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).