Maybe catnip wouldn't be such a bad idea afterall.....
;)
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Introducing Princess Belle
We have a new family member:
Maggie has been quite lonely without any animal companionship, so we thought that she might like some feline companionship. Since she thinks that she is a dog, she isn't quite sure about this whole plan, and the two are ignoring each other. They have been separated but after the all clear from the vet today, Belle has the run of the house. There was quite a lot of spitting earlier and much to my surprise Maggie was being quite a bully. When there are strange cats on our porch she comes running for me, but I guess inside her house is a whole other matter.
Belle came from the SPCA, and our vet thinks that she is about a year old. Her disposition seems very sweet, and she really likes the kids. They named her, can you tell?? :) I'll keep you all posted.....
xxoo
Maggie has been quite lonely without any animal companionship, so we thought that she might like some feline companionship. Since she thinks that she is a dog, she isn't quite sure about this whole plan, and the two are ignoring each other. They have been separated but after the all clear from the vet today, Belle has the run of the house. There was quite a lot of spitting earlier and much to my surprise Maggie was being quite a bully. When there are strange cats on our porch she comes running for me, but I guess inside her house is a whole other matter.Belle came from the SPCA, and our vet thinks that she is about a year old. Her disposition seems very sweet, and she really likes the kids. They named her, can you tell?? :) I'll keep you all posted.....
xxoo
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Tehnical difficulties
I'm having trouble uploading pictures from Picassa, so I'm going to take a break before I get anymore frustrated, but I'll try again tomorrow maybe. In the meantime, there are some awesome new pictures on flickr. Click the photo badge on the left hand side of the page.
xxoo
xxoo
Sparks enrollment
This is Morgan at Sparks on Enrollment night. She received her 2nd year pin, and some badges. It was also her birthday that night!!
Paige at gymnastics
I have a few minutes so I'm going to start uploading pictures, and try to get all up to date. Nice in theory but I anticipate that I won't get it all done today. However, here is Miss Paigie Pie jumping on the trampoline at gymnastics. This was taken in November.
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Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year!!!!!
A very Happy New Year to all our family and friends. I'm taking it easy for the next couple of days, and then my goal is to get back to posting on a regular basis, including photos!!! I don't seem to have enough hands - or hours in the days lately.
Love to all and all the best for 2007!!!!
xxoo
Love to all and all the best for 2007!!!!
xxoo
Monday, December 11, 2006
Don't blink; that's how fast this post will be.....
I know I promised pictures when I had a second; but I have not had a second....Couldn't have to anything to do with three kids and how close Christmas is......As I write this I am in the midst of writing Christmas cards (gasp I know, it's been a couple of years since I've managed to get them done).
Morgan got her first term report card and it was great.
2 A-
6 B+
1 B-
3 B's
I had an interview with her teacher and she's doing really well except for the usual complaint of not getting her work done in an appropriate amount of time. Nothing shocking there. Mme. did say that she is in the top three for reading in her class which is awesome. I'm so proud.
The other news around here is that Ella and I saw the geneticist last week. He said that both diagnoses that we have had are correct. That she has a little Moebius (with the 7th nerve involvement) and that it is also (mostly) Hemifacial Microsomnia. The cause is not genetic, and that it was vascular and related most likely to the hole in the placenta which was most likely there all along. So there we are, very nice to have some answers.
Okay I'm off, have to keep going with the cards. Pictures will be up soon I hope.
xxoo
Morgan got her first term report card and it was great.
2 A-
6 B+
1 B-
3 B's
I had an interview with her teacher and she's doing really well except for the usual complaint of not getting her work done in an appropriate amount of time. Nothing shocking there. Mme. did say that she is in the top three for reading in her class which is awesome. I'm so proud.
The other news around here is that Ella and I saw the geneticist last week. He said that both diagnoses that we have had are correct. That she has a little Moebius (with the 7th nerve involvement) and that it is also (mostly) Hemifacial Microsomnia. The cause is not genetic, and that it was vascular and related most likely to the hole in the placenta which was most likely there all along. So there we are, very nice to have some answers.
Okay I'm off, have to keep going with the cards. Pictures will be up soon I hope.
xxoo
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Cookie
Just a quick little update while I have a second. We had a wonderful visit with Nana and Grandad, and Morgan had a good birthday party, although she has been sick, and wasn't quite herself for it. She is in bed as we speak as she was up in the night with a high fever. Off to the doctors as soon as I can get through by phone (this has been going on, on and off for a week now and she has missed quite a bit of school). I have lots of pictures to post which I'll try to do later today.
