It's hard being a parent

These past few weeks we have had to deal with how to handle our boys.  Not just because they are boys.... lets be serious the "boys will be boys" is true, but because of school.

Last year was a hard year for Kyler.  We had pushed hard to have his teacher bring him to "team" and have him accessed.  Every time we asked for it to happen she would give as an answer that I was never to happy about.

Finally, at the end of the year we got it done!  Thank goodness.  We finally have our plan in place for Kyler's education.

This year started out bumpy.  We didn't find out until about half way through October that his new teacher hadn't even seen his reports!

oh man

Now we are getting the kiddo back on track!  We have had homework problems, agenda issues, and now test problems.

Kyler's homework wasn't getting done before.  We couldn't understand why things aren't getting done.  But now... we realized it has to do with his agenda not getting done.  Now that his teacher is on board with his he is getting his agenda done and signed EVERY DAY and he is doing AMAZING!  I'm so proud of him.

This past week he brought his agenda home every day, signed by the teacher, and had his homework done every day as well!  His treat was the haunted house on Thursday night.  I'm so proud!

Using his agenda is better now.  With it being signed every day and coming home for me to look at we are getting more done.

The bad part is we are still dealing with the affects of before getting the agenda done.

Today was another kick in the gut. 

Kyler brought home his spelling test.  We had problems with this before the agenda was being checked and so his mark... 3/13.  I just about cried!

And with report cards coming home any day now it makes it so much worse!

I'm just praying we can turn this around and get it better.

Tomorrow is his first test since getting on track with the agenda.  And we are just about ready!

Whoever said parenting could be easy was SO wrong.

Parenting is hard... especially when it comes to your kids in school.

While I may not have done well in school, or ever been the best student, I vow to be the best parent and stand behind my son.  If it's holding him up when he falls, I'll be there.  If it's holding his arms up in cheers, I'll be there.  If it's holding his hand when he needs encouragement, I'll be there.

I'll be there, even if it makes me cry when he does bad on tests.  And I'll be the first to post pictures of those tests that he improves on!

Don't judge. You don't know me!

I'm sitting here at the community center watching my son play basketball.  He just started tonight.  And while his skills aren't steller I'm very proud!  He is doing things already that I have never seen him do!!

While I'm sitting here watching my son these two teens/young parents sit down at a table behind me and start talking.  I overhear "oh my gosh!  That woman in the blue giving thumbs up to her kid need to lose weight!  She should be in there with her kid working that fat off"

First... Yes I gave my son a thumbs up.  He rocks!  I'm proud of him and my only way to show it is to give him a thumbs up as I can't yell at him (glassed in gym)

Second... Yes!  I need to lose weight.  But what you don't know and don't care to even ask is that I am trying.

Today my workout partner and I did 59 minutes in the gym... Just around the corner from the gym my son is in now!  In fact we both are proud for running for 1 minute and working off over 500 calories according to the machines.

So... Before you judge someone again, take a minute to think that they may be doing something about it already!

Kyler's New Years Eve Quiz

                                                 Kyler's New Years Eve Quiz!
 
 


 
 
 

What’s your favourite game?  - Minecraft

What’s favourite book you read? -  Jay the Ninja of Lightning

What would you love to do outside? - Play with my boomerang

Best dessert? - cake

What are you good at?  - helping people out

Who is the most important person in your family to you? - Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Devos, because they are starting to get older

 

 

 

 

 

If you could change one thing in your family what would you change? - That we had a bigger house

What does your family do for fun? - Go out places (restaurants)

What will you do when you grow up? - be a police man

What's your favourite colour? - orange and black
What's your favourite movie? - Dragon Riders of Burk
What is your most cherished toy? - My toy Enderman and Creeper
What is your favourite subject at school?  - Free time
What is one thing you want to do this year?  - Go to laser quest

Kyler, Age 8

Kyler Update! ~ March

I promised myself that at least once a month I would make a post for each of the little men in my life.  Something to tell you what they have been doing and what they enjoy.

This one is for Kyler.

Kyler has now been 8 for a whole month.  In that time things have been a bit crazy (which I'm guessing is actually more "normal" than crazy).

Just before K turned 8 we started him to get assessed with the "Crisis Therapy Group".  They were great with him.  We had our first session right before his birthday and Arnold and I had our "Asses and Predict" session right at the end of March.  Everything is AOK with him.  They do "predict" that he will have some more sad moments and maybe hurt people but we need to keep our boundaries up and our rules to sort of "fence him into a safe place" as they told us.  Over all things are ok with him.

