Photos from New Brunswick

New Brunswick Canada it is beautiful.

Here's a few photos everyone had an amazing time.

The tried new food like fried clams and scallops, spent hours at the beach where they played with hermit crabs, jelly fish and found mud shrimp in the river behind the cottage. The whale watching was the highlight of the vacation I believe.

They also enjoyed the return trip to ontario with a two night stop over in maine, grammy and grampy only stay at hotels with pools and prefer to eat at resturants with table clothes. Geez now why did i stay at home.. oh therapy for Ashley I believe. I think therapy needs a vacation too eh. Well next year I guess I have to go as well.

Balsam lake

My husband and I are with the babes hanging out at the lake this weekend. I brought my iPod touch and was thrilled to find we have wifi access working I believe it's compliments of our neighbours. The weather this summer has been rather disappointing and there are fewer people around and less boats on the lake so it's nice and quiet.

I'm excited to be heading to Ottawa tomorrow to meet up with my parents and the boys they have been away since June 25th. I'm also looking forward to introducing Taylor to my extended family.
-- Post From My iPod

Rave reviews about Whale Watching

James and Damon loved whale watching, I heard all about the finback whales, porpuous and seals they got to see yesterday. There wasn't too many people on the tour and the captain let both of the boys get a chance to drive the boat. They also soaked up all the marine life info that was shared. Then they traveled to Bangor Maine for a nights stay and I believe they may be doing some sight seeing there today before heading back to Grammy and Grampys. They are enjoying every minute of this vacation they only miss mommy a little bit.

Whale Watching at St Andrews by-the-sea

St Andrews by-the-sea doesn't that sound like a lovely place. My boys and their grandparents have packed up the cottage and are heading there right now for a night or two. The have plans to go whale watching tomorrow followed by relaxing at the beach or resort afterwards.

I think I've had bloggers block if there is such a thing. Everything is just pretty routine around here, there is therapy, the re-occuring earache, doctors visits same old stuff and not as lovely sounding as a visit to St Andrews by-the-sea. None of what is going on here seems too blog worthy either. My mom and dad are taking plenty of pictures and i hope to post some next week when i get my hands on them. My boys are so lucky to have such caring grandparents that want to spoil them. Thanks Mom and Dad. Doesn't that resort look totally amazing that is where they are headed.

lazy sundays

Pots where 50% off at home depot and the annuals just $1 so we decided to just add one more to the front step. Now we have a pair.

Taylor taking in some Golf on TV with Daddy

Ashley and Daddy going for a walk around the block

Hanging out in my pjs

Just posing for the camera, Ashley a real model and always willing to smile for the camera.

Well Heart Check UP!!! :)

Ashley cardiologist was very pleased with her ECHO CARDIOGRAM she has been suffering from Pulmonary Hypertension since birth it was treated with oxygen her first 14 months of life. But has been getting slowly better as her lungs matured and grew. Her heart isn't showing any signs of enlargement and pressures were looking great on the test. Ashley only has to return in 2 years time to repeat the test and if all looks good at that point in time they will discharge her from the cardiac clinic!!! This is super news because last summer the same Dr. Heart was concerned and sent her for a overnight sleep study and a check up with the ENT.

We also learned that she grew 3 and 1/2 cm in the past 6 months which is normal growth and welcome news. She is on the 3% for height but weight on the other hand she just below that but still just on the chart. They are pleased she is growing but have given me a number of ways to up her calories some more. I'll have to write a whole post on that alone.

Some not great news is that she now has scoliosis, this a new diagnosis to add to her list unfortunately but at least some other issues have been resolved.

The thing that bothered me that day besides the scoliosis .. happened when Ashley finished her ECHO which went smoothly then she had the ECG. The ECG is no fun for a four year old she had a zillion stickers and wires attached to her body and had to have her arms and legs held down. She did not like being held down or the removal of the stickers from her skin. Following that it was nap time and the hospital was testing the fire alarm so many bells were ringing rather loudly. While all that was going on we met with a nurse to review Ashley history prior to seeing Dr. Heart well the over stimulation and need for sleep didn't sit well with Ashley she had enough and was crying kicking and screaming well they tried to take her oxygen stats. The nurse meeting with us looked over at Ashley screaming and then Taylor sleeping peacefully in his stroller and asked " now was he a good idea" i thought what that's a sucky question. But I started rambling on about how sweet and wonderful he is and how Ashley just really tired and had enough today. But was that really necessary. I probably should have asked her why she was asking??? Well I'm just venting not sure why this comment is still in my head the next day I'm sure she wasn't intentionally trying to offend me but she managed too.

Here's my girl with the healthy heart & Mr Fantastic idea

Heart check up today for Ashley

We are heading down to sick kids to see Ashley's Cardiologist and Endocriologist today. She's going to have an echo and an ECG and I believe some bloodwork. I have a feeling the doctors will have something to say about her weight. She growing but not putting any weigt on so I worry she is getting skinnier if that is possible. She likes eating a lot actually but I think all the food goes into her hollow leg or something.

Well I just hope the doctors aren't too concerned.