The big news in our house is sad. As you all know we had a beautiful smooth collie named Cookie. She was our foster dog who never left because we all fell hard for her. Well this house has gotten extremely busy and loud, and Paige has a temper to be reckoned with (reminds me a lot of one of her aunties....) Anyways it has all gotten a bit much for Cookie, especially without Fury's calming influence. After much deliberation from all sides we made the heartbreaking decision to relinquish her back to her original home. I can't believe how empty the house is without a canine presence, but I think that we have made the right decision for everyone, although Maggie has been looking for her. Speaking of Maggie, poor kitty was on my lap last week, breathed on me and I almost fell over. When I looked in her mouth I discovered that she had a canine tooth that was rotting and loose. When I took her to the vet, she was able to pop it right out without putting her under. She is much happier now, and has been enjoying soft food while her gum heals.
So that's us, Christmas is quickly creeping and I must get organized and get cards out......it's been a couple of years. I'll get some pictures posted today hopefully.
xxoo to all.
The big news in our house is sad. As you all know we had a beautiful smooth collie named Cookie. She was our foster dog who never left because we all fell hard for her. Well this house has gotten extremely busy and loud, and Paige has a temper to be reckoned with (reminds me a lot of one of her aunties....) Anyways it has all gotten a bit much for Cookie, especially without Fury's calming influence. After much deliberation from all sides we made the heartbreaking decision to relinquish her back to her original home. I can't believe how empty the house is without a canine presence, but I think that we have made the right decision for everyone, although Maggie has been looking for her. Speaking of Maggie, poor kitty was on my lap last week, breathed on me and I almost fell over. When I looked in her mouth I discovered that she had a canine tooth that was rotting and loose. When I took her to the vet, she was able to pop it right out without putting her under. She is much happier now, and has been enjoying soft food while her gum heals.
So that's us, Christmas is quickly creeping and I must get organized and get cards out......it's been a couple of years. I'll get some pictures posted today hopefully.
xxoo to all.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN!!!!!!!!
Born November 23, 2000. I cannot believe that six years have passed already. You bring us such joy, and we love you very much. Don't ever lose your excitement about the world around you, or your joy for life!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!!!!!!
When I was One,
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three,
I was hardly Me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five,
I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.
-- A.A. Milne
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xoxoxo Mama, Papa, Paige, and Ella
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!!!!!!
When I was One,
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three,
I was hardly Me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five,
I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.
-- A.A. Milne
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xoxoxo Mama, Papa, Paige, and Ella
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
A bit hasty
Okay, so I was a bit hasty in ending my rant. I picked up Morgan, only to be pulled aside by the teacher. Turns out Morgan has not been concentrating on her work the past two days, and today was rude to Mme. ! I think it has to do with not getting enough sleep, but now I'm really frustrated. It isn't as if she comes from a home where manners aren't taught. ARGHHHHHH!!!
Okay, end rant. For real this time; I hope.
Okay, end rant. For real this time; I hope.
One frustrated Mama
Man! Things are wicked busy around here as usual. Kev has a new job which is really exciting. He was away last week, and is away this week also, but after that will be home for a bit.
The kids are driving me nuts!!!! Paige is into wicked temper tantrums during which she is completely irrational. This is getting to be very trying, and I'm starting to lose my cool. I usually handle it okay, but it is happening on a daily basis. Morgan's thing at the moment is to not do what I ask, resulting in lots of yelling because we are always rushing (even though I leave them plenty of time). Ella is now very mobile (which is fun) and into everything.
So I'm feeling a bit bit stretched and needing to vent. I feel like the calmer I try to be with them, the more they push, until I blow my lid and feel like crap for yelling at them. I know its all about limits and how hard one can push, but man!
We saw the plastic surgeon at Sick Kids two weeks ago I guess it was. He says that Ella DOES NOT have Moebius Syndrome, which I had kind of suspected. His diagnosis is something called Hemifacial Microsomia. I'm still doing research on it, but you'll find lots of info on google. He will see her again in 18 mths to see how things are progressing. There is a lot that he can't know until she is old enough to communicate with us about what kind of feeling she has. If surgery is to be done it will be when she is five or so.
Halloween went well, but I don't have many pictures because I forgot the camera at Morgan's school. Luckily it was still there the next day. I'll post them when I get a chance. Gotta run and get Morgan, I'll post more soon.
End rant ;)
The kids are driving me nuts!!!! Paige is into wicked temper tantrums during which she is completely irrational. This is getting to be very trying, and I'm starting to lose my cool. I usually handle it okay, but it is happening on a daily basis. Morgan's thing at the moment is to not do what I ask, resulting in lots of yelling because we are always rushing (even though I leave them plenty of time). Ella is now very mobile (which is fun) and into everything.
