Gardening Angel

Today was kinda dull and drizzly, a PJ day around here. But the rest of the weekend was so much nicer than the original forecast of rain, rain, and oh...more rain. May Long Weekend has a history of not-so-sunny-weather in Calgary but we did see sunshine this year and had lots of time outside!

Taylor enjoyed some fresh air and a snooze in her highchair under the beach umbrella. Marissa had fun chasing bubbles, chasing Koko, and playing in the yard.

Taylor looking as precious as only she can

I wish I could bottle up some of Marissa's energy and use it for myself!!

A green thumb I am not. But I do love having flowers planted for the summer. It just brightens up the yard and makes it look so pretty. I have to admit that I hate the planting part, and it's all I can manage just to remember to water. If I'm being real here, I just don't like getting dirty. But Mom does. Yesterday was what is affectionately (or sarcastically?!) known as the Annual Planting for the Princess. Yep, she did the dirty work for me. And I am so very grateful. Honestly, everything she does for me, for us, for the girls, and this too...seriously, she is amazing. Thank you Mom! xoxoxo

I saw this idea on another blog I was reading this week and just had to steal it! I have Marissa's outgrown rain boots that were painted by Grandma Marny. Now I know why I couldn't throw them out, they have another purpose! Flower pots, the cutest flower pots you've ever seen...

I've got a bunch of stuff to catch up on but it will have to wait until the next post, so stay tuned!

Sprunshine!

That's right...sprunshine...the perfect blend of spring finally appearing and warm rays of sunshine pouring down! Gotta love it! Patio furniture on deck, flowers bought and ready to plant, hoses out, lawn raked, trees budding, flip flops on, sprinkler ready to be run through, and BBQ back in business.

Pinwheel held up to the sky with one hand, camera in the other...I just LOVE these two shots!

Marissa loves her time in the tub. I walked by the bathroom as the tub was filling up and saw her leaning in to take a drink so I grabbed the camera and caught the next sip...

We hung out in the backyard together on Sunday afternoon. Perfect family afternoon. Beautiful sunshine. Dog outside where nobody had to worry if she was going to squat on the floor. Daddy raking. Marissa gardening. Taylor feeding in her highchair. Me clicking pictures. Oh yes, mustn't forget...baby suntanning...

Our first week with Koko has been fun. Working hard to get her into a routine. She's a lively little one...that is when she's not being carted around by Marissa who is absolutely smitten. She can zip around the yard like a little firecracker. I think she's going to be very trainable, she catches on really quickly. Responded to her name in no time. Housebreaking however is challenging for Koko's breed. So having an adorable 3 pound puppy comes with the not-so-adorable little piddles and poops around the house. Luckily a 3 pound dog leaves just little messes to deal with. So training will be quite the project around here for the next while. Wish us luck. Koko is definitely Marissa's dog...but her and Taylor managed to sneak in a nap curled up together, so sweet.

They looked so sweet all curled up together!

Marissa put Koko in the play train and turned it on so that she could go for a ride...oh did we laugh!!

My favourite shot of little Miss Koko resting outside in the sunshine

Taylor's doing well. As of today, she's drinking one and a half bottles a day by mouth! Supergirl is sure making huge strides with her feeding. We have to thicken the fluid she drinks orally to minimize her aspiration risks, and the thickener has been a bit hard on her little system. Things sort of stopped moving if ya know what I mean. But she had a good poop today and hopefully she's adjusting to it.

She's finally managing to stay on her tummy a bit now that the g-tube site has healed up. Tomorrow might change that, but hopefully not for too long. We're off to the surgeon's office to have the first line g-tube device taken out (NOT looking forward to that - they literally have to pull the plug out of the little hole), and then having her skin level device put in. It will sure be nice to not have a tube hanging out. I'm sure once the tenderness of tomorrow's trauma passes, it will be much more comfortable for her to get back to some productive tummy time.

Good Things, Grand Finale

It's been a week chock full of good stuff...