-- Post From My iPod

Time to Play

I was missing James and Damon this weekend it sure seemed so much quieter around our house without them. Saturday was nice and warm and Ashley got to enjoy her water table and sunday was cooler but we still headed out for a nice walk with Taylor in the back of the Phil&Ted stroller. I love this stroller!

Heading out for a walk on a cool sunday afternoon.


Water and bubble play to keep me busy while my brothers are away.

Schools out and the summer has begun

It's been very busy around my house lately so I've neglected my blog due to lack of time. I'm so proud of my oldest two boys completing grades 3 and grade 1. James was so thrilled when the last bell finally rang he was running around the schoolyard in total delight. It was nice to see him and his brother so excited for the summer.

We also had a great visit from my nephew Blake this week. The three boys had lots of fun together all sleeping together in Damon's room and traveling back to Ottawa with my parents yesterday. Today was the boys first day of Vacation and they spent it swimming in my mom's pool this morning, out for lunch, and then watched the movie UP this afternoon. Doesn't that sound like tons of fun. I'm jealous. Tomorrow they are heading out to the east coast with my parents.

Unfortunately Ashley was sick this week with another ear infection but we caught it right away and started her on antibiotics monday morning. She appears well today with the exception of a runny nose. Even more scary Taylor had a running nose and fever come wednesday i was concerned as he is so young and bad thoughts of RSV ran through my head right away but he clearly he had no signs of respiratory distress and managed to even breast feed problem free. I'm happy to report he's better now just 2 days later.

I even enjoyed a night out on the town last monday Taylor in tow. I had dinner with six of my former co-workers. Most of us are approaching 40 (scary eh) and boy do we lead different lives it was fun hearing everyones stories. Clearly I don't get out much compared to my friends I guess 4 kids will cause that effect but i won't change anything being mom to 4 is the best job in the world and really is fun believe it or not.

Here's a few pics from the week
Ashley exploring her house now that she's moving about. It's so exciting to find her at the front door.

Taylor enjoying some toys

James loves his brother... it's so much fun to have a baby in the house

My kids with their cousin

Breakfast for the last day of school

Class of 2009

Preschool Graduation! - Already for my baby girl

Ashley you played, danced and sang along side your friends all year. I can't believe how fast the school year has gone by and now you have graduated preschool. I'm so very proud of you. Mommy can't believe your soon starting junior kindergarten this september. The Little School House had a really sweet graduation ceremony this morning for the children in Ashley class here is a short clip from the ceremony.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Another week another illness

Well Ashley has been managing to stay on the healthy side for a little while however I'm just getting over my second case of STREP throat. Hey i just had it 3 weeks ago the same time as Ashley so I wasn't due for any illness. I've already had my fare share 2 cases of mastitis and 2 case of strep now in the last 5 weeks it's a bit much for me. I've finished off a big bottle of tylenol I only purchased last month. (it's suppose to be safe when breastfeeding I certainly hope so!!)

My job doesn't have sick days not sure why not because at times they are badly needed. As I'm suppose to clean the house, make lunches drop off and pick up kids, change diapers, feed and play with kids with a fever of 102. Silly me I still tried to do my best I never cancelled any of Ashley therapy appointments just play and cleaning was pretty much non existent but everything else had to happen. I'm feeling better again thank god!!! However now I have a house badly in need of cleaning, a mountain of laundry and I'm hoping there isn't another infection waiting for me around the corner.

This weekend with two days of antibiotics in me i managed to take Ashley and Taylor to Naomi's Birthday party she is Ashley's nurse daughter she was so cute and very pleased Ashley was able to attend. Naomi and her sister sat had lunch and played with Ashley for quite some time until their Daddy arrived and he was more popular with the girls. It was really nice. Taylor also got a lot of attention from Sarah's mom and aunts.

I also took James to a local Canoe Club for an open house he got some Kayak lesson and was able to go kayaking for about an hour he loved it. The coach told James he was a nature. That comment and the speed of the boat had James hooked he is very excited to go to their camp this august. They train rowers there year round and I'm thinking perhaps this is a great sport for James to work off some of his energy and have some fun. Silly me I didn't bring my camera to this event so no photos to share but he looked great out there on the Kayak.

My week

It's been a busy week Ashley's Kindergarden teacher and teachers aid for school next year came to visit her at preschool. They are both wonderful, they had some good questions and are looking forward to having Ashley in their classroom. Ashley who has been struggling at preschool had a great day and was mostly smiles. Which was wonderful and a timely change for her I'm sure it's related to her health.

Taylor is now 7 weeks old and so sweet he is awake much more now and enjoys checking out his surroundings. I was brave enough to take all four kids to a good friends birthday party after school on thursday. It was a breeze except for the fact that James got injured playing and we went from the party to the urgent care clinic because he had a cut on in his fore head.
It wasn't too serious they cleaned it with alcohol swaps and taped it closed with special bandages. I even managed to take all 4 of to the clinic as Daddy was on his way home. Daddy met us at the door of the clinic as we were leaving. They were all great at the clinic for the hour wait the loot bags from the party occupied them. James just laid back and let the doctor clean his wound .. he was very brave and didn't mind the alcohol i swear he wouldn't have let me clean his wound that way. I'm starting to feel like i can manage pretty much anything with four kids in tow which is good news because I guess that will be the case few years to come.

