Three and Forty One

Three years ago today I was sitting in the Women's Hospital in Winnipeg. It was my birthday and I'd just given birth to my third son, Aidan. He was fresh and new and I loved him, and I worried over him, and I understood that our lives would change. I wrote everything in a notebook. Every doctor, social worker, nurse who's words mattered, I wrote them down. It helped a lot to feel I had some control - even if it was only in the formation of letters on a page.

I was hopeful. Something deep inside of me believed that this little guy was meant to be in our family - completely. I had great hope that he would help us to be a better family. Better people. Help me to be a better person. A better mother. While at the same time, knowing that I'm not better than my neighbour because my son has special needs - I only compare myself to my own self, and that is all.

Today, Aidan played with balloons and felt tremendous joy. He sat at the table and ripped up a pita into little crumbs and he listened to our conversation. He refused to eat cake. He refused to lick icing. He was excited to get two Elmo DVD's. He was happy to take Charlie for a walk. He sat on my knee while we blew out candles. He wore a play cowboy hat when we went to the park. He yelled at me when I tried to put him to bed for a nap. He pulled things off shelves at the pet store. He met an 11 year-old boy with Down syndrome, and stared sleepily at his parents. He dozed in the car on the way home.




Today, I turned 41. I got an Elmo cake; and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Harry Potter and the day of the crafty boys

This week, besides our world circling around a new dog in the family, we have been engaging in Harry Potter "stuff." First, James and the boys read the first book together. Then, when it was finished they had a movie day and watched the first film. Yesterday, Kieran designed a new Harry Potter craft. This is a boy who does not like to draw/colour/cut, or anything crafty. But, when he's inspired, great things happen. Check our Kieran's Harry Potter finger puppet:

When Liam saw how much fun Kieran was having with it, he had to make one too:

Then, he went on to a little origami...he worked so hard!

Thank you Harry Potter for still inspiring kids to do amazing things.

Aidan's speech blossoming

Today, as clear as day, Aidan said, "I love you Charlie."

Well, the "Charlie" word wasn't very clear, but it was pretty great nonetheless, and the other 3 words were clear as a bell.

I do believe Charlie loves him right back - last night, Charlie the Velcro Dog (always stuck to me) wasn't behind me like I thought. When I went to look for him, I found him asleep beside Aidan's crib (Aidan was also asleep). I'm pleased, Charlie knows who drops the most cheerios :o)

100% Chance of Charlie!

Charlie didn't blink an eye when the masked hero flew to his side. He's calm in the middle of the crazy...and I love that about him. By the way, notice Liam looking lovingly at Charlie. Until recently, Liam has been terrified of dogs (we don't know why).



Kieran is so patient with Charlie - as kind and loving as he is with Aidan. Both bring out the compassionate side of my dear spirited boy.



Charlie was on the rug, but I didn't get him in the shot. Aidan looks pretty fine in my sun hat, and he is pretty darn tickled by Charlie. Luckily Charlie seems to adore him right back (another reason why Charlie seems like the perfect dog for us.)

Add one billy goat. . .

...a dog.



Yes, we have a dog, named Charlie, that we are possibly adopting. We have him for a week on a trial basis as we all seem to suffer from allergies. Aidan is over the moon for his new furry friend. He chuckles when he sees him. Kieran is so proud when he takes him for walks. He's getting quite bossy with the rest of us - telling us what Charlie likes best. Liam is slowly getting over his fear of dogs, and let Charlie sit beside him, without freaking out. I'm enjoying the walks and being the leader of the pack - Charlie has quickly become "velcro dog" (a name given to him by my friend, Karen)- he follows me everywhere.

How I spent my summer holidays

W.O. Mitchell's title will forever be in my head when I think about any of my summer holidays. But, here goes. . . a small attempt to share how I spent my summer holidays:

I went "up island" with my family. This is a rare treat for us, and the first time we've explored beyond our city and surrounding area. We loved the beaches, and discovered the most amazing pieces of driftwood. Our early mornings generally were spent at a play park, with visits to the beach in the afternoons. But on this particular morning we were the first on the beach (besides the park attendant who kindly took our picture):





James and the boys shared some lovely times together. He did take his computer with him, but tried to keep work to after the boys were asleep.



The big boys had a great time. They were so happy - it did my heart good to hear them laughing so much.



Aidan loved much of it too. The tide pools were his favourite, I'd say. But he also enjoyed our walks in the woods. I love the expression on his face in this one - I'm not entirely sure what he's thinking here. . . but he was fast asleep five minutes after it was taken.



All in all, it was a great holiday. I loved every second of it - and know that we have given the boys a wonderful memory to hold on to.

Of Tide Pools and Other Stuff

We're on holiday - enjoying the ocean at low tide and the warm tide pools that come with it. Aidan splashed happily in one yesterday, sharing it with little sea creatures like the tiny crabs that were the size of my fingertips. Aidan likes to clean things up, so he was throwing bits of sea weed away from him. He polished a clam shell against his chest, and watched as kids raced about trying to keep upright on their skimmer/skimming (?) boards.

Five minutes into our tide pool adventure a teen girl with Down syndrome came and joined us. She said hi to Aidan, and he waved back. Then she went about collecting bits of shells from the pool. I was curious, as I always am. Does she recognize that he has Down syndrome too? I wanted to chat with her mom, but as her mom stayed back and didn't come over, I didn't push it.

Still, of all the gin joints - I mean tide pools.... perhaps I should have gone and introduced myself anyway. I'm not usually shy to talk to strangers, but I seem to becoming more reserved as I get older. Maybe it's a Canadian thing?