So I'm feeling a bit bit stretched and needing to vent. I feel like the calmer I try to be with them, the more they push, until I blow my lid and feel like crap for yelling at them. I know its all about limits and how hard one can push, but man!
We saw the plastic surgeon at Sick Kids two weeks ago I guess it was. He says that Ella DOES NOT have Moebius Syndrome, which I had kind of suspected. His diagnosis is something called Hemifacial Microsomia. I'm still doing research on it, but you'll find lots of info on google. He will see her again in 18 mths to see how things are progressing. There is a lot that he can't know until she is old enough to communicate with us about what kind of feeling she has. If surgery is to be done it will be when she is five or so.
Halloween went well, but I don't have many pictures because I forgot the camera at Morgan's school. Luckily it was still there the next day. I'll post them when I get a chance. Gotta run and get Morgan, I'll post more soon.
End rant ;)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Neverending, or so it seems.......
Well as usual I spoke too soon again (seems to be a pattern). Paige woke up this morning "with hard stuff" in her eyes. So eye drops have started for her, and she had to miss her gymnastics class this morning. On the upside, my eye is fine now, and Ella's is looking much better.
Tonight is our first bingo for the preschool. Kev is going to go. The bingo hall is right smack downtown which isn't the safest place; so he doesn't want me going. Probably for the best since the baby is pretty cranky, and we all know how she feels about bottles and sippy cups......Still part of me kind of wanted to go out of pure curiosity! Maybe I'll do the next one, who knows.
Morgan did go to gymnastics this morning. Here's a peek:
Cool eh????
xxoo
Tonight is our first bingo for the preschool. Kev is going to go. The bingo hall is right smack downtown which isn't the safest place; so he doesn't want me going. Probably for the best since the baby is pretty cranky, and we all know how she feels about bottles and sippy cups......Still part of me kind of wanted to go out of pure curiosity! Maybe I'll do the next one, who knows.
Morgan did go to gymnastics this morning. Here's a peek:
Cool eh????
xxoo
Thursday, October 19, 2006
She crawled :)!
Ella crawled in the girls room this morning!!!! Yeah girl!!! I tried to get it on the camera when we got home from taking Morgan to school but she didn't want to cooperate. I did get this though which is kind of fun anyways. We'll keep trying though.
I am now giving in and am off to the drugstore to fill the prescription that the doctor gave me on Monday for antibiotics should I need it. My throat is worse and my ear is now hurting, so I think it is high time....
xxoo
I am now giving in and am off to the drugstore to fill the prescription that the doctor gave me on Monday for antibiotics should I need it. My throat is worse and my ear is now hurting, so I think it is high time....
xxoo
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Oh Man! (as Morgan would say)
So I jinxed us with my post yesterday. The baby now has two gunky eyes (they aren't pink though) which I am treating, and Paige although she doesn't have pink eye (yet), she is miserable and didn't go to preschool this morning. I thought it might be better to keep her germs to herself for a few more days as she doesn't go again until Monday. My eye is feeling much better but my throat is not!
To top it all of Morgan got in trouble at school today for not listening (shocking I know) and as a result is getting her seat moved tomorrow. She is also as we speak writing an apology note (in french), and drawing a picture. The internet is a wonderful thing; I went to Babel fish and got the translation, since we all know how good my french is - not! Very cool.
Okay, end rant!
By the way guys, I have a couple of "regulars" who always leave me a comment and I love it. Would more of you who read this leave a comment every now and then so I can know who's reading?????
xxoo
Okay, end rant!
By the way guys, I have a couple of "regulars" who always leave me a comment and I love it. Would more of you who read this leave a comment every now and then so I can know who's reading?????
xxoo
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
BOOGA *&%^!!
For those of you who don't know, that is a bad word in our house! I just got a call from the genetics department, and Ella's apointment has been cancelled. The doctor is on medical leave and they don't know when she'll be back. We've been waiting for that appointment for 7 months so this is quite frustrating.
Not to mention the fact that I contracted pink eye, and this bloody virus that is sapping all of the energy out of the grown-ups in this house. So far Paige hasn't gotten very sick, and the baby is fine thankfully - since she is still protected by my immune system. Even Morgan is still wiped out from it; I have been having trouble getting her up in the morning, and for anyone who knows Morgan, this is not a normal thing!
Okay rant finished, I'm off to rescue the baby who is pushing herself under the playpen!
xxoo
Not to mention the fact that I contracted pink eye, and this bloody virus that is sapping all of the energy out of the grown-ups in this house. So far Paige hasn't gotten very sick, and the baby is fine thankfully - since she is still protected by my immune system. Even Morgan is still wiped out from it; I have been having trouble getting her up in the morning, and for anyone who knows Morgan, this is not a normal thing!