Taylor's been doing really well drinking 60mL out of a bottle once a day. Last Monday we got adventurous, we doubled it! And whadya know...Supergirl downed it...all 120mL!!!!!!!! Shar was feeding her, I was there, and JoAnn from Pace was over for a home visit. Three witnesses all cheering like crazy with excitement. When Shar took the bottle out of her mouth, Taylor had a bit of a smirk on her face, kinda like she was sayin' "Ha! And you didn't think I could do it!" We were all cheering and praising her like crazy in high-pitched squealy voices and suddenly she busted out this gigantic full mouth smile! It was amazing. Like she was as proud of herself as we were. Absolutely precious. It was so fast I couldn't catch it with the camera, but it's etched in my mind, that's for sure.

The girls' cousin Jeff was over the other day playing with Marissa, they had her barbies lined up on blocks on the floor in the playroom. They were doing push-ups at the gym! Of course they were, what else do Barbies do?! Marissa loves it when Jeff comes over, he loves it too, they're special friends those two.

Apparently there's group of church ladies who make quilts for the Rotary Flames House. On our last visit they sent us home with one for Taylor. It has a patch on the corner, stitched by the lovely lady from Rotary South who made it. Wherever you are Doreen, we thank you!

It's really hard to find footed sleepers in toddler sizes, they're so much better on Taylor than the two-piece separates. I do have a bunch, but they all have zippers, and that poses a bit of a problem when it comes to the g-tube. When she's hooked up to a feed I have to have the sleeper halfway unzipped. So I thought I'd take them to an alteration place and have a button hole put in each one to create an access hole to the g-tube. Great idea right? Well, I took them in and they were going to charge $11 per sleeper. You've got to be kidding me, that's more than the price of the sleepers. So I brought them home, where they have been sitting on the railing ever since. Francis' parents were here for a visit last week and I was telling my mother-in-law the story. She told me I could do those by hand in no time. I'm like, yeah right! I'll just add that to the mile-long list of things in my procrastination pile! Grada insisted it was easy, asked me for a needle and thread and a scrap of fabric, and proceeded to showed me how to hand sew a buttonhole stitch. I think Francis was smirking under his breath 'cause he knew the likelihood of me following through was pretty slim! So I decided to buck up and off I went to the store, got me some embroidery thread and needles. On Thursday night I sat down in my comfy chair, cut a slit in each of the sleepers and started stitching. And I am proud to say I did it, and if I do say so myself, they look pretty damn good! Thank you Grada...Francis thanks you too 'cause you saved him $66!

My six masterpieces!

I had respite one afternoon, so off I went to tackle some errands and enjoy some alone time. Along my way I ended up at the Children's Place in the CrossIron Mills outlet mall. And I struck gold. Marissa is just about out of all of her shoes...the 10's are getting pretty tight, nearly ready for 11's. I got her four pairs of shoes for under $30! Followed by three pairs of sparkly flip-flops at Superstore for $12. Seriously...7 pairs of shoes for forty-two bucks?? Wish I could get myself 7 pairs of shoes for $42, chance of that happening is not bloody likely!

We got a Dakota chair for Taylor (like the ones at Rotary Flames House). It's a thing of beauty, and the ultimate in comfort and safety. It's a supportive bean bag chair, with a safety harness, made in Calgary to boot! It can be pushed right back allowing her to chill out and/or sleep all cradled in, or it can be brought all the way forward so that she is supported in an upright position. Or any angle in between, all without any pressure points. It's so nice to have another seating option in the house to get Taylor up off the floor.

Of course Marissa and I got to do some egg colouring as Easter was approaching. She coloured the eggs first with the magic crayon, dropped them into mugs of pretty coloured dye, then fetched them out once they reached the perfect shade. I drew some swirls on one of the eggs with the magic crayon and when Marissa scooped it out of the mug she complimented me on how beautiful my egg was. Why thank you dear!

You're never too old to do this!

