Life's Irony

Okay, here is a bit of irony. Max has been on summer break for the past 3 weeks or so. Just before break started, we were perusing tv channels so that the kids could watch something (occupy their time) while I prepared dinner. I suggested the food channel and much to my surprise, both kids agreed I don't even remember what show was on, but they were hooked. Something about watching a host prepare a meal from start to finish, while discussing all the ingredients and the process was attention grabbing. The fact that my kids enjoy cooking shows, so much so that they will even choose it over a cartoon, isn't the ironic part, though.

The irony lies in the fact that my SON, who has been g-tube fed his entire life, is fascinated by all the recipes and insists on making his own dishes EVERY DAY! He will entertain himself for hours measuring out ingredients, mixing, blending, sauteeing, and basically copying whatever the chefs are doing through various episodes. His favourite......Rachel Ray.

I love it! Of course, there is a huge mess at the end of all this "cooking"; but the kids have so much fun, it's hard to say "no". Although, I do try to limit the ingredients to dry products, and I notice there is quite a bit of snacking that takes place between the two of them. Now, I just need to figure out how to get them to help with dinner every night.

What A Year!

Summer vacation has officially begun! It has been a wonderful year full of growth, new experiences and many, many new friends. And, as with most transitions in life, the end of this year marks the beginning of a new phase in our lives. Max will be attending a general ed kindergarten class this coming fall. For the first time, he will be in a classroom with all typical peers....and lots of them! In our area, we have what's called "special day classes" for kids who need a separate classroom environment with more aides and fewer students, all of whom has IEPs (individualized education plans). Max has been in such an environment since he started his educational journey, beginning with an early intervention program at 20 months.

This past year, he was in an SDC Kindergarten class, with daily mainstreaming for part of the day into a general ed kindergarten. When we attempted the mainstreaming last year, he wasn't ready. He would spend the entire time with his hands over his face, quiet and overwhelmed. This year....a totally different story. He has participated freely, joined his classmates without hesitation and had lots of fun. He has matured! And, now we ready for the next step...general ed!

I'm nervous, excited and so very proud of my little guy! He has worked so very hard this year. He has grown physically, emotionally and academically. Congratulations, Max, on a job well done!

And Two Years Later....

Can't believe my last entry was over 2 years ago. Life seems more settled, now....more routine. Two years ago, we were in the midst of our final frozen embryo transfer. The transfer never took place as our embryo did not make it through through the thawing process. It took a few months to recover from that, to say the least. We moved into our first house last summer. Max started kindergarten and Jozey is in pre-K. I started running, just to give myself an outlet and much needed "me" time.

Much has happened in these two years. Max has continued to progress. He is now 6.5 and communicates verbally, where he used to rely on singing. His speech (articulation) has improved to the point where even strangers can understand him. He uses a reverse walker to get around in he community. He can write his name clearly. And, he can even sound out the letters of an unfamiliar word and "read" it. In short, he continues to amaze and inspire me every day.

My sweet daughter, Jozey, is on the brink of turning 4. Yes, 4! She is a fierce, independent spirit with a level of compassion beyond her years. It's been such fun watching the two of them together. They actually enjoy playing with each other providing me a much needed respite every so often....even if it's just to sit by myself and fold the laundry.

I suppose we're gradually finding our own "normal"....and, in the process, I'm trying desperately to find myself.