Okay rant finished, I'm off to rescue the baby who is pushing herself under the playpen!
xxoo
Thursday, October 12, 2006
SUCCESS!!!!!!!
A lady in my online kidswithfacialparalysis group told me about these sunglasses. After a bit of searching, I found them in Canada and ordered them. As you can see they don't have arms, but are held on by a neoprene band. I took Ella outside in them this afternoon. For the first time in her life she was outside without trying to hide from the sun, without a blanket tent on her head. She was out in the open, and laughing at me, and her eye wasn't red or tearing!! YEAH!!!!!!!
Doing the Happy Dance!!!!! And she looks pretty cool too.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope everyone had a good long weekend.
Poor Morgan is still not feeling well. I took her to the Urgent Care yesterday and it turns out that as well as having an Upper Respiratory Infection, she also has Pink Eye. I had to keep her home today because it takes a full 24 hrs of her being on drops to not be contagious anymore. Ella's ECG was this morning, so Morgan came with me to the hospital and was an absolute star!
Ella wouldn't hold still so they were only able to really confirm that she does indeed have a murmur. We then saw the cardiologist. He said that the murmur is innocent and nothing to be concerned about. He would like to do a proper ECG when she is three, however if she requires surgery before that it may have to be done earlier, but is taking a wait and see attitude so as to not have to sedate her unnecessarily.
That's the news from here. There is leek and potato soup in the crock pot (made with homemade turkey broth), and the grass is cut, so I am off for some quiet time with the girls.
xxoo to all.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Ella and Paige were playing the piano together in the hallway the other day. Of course by the time I got the camera most of the fun was over, but this is what I did get. Enjoy.
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Time for an update
Things have been a little more hectic than usual; at least it certainly feels that way. My mother-in-law has an expression about every time you think you can make ends meet, somebody moves the ends. Now that isn't exactly the case here, but kind of. The company that Kev works for and loves has gone into receivership, meaning that he has to move on and find a new position. Now this is not necessarily a bad thing, since it an opportunity for growth, and since he did such a good job in his position he is in demand within the industry. But it is nonetheless a stressful thing.
The girls have been very busy with school, sparks, preschool, library, gymnastics, etc.....and loving it. I am however very much looking forward to this weekend, and having some quiet time! Morgan came home from school with a fever yesterday (poor muffin) which meant that we weren't rushing out the door at 8:45am this morning to go to gymnastics, which I must admit was quite nice. Paige however was not quite as amused; Kev had a contract job to do today so she had to miss her class also. Ella is busy growing, and trying to crawl when she isn't being dragged here there and everywhere in the car to her sisters activities. (I met a lady in England last summer who told me how her third baby was her car baby - this certainly applies to Ella). She's so close to crawling, up on her hands and knees rocking away, but she rolls everywhere she wants to go. The big girls never rolled to get anywhere which is probably why they crawled so early. Ella has a busy month ahead of her: Tuesday she as an ECG to make sure that her heart murmur is innocent, then the week of the 23rd we go to Sick Kids to see the plastic surgeon, see the paediatrician, and the geneticist! Busy, busy busy!!
I have some good pictures to post from the last little while, and as always will put some up on flickr as well. We celebrated Kev's birthday this week, and last weekend we went to the zoo.
The girls have been very busy with school, sparks, preschool, library, gymnastics, etc.....and loving it. I am however very much looking forward to this weekend, and having some quiet time! Morgan came home from school with a fever yesterday (poor muffin) which meant that we weren't rushing out the door at 8:45am this morning to go to gymnastics, which I must admit was quite nice. Paige however was not quite as amused; Kev had a contract job to do today so she had to miss her class also. Ella is busy growing, and trying to crawl when she isn't being dragged here there and everywhere in the car to her sisters activities. (I met a lady in England last summer who told me how her third baby was her car baby - this certainly applies to Ella). She's so close to crawling, up on her hands and knees rocking away, but she rolls everywhere she wants to go. The big girls never rolled to get anywhere which is probably why they crawled so early. Ella has a busy month ahead of her: Tuesday she as an ECG to make sure that her heart murmur is innocent, then the week of the 23rd we go to Sick Kids to see the plastic surgeon, see the paediatrician, and the geneticist! Busy, busy busy!!
I have some good pictures to post from the last little while, and as always will put some up on flickr as well. We celebrated Kev's birthday this week, and last weekend we went to the zoo.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Bunk Beds
The girls are now the proud owners of bunk beds. They have been up for a week now, and Paige has slept in her OWN bed every night!!!!!!! Yeah for us! You can't see from the picture, but they have little pink fairies all over their comforters, and they love them.