Easter weekend was a busy one. We had respite on Friday night, so after a full day with the girls, Francis and I went out to see a movie...Limitless. It was good. Saturday morning Marissa had gymnastics, then it was off to her friend Sam's birthday party, and finally back home to make a nice supper. Mom joined us and showed up with arms full. A basket of sweets for Marissa, flowers for me, and an absolutely darling swarovski necklace that she made for Taylor (to match last year's bracelet)! Thank you so much Mom, you're too good to us. Before bed that night Francis and I were busy doing up the girls' Easter baskets and laid out the trail of carrot clues that Marissa would follow the next morning. Sunday morning was really fun, I loved watching Marissa's animated reaction to each clue that lead her closer and closer to the big basket waiting for her at the end of the hunt. And she was just as anxious to open Taylor's basket and show her each little treasure that was inside. We didn't do chocolate since Taylor can't have any and Marissa doesn't need any, instead opted for an array of little things they would each enjoy. Following the Easter bunny excitement, we left on an exciting errand (that you'll read about next), then we were off to dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's. Marny has made her signature rainboots for all the grandkids, and to my delight yesterday Taylor got her very own pair! She may not be able to puddle jump in them, but she'll sure rock the look while being pushed through the rain in her wheelchair, thank you Marny! Marissa always enjoys time with her cousins Megan & Jilli, the threesome were busy little girls whipping up no shortage of Easter crafts last night.

And now...for the grand finale...drumroll please...

We. Got. A. Puppy. She's the most adorable little Maltese/Yorkie cross ("Morkie") you have ever seen! Allow me introduce you to Koko...

You may or may not know that we used to have a dog. A beautiful yellow lab named Bailey. Bailey was a bundle of extreme energy and at a certain point in time we just couldn't seem to keep up with what he needed from us in time and intense exercise. As a result, he started to become destructive and very sad. We felt the best and kindest thing for Bailey would be to find him a new home where he could get what he needed. We did find him a great one, we met the lovely couple who lived directly across the street from an open field where they would be running him several times a day. We did go over a few months afterwards to visit and could see that we made the right choice for him. Every time I see a yellow lab though, I still feel a twinge of guilt for the commitment we failed to keep. We loved him so very much, and made sure he went to a good home, but at the end of the day...we did let him down.

We were certainly in no hurry for another pet after we let Bailey go. It's been a few years now. And this was not a decision we made lightly. I think we both knew there would eventually be a dog in our future, we just didn't know when that would be. We have talked about what the right circumstances would have to be in order for us to get a dog, because it is a commitment that we are absolutely 100% dedicated to honoring second time around. The dog would have to be small and not require alot of exercise. It would have to be non-shedding because of my allergies. It would have to be playful and non-aggressive. While we weren't actively looking for a dog, we knew very clearly what we wanted in one. So when the right dog happened to come along, we made the decision. She is a small dog indeed, will be only 6 or 7 pounds full grown! She's a very low shedding dog, frequently chosen by allergy sufferers. And she's playful indeed. We spent a good chunk of time in the bonding room with her on Friday. Marissa was totally taken with her, had her up and down over and over, gave her tonnes of little cuddles and squeezes, played with her...and she took it all in stride. No sign at all of even a hint of aggression. She could handle Marissa, no small feat! All our requirements were met, Taylor was okay with her, I was not a stuffed-up mess, and we were unanimously taken with her. So Easter Sunday found us back at the pet store picking up our sweet little Koko! I think this is going to make a really positive impact on Marissa too, she'll have a real loyal playmate in Koko.

Well that's the end of one big post! I'll wrap this up with an 'outtake' cause it's too silly not to include :-)

Talent

A huge shout out to my sister tonight! Jaime, you do so many little projects for me, and I am so grateful that you're always willing and excited to do yet another for me and whip up something fabulous in no time. You have great talent in doing what you do, and you love doing it. Can it get any better than that?! My blog officially has a header now...and isn't it lovely everyone??!!! Thanks babe, I love it. Graphic Designer Extraordinaire! People have always told me that I'm creative, but if you saw Jaime's photography and design work, you'd be way impressed. You go girl, I'm your #1 fan!

