Ashley's success with PICs in JK

At school this morning Ashley was able to correctly identify  farm animals using her eyes to look at the correct picture card when presented with four different choice.  She did this successfully each time she was asked.  This was an exercise done to show her teacher how they can use the picture cards to teach her colours, shapes or other themes being taught in JK.

She was also able to make choices between activities with picture communication and use her "yes" or "no" cards to tell her teacher when she wanted to stop or continue.    Her preschool speech and language  CDA who has been working with Ashley for close to 2 years was visiting and was thrilled and so were her teachers.

 Ashley you continue to impress us all!

Feeling better

Ashley's  on the mend  and Taylor seems fine. We really got off easy I guess.  I on the other hand  had my 4th maybe 5th case of mastistis I'm losing count now but it's very draining and makes me want to start bottle feeding but only  as long  my  fevers lasts.  As in that state  I barely have the energy needed to change a  diaper thankfully  it only  lasted 24 hours and by sunday morning was up and about.  It's harder to bare with school drop off and pick up days.  I hope I've seen the last of it.   I'm taking antibotics now myself so hopefully I'll  get rid of this problem for good.

On a good note this is the 4th week of kindergarten and Ashley's doing great! The speech therapist and augmentative communication team are coming to meet with Ashley and her teacher this wednesday and it sounds like the school may get her some augmentative device to use in school.

We also have new neighbours moved in next door and they have a boy who is ten which my older boys are thrilled about they just moved to canada from bejing China in June of this year.  My boys were introducing him to nintendo they were surprised to learn he never played that in China.  He has been telling them about his home in china too. The boys seem very fascinate by the differences which there are many.  It's nice that they have a new friend.  He can ripstik too so he is giving James some much needed lessons.

I picked up this book today a good friend mentioned it to me and I can't wait to read it.

My Stoke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor

It's the story of a 37 year old brain scientist that experienced a massive stroke.

Earache, earache go away!

Well looks like Ashley virus  from last week has moved to her ear and now she is on antibiotics again.  This is her fourth ear infection this year, I'm not pleased.  She seemed better Sunday and monday and attended a party and school.  After waking from a very long nap yesterday she couldn't stop crying and poking at her right ear.  I knew right away she was going to need antibiotics.  So after school I took all four to the clinic and we came home with amoxicilin.  

Taylor cold is sticking around too but it doesn't seem to be bothering him he's happy and energized despite the runny nose.  Both my husband and I  also seem to have this cold now too.   The cold and flu season didn't take anytime to hit our house this year.

Feeling good enough for a party

Ashley and Taylor are much better today, so we decided to take in a fun birthday party.  Ashley's friend Tristan turned three today and we were invited to celebrate at a local farm.  There was a petting zoo and best of all pony rides.  Ashley loved the pony ride she was all giggles.

Ashley & Tristan

Happy Birthday Tristan!

Thanks for inviting us Adrienne it was lots of fun

Fever and Runny nose bring on too much worry!

All this talk of H1N1 and my thoughts of RSV keep going thru my head with each cough and nose I wipe. Little Taylor just turned 5 months yesterday and has been running a fever since Wednesday evening around 102 F. Ashley had a fever too which appears to be gone as of this morning but her nose is still runny. I feel particularly concerned because of H1N1 with Ashley's underlying conditions and Taylor young age. However we went to the doctor this morning and he believes it just to be a regular run of the mill cold or virus. They are both still eating and not acting too miserable so I guess I need to relax a little. I'm not getting much sleep and keep checking for sign of respiratory distress just to be on the safe side. They need to get better quickly as Ashley has a fun Birthday party to attend on sunday and I'm tired.

In the mean time I can't wait for the flu shot to be ready this year.

Music to my ears

My oldest came home saying he needed a recorder for school on monday. We headed over to COSMO music superstore. The store was so impressive it made me long for a baby grand piano.

However we left with one red Yamaha recorder for James and shiny new harmonica for Damon.
If you would like a glimpse what I've been hearing for the last 24 hours music protegees i think not.


The boys filmed this video personally. All credit goes to them.

James has been spending time reading his introductory book as well as practising a few notes. Hopefully he will be playing jingle bells for us by christmas if so I promise to post.

Junior Kindergarten Day 2

Well Ashley finished her second day, I manged to get her feed, dressed, AFO's and all and arrive at school for 8:30am. Her brothers as well I'm not exactly a fan of getting up early but I managed a timely arrival each day this week. That is an accomplishment for me. I hope I can keep it up.

Ashley had a little trouble for the first part of the morning. From 8:30 until recess she did some crying. She had a walk instead of circle. By the time recess arrived they decided to remove her AFOs and take her for a walk in her stroller. I showed up briefly at recess to tube feed her some milk. She decided to start smiling at that point too. She was happy to be there for the rest of the morning. I was told she sat and listened to the lesson, smiled while doing arts and crafts and sand play. When they told the class Ashley was heading home for the day at lunch a number of her peers came by and caressed her hand or patted her head good bye. Junior Kindergarten last all day 8:30 until 2:50 but were are going to let Ashley slowly ease into it with half days planned for September.

I saw another Junior Kindergartner who looked to be developing typically shedding a few tears at recess so I know Ashley's not alone feeling a little upset.

All in all I think her first week of school was a great one. Her teacher even gave her this certificate which she loved.

Fabulous start to Junior Kindergarten

I can't believe my little girl has come so far she rode her tricycle to her first day of school. Then she walked in with the aid of her new Kaye walker and AFOs. Way to go girl! I was so proud of her she has an amazing teacher and aid at school its going to be such a positive experience for her. When Ashley was born so ill and struggling for every breath I could never have imagined how wonderful and special today would be. She is even at the same school as her big brothers.

She enjoyed a story, did some arts and crafts, made a friend and just enjoyed herself. I can't wait for Friday her second day. She's going to start slow just mornings for now and alternating days.

She didn't even mind wearing her AFOs today.

Ashley you keep rising to the challenge and making your mommy and daddy so proud.


play dough fun

She is taking it all in here..

arriving with mom



new friends

my kaye walker

More photos ..

The city is building this trail in the woods by our house they have been working on it since spring, it's not finished yet but on labour day we decided to go exploring and check it out. It was a really nice walk.


Taylor has taken to sucking his thumb it's so cute i tried to get a picture but he keeps pulling his hand out as i snap the image. I'm not a photographer that is for sure maybe i need to attend a class not sure where I'd find the time.

A new school year begins

I took a number of photos this morning of James, Damon and Ashley on the front step. As James starts grade 4 and Damon grade 2. Tomorrow Ashley will start Junior Kindergarten. I tried real hard to take a good picture of the three of them on the front step but had no success getting them all to look at the camera and smile at the same time. But you will see how nicely Ashley is able to sit on the bottom step her balance is improving very nicely her physiotherapist was commenting on just that today too.

Here are a few better photos taken on the short walk to school.
Of course Taylor came along to drop them off so I had to take his picture as well.