The past week was very hectic, with Morgan's head, and preschool starting for Paige, as well as Sparks starting up for Morgan. She is going to a new unit, and really likes it. Morgan will get her staples out tomorrow, and gymnastics starts for both girls next Saturday so it is really very busy around here. I'll write more when I get a chance.
xxoo to all :)
The past week was very hectic, with Morgan's head, and preschool starting for Paige, as well as Sparks starting up for Morgan. She is going to a new unit, and really likes it. Morgan will get her staples out tomorrow, and gymnastics starts for both girls next Saturday so it is really very busy around here. I'll write more when I get a chance.
xxoo to all :)
Friday, September 15, 2006
Oops!
I went back in the archives, and I have already posted that picture, but here it is again..... I couldn't find it on Flickr so thought it wasn't anywhere. Oh well.
P.S. Bear with me, I'm playing with the template, and am not quite as talented as my sister, so it could be awhile.....
P.S. Bear with me, I'm playing with the template, and am not quite as talented as my sister, so it could be awhile.....
Miss Ella Bean
Kevin took this picture in the hospital the day Ella was born. It is my favourite newborn picture of her, and I don't think I've posted it before, so I just wanted to share it!xxoo
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Dear all....
Just a really quick note. I just wanted to apologize to everyone for my lack of emailing and phone calls lately. This whole juggling three kids with very different needs has gotten even more hectic since school started, and I have no time for anything. We've been so busy these past couple of weeks that it is a miracle anybody even has clean clothes in this house!!!!!! So I just wanted everyone to know I'm not ignoring you, I just have no time. Love to everyone!! xoxo
P.S. This marks post #100!!!! WOW!
P.S. This marks post #100!!!! WOW!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Paige's First Day of Preschool
Paige had her first day of preschool today. I was there for the first half hour or so filling out paper work, and Paige went off and played; completly ignoring me. When I was done with the administrative stuff, I told her I was going to go, and it didn't phase her at all. She can't wait to go tomorrow. She was extremely tired this afternoon though. The preschool is a co-op, so I have to volunteer; duty days, and working at a Bingo night every other month or so. My first "duty day" is tomorrow taking me totally out of my comfort zone. Ella will be out of hers as well because I can't have her with me because of insurance reasons. She is going to go to Lynn's on my duty days, and will have to take a sippy cup. She took a little on the weekend for Grandma so she should be fine.Morgan had an awesome first week of school. She loves her teacher and says that she is the best teacher in the world. I hope that she never loses that enthusiasm! I agree with her that her teacher is great, and there is really good communication between home and classroom. This week however hasn't been so great. When we got home from school yesterday the girls went across the street to visit their occasional babysitter. We were all standing on the steps, and I was holding Ella. I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but Morgan slipped on the stair, and bumped Paige. I caught Paige, and almost caught Morgan, but she caught her head on the corner of the cement stair. She split it open; so it was off to Urgent Care, and she got two staples. I was waiting for them to haul me away when I got there... It's the third time I've been there with the girls for head injuries. Morgan split her head open on her Little Tikes kitchen a couple of years ago but didn't need a stitch, then last year, the day that I found out I was pregnant with Ella, and just days before we left for England, Paige fell backwards on a cement path and needed 2 staples. Morgan was much better this morning though, and although she didn't want to go to school, her teacher told me that she had a great day.
Ella saw the ENT yesterday at the hospital, and he said that everything looks great with her. Her good ear has a little bit of fluid in it, but nothing to worry about, and her nasal congestion is also nothing to worry about. So that is great news. She'll have her next hearing test in February. She was pushing herself backwards on the floor today on her hands and knees; so crawling is not far off.....
As for me, life is crazy, and I haven't gotten into a routine yet, but it's coming.... I just need to stop stressing so much about getting everything done because these days it is impossible!!!! Please excuse any typos; blogger is on crack as usual, and spell check isn't working. ARGHHH.
xxoo
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
First Day of School
Morgan went off to Grade One today. I can hardly believe it. She had a great day, and loves her teacher. Paige, Ella, and I met her at lunch time for a picnic. I think it's much harder on me, than it is on her that she is staying at school all day this year. She is so independant. So it was a great start to a new school year!xxoo
Monday, September 04, 2006
End of Summer
Here are some pictures from the summer. There are some more at Flickr.Crafts with Auntie Sarah, and my sisters and I before my cousins wedding.
The "froggy jump" ride at Toronto Island is all Morgan could talk about since we went two years ago. It lived up to the expectations she had in her head, and she went on it twice with Devin.
