Even though they forgot their smiles at home I still love these pics! Kinda hard to take a bad picture of these two :)
Chanelle Grade 5
Tristan Kindergarten
Seems I only blog when it snows! We had our first snow fall of the Season this morning. Actually it is still falling. I just may get that White Christmas I so desire! Then after New Years it would be dreamy if it didn't snow again until next year :)
Last time I blogged Dad was still recovering from Surgery. Well he went to a rehab place and improved quite alot but then plateaued. His mobility will never be regained so we weren't able to bring him home. He did however come to live at my place for the summer while we waited for a bed in the Veteran's Hospital. Where he now lives. I have worked in a few Care Homes and have to say the Vet Hospital is the Ritz of all Care Homes. Sure makes it easier to leave him. He seems happy most of the time and they have alot of activities so he is busy. My Mom visits him every single day. It sure warms a girls heart to see her parents love for one another after 50 years. Can't imagine how difficult it is for Mom to leave him there day after day and return to her empty home alone. She sure is a strong women and I am lucky to have her.
Tristan has started kindergarten. I finally decided on Inclusion. He gets on the big bus with his sister and absolutely loves school. He has an aide but spends his entire day in the classroom. He is settling into the routine nicely and does his work with very little help. He is even using scissors independently. His classroom is currently learning the signs for the book Brown Bear. He already has a best friend he plays with every lunch and recess. A little girl named Leila. Big sister was quite the mother hen the first few weeks and needed to be reminded to go back to her own class several times. She was worried about Tristan and took it upon herself to check on him frequently. After a few months she has settled down and rarely needs to be reminded to go back to class LOL. It is nice to know she looks out for him though.
Since starting school Tristan's language skills have taken off. He is talking alot now. Has even learned some bad words. We went to visit Grandpa on Saturday. As soon as we stepped off the elevator he said "Let's go Ice Cream" See now that Dairy Queen is closed for the Winter the only time he gets his Fav soft serve is when we visit Grandpa.
I have a bunch of photos but will only post them after I get caught up reading every ones blog. I have missed you all can't wait to see what's been going on :)
I can't believe it's been a month since I last blogged. What a month it's been.
My dear old Dad is doing well. It's been really tough and heartbreaking. My Dad asked me yesterday what was wrong with him. When I asked him what he meant he told me he woke up from surgery and he wasn't the same. This is the first time he has shown any acknowledgment to the fact that he is NOT the same. A month ago the man came to Tristan's 5th Birthday party walked down my stairs into the car out of the car into the hospital for his surgery the next morning. When he awoke from surgery he was dramatically altered. Whether he has Delirium or if the surgery has caused his Dementia to progress quickly is the question. A month later Dad still isn't up walking like before or even able to swallow solids. He is on a Puree/minced diet and can't manage even a soft piece of fish. These I know are common problems in Alzheimer's and Dementia patients BUT it usually happens slowly over time. So there is a really good chance that Dad has suffered from Delirium which is reversible and in time he may regain his previous skills. So this is what we pray and hope for. Dad will be going to a Rehabilitation centre as soon as they can get his UT and chest Infections under control. He has come a long way. He went from memories in the 50's and not remembering me to asking me how Chanelle is doing and sobbing when it comes time for me to leave as he misses me when I'm not there. Although this is sad it is also Joyous! He knows me and loves and misses me. A few weeks ago I was praying he would regain his memory and he has. My Dad is back and fighting and one day he will walk up my stairs into my home for Saturday movie day. These are my prayers, hopes and dreams :)
This is a month for dreams coming true. My first born who I have not seen in 3 years has been here for a visit. I moved from Vancouver 3 years ago and Justin decided he wanted to stay. Broke my heart but I understood as well. We finally got to have a visit. My parents, sister and I all chipped in and bought him a plane ticket for his 21st Birthday. He came for 2 weeks. Sadly we all got the flu and were sick for most of his visit. Didn't matter though it was nice to have him here. Sick or not. The four of us snuggled up in bed and ate soup and watched the "Life goes on" box set and many other movies and it was just like old times. 
Here is a photo of Tristan that makes my heart soar. One of the things alot of people have been preoccupied about is whether or not Tristan will learn to eat with a fork and spoon. I have never been too concerned. I use up all my concerns on little things like will he have to have a feed tube or fundo surgery because he's eroding his esophagus away. Anyway just thought I'd post this up for all those with worry and concern! Not only does he use a spoon he also can balance a bowl of soup on his lap while sitting on the sofa and singing the ABC's along with Rachel from signing time. LOL To all you new Mom's with Chromosomally enhanced children that read my blog. Please don't waste one precious moment worrying over such trivial things. Trust me you'll regret it. Spend your time focusing on your baby because before you know it they'll be all grown up and independent!
I have a cold. Not good! Means I can't visit my Dad. It's officially a week since surgery and Dad has gotten a little better everyday. He has a long way to go though. He isn't really opening his eyes or talking much but he does recognize us so that's a good thing. This has been the longest week of my life. I can't wait to see my Dad's smile. It is going to be a moment of celebration. I already miss him more than words can express.
Tristan and I had a chance to play with his new puzzles. His Aunty Cindy sent them for his Birthday. Most of Tristan's Favorite things are made by Melissa and Doug and they are Mommy approved. These are the best puzzles ever! I just love his counting. Proud Mom :) You have to turn the volume up to hear
They weren't able to get to the Aneurysm Via Catheter and had to do open but he is doing well! He is in ICU but stable and we have gotten a few smiles. I appreciate all the prayers :) Thank you everyone!!
His Grandpa went into the hospital right after. My father has an Aneurysm and tomorrow morning they will remove it. Once he is all healed and home I bet you'll notice alot more blog posts. Here is a photo we took this afternoon. My parents, Myself, My children and My sister and her 2 children. Pray Pray pray Please!
Oh and here is the cake I baked. Can you tell which color is missing? LOL
Today my baby turned 5 years old. Feeling a little melancholy and Joy all at once. My last baby is growing up way too fast. This time of year is a tough one for me. Tristan's Birth is definately something I celebrate. Of course come on look at him he's awesome. BUT At the same time it always stirs up the bad feelings too. The fear and sorrow I experienced when I first heard the words "I think your son has Down Syndrome. I am so sorry" It felt like someone hit me in the back of the head with a brick. I didn't even know what it meant. Of course I had heard of Down Syndrome and saw a few people that had Down syndrome but what did it mean. I didn't actually know someone that had this extra Chromosome. All through elementry school and high school never once did I see a child that had Down Syndrome. Where did they hide all these children. Yes these were some of my first thoughts. I also thought I should have 5 or 6 more children just to be sure one of Tristan's sibilings would want to care for him once I grew old and no longer could. I giggle about that one now. Yes I have come far too. Today I no longer expect either of his sibilings to take care of him. In fact I am quite confindent that he will be just fine. He may need their love and guidance but who doesn't need that from their family. Luckily our society has come far too. We no longer hide children with Down Syndrome away. We advocate fiercely and passionately. The past 5 years have flown by so quickly. I am so proud of how far we have come. Thank you sweet boy for all you have taught me. I am truely blessed!
So we are staying in for a few days. EEK! Hurry up spring!! I know it's not even February yet. I usually despise winter but have been enjoying it up until the past few days. I can't take this kind of cold!