Kyler started to bring home chapter books from school.  The last few have been from the collection called "The Magic Tree House".  He enjoys them, as they are exactly 10 chapters in each book, which means about 1 chapter to 2 chapters a night and he can finish one in a week.  It's so much harder for him to read out loud so sometimes we do a chapter in his head and a chapter out loud.  He has really been enjoying this. 

He also brought home a "Flat Stanley" book.  I loved it!  There was so much he learned (in this one Stanley was in Egypt helping with a dig and catching bad guys).  Lots of new words.  Some harder than others but generally great for him.  I'm excited to see what book he brings home next.

Kyler is also loving the great outdoors.  In the past few weeks he has been wearing his new yellow and black runners.  He has told me, more than once, that they make him go faster.  You should have seen the look on his face when we told him it was time to send his winter coat and snowpants to the back hall and he could wear his new shoes all the time (unless it rained, then his new boots).  He was so excited.

I haven't had him ask for a soccer ball yet but I'm positive it's coming.  We also haven't "found" the soccer balls and outside toys yet.  We did clean the back yard but more of a clean the grass off than find the toys kind of thing.

I keep thinking Kyler hasn't grown that much until he tries on something from last year and I see just how small it is on him.  He hasn't been able to find a spring/summer/rain coat this year.  They are out but he just hasn't found one he likes.  Something is always wrong with them.  I'm *sure* he doesn't get that from me, right?  He put on a pair of size 7 pants the other day and it looked like I had shrunk them in the dryer.  It's not to put it past me but I know I didn't.  They have been around for a while, he just hasn't had them on lately.  I can tell for sure he has grown!  It's now size 8 or even 10's for him. 

Kyler is such a big help with his little brother, who has been having a lot of "Otis Days" as we like to call them.  Kyler is always there to give an extra hug or squeeze or remind him that we all love and miss Otis.  Just a few weeks ago I was doing something downstairs and it got really quiet upstairs.  You know that quiet I'm talking about.  The one where you are *sure* something is wrong?  Well Kyler was snuggling with Q in the back chair reading him a few books.  I love that part too.  They can read to each other.  It's something they both enjoy.

For Kyler's birthday in March we did rock climbing.  Kyler really enjoyed it.  I'm pretty sure Arnold has plans to take the boys again in May sometime.  They are starting to climb everything.  Just last weekend they were told to get out of Papa's tree at least 3 times!

Kyler got to visit with his Godmother Leah, Uncle Pat and baby Grayson.  I have to laugh at this picture every time!  I love Grayson's face, and it matches the look on K's face.  I swear if K looked like that and I looked over I'd have Grayson's look as well!

Well that's my update on Kyler!!

Rain Day!

Can you believe it?  We almost had snow! SNOW!  In APRIL?!?!  Crazy!

No we got rain.  And so far it's windy cold and annoining!

There are so many puddles in the school playground that when Kyler ran out of the school he had landed in a puddle.  This means runner are on the heater, new socks and pants are drying over the back of a chair.

I"m not aginst rain, I"m aginst COLD rain :)

Tree And Snow!

On the 29th of November we put the decorations on the tree and had a nice evening.

Kyler wanted to put the start on but DANG that kid is fast! I should have used sports mode instead. Here's what I did manage to get:











AND Nov 30th we did get our first snow. It even lasted until the 1st of December!! Then it was gone. But wow did it look nice!

First Day of First Grade for my First born!

I can't believe my "little man" is so big! Today his Daddy, brother, and I dropped him off for first grade.

After a confusing start he is finally in his class. Room 9 with Mrs. B!

Here are some photos from his first day of school. Feel free to check out the photo blog for different shots!














Quinton waiting for Kyler to go to school, chilling on Daddy's back:



Making wishes to be in school:




At pick up: ANOTHER PHOTO!!



Tomorrow is Q's interview with Mr. Brown! He is so excited.

The last day of "normal school"

Today was the last day of "normal school" for Kyler. His JK'er friends aren't going to be there tomorrow. See tomorrow, Kyler graduates from Kindergarten into Grade 1! Can you believe it? 2 years of school have gone by and my first baby is going to be in Grade 1. I can hardly wrap my head around that.

Today they did a practice of their graduation ceremony. As well as going outside for "recess" and saying goodbye to their friends.

We learned today that Kyler's best friend, Jeff, is moving. In a matter of a week (which happen to be the week Jeff was sick) they bought a house between here and the zoo and are moving. They move in the middle of August. They thought about keeping the kids here but decided the 4 minute walk would be better for them than a 10 minute drive every day. I'm so surprised. I'm excited for them. They have been living in the apartment building for about 7 years (since Jeff's parents moved to Canada) so it will be nice for them to have their own house. We are sad thought. I'm losing one of my best "mom friends" at school. And she has been such a help with the boys if I'm sick or late. Same with us watching Jeff during mornings that she is early.

