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The adventures of Squishy and Bean

Category: Ally (Page 4 of 8)

Monthly (…yearly) Newsletter: Caleb, Month 60 (5 years)

7/13/2010 /

Originally written on June 3, 2010…

Dear Caleb,

You are five!  FIVE!  I can’t believe my little squishy is now almost in Kindergarten.  You have grown up so fast before my eyes.  You are Mr. Independent, Mr. Bossy, Mr. Attitude, Mr. Big Brother, Mr. Caring!  And I love you for all of it.

FIVE

Yes you are now a big brother, and you fill the role well.  You love kissing, hugging and talking to your brother.  I especially love hearing the conversations you have with him.  In the car you explain to him why I stop at red lights, and tell him the directions to preschool.  When you are playing you explain to him the proper way to build your Lego City.

Caleb & Liam

Oh yes, the Lego.  Lego has taken over your life.  You love Lego – and you are good at building with it.  I admit I hate the fact that it is everywhere and stepping on it hurts.  But it is so wonderful to watch you play and use your imagination.  You set up scenarios and have lots of little scenes that you act out.  Of course you are still being spoiled by your grandparents and aunts and uncles, so you own every Lego set there is.

Lego truck

You are so independent now.  You can (mostly) dress yourself, get yourself snacks, do up and undo your seat belt, and ride a bike with training wheels.  Your speech is incredible.  Although you still have some grammatical errors, for the most part, people understand you.  When I think of how far you have come in your journey with Apraxia I want to cry.  You could be the poster child for CASLPA.  You are also so much more willing to challenge yourself physically.  The treatment blocks you spent in the PT gym have given you the confidence to try and try again.  This has been such a big change since last year.  You tackle the playgrounds now and you win!

Caleb Speech therapy1
Playground

This year you made so many good friends, especially at preschool.  It will be sad to say goodbye, especially to your teacher Susan, who has cared for you since you were two and a half and still in diapers.  You have become so social and such a great role model in your class.  They have set you up well for kindergarten.

Preschool teachers

I love your zest for life.  I love how much you want to be with your family and friends.  You are quirky and still a stickler for routine (which your dad and I sometimes hate).  You are still picky with foods, but are willing to try new things.  You are you… my darling first baby.  I hope you keep being yourself.  I love you.

Caleb and Mom

Love you always,
Mom

XO XO XO XO XO

Monthly Newsletter: Liam, Month One

7/13/2010 /

Originally written May 21, 2010…

Dear Liam,

You are now one month old.  It’s so hard to believe that only a month ago we were anxiously awaiting you and trying everything to get you to come out of your cozy spot in my belly.  It feels as though you have always been with us, and yet it feels like the days have flown by.

one month old

It has been a challenging first month for you.  We realized that you were suffering from Gastrointestinal Reflux and it was causing you a lot of pain.  You were two weeks old when we started you on medication and it has made a world of difference.  You no longer scream in pain and your face is more relaxed.  I’m so sorry you had to suffer and that I couldn’t make you instantly better.  I have eliminated dairy and chocolate from my diet and that seems to help with your spitting up.

You have the most beautiful smile.  I admit I am jealous that Daddy was the recipient of your first real smiles, but now you give them to me freely.  You also like to smile at your big brother Caleb and all his antics.  You like to watch him and are content to lie on the floor next to him as he plays and tells about how all his toys work.  The two of you love having a dance party in his room.  I crank up the tunes and Caleb dances around and dances his stuffed animals for you, and you wave your arms and kick your feet.

Smiles for Dad
Brotherly advice

Our new family of four is starting to get into a routine now, and we are so glad you have joined us.  Daddy, Caleb and I love you so very much (as evident by all the kisses you constantly get).  I’m tired, but so very happy.

Squishy & Bean

Love,
Mama
xo

Letter to Liam

7/4/2010 /

(This was originally written after Liam was born… )

Dear Liam,

Welcome to the world little one.  It was quite the journey we had together, but well worth it.  All the kicks and bumps, all the body aches and pains, all the labour… every minute of it was worth it to see your beautiful face.  Daddy and I are so happy to have you in our lives.  I love watching how alert you are and how much you stare at us, recognizing our voices.  Your big brother Caleb is so excited to have you here.  He tells everyone about his new baby brother.  I was so surprised when the nurse weighed you and you were 9 pounds!  No wonder my belly was so big.  You certainly surprised us.  You also kept us waiting an extra 8 days!  I now think of it as the extra days when you wanted to keep me to yourself and enjoy some last cuddles.  I can’t wait to watch you grow and see your personality emerge.  Already I can tell you are a social and alert little one.  It won’t be long at all before you are running around with your brother.  I love you, my precious little baby boy.

