Life is an endless Developmental process. We all have unique Abilities and Disabilities. The Day we choose Awareness instead of ignorance, is the DAY we start to see everyone as equal. Gary Spears, DSP



Friday, July 25, 2008

Yeah.... I know I am cute!


Who can resit that sexy look! :)

Butterfly Memorial to Grandpa Les Bug






2 weeks ago Niagara Hospice held there annual Memorial Butterfly release in honor of our loved ones. We released 2 "grandpa Les" butterflies that day. It was terribly hot ~90 and humid, but so worth every moment of it. We'll do it for years to come. Les's passing is still so very fresh in all our hearts and minds, so this was extremely emotional, especially for my mom. I still to this day, can't say enough about Hospice and how amazing they were not just for les, but for us, the family as well. We only spent a short 1.5 days there before les passed, but in that time, they left a stamp on my heart (as well as my mom's too I am sure ) that will never be forgotten. I thank god everyday that Les was able to spend his last moments in such a wonderful, caring facility, with all of his family by his side, leading him home.

These pictures are of our butterflies, and then one of many of them flying up in the air after everyone first opened their boxes(it might be hard to see, but there were hundreds flying about) The butterflies some how knew how to keep coming back to "their" person. In that first picture if you look carefully, mom's butterfly was just getting up from it's box and opening it's wings, look close, you'll see it getting ready to "spread it's wings and fly". We were able to say our goodbyes all over again so to speak. Caden particularly like to chase one that kept jumping around, he got a kick out of it. I am so glad he enjoyed himself. I think it's wonderful too, that although Caden is so young, with so many disabilities that he knew in some way that Les bug was sick. If you ask him now ~ "Caden, Where is Grandpa Les Bug?" He looks up and points to the sky and says "there". he brings tears to my eyes every time. I will always make sure that my children remember how special he was too all of us.

We Love you Les Bug!

Colin's first Surgery


So these pictures are a bit late, but I am just getting around to them. These were taken just before our little man went into surgery about 2.5 weeks ago. Doesn't he look adorable in his little hospital gown???!! He's been doing great since. Not one ear infection. He's teething now, so a bit cranky, but other then that, playing more then usual. We're hoping very soon that he'll begin talking more then just Da and uh, oh. his doc is hoping too that since the tubes are in he'll pick up more words. If not, we'll do a speech eval on him as well, but we hope that we won't have to travel that route. I am proud to announce too that Colin has slept for 6-7 straight hours for the past 4 nights in a row! How exciting. I am hoping he'll work up to maybe a full 8, but in the mean time I 'll take anything these kids give me :)

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

People should get facts straight before they open the mouth!

This is a story about a radio talk show host basically saying that it's the parents fault that an autistc child acts the way the do. It's so very rude, telling us that our children are not autistic, just being "brats". Would he like a day in the life of my child??? Idiot.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080721/ap_on_en_ot/savage_autism

Monday, July 21, 2008

Our Hershey Trip!

So thank god for Heather showing me how to post more then one picture at a time! Thanks Heather-your the best!

These are just a few of our pics from hershey last month, I have tons more, I'll add them as I have time!

Kym

Friday, July 18, 2008

Beyers & Burnhams

Caden, Courtney, Colin, Cardon & Kaliya. Now you try to say that 5 times fast!

Getting soaked in Niagara falls!

1 out of 3 isn't bad!

At least one is awake! :) This was taken at while we were on vacation at Hershey. Guess all the excitement tired the boys out!

Sleep?!?!?!

Could it be that I didn't have to get out of bed last night? Colin slept through the night for the 2nd time in over 12 months last night! Woooo Hoooo!! He went down about 10:00pm, and slept until 5:30 this morning. He has done this only one other time before-about 7 months ago, lets hope this time, he sticks too it. Maybe he'll feel so refreshed today that he'll think it's great to continue!! Caden on the other hand... Has had a lot of regression lately when it comes to sleep, touch and being alone. We are going to speak to his OT about this. He can't be left in a room alone, not have our touch, or sleep though the night anymore. He's been in bed with us for the past week, and always has one hand on my arm to make sure I am still there. Once I get out to either get ready for work, or to nurse Colin he begins SCREAMING (becasue you've left him) and has to follow you to where your at. So he's not been getting the sleep he needs either. So even though Caden was in bed touching me all night (that was after Mike rolled over and knocked him off the bed :) I STILL manged to NOT have to get up with Colin! YEAH! Let's all keep our fingers crossed for 2 nights in a row.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Look at those eyes!




Just Loved this picutre of Colin. Taken on his birthday last week, the day after surgery, so I imagine he was still a bit out there!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Colin's Surgery

Colin underwent surgery this past wednesday 07/09 to finally get tubes in those tiny ears of his. He has continous fluid behind his ears, causing constant infection. The doctors were waiting as long as possible to do surgery becuase he was so young, but finally after only having clear ears for a short 3 days, they realized the severity of the situation and agreed. Colin did great, except for the not being able to eat after midnight part. Since he still wakes to nurse once a night, he was pretty miserable, thank goodness Mike was home to stay up with him that night. I thought once the surgery was over, and no more pain, maybe he would sleep through the night HA! I was kidding myself. Maybe since he seems to still be in pain, thats the reason- and maybe he just loves his mommy so much, he needs to wake every 4-5 hours to see me! :)

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Welcome to our Blog!

So I thought I would start this in hopes of keeping everyone updated on us and the kids- we'll see how well that works! So today is Colin's first Birthday! Yeah! Happy Birthday Colin! To think at this exact moment one year ago, we were sitting at children's hospital, just waiting for my doctor to show up. It's sad to think that all of our children have grown up already. they change so mcuh everyday. Caden will be 3 next month, and keeps us on our toes, so to speak. As many of you know Caden right on the fine line of the autism specturm. He is mostly non verbal, but progressing quite a bit, and does know basic sign language. He currently recieves Speech therapy, Occupational therapy and Special education Insturction 6 times per week. Caden is a VERY busy little boy. He communicates his emotions very well though his sounds and hand gestures alone. Courtney is 11 now and growing up so very fast. She is almost as tall as I am now, with these crazy never ending legs! Her and I have recently joined a Growing up fit program together at our local Y, so we get some nice excerise time together with out the boys following suit. Speaking of which, Caden and Colin adore their big sister. It's fun to watch now, becuase all 3 of them can interact with one another. When I leave for work in the morning and the sitter is there, Caden runs right for Courtney! She truly is a big help to us.
"When a loved one becomes a memory ~ That memory becomes a treasure"