Last week, because we know how crazy this week is, we delivered Kyler's gifts to his teachers.












Mrs F and both boys

Mrs F and Kyler


Mrs F, Kyler and Mr. Brown


Kyler and Mr Brown



Tomorrow I'll have lots of photos from grad!

How School Corupted My Son

Odd title right? But so true! I realized last night that school has change Kyler so much.

I remember having a conversation with another Mom at church when Kyler was getting into school and she said my life would never be the same.

It was so true.

We are a family that doesn't have cable TV so we don't watch the "typical" TV shows, or see the "typical" movies that other kids did. In fact, another memory I have of Kyler is when we went to a family reunion. My Aunt had bought the kids toys and Kylers' was a robot with a gun. Kyler had NEVER seen a gun before. He had no idea what it was for, how to use it or what it did. Thank Goodness. We told him it was a "tickling stick"!

Now Kyler knows what they are, what they are used for and how to "cover it up" from mom. "It's not a real gun mom! It's a water gun!"

Kyler also knows who Spider man, Superman, Iron man, and many other TV shows are. Our lives used to be Whinny the Pooh, Mickey Mouse Club House and Handy Manny. Now there are so many other shows I want to protect my kids from. I'm not saying any of the TV shows I talked about are bad but they aren't things we wanted our children exposed to yet.

For now we are dealing with things as they come. Things that come home and change or challenge our children's thoughts about topics or beliefs. It's hard sometimes to remember that things that they learn about, or hear about will be good for them. It's good for them to question and to learn more. It's sometimes just makes a job for parents more challenging.

2 Wheels!!!

It's been a long summer already. We have been talking about going to 2 wheels on K's bike for a while. He watched Franklin and how he tired. He has read books about people riding on 2 wheels and just over a week ago he was ready to try.

We have been using bikes that didn't have pedals on so that Kyler could practice balancing and just over a week ago Kyler said he was ready to try with pedals. Arnold JUMPED at the chance!

Here are some pictures of Kyler working on riding on 2 wheels:





























What a big boy!!

Health, Happiness and Hospitals

Yesterday was a day that we had been waiting for. It's the middle of the week, nothing too special about it. For us, in our family, it was a big deal. Let me start at the beginning.

My boys get colds, ALOT lately. They get them every fall, winter, and spring. And whatever cold it is, it stays a long time. It's nothing to be worried about and it only started once they went to school. It's just something we have to adjust too. And we are working on it, slowly.

When Kyler was in JK we found out there was a program called "See Hear". This program comes in and for 10.00 will test your child's sight. They see if they can read numbers/letters objects from afar (like an eye drs test), and check for colour blindness in boys. They will also check your child's hearing. A quick test that is very similar to one you would get done with an audiologist. They put the "plugs" in your child's ears and test for "re-verb" like waves.

We figured for 10.00 why not? So we did it. In January of 2010 we had the first test done for Kyler. It wasn't a big deal but when the results were given back to us we found out there was a problem with his hearing. So we went to our pediatrician and she checked him out. She said it could be anything from a cold which caused fluid in his ears to just having the plugs off by a little bit. We didn't bother to keep going.

This year we did the test again. Kyler was sick at the time so we expected similar results but due to his speech and language issues we thought we should really pay attention this time. And we did. When the results came back again in January 2011 we figured we had to do something. They were the same as the year before. We went to the pediatrician and she said the same thing, again, but encouraged us to call the Canadian Hearing Association. We had dealt with them before getting Quinton into get tested before we began his speech and language issues.

When I called the CHA I was surprised for the waiting list... July 15th. That's when we could get him in, and I called in January! I was shocked. I spent the next little while calling hospitals in the area to see who could do the testing and what I had to do to get it done. I was willing to pay anything to get this done for Kyler.

I found a few hospitals that would do it but I needed a referral from the pediatrician. We did get one eventually. Kyler and I went to the pediatrician again in February to explain what we knew and she faxed off the referrals for us. We got into the one at Sick Kids Hospital by the beginning of March. We had his ears tested and got the same results. So again, we went back to our doctor.

We love our pediatrician. She is so wonderful and so good to us to help us find all the support we needed. She recommended that instead of waiting the 3 months they suggest and doing the test again to go and see another doctor. We got on the list to see Dr. Goldfarb and waited for our next appointment. This doctor could not only do the audiologists test in the office but see him and figure out the best way to do it.