Liam - 4 days old

Love,
Mama
xo

My Pregnancy with Liam

7/2/2010 /

When I was pregnant with Caleb I blogged and kept a journal throughout the pregnancy about my experiences.  Unfortunately having one child and working left little time to do it again.  However, I did keep track of dates and events.  And unlike Caleb, this time we did an extra special 3D ultrasound.  So here is a synopsis of my pregnancy with Liam:

*August 1th – the pregnancy test came out positive.  I tested with one of those early response tests, and found out early – so I was really only 3 weeks and 4 days pregnant when we found out.  We decided to keep it a secret as long as possible.

*6 weeks pregnant we had a little scare.  I had lots of abdominal pain on one side and was worried about an ectopic pregnancy.  The clinic doctor thought it was my appendix.  One trip to the ER and one ultrasound later we found out we had a little heartbeat and everything was fine.

*August 26 – Caleb asks if I can make him a sister or brother out of paper and glue!

* September 3-  I heard the best thing ever today: “Hi Baby. I’m Caleb…your big brother. How you coming out?” Yup my smart boy figured it out. We took him to our midwife appointment today, and he mostly played with the toys while we talked. When everything was said and done, Caleb told me we saw “mommy’s doctor” because my tummy was always hurting. A few hours later (after a trip to the petting zoo, park and ice cream) he tells me: I think your tummy hurts because there is a baby in there. HE GUESSED!

*Mid-Spetmeber – we told everyone about the pregnancy.  Caleb wore an “I’m going to be a Big Brother” t-shirt.  He kissed my tummy and said “Good night baby. I love you.”

*Early October – I felt the first little pops and movement from our little Bean.  And Caleb asked if we could get a Halloween costume for the baby!  We heard the heart beat – I love that sound!

*Early November – I have really popped out.

*November 13 – We had our ultrasound today and saw ten fingers, ten toes, a heart, a nose and a penis!  Little Bean is a boy – and a busy one.  He was moving everywhere!  And I have been feeling lots of movement!

Little Bean
Little Bean (picture 2)

*November 18 – I’ve been having lots of round ligament pain, and Braxton hicks contractions have started.

*November 24 – We are 20 weeks now!  I’m half-way through pregnancy already.  Caleb loves to kiss and hug my belly.

*December – Adam and Caleb are both starting to feel baby move.  Adam has now nicknamed the baby Thumper for all his hard kicks.

*January 6 – I am 41” in diameter around my belly…coincidently Caleb is 41” tall… seriously I am the same size around as Caleb is tall!  I am also having hip and groin pain and horrible sciatica.

*January 8 – we had our 3D/4D ultrasound.  We have one cute little bean in there.  He was keeping his hand and foot in front of his face a lot, and seemed to be sucking on his umbilical cord.  He has the cutest little nose.  Now we are even more excited to meet him.  Oh and we saw the boy parts again – definitely a boy!

Baby Boy

*End of January – Adam is rearranging furniture and reorganizing the house before he leaves for the Olympics.  I think he is nesting.

*February 2 – 30 weeks!  And I am measuring big!  The sciatica is better thanks to my chiropractor and massage therapist.  We also met our doula, Sarah.

*Early March – I am measuring 3 weeks ahead – yikes!

*March 18 – I am finished with work and off for a year.  Maternity pictures were done.  I look beautiful but feel huge!  Adam is almost done with the nursery.

maternity1
maternity2

*March 24 – lots of Braxton Hicks and baby is in optimal position.  The bags are packed.  I’m feeling ready.

*April 1 – still lots of Braxton hicks but no baby!

*April 7 – 1-2 cm dilated but no baby!

*April 13 – we have reached our due date.  I have had weeks of cramping and contractions, and lots of prodrominal labour – but no baby!

*April  15 – have tried acupuncture, red raspberry leaf tea, long walks, bumpy drives and a whole lot of stuff but this baby is holding tight. GAH!

*April 20 – I have made it to 41 weeks… and I think this is finally the real thing after days of false starts.