There is a playground at our local park that the girls refer to as the "Dinosaur Park"; you can see why. It was all to much for Ella, and she had a lovely snooze while they played.
Tonight is the last night before school starts, so I thought I'd better get a couple of pictures up from the summer before we get back into school routines and hit the ground running. This summer really flew by. It feels like I blinked and its over.
It was a really busy one and a sad one as well; losing Fury. Montreal for the wedding, then both my sisters were here for our cousins' wedding, a trip to Toronto Island, and a whole lot of doctors appointments; not to mention the fact that my tiny baby is now half a year old. How on earth did that happen. I so clearly remember as a child that time dragged on for ever; and now I don't know where the time goes from one week to the next.
I think we are mostly ready to tackle the new year, and I'm just waiting for the registration papers to come from the pre-school for Paige; she starts next I think.
Ella saw the eye doctor last week, and at this time her eyes look great, we just have to make sure to keep her right eye well lubricated. We go back in three months to have the muscles of her eye checked. Next appointment is the ENT next week.
xxoo to all.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
We have a diagnosis!
First off, I have lots of pictures to post of the summer, but seem to have no time these days, so I'll get them up soon I hope. Hard to believe that summer is over, and Morgan starts grade one!!! Paige will be going to pre-school, but that starts the following week I believe; I'm waiting for the registration package to arrive.
Ella and I saw the plastic surgeon two weeks ago. Auntie Sarah was able to come which was great for me. It was very helpful to have another pair of ears there. After reviewing all of Ella's test results (the MRI and CT scan) it has been determined that Ella has Moebius syndrome. It is a very rare nerve disorder, that is usually bi-lateral. It is even rarer to have it be unilateral as in Ella's case. The good news is that from what I have been reading, it seems to be quite mild. Moebius syndrome is primarily characterized by absence or underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves. The 7th cranial nerve is the facial nerve, and in Ella's case it is underdeveloped, and it is also unclear as to whether or not it is rooted properly to the brain stem. The 6th cranial nerve doesn't appear to be involved because it controls lateral eye movement, and Ella is able to move her eye from side to side. We are being referred to Sick Kids to the plastics team there. You can read about their work here: www.sickkids.ca/smile-surgery/moebius.asp
There is also some information at the Moebius Syndrome Foundation .
So now we wait some more...Eye doctor is this week; her eye is my main concern (keeping it protected), the we see the ENT, cardiologist for an ECG (no big deal, pediatrician just heard a mild murmur and wants to check), then we see the geneticist. That should be a good appointment as the pediatrician has now told me that my questions are beyond her knowledge.
So, I'll keep digging, although my time on the computer is very limited these days. So if you find anything worth reading, leave a comment and send it our way. Since it is such a rare thing I need all the help I can get in the research department. So now we wait to hear when we go to Sick kids, I'm going to call our plastic surgeon's office here to find out if they've heard back yet. I'll keep you all posted, and get some pictures up soon. On a happy note, she is growing well, eating veggies as well as cereal now, and wanting to crawl, although I've been watching her and she rolls to get where she wants to go. She's a really happy baby.
Well that's it for now, hopefully pictures tomorrow.
Love to all. xxoo
Ella and I saw the plastic surgeon two weeks ago. Auntie Sarah was able to come which was great for me. It was very helpful to have another pair of ears there. After reviewing all of Ella's test results (the MRI and CT scan) it has been determined that Ella has Moebius syndrome. It is a very rare nerve disorder, that is usually bi-lateral. It is even rarer to have it be unilateral as in Ella's case. The good news is that from what I have been reading, it seems to be quite mild. Moebius syndrome is primarily characterized by absence or underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves. The 7th cranial nerve is the facial nerve, and in Ella's case it is underdeveloped, and it is also unclear as to whether or not it is rooted properly to the brain stem. The 6th cranial nerve doesn't appear to be involved because it controls lateral eye movement, and Ella is able to move her eye from side to side. We are being referred to Sick Kids to the plastics team there. You can read about their work here: www.sickkids.ca/smile-surgery/moebius.asp
There is also some information at the Moebius Syndrome Foundation .
So now we wait some more...Eye doctor is this week; her eye is my main concern (keeping it protected), the we see the ENT, cardiologist for an ECG (no big deal, pediatrician just heard a mild murmur and wants to check), then we see the geneticist. That should be a good appointment as the pediatrician has now told me that my questions are beyond her knowledge.