We had an appointment with him in April. We went in and waited for almost an hour in a cramped waiting room but finally got into see him. We did the hearing tests again and then got to see the dr. Dr. Goldfarb said there was a bit of fluid build-up in his ears and that with the speech and language issues the best thing for him right now was to get his tubes done. I said ok lets go! So we had our surgery date set and waited.

About a week before we got the call for the times and everything went from there. I called my mom and dad and they came down for it. Nana and Papa arrived on Tuesday night and then Nana went to the hospital with us. Papa stayed home to watch Quinton. (I just want to say that I have the most incredible "family-like-friends" here in Toronto. When I told some people about the surgery I had lots of offers for babysitting. Mary D was going to watch Q but with Papa coming it worked out well to have him at home).

On Tuesday night we had what Kyler wanted for supper. Hot Dogs and hamburgers and chips. We stuffed ourselves full and then had more. Kyler wouldn't be allowed to eat come morning so we wanted him to have a full belly before bed. I think it was a little *too* full. We had him eat up and then the belly aches started. I'm pretty sure that it was being worried about the surgery but that's ok. He had a tums and a warm magic bag and off to bed he went. Quinton even got to snuggle with him for a bit.

Wednesday morning he woke up and had a glass of juice but it was all put away by 8am. Then we waited. We put the boys in the tub to "waste" some time for them and less time to think about food. Then at 9am we took them out and had them get ready for the day. Kyler's school was doing spirit week and Wednesday was PJ day. So Kyler wanted to wear his pjs. We had them on with his boots and coat for the surgery and we left the house by 9:30am. We were off!

We arrived at the hospital around 9:50am or so and we made our way in. (On a side note Mom was telling me there was this woman she recognized. She said that she was sure she knew her but not remember from where. We saw her again at check in and sure enough when Mom and I started talking about it we realized it was the maid of honour at Kyler's Godmother's wedding. How funny to see her there!) We found our way to the registration and got checked in then up to the first floor for day surgery. We were checked in there as well and then called to the back. This is when the "fun" began.

See I brought my mom for 2 reasons, I'm sure there was more but 2 main ones. 1, I needed someone with me. Arnold is taking a lot of vacation this year to go to Alberta and for other things that I just needed someone to be with me and Arnold couldn't be it. And 2, my mom has many medical "issues". With everything going on with Dad in the past I've become way more aware of how important it is to have a good medical history. Things I didn't know before having kids are now so much more important to me now.

For example, our reason for the "Fun" at the hospital, Malignant Hyperthermia . If you click on the name you can find out more about it. We told the check in nurse about it and she had to notify the Anesthesiologists about the "issue". It was called in and then we waited. Kyler was given 2 gowns to put on. One, tied at the back, and one was worn like a coat in the front. I had to giggle at how many people had it "wrong" in the kid waiting room.

Oh and was that an experience. There is this small room with chairs around the outside, 2 N64's and VHS players set up. In the middle was a PlayStation set up as well. Kids played video games or watched movies while waiting. Whatever surgeries that were going on today was super quick because after you were talked to by the doctor, then the Anesthesiologists, then about 5 minutes or less later a nurse would come in and talk to you and off the kids went! I was shocked. But it was good.

I had to giggle at the kids who showed off their undies, at the parents who left after their kids went in for surgery (which, BTW was less than 15 minutes from the time we said goodbye to when I was called back), and most of all at this one family. The dad and son came in and the dad was carrying this big Lego box. It was the castle one with wizards and such. HUGE. Anyway the son went right for the game systems and didn't look back. The Dad on the other hand sat over this kids table hunched down putting together this Lego castle! It was funny. My Mom and I joked you had to keep the dad's busy too!

Dr Goldfarb came in and explained what would happen and how quick it would be, then we waited. The Anesthesiologists came in and explained how it would go and what was needed to be done to protect Kyler from any chance of having Malignant Hyperthermia. All of the machines were being flushed and the rooms "re-cleaned". I later found out all the nurses and people working in the room had to change their clothes as well. We were also told that the wait time in recovery for this was 4 hours. Just to make sure he didn't have any bad reactions. But because our Anesthesiologists took such care and concern about it we were able to leave as soon as the other kids. It was so nice of him. I'm not sure I could have taken 4 hours in the recovery room!

The nurse came in and got Kyler and we walked down the hall pushing all the open door buttons. He loved it. Then I gave him a kiss and hug and off he went into surgery. When I asked him what happen he said that they took off a boot and sock and put on the glowing light to check his pulse. Then he got to breath in gas and then he fell asleep. He was kinda bummed he didn't get to see what colour the drill was! He woke up in recovery and didn't cry or complain. The nurses loved him.

