Just because it is today

Welcome 2012

Because it is today, someone decided to have a little 2 year old tantrum!

Because it is today, Katheryn wanted to play with some of her favorite new presents

Puzzles!!

Because it is today, we decided to enjoy a picnic

(notice Nick's little devil grin!)

Just because it is today we stood at the window and waited for some snow

It's too cold for snow ;)

It's just today. Any day.

Good-bye 2011

It's amazing how far we have come!

Good-bye 2011.
You gave us a year of worry and excitement, you showed us triumph and tears.
You gave us miracles and you left us with only memories.
I don't know if I am happy you are gone or glad that you brought us so much.

I gave you a family who was waiting to show off what we could do,
And you gave me shunt scares and standing, worry and waiting,
You brought us equipment and encouragement,
You gave us a 3 year old, and a 2 year old (both great years by the way),
You helped us settle into working life, scheduling and appointments,
You tried to make me patient and show me what is worth waiting for,
You showed us what patience will produce and that timelines don't matter,
You gave us time for family and memories and fun.

Thank you for the Love, Laughter and Living!

Create your own free digital scrapbook There were so many pictures that I wanted to include! And I'm sure I'm forgetting some pivotal moment in my recollection of the year, but I don't know what it is - or don't want to recall it. Hope you enjoyed our year in review and I look forward to what 2012 will bring us (except for the registering for kindergarten part).

Happy Zoo Year!

Our new years eve plans were in jeopardy with the virus I had (I'm off work for 10 days!) But with a pair of gloves, and realizing that I wasn't putting any newborn babies at risk - we decided to head to the zoo for their annual new years party.

It was BUSY! And dark.
We saw a polar bear (up and eating), Santa's reindeer and a snowy owl (hoo hoo).

They had the carousal up and running and all Katheryn wanted to do was ride the dolphin!
And I found out that they are wheelchair accessible (so next year when it's running again, Nick can come with us)

There was some dancing

And getting ready for the 8pm new years countdown!

Nick was very excited that he could see the stage and the huge screen tv!

The only negative thing - trying to manoeuvre Nick's wheelchair in between cars, and through the slush -  because people had blocked the driveway and the walkway to the accessible spots was not shoveled!
Yes we did tell them at the front  -but nothing was done.

So except for that little non-speed bump, we had a good send-off to 2011.

An Ottawa trip

The kids and I had the opportunity to go to Ottawa for a couple of days after Christmas.

The trip up was a little eventful.

Packing for the kids and I after a busy Christmas then trying to miss the storm that was coming.
Meanwhile I have what I'm thinking is an eczema attack to my hands and feet, and something like heat rash or something?! (I did a google search before I left didn't leave me with any answers)

After a 40 minute stop in Tweed to go to the bathroom - not impressed! Come on Tim Hortons - seriously a 2 stall bathroom for a major stop from Ottawa to Toronto; where the child change table not only blocks a bathroom stall - but it is also in front of the doorway - with about 20 people in line behind me! So not impressed!
This is where we usually stop in the summertime, but these facilities are just not up to par!

We eventually got to Ottawa (well, really just outside of Ottawa).

When we got up past hwy 7 there was snow!
Actual snow on the ground!
Katheryn has been asking for snow for weeks! She wants to make snow angels and throw snow balls. We saw the little flakes of snow on the ground and Katheryn was so excited!

Little did she know what was waiting for us!

We stayed with my cousins Phil and Joy and their 3 kids.
I think everyone had a great time. Doing nothing.

That first night there was a little exciting. I realized I forgot all of Nick's catheter stuff at home. And that I really should get to a walk-in clinic, because I did not have eczema! I had a very contagious virus that luckily my cousins had all had before and that meant they couldn't catch it again.

So besides doing nothing, getting alot of rest and being outside (until we froze in -20C weather) and stocking up on tylenol and advil, they had a great train set that the kids kept playing with, taking apart, making changes and putting back together.

What makes a better family get-together than kids playing with toys in the midst of everyone catching up!

After a relaxing 5 days (extended because of more potential weather) it was back home to reality.
Luckily I wasn't driving - my parents were able to drive me home and help with the kids (my hands are still not 100% - I'm told the virus only lasts 10 days)
 This was some of the beautiful roadside views we had.
This picture doesn't do it justice. Snow covered trees! Something that I love the see in December - not so much in February!

We all had a great time in Ottawa, visiting and catching up.
I hope we can plan more visits soon!

Oh Poop!

I hate poop.
I hate that I worry about poop.

Nick has been constipated. Pebbles constipated. For 5 days.
Over the weekend I kept increasing his PEG and expecting it to get better, but it wasn't. Then I had to sit back and think about how long it has been worrying me. On Friday - yes, on Thursday - yes. Today is Monday. I couldn't wait any longer. Nick was definitely severely constipated, and it was only getting worse.
It was actually the worse I've seen it.

I have been worrying about it. Really, really worried. That I actually call his pediatrician. And I NEVER do that!
But after a couple of phone calls back and forth, some trips to the pharmacy, asking questions on BabyCenter and Facebook and if it doesn't work the first time - try again with more volume. We got it!
Yup we got poop.
It only took a top-down approach of medication, and a bottom up approach of suppository and enemas.

Sometimes I think I overthink the whole poop thing.
I worry about impaction, and shunt blockage because of the impaction and surgery because of impaction ect. Kyle thinks I overreact sometimes. I don't think I do.
Nick has a whole regiment around poop. He has 3 different medications just for poop - PEG flakes (ie. miralax/restoralax), omega-3 oil and probiotics. We are very proactive with poop medication. As well as fibre in his diet (maybe not as much as we should - but he's 2 and he's starting to get picky). I'm a bit obsessed about his poop, and really don't think it gets assessed like it should unless I do it myself.

Generally we are on the poop ball. I adjust dosages and things start working in 48 hours. I think I'm on top of it - and then this happens. And I feel like I know nothing - again. I feel like I've lost control!