So, I'll keep digging, although my time on the computer is very limited these days. So if you find anything worth reading, leave a comment and send it our way. Since it is such a rare thing I need all the help I can get in the research department. So now we wait to hear when we go to Sick kids, I'm going to call our plastic surgeon's office here to find out if they've heard back yet. I'll keep you all posted, and get some pictures up soon. On a happy note, she is growing well, eating veggies as well as cereal now, and wanting to crawl, although I've been watching her and she rolls to get where she wants to go. She's a really happy baby.
Well that's it for now, hopefully pictures tomorrow.
Love to all. xxoo
Monday, August 07, 2006
Greys Wild Fury
SEPTEMBER 29, 1995- JULY 25, 2006.
Fury came to us in the summer of 1999; our first summer living in Hamilton. At that time we had only been married for two years; and Fury was our first "baby". Kevin had fallen in love with greyhounds in Montreal. There is a flea market in Hudson that we used to go to on the weekends, and the local rescue would do "meet and greets" there. Fast forward a few years, to our first summer here. We spent the day with Andrew who had taken us to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day. During the drive we were talking about dogs, and Kevin had said how he would love to have a greyhound. Andrew being Andrew said that he had friends with an ex-racer and why didn't he give them a call to see if we could drop by to see them. It turned out that they were more than happy to let us come by and meet their greyhound; and that day they also had another dog there who hadn't been adopted yet. That was the first time we ever saw Fury. He was skinny (yes more than usual), his coat was awful, and he was terrified. That day we also met Joanne for the first time.I knew Fury was the dog for us. He was such a spook, and it was quite a road.... We used to go up every night after work to walk him so that he'd get used to us. He got to the point where he would be waiting at the screen door for us. Eventually he came for a trial weekend to see how he did with us, especially since we lived in an apartment at the time. Well he never left. When he first came to live with us he spent a lot of time afraid of everything, and would never take cookies from a stranger. That is something that never changed. Actually it took quite a while before he would take treats from us.When we'd had him about six weeks he went to Montreal with us for the first time. My Dad said that there was a cheeky dog under all that spook. It took years for him to come out, but boy was he funny; he could get very silly.Fury was there for the births of our girls, loss of loved ones, buying our house. He put up with devil puppies, and fell in love with Cookie. He survived Tabby, and tolerated Maggie. When Morgan was about six weeks old, I caught his tail in the front door, requiring an emergency trip to the vet, and a very long recovery. When Paige was five weeks old, Morgan caught his tail in our bedroom door, requiring a trip to the emergency vet followed by a visit to our clinic every week for eight weeks. Two winters ago his tail got caught in the patio doors; recovery was shorter that time because I was by now a pro. We did have a little chat in which I told him that if he did it again I'd have it amputated.About a year ago I'd say I looked at him, and said to Kev that he was looking old, he was getting white in the face, and stiff a bit and I watched him more carefully. This spring I started watching even more concerned, and in the last few weeks it became apparent that he was very ill. Our vet was very supportive through the whole thing, and I can't thank her enough. She sent me a card with this enclosed: http://www.anangelsdestiny.com/pet-memorial-poems.html, get out your tissues if you go and read it. Also AJ whose Golden’s Alice and Toby made me fall even more in love with dogs when I was a very little girl made a donation in Fury’s name here: http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/friends_supporters/pet_trust.shtm . Thank you so much.
Fury is buried up at Joanne’s with other greys that went before him, so the girls can go and visit him. He was a wonderful boy, and we will miss him very much.
Xoxo
Cookie and Fury, November 2005.