I was called in about 15 minutes or so after. Dr. Goldfarb came in and talked to me about how it went. I asked questions (will he notice a change right away - yes; will he be able to swim tomorrow - no; can he do gymnastics soon - yes; ect). And then I waited. We found out things will be a little different for K from now on. Whenever his head will be submerged under water he must wear earplugs. We are getting a few sets for my moms house so he can wear them in the pool there. And the dr recommended a "headband" like thing to keep the water out of his ears. He also said things will be "too loud" for a bit. Kyler had some fluid build up in his ears already so he had to drain it and deal with that first before the tubes. It's not a big deal and this way everything is clean and clear and ready to go.

Once I got to see Kyler I sat with him while he had a pink Popsicle and we visited about how it went. I got to talk to the Anesthesiologist again and he said things went fine. He gave me a list of things to watch for until before supper and see how it went so I did. I was to watch for body rigidity, his temp going up and spasms. None of which happen, and wasn't expected too because of such good care we had. We got his dressed and headed out.

I was ready to hold his hand but the nurse said to "hold him up" a bit. Good thing I did too! Those drugs weren't totally out of his system and he was stumbling alot. Mom and I had to hold him up for a bit. We decided to sit down and I went to get his drops script filled. We waited for those and Nana got Kyler some chips and ice tea to have while we waited. Mom and I had some fun. We "tested" Kyler's' hearing.

While I had Kyler look away at something Nana whispered something to him. Something about a treat at home and Kylers eyes just light up. I was surprised how much "better" he was hearing so fast. All day I did it. I can see our house becoming a bit "quieter" for a while.

Once we got the drugs we made our way outside again and paid for parking. Then to the car. Kyler was still stumbling so I carried him to the car. We got him in and headed home.

We got home around 1:30, or 2pm and Papa and Kyler put together his new Lego treat. He loves his new tractor! And after I packed up Quinton they were off! Nana, Papa and Quinton headed out for Sarnia. This gave me some more time to spend with Kyler and make sure he was ok.

Kyler slept. ALOT. He fell asleep by 2:45 and slept until almost 6pm. I got him up and we walked to the pizza store for something to eat. He was feeling so much better by then. And we happen to meet Dad there. We headed home and had supper, then drops in his ears and bed time.

As a side note, we were talking about when Kyler would be ready for his own room but after last night, I'm thinking it will be a while. Kyler was in his own bed by 8pm or so and at 9pm I went to bed. I stopped into check on him and he couldn't sleep without Quinton. So he came to snuggle in my room. We were both out by 10pm and Arnold never bothered to move Kyler. Arnold slept on the couch in the boys room and Kyler and I slept in our room. (he is a *much* better sleeper than Q. Kyler stays in one place!)

Tonight we are hoping that he will sleep better and Arnold and I can have our bed back.

This morning we got ready for school, did the ear drops (which caused some problems today) and then headed out. I talked to Mr. Brown about Kyler thinking everything is "so loud" right now, and it will tone down in a bit. But for now, this is how it seems. I told Kyler if things are too loud to tell Mr Brown and he can try to do something for him. Then I talked to Mrs. F about how he is sometimes putting his hands over his ears because things are SUPER loud to him. I asked, if she saw him doing it in school, if she could tell him that things are loud now but they will seem better later, and we don't need to put our hands on our ears.

Sure enough, the boys got rowdy in line and one of them SCREAMED, so loud. Kyler put his hands on his ears and I could have sworn he was going to cry. It was so hard to stand back and watch but Mrs. F is incredible and went over and talked to them. All seemed ok after that.

We now wait to see how things go. We will go back to Dr. Goldfarb on June 29th and get his hearing re-tested and see how it is. But for now my little man is hearing wonderfully! We are so happy.

Spirit Week!

We found out yesterday after school that this week is "Spirit Week" at school. Monday was twin day, Tuesday (today) is Crazy hat day, Wednesday is PJ day, Thursday is Multicultural day.

Since we missed Monday we were all ready for Tuesday. Yesterday we went and got K's meds for his surgery (tubes in his ears) and made a quick stop at the dollar store. The boys got super cute hats! We finished decorating K's hat last night and it was perfect! Q got one too. I got some photos of the boys today, check out these cute boys:











Tomorrow is PJ day. K will wear his into school tomorrow to change his reading book and then off to the hospital. Thursday Kyler is planning to wear his Toronto Maple Leafs shirt! I'm glad he has his plans already! Definitely somewhere he is from!