Happy Brennyn Day

Four years it has been since we walked into the temporary civil affairs office in Xi'an China and spotted you playing with some tourist flyers. The nanny tried to explain to you that we were your mama and baba, but you would have none of that nonsense. It wasn't until I pulled out a package of gerber snacks that your attention was instantly upon me (where it has been ever since). Only wish I had known about your food issues ahead of time, but we barreled forward.

You came willingly with us to the van (those snacks were the key) and even to the Wal-Mart to buy diapers (because we were told you were potty trained and had been for a long time, but this, among other things turned out to be far from the truth). We should have paid closer attention to your fear when we first attempted that initial Wal-Mart run. Too many people, too many sounds and too many sights for our sensory sensitive little one.

You ate your first meal with us like there was never going to be any more of this delicious food, and soon passed out on the bed (you were not having any of that crib, probably because you had been out of a crib for the last 6 months).
The next morning you took one look at me, and one look at baba and screamed an unholy, animalistic screech and did not stop for an hour. You continued to scream on and off for the next 2 weeks.
My poor little girl, you were so very scared and overwhelmed. You were also so very sick, and we had no idea until we were home. Parasites and infections, it's a wonder you were still so strong.

We made it through, you and I. It was a struggle, hard on your dad and I of course, but so much harder for you. You make me feel like the luckiest mommy in the whole world sometimes. Other times, well, it still can be a struggle can't it. We try so hard to fit you into a diagnosis, but maybe there just isn't one for you. You are you, my daughter and it is going to be difficult sometimes. However, we are going to always work together!

You are the most amazing child, so brave and loving. You care about other people, you always want to make sure everyone is okay. You say whatever is on your mind, and I find so refreshing, because I am the opposite. You never complain about visiting doctor after doctor. Yes, it does bother you sometimes that other kids ask you about your hands but you always tell them the truth, "I was born this way".
You are an artist my daughter. Even your teacher recognizes your talent, and I find this so remarkable since you are only in grade 1.
Everyone remembers you, wherever you go, simply because you have such a special, generous heart.

I am the lucky one.

A better shot of our Buda Bear.

Lost our beloved Buda Bear

Last week we had to make the very difficult decision to put our dog down. He was our first baby, and we spoiled him rotten, well I did until my actual human babies came home. I will admit that my doggies took a bit of a back seat once our children arrived, but Blair continued to dote on his dogs. Buda lived a long, happy life despite developing Cushings disease at the age of 8. He still managed to hold on for another 4 years, but his last 6 months were a little sad. He just was not the same dog anymore, he would still eat anything and everything, even up to the last few minutes of his life (he wanted those dog treats at the vet even when he was getting so tired). He just did not want to go for walks anymore, he barked at everyone, he could barely get up the stairs.
It was so hard for Blair, he wanted Buda to hang on for the summer, and Buda did. He made a few more trips to the trailer with us (although, the beach walks were cut way down).
I realized that we made the right decision as soon as the vet gave him the medicine to make him sleepy. Buda looked relaxed and at peace for the first time in months. We both sobbed and sobbed, but the vet was so good with us (and Buda). She gave us all the time we needed, and reassured us that we made the best decision for him. He was so very tired.

Sweet girl's tea party

Brennyn's birthday happens to fall on a National Holiday (Canada Day of course) so we often have to celebrate it with her friends a little earlier.

Went with a tea party theme this year, complete with candy, cupcakes and mini sandwiches.

Big sister Avery was the helper (tea parties really aren't her thing, lol).

Ectodermal Dysplasia

My youngest daughter has a very rare genetic syndrome. There is no cure, not much research being done (on her form of it). There are over 150 known forms of ectodermal dysplasia, Brennyn has something called ADULT (Acro-Dermato-Ungual-Lacrimal-Tooth) syndrome. She was born with cleft hand, syndactyly, tooth issues (although she is very fortunate to have a complete set of baby teeth, many people with ectodermal dysplasia need implants), eczema, etc. Her condition is far from life threatening, it's more of a nuisance for her (for lack of a better word). She will miss many days of school for specialist appointments over the years, we go to Sick Kids at least 8 times a year. She needs eye drops, skin cream and nose spray applied twice a day.

Yet, she is the most caring, sweetest child I have ever met. She is more concerned for the other kids we see at the hospital. She loves Sick Kids, she loves the doctors (for the most part).
My daughter is so brave, she has taught us so much. I can honestly say she has made me a better person, she has taught us so much.

Been so long, I almost forgot my password

Some long overdue pictures. Makes me realize how quickly my girls are growing up!