Fury came to us in the summer of 1999; our first summer living in Hamilton. At that time we had only been married for two years; and Fury was our first "baby". Kevin had fallen in love with greyhounds in Montreal. There is a flea market in Hudson that we used to go to on the weekends, and the local rescue would do "meet and greets" there. Fast forward a few years, to our first summer here. We spent the day with Andrew who had taken us to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the day. During the drive we were talking about dogs, and Kevin had said how he would love to have a greyhound. Andrew being Andrew said that he had friends with an ex-racer and why didn't he give them a call to see if we could drop by to see them. It turned out that they were more than happy to let us come by and meet their greyhound; and that day they also had another dog there who hadn't been adopted yet. That was the first time we ever saw Fury. He was skinny (yes more than usual), his coat was awful, and he was terrified. That day we also met Joanne for the first time.I knew Fury was the dog for us. He was such a spook, and it was quite a road.... We used to go up every night after work to walk him so that he'd get used to us. He got to the point where he would be waiting at the screen door for us. Eventually he came for a trial weekend to see how he did with us, especially since we lived in an apartment at the time. Well he never left. When he first came to live with us he spent a lot of time afraid of everything, and would never take cookies from a stranger. That is something that never changed. Actually it took quite a while before he would take treats from us.When we'd had him about six weeks he went to Montreal with us for the first time. My Dad said that there was a cheeky dog under all that spook. It took years for him to come out, but boy was he funny; he could get very silly.Fury was there for the births of our girls, loss of loved ones, buying our house. He put up with devil puppies, and fell in love with Cookie. He survived Tabby, and tolerated Maggie. When Morgan was about six weeks old, I caught his tail in the front door, requiring an emergency trip to the vet, and a very long recovery. When Paige was five weeks old, Morgan caught his tail in our bedroom door, requiring a trip to the emergency vet followed by a visit to our clinic every week for eight weeks. Two winters ago his tail got caught in the patio doors; recovery was shorter that time because I was by now a pro. We did have a little chat in which I told him that if he did it again I'd have it amputated.About a year ago I'd say I looked at him, and said to Kev that he was looking old, he was getting white in the face, and stiff a bit and I watched him more carefully. This spring I started watching even more concerned, and in the last few weeks it became apparent that he was very ill. Our vet was very supportive through the whole thing, and I can't thank her enough. She sent me a card with this enclosed: http://www.anangelsdestiny.com/pet-memorial-poems.html, get out your tissues if you go and read it. Also AJ whose Golden’s Alice and Toby made me fall even more in love with dogs when I was a very little girl made a donation in Fury’s name here: http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/friends_supporters/pet_trust.shtm . Thank you so much.
Fury is buried up at Joanne’s with other greys that went before him, so the girls can go and visit him. He was a wonderful boy, and we will miss him very much.
Xoxo
Cookie and Fury, November 2005.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Camping
Kevin and Morgan went camping with Devin and Mark on Father's Day weekend and had an awesome time. Here is their campsite.
Exersaucer
Here is Ella about a month ago, trying out the saucer for the first time. She is an old pro at it now, and really likes it!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Where to start?
The last few weeks have been crazy.
Paige turned three on the 30th of June. Happy Birthday darling Paigie Pie!!!! It's hard to believe that you are already three years old, the time is going so quickly. We celebrated Paige's birthday a couple of times!! The first was on the actual day in Montreal. We were there for Uncle Brian's wedding, and we spent the day with Grandma, Uncle Brian, Aunt Liane and Ilysa, and Auntie Catherine, and Grampa. We also had a cake for her at Morgan's godfathers. Last weekend we had a backyard princess party at home. I'll post pictures when I take them off the camera.
Uncle Brian's wedding was an awesome experience, and the bride was gorgeous. I have pictures, but won't post them until I have permission from the bride!
Morgan is enjoying summer vacation. We are going to the library once a week, and are reading together every day. Morgan is also reading to me, which is great!
We a saw the pediatrician last week and got the MRI results. Ella does have a facial nerve, but it is very small and underdeveloped. The doctor ordered a CT scan so that they could see the bony structures of her ear a bit better and we went for that yesterday. I wasn't expecting to get an appointment so quickly! There was no general anesthetic this time, but she was sedated for the test. I was with her the whole time. This time was a bit hairier for me than the MRI, but we got through it, and thankfully she will have no memory of all of this. We'll get the results next week, and will then figure out where to go from here.
Today we're having a quiet day, we're all very tired from the last couple of weeks. My next task will be to get some pictures up!
xoxo to all!!
Paige turned three on the 30th of June. Happy Birthday darling Paigie Pie!!!! It's hard to believe that you are already three years old, the time is going so quickly. We celebrated Paige's birthday a couple of times!! The first was on the actual day in Montreal. We were there for Uncle Brian's wedding, and we spent the day with Grandma, Uncle Brian, Aunt Liane and Ilysa, and Auntie Catherine, and Grampa. We also had a cake for her at Morgan's godfathers. Last weekend we had a backyard princess party at home. I'll post pictures when I take them off the camera.
Uncle Brian's wedding was an awesome experience, and the bride was gorgeous. I have pictures, but won't post them until I have permission from the bride!
Morgan is enjoying summer vacation. We are going to the library once a week, and are reading together every day. Morgan is also reading to me, which is great!
We a saw the pediatrician last week and got the MRI results. Ella does have a facial nerve, but it is very small and underdeveloped. The doctor ordered a CT scan so that they could see the bony structures of her ear a bit better and we went for that yesterday. I wasn't expecting to get an appointment so quickly! There was no general anesthetic this time, but she was sedated for the test. I was with her the whole time. This time was a bit hairier for me than the MRI, but we got through it, and thankfully she will have no memory of all of this. We'll get the results next week, and will then figure out where to go from here.
Today we're having a quiet day, we're all very tired from the last couple of weeks. My next task will be to get some pictures up!
xoxo to all!!
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