What else am I enjoying tonight?

Marissa and I sat down at the island together to make an Easter Bunny house! Thought they just sold kits for gingerbread houses at Christmastime? Apparently now Easter warrants a pretty little candy decorated house too. I had Marissa's attention for about 10 minutes, she placed a few candies, then bailed on me to play with playdough. So I sat quietly decorating the Easter house, and rather enjoyed myself...

Love my cup full of Sharpies, one in every colour...

Those Sharpies helped me craft some quick but cute thank you cards for all the littles who came to Marissa's birthday party...

And I'm loving that it's the weekend. Francis had a crumby week, home sick for three days, and feeling lousy again when he got home today. But he's going to kick it this weekend. He has to. We're taking Taylor to Rotary House on Sunday, then heading to West Edmonton Mall for a few days with Marissa. Family fun time with our big girl...water park, amusement park, maybe some bowling, a movie...as long as it promises fun, we'll be doin' it!

Last but not least, the song playing in the background. Hope you're enjoying it too. There definitely is Beauty In The World people, so shake your booties boys and girls!

Short but Sweet

Just a few things that I'm likin' today...

Spring has sprung...and so have pastel coloured M&Ms, how can those pretty little candies not put a smile on your face?

The smell of coffee cake...fresh out of the oven...filling up my kitchen all ready for friends coming to visit in the morning.

A pretty new dish that I can already picture coloured eggs in...the ones that Marissa and I will soon make together for Easter.

This doll head was a birthday gift for Marissa from her little friend Matthew next door. She has been 'making' her hair faithfully every day since she got it and has such an intent look about her while she does it, like she's deep in concentration perfecting just the right look. Marissa is all about doing her own hair, and it usually involves several barrettes, a ponytail or two, and maybe even a hairband. And dolls are her thing...so a doll head full of hair just begging to be 'done'...well, it just doesn't get any better than that!

This face...I can't get enough of it. Enough said!

The excitement in Marissa's voice when I told her Liam is coming to play tomorrow. I told her he was coming in the morning, after breakfast. A few minutes later she says..."Mommy, I just want to have a quick breakfast tomorrow"...as though she wants to get it out of the way as fast as possible cause she thinks the doorbell will ring as soon as she puts her spoon down. Gotta love that kind of excitement.

That's it, goodnight all.

Patty Cake, Patty Cake...

...bakers man, bake me a cake, as fast as you can!

It was my all-time favourite childhood gift...the Easy Bake oven. Marissa pulled hers out yesterday and wanted to bake. Of course I indulged her. Got her suited up in her chef's hat and apron. A girl's got to be properly outfitted for the occasion. So we mixed and poured and cooked, all by the magic of one little lightbulb.

I must say from my perspective the Easy Bake oven is a bit of a let down. It's so not what it used to be! I remember mine vividly, and it made perfect little quality cakes. Today's Easy Bake oven isn't up to par. The edges burned, the batter overflowed while cooking, the insides weren't quite done, and it sunk in the middle when we took it out.

At the end of the day though, Mommy's disappointment just doesn't matter, and I certainly didn't let on to Marissa that her cake wasn't anything but fabulous. Because to her it was. Fabulous. And she wanted to cover it up and save it as a surprise for when Daddy got home.

Figured out how to make a photo b&w but keep part of it in colour!

So...the blog is evolving. I started it as a way of keeping our family and friends up to date with Taylor's journey, and to document everything that she has been through. In her two and a half years so far, she's been through a heck of a lot! But we're a family, the four of us, and I'm going to write about us. It's more than Taylor's Journey now, it's our journey together as a family.

Enjoying the Small Things...

I've been obsessed over the past several weeks with a blog I came across while searching special needs bloggers.