*April 21, 2010 4:23am – after a wonderful labour and 2 ½ hours of pushing our stuck little Bean comes out via c-section.  Welcome to the world Liam Eric!

liam_birth

Some news…

9/18/2009 /

Sorry for not updating the site in a very long time.  Lots has happened in the last few months.  My sister got married – and we were all involved in the planning and the wedding.  Caleb started another year of preschool.  And well… the biggest news…  I `ll let the pictures speak for themselves!

I`m going to be a BIG BROTHER!

10 weeks pregnant!

Dute date is April 13, 2010.

-Ally

Happy Birthday Caleb! Monthly…err…yearly newsletter – Month 48 / Year 4!!

6/7/2009 /

Dear Caleb,

You are FOUR!  Wow…four!  Time has flown so fast.  You are now an active, talkative, inquisitive and persistent little boy.  Watching you grow up this last year has been an amazing journey.  Your mind works so quickly and you are constantly amazing your dad and I with all that you learn.  You observe everything and imitate so much… we have learned to be careful with our words and our actions.  You are a caring friend, and have enjoyed your time at preschool.  This year you have been willing to try more, trusted us to keep you safe, and allowed yourself to become more independent.  We are so proud of you.  Your sense of humor is growing and you have definately gained the great four year skill of “toilet humor”!  You have also gained that four year old attitude that makes me want to give you away sometimes… but for the most part you are a marvelous little boy.

Four!

Your speech is coming along.  Although you still have difficulty with articulation most people understand what you are trying to say, most of the time.  You have learned to correct your mistakes, or use gestures to communicate with others.  Your balance and coordination are constantly improving and you have recently learned to ride a tricycle using the pedals!  You are continuing your journey in speech therapy, occupational therapy and some physiotherapy.  Your team of therapists have helped you to come a long way, and now they will be supporting you in your “pre-K” year.  It amazes me that this will be your last year before you enter the school system.  You are definately up for the challenge.

Building at the beach

You have this amazing ability to make me laugh and cry in the same five minutes!  A few weeks ago you told me you were sad because you didn’t know how to read.  You also believe the Lady Gaga song “Let’s Dance” is about “wet pants” and that everytime you go to the bathroom, you are feeding the fishes in the ocean.  Every night when I say I love you, you always respond “I love you too too”.  This is often accompanied by a zerbert kiss, a bum wiggle hug or an attack of tickling hands!

cupcake face!

dino cupcake cake

You were once my little baby that I spent every minute holding, touching and kissing.  You loved to be held and cuddled, and needed me to protect you from the world.  Now you are my little boy and you come to me to be kissed and held.  As I watch you grow up, you move a little futher from me.  I have to let you make mistakes and learn about the difficulties of life.  But you will always be your mommy, and you will always be my baby boy, and no matter what I will always be here to help you up when you fall down.  I love you so very much.  Happy Birthday Squishy!

Love always,
Mommy
XO XO XO XO

Monthly Newsletter: Month 36

6/3/2008 /

Dear Caleb,

You are now three years old…THREE!  Holy smokes!  (“Ohwee kokes” as you would say!)  You are just over three feet tall and weigh in at just over 28 pounds… you’ve gotten taller and skinnier!  Pants don’t fit you very well anymore – they are always too short in the length and too big in the waist.  You’ve survived your first half year of preschool, you’ve moved into a “big boy” bed and you will sometimes pee on the potty.  You are trying to dress and undress yourself, and can bathe all of yourself – although you still need some help.  You help with dusting, sweeping, watering the plants, setting the table and cooking.  You are truely an independent, and often stubborn little boy!  This has to be the most appropriate shirt in your wardrobe!

TROUBLE! Throwing rocks

You are challenging yourself and us everyday as you question the rules and try to figure out for yourself what’s right and wrong.  And you’ve definately found your voice – it’s often very loud.  We are so pleased with how much your speech has improved, especially the last few weeks.  It’s wonderful to hear about all the amazing thoughts that happen in your head.

3-year-old air chair

Fort Rodd Hill

It’s hard to image that three years ago you were this tiny totally dependent little being who would sleep forever on my chest and could fit in the palm of daddy’s hand.  We are truely blessed to have you. 

Mother's day 2008

I love you little squishy!

Love,
Mommy
xo xo xo

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