Tragic days

What can I say that already hasn't been expressed by so many. I am horrified by the events of the last few days. I feel so very sorry for the people of Boston, the runners and their supporters. I feel outraged that someone would commit such a senseless evil act, not caring who is hurt or killed. I can't get the image of that 8 year old little boy who died minutes after giving his Dad a congratulatory hug for running a Marathon. To me, it's simply not fair. I don't understand how this can happen.

We can say we will move on, not let these people, these terrorists win. Of course we will run again, the races will go on. Yet, things have changed. The innocence is gone again. Oh, they will not win, that is for certain, but our world has changed.

The one shining light in all that horror was that people came through, they helped each other in the worst possible circumstances regardless of their fear. They will continue to help each other no matter what, because that is what good people do!!

So overdue

Barely find time to post these days!!

Had a great March Break this year. I packed the week full of fun things to do, including swimming, skating, a Magic Show, indoor play centre. The girls didn't want to go back to school on Monday, no wonder!

Brennyn has an occupational therapist coming to her school this week (we've been on a waiting list for 18 months). She is there to access B's writing ability, etc. I personally feel that Brennyn's writing skills are on par with the rest of her class, but it's always good to have things checked out!!
We do have to work on her reading skills a bit, but she's still come a long way since last year!
It's hard for her sometimes, especially when she has a sister who reads at a grade 3 level at the start of grade 1 (and who also has a tendency to brag to her little sister about how great she can read, ah siblings).

Speaking of Avery, she has also come a long way with her socialization. She has a couple of little friends this year (considering she never said a word to any of the kids last year, this is amazing). These kids already call on the phone to speak to her (and they are only in grade 1). However, Avery still prefers to play with the boys. They play Minecraft apparently, or soccer at recess (her two favourite things).

March Break

I swear, every year the time passes so much faster. It's already March Break!
Anyway, my parents are arriving this morning to watch the girls for the weekend, while Blair and I hang out in the big city (Toronto). It's a win win for everyone. The girls love being spoiled by grandparents and I am planning on sleeping for two days (throw in a little touring, a lot of food,a lot of reading and even a little shopping). Blair is attending a Science Fiction convention, so he's very excited.

Partyyyyyyy

You only turn 7 once, so why not throw a crazy party with 15 children?? Live and Learn, live and learn.
At least Miss Avery had a blast, and that's the idea. Sports theme party at a local gym, Avery was in heaven!

Happy Year of the Snake!!!!

So proud

I am so proud of my husband. He was awarded the Queen's Jubilee medal last night for his work with the Canadian Forces.
He has been working with the Cadet organization since his University days and that man puts his heart and soul into his work!
He is very deserving of this honour and we are so happy for him!

sensory

Met with an OT who specializes in children with sensory issues. She had some great suggestions for Brennyn. This woman has been working with sensory sensitive kids for decades.
Most of Brennyn's issues are mild, which means as an adult she will be better equipped to handle her sensory needs.

Basically, Brennyn's personality does not fit in to the mold of the traditional school system. There is so much to see and touch in the classroom that it is difficult for her to sit still.
However, if Brennyn is completing a cognitive assignment, she is okay (she can concentrate to do her work). For example, she will build anything and can do so for hours. For Brennyn, the issues start at carpet time, when the teacher is trying to teach the whole class something. Brennyn loses focus and gets "squirmy", or she gets tired (kind of like a shut down for Brennyn).

The OT lady has suggested that Brennyn be allowed to have a little break if she is feeling "squirmy". A good break would be taking the attendence to the office for example. Bedtime can also be challenging for Brennyn if there is any break in routine, so we also have some tools to help us with that (kind of a calm down method).

B has now been discharged from the infant and child development program, and we feel that we have so many tools to help us, and to help Brennyn! The OT also said that Brennyn is obviously a very bright girl, and that once we start with the tools and explain things to Brennyn, B will be the one pointing out that she needs a break! It won't take long for her to figure all this out!

Sears Great Canadian Run

I am finally doing it this year. I have joined a local team and am going to run The Sears Great Canadian Run (the relay to end kids cancer).

Hoping to find a few more team members, or we will be running a long distance, lol!

I am very excited to be a part of this race and to try and raise money for children fighting cancer.

Brennyn and I spend a lot of time at Sick Kids hospital and we often see the children with cancer walking the halls with their parents. I have seen little babies who are so tiny trying to fight this disease.
I want to help in any way I can, and since I happen to enjoy running, this seems like a great opportunity.

Please visit my page to keep track of how I am doing with my fundraising goal.
https://searscanada.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=6189&pid=1221218&mid=9