This week i also managed to survive another case of the dreaded mastitis and book James for some camps. I'm also ready for summer break.

My girl on a walk this morning to Starbucks

My baby on a walk to pick up his brothers from school yesterday.

The birthday boy with his yummy cup cakes.

Ashley is really moving around and earlier this week I caught her getting close to Taylor she even leaned in and rested her head on him. Like she was cuddling him. I think she is warming up to him.

Things are looking up

My Damon thinks it's warm enough for a bathing suit but it's actually 15C or 60F brrr for june

Taylor is already outgrowing his newborn clothes. The selves are a little short. I even had to buy him size 1 diapers this weekend.
He is growing I know that is good but it's a little sad for mommy.


Ashley feeling better today and was her usual self smiles and giggles at physiotherapy


James has made some great progress on his Rip Stik

6 weeks old today and smiling :)

My little guy Taylor such a sweetheart smiling right on schedule!



And my darling lunch was served a little late due to a meeting. A sleep while eating at 1pm

The Rip Stik

It's been raining here the 2 days following James birthday. He was still determined to learn to ride his new Rip Stik. Check out his progress last night it's paying off.

Happy Birthday James

Today my oldest turned 9 years old. I can't believe it's been that long since he was born. He is growing up so fast he wanted a skateboard for his birthday, we got him a Rip Stik. My mom came and made him a money cake decorated to look like a volcano. It was a big hit. My parents gave him and his brother pogo sticks which they loved. They bounced around for close to 2 hours after school i couldn't believe it entertained them for that long. The Rip Stik is going to take some time to learn but Daddy enjoyed testing it out and James is excited about it.

James I hope you enjoyed your special day. Mom and Dad thanks for coming all this way to help celebrate. I couldn't have made his day so special without all your help.

James cake:

My parents and my four amazing kids. Ashley was a little uncomfortable today as she is still fighting her ear infections, Taylor's sleepy and the boys can't wait to get those presents open in the photo below.

The fun learning to POGO around.

My Tulips

Here's my tulips that i dreamed about last winter they were looking so pretty. I took these a week ago they have already started to fade so I'm glad I took these when i did. I love spring.

Strep, double ear infections & 10 days of fever

On a lighter note..

Here Ashley latest haircut photo's
it's been a while and badly needed...

getting it chopped off

the final product


Well it's been a little while since i found time to blog I've been busy figuring out what's bothering Ashley to no end and keep my up with the boys.

After many trips to the doctor, 10 days of fever which would come and go we still had no idea why Ashley was so sick and miserable. Last week her left ear rum burst the following morning her right ear drum burst. She also started eating less because her throat was hurting. Finally at the urgent care clinic she was diagnosised with bi-lateral ear infections as well as strep throat. She started 10 days of amoxicillin and she is much improved. I was never so thankful for antibiotics. After just one day of it she would allow us to put on her shoes again. I think her ear infections were bothering her for many weeks it just wasn't so obvious at first. I'm not sure why her Doctor didn't see the infection, he suspected she had one but he couldn't see it at 3 visits. Thankfully she is doing so much better now though.

Taylor doing well eating all the time and growing. He has lost most of the hair on top of his little head though.. and now just has hair on the sides and back like a middle aged man. Oh my i hope it grows back quickly.

James also had his share of bike collisions these past 2 weeks as well. He managed to lift his thumb nail right off when he went over his handle bars after rear ending his brother. His thumb is also now on the mend. And i believe he a little more focus on watching where he is going.

Our Rainbow

This was outside our door this evening.

Sensory overload

Well Ashley definitely appears to be healthy today however I have another concern.. which i think started a little while ago before Taylor was born. Ashley appears to be very easily overstimulated. I think her Sensory system perhaps isn't functioning so well she is having lots of melt downs which at times can go on for a long time. I know she has had a growth spurt since starting to eat table food and it was suggested to me perhaps her sensory system is out of sync now. Which seems to make a lot of sense to me.

It's pretty upsetting to see her out of sorts at activities she used to enjoy like physio and pre-school. She seems to be triggered by loud unexpected noises, her baby brothers crying (which doesn't happen to often) but when it does is very upsetting to her. The noisy classroom of 15 preschoolers, even physio with a therapist she's been seeing since an infant and used to giggle and smile through therapy sessions with. She is also very sensitive to any shoes being on her feet now this is new and even her beloved My little Pony sneakers which she has been wearing since Christmas and they still fit her.

I was told that i should look into the brushing therapy to help her relax and help her with her sensory issues. I've email her Occupational therapist for some advice on this. I was also told she having tantrums and to place her calmly in a safe place like her crib or playpen to calm down and it works however she gets upset again when we take her out. Which leads me to believe this more of a sensory issue then a tantrum. Any advice on this is welcome especially if you've been through this. Ashley has also been so easy going and happy this change is a little rough on her and mommy.