what a miracle it really is. She still has a way to go but it so nice to see her slowly progressing and be able image that one day soon she will be walking to mommy.

Here is a clip from physiotherapy yesterday Ashley's working on her speed in the walker on a short walk to mommy.

She been spending a little bit of time in her AFOs (ankle foot orthodics) and they seem to help her balance in standing just a little bit.

Quiet Weekend

This weekend it was pretty cold outside -20C with the wind chill and Ashley was under the weather with a fever and just plain tired all day friday and Saturday she had to miss out on her saturday recreation class. I took the boys out to Indigo on Sunday a great book store near our house to spend gift cards and James was very content to relax on the coach and read his entire book in one sitting.

Here's Ashley feeling a little better on Sunday,

Damon goofing around he was trying to avoid getting his photo taking but i managed to get this one.

James my book lover just enjoying the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid "the last straw"

Snow, snow and more snow

Mighty mom i saw your frost over in switzerland the captain is lucky he is not having to shovel all this white stuff check out the view from my front door. Ian and the boys have been out shoveling twice already and will go out again after dinner as the snow hasn't let up yet. I was thinking of heading to walmart around 4pm to pick up some diapers when i saw the snowplow had been by and there was no way I'm going to get my minivan out of the driveway. I'm sure both our folks are getting even more then we are here in Richmond Hill so I shouldn't complain should I.

James's Pioneer Log Cabin

This is my sons grade 3 social studies project. James glued popsicle sticks to a box to make this cabin below. He enjoyed working on this with Daddy and Damon. I hope he can get it to school in one piece on monday I'll be sure to drive him over but he will have to carry it in and make his way through the snow and ice.

Ashley with SuperTalker

We got her SuperTalker last Wednesday and have been spending time each day practising. Ashley's touch is a little light for the device which is a little challenge we need to overcome.

Here's a peak at Ashley's progress with her Kaye Walker

Way to go girl !!!

I also signed Ashley up for a inclusive recreation program offered by Variety Village called children in motion she went for her 1st session this afternoon. There was a number of kids, there with varying abilities they all enjoyed jumping, skipping, running, an obstacle course and parachute play. Ashley really enjoyed all the physical activity she needed help for much of it but was laughing during all the running and skipping and was highly motivated to move her feet.

SuperTalker - New ACC Device coming soon is it going to be good enough?

Next Wednesday Ashley is going to try the SuperTalker for a one month trail period. This is a augmentative communication device it is a voice output device which allows between 1 to a max of 8 choice similar to Picture communication system. I've been reading about it on the web and I'm worried that it's not very high tech.. i was hoping for some sort of mini computer with multiply screens she can choose between. Not sure the SuperTalker will be automated even for the year 2009 perhaps my hopes are higher then the budget or desires of the York Region Preschool Speech and Language program is willing to provide.

I'm complaining and i haven't even seen it yet that's not so great is it.
If anyone has any experience with this device I'd love to hear some feedback?

School Projects

Today i took the kids to the dollar store to pick up craft supplies for James school project a model of a pioneer log cabin. He is going to glue and paint popsicle sticks to a shoe box and use small stones to build a fire place. He also has plans to build furniture for the inside and create a landscape as well some how. I don't remember doing fun stuff like that in grade school both my boys are excited to get started I'll be sure to post a photo once it's complete probably this weekend. I only spent $10 for all the supplies including a hot glue gun. Much more economical then his last project when i took him to Michael's a craft supply store and he created a $45 dollar home made magnetic fishing toy.

While at the dollar store i also picked up some batteries for my digital scale as i haven't been able to use it for a few months and wanted to know how much weight Ashley been gaining. Ashley weighed in at 23 pounds dressed which is good for her. I also gained 11 pounds since Dec 18th my last weight in at OB's office for my 5 month appointment. I was feeling much bigger lately and i guess the baby and i are both growing nicely.

Can hardly sit for circle time

After a morning at the little school this morning Ashley's nurse and teacher couldn't wait to tell me that Ashley couldn't sit still in circle she was scooting out of the circle now that she has figured out how to move around slow but sure i guess she feels the need to be on the move. We are so proud of this new skill !!!!

I came across this quote on the web today and i thought it was worth sharing.

"Do not be unhappy with what you don't have, BUT, be happy with what you have been given"

Roast Beef and all the trimmings

Today we enjoyed a late Christmas celebration with my brother and sister-in-law. We love getting together but some how we only seem to manage these dinners for christmas and the kids birthdays. We had prime rib, yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and stream veggies. It was pretty yummy we even splurged on some new table clothes for the occasion with some Christmas money from my mom.

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe another year has past. It has certainly been a busy one around my house. Ashley worked hard at all her therapies especially physiotherapy and is sitting nicely and getting closer to standing everyday. She is even starting to scoot on her bum just a little around the family room, getting to the christmas tree seems to be quite the incentive for her. Damon is loving reading and enjoying being in grade one. James is doing well in grade three he reads novels non stop loves Anthony Horowitz novels Alex Rider and his other mysterys these 300+ page books would have intimated when i was 8 years old that is for sure.

In just 16 short weeks baby #4 will be joining our family we all can't wait to see his or her little face. I'm looking forward to all the excitement that lies ahead this year.

Here's some photos from the last week:

Ashley with Grammy Heather.


James and Damon opening gifts from Santa Christmas morning


Here's my Dad with Ashely Christmas Eve. She really loves her grandparents she is all giggles in his arms.



My Dad treated my husband both our boys and my brothers two boys to a World Junior Hockey game while in Ottawa. These were corporate tickets so they sat in a box Blake and James were very impressed that they were served food and free pop. They loved the game they saw the USA beat the Chek Republic. They loved the experience. Thanks Grampy for this great time.
Here's a pic of Wesley and Damon taking in the game.

Ashley this morning playing with her leapfrog letters at the fridge


This was breakfast this morning cooked up on my new electric grill a great christmas gift from my parents. I can cook 8 pancakes at once something that i think will be an essential to feeding 4 hungry kids in the years to come. Thanks mom i love it.


Thanks Mom and Dad for having us for Christmas we all enjoyed our time with you both.
Happy New Years to everyone I hope this year will bring health and happiness to all!

Sherry