A few pictures, long overdue!

Is it time for an update

Life seems to get busier as the children get older! Between the girl's school, soccer, art classes, swimming lessons and sparks, doctor visits, there just isn't much time left for blogging.

Let's see, where to begin:
Avery's made some great friends this year in school, she is a little more chatty in school. She made the under 9 rep soccer team (a year ahead of schedule, lol). That girl loves her soccer!! She doesn't love school, but her marks are great. Grade 2 is a bit more difficult and the homework has increased much to her delight. She has turned out to love Star Trek just like her Daddy, in fact she really is a miniature version of him, two peas in a pod.

Brennyn, well, she still keeps me on my toes. Grade 1 has been an adjustment, but we are finally getting somewhere in regards to school help. Brennyn is very smart, but her social skills are not improving. She's still that awesome, funny, loving, wild child but she is having trouble relating to the other kids her age.
She does get some sensory breaks at school and they seem to be helping! We're also doing further testing to make sure she gets any assistance she may need to continue to be that loving, awesome, funny kid!

In other news, we bought a trailer. It will be towed to the lot in a few weeks, as long as the snow finally melts, what a long winter!! Can't wait to spend some time on the beach!!

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.