Enjoying the Small Things by Kelle Hampton, you should seriously check it out.

Kelle is an amazing mother, woman, photographer, writer. And she too has a special little one. Her second daughter, Nella, was born just over a year ago with Down Syndrome. I have spent the last many weeks reading every single post on her blog from the day she created it in 2007 right up until today. Sounds crazy doesn't it? It's hard to explain, but something about the way she writes, the beautiful photography of her girls, and her full blown passion for life. As she says, she just wants to suck the marrow out of every second of life. And she does. And I have spent all this time reading because she drew me in after just a few posts. She writes simply about her life and all the small things they enjoy. I think the way she appreciates and is grateful for all the small stuff is what makes her love of life so intoxicating.

She has inspired me. To capture on camera more moments and memories than I already do. And to spend more time enjoying the small things. So, inspired by her regular posts of enjoying the small things, here's some of the small things that I'm enjoying...

Our bonus room has, over the past few years since we moved into our house, evolved into a playroom for the girls, more so for Marissa. Then we have the living room on the main floor where we have all Taylor's stuff in the ottoman, and a big blanket on the floor for her to roll on. Then there's my laptop which sits awkwardly on a bit of counter in the kitchen, and my desk way down in the basement, where I never go 'cause it's too cold. So I was on a mission a couple weeks ago to re-organize the playroom and make it work for us all. Francis and I moved my desk from the basement up to the playroom. No small feat, but we did it. So I have a little space in there now to put my laptop and be in there with the girls. The ottoman with all Taylor's stuff got moved up there too. And everything is nicely arranged around the perimeter of the room so that the whole middle is a nice soft place for Taylor to happily roll around and not bonk her head on the hardwood. It's so nice to hang out up there together, it's so bright with all the windows and early sun. I think Taylor likes her new space, and Marissa doesn't feel like we invaded her playroom. It works, we're all happy.

An impromptu photo shoot of Marissa's precious babies to include in her fifth year scrapbook. That is once I get caught up with her second, third and fourth year books first! She loves her babies, 'mothers' them every single day. So fun to watch. Especially when she gives them hell for something and puts them in a time out.

Francis is so not the vain type, but I'm enjoying the fact that every once in a while he's urked by the nasty grays that have invaded his head and makes a trip to the drug store to remedy his discontent. He emerged from the bathroom today announcing that he feels 20 years younger.

A cup of tea in my favourite mug.

More dollar store fun...Easter is just around the corner. Having kids is the perfect excuse to go nuts, right?!?!

Remembering Marissa's first dance recital last summer. The hair and makeup required for said recital made her look so much older than her 4 years. And the adorable pink tutu'd costume, delectable. She still wears it now, it's part of her dress-up clothes collection, somewhere between Snow White and Cinderella. It was left lying on the floor in the living room after the last wearing so I had a little photoshoot with it.

I love Marissa's excited face when we let her have a sip of our latte in the morning. Of course, it's always more than just a sip, more like 5 or 6 giant gulps that leave behind a white foam mustache that she'll run into the bathroom to see in the mirror.

Saturday morning pancakes. This is usually Daddy & Marissa time, they have a ritual together early on Saturday mornings while I sleep in. But this morning I got up and crashed their party. My favourite part...laughing over how she had some pancakes with her syrup. I like to dip mine into a little dish of syrup instead of pouring it on and having it soak in. So she likes to have her own dish of syrup too. Only she doesn't have a wee dip into the sugary sweetness, no, she fully submerges each bite and then brings the dripping morsel of pancake to her mouth. Pure entertainment. No wonder we have to buy the big 4 litre jug of syrup at Costco!

A lovely lunch out with a couple friends, whose 'normal' is similar to ours. G-tube surgeries and all. Thanks for the tips!

Topping the list right now of what I'm enjoying...seeing this beautiful face again. Without a tube taped to it! Monday morning, Supergirl has a date with the surgeon and her new feeding tube will be hidden under her clothes going straight into her stomach.