Oliver's 16 Weeks

If I could go back in time, I would give myself a hug and tell myself not to fear, because I could never imagine the joy that was to come.... Oliver's a dream baby. He's always happy with a big smile. He's made me appreciate being a mom to my three kiddos, just that much more. Sometimes we get so caught up in life and how busy it is. With having Oliver join our family it's made me realize all the simple joys in life and all the things we take for granted. I wish I could slow down time, Oliver is growing so fast and I can't believe he is already 4 months. 

- Oliver still loves to hold hands when he needs to be comforted. This is something we did with him in the hospital, as we couldn't hold him when he got upset.

- Oliver is still doing great with peeing and pooping. I know this may not seem like a big thing but it is for a Spina Bifida mom. As it means that everything is working and he doesn't need a catheter.

 - Oliver loves sucking and chewing on his hands.

- Oliver also like playing with soft blankets and bringing them to his face.

- Oliver has started playing with toys and grabbing things.

-Oliver's NICU hair cut (bold spots) are finally starting to grow in.

- Oliver can hold his head up pretty good but can still be a bit wobbly when he gets tired. Due to the size of his head, it's harder for him to hold his head up then most babies.

- Oliver is on a good routine. Eats every three hours in the day with 2.5 hour feeds in the evening. Last feed at night is at 10pm followed by 8 hours of sleep. Which we all love.

- Oliver just had his second set of shots. First once were at 2 months and now his 4 month shots. Oliver didn't even flinch, whimper or cry when he got his first shots do to the lack of feeling in his legs. For his 4 month shots he flinched a bit with no crying. 
-At our last physiotherapy appointment we got some fun new exercises and starches to do. With the stretches we do, they go along with movements that baby's would morals do at Oliver's age. the main one we are focusing on doing is practising assisted rolling. Which Oliver loves to do.

Superhero Fun Run

We had the opportunity to participate in the Lakeview Superhero Fun Run for Lincoln's school! The proceeds from the event were going towards building a new playground for the elementary school and community. Registration was $20 a person which included a superhero cape (so cool) for the first 450 entries, a post-race goodie bag and a chip timed race (yep, even the 2.5K kids run was chip timed!) The 2.5K, kids event, started at 6pm so we got to the school grounds around 5:40. We met up with Nana Yamamoto, Uncle Scott, Aunt Melissa and Abigail, and took some photos before it was time to line up. They had the older children lineup at the front and the younger ones, and those pushing strollers, towards the back. They had a few announcements and then it was go time!

 The course was good. It was mostly flat and split between grass, trail and pavement. Lincoln went on ahead with Josh with Lincoln setting the pace. they'd run for a bit then walk, then run again. I found it a bit harder to push Lacey and Oliver in the Chariot on the shall trail and grass. We even having our running wheel come unatached at one point, thanks to another runner that helped us, so we were able to finish the race. By the time Lincoln was approaching the last stretch of the race, he kept saying his legs were tired. Josh told him "we can see the finish line and all the people cheering them on, we just need to run a bit farther to the finish line." Lincoln kept running, even though he was tired.  Of course, the MOMENT they crossed the finish line he had the biggest smile on his face. He completed his first race. I think it helped he got a medal (sour key candy on a string) and a bag of post-race goodies (chips, apple and granola bar!) LINCOLN'S FINAL TIME: 15.10 We munched on our candy medals and waited for the results to be posted. Lincoln found some of his friends and was off playing with them at the playground for a bit. The Superhero Fun Run was a great family activity that we all enjoyed participating in as a family.

Mother's Day 2016

 “ The highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother.” - Russell M Nelson

I love being a mom. I feel so grateful to be a mom to these three. I'm amazed at what Heavenly Father trusts me to do.

Lincoln's picture he drew of me. 

Family Services With Disabilities

We meet with Families Services with Disabilities, to see how they can help our family. After meeting and assessing Oliver's Spina Bifida journey, we found out that we will be able to get some financial aid for our Calgary appointments. Which will be so helpful. Down the road as Oliver gets older they will be able to help with costs of wheel chairs, braces, etc. We feel very blesses to live where we do and to have access to these services.

One question they asked during the meeting was "What's our hope for Oliver?" This question made me think and is hard to answer in some ways.... I hope that Oliver is HAPPY and learns to ENJOY life even with his physical limitations. He's perfect to us just the way he is and we love the special little boy he is.

Car Show/ Weekend Away

A much needed family weekend. Since Oliver has been born, life been busy with appointments and Josh and I both working. We decided it was time to have a weekend away. We needed to spend some time as a family of five and just have some fun together.  The weekend was perfect. We headed to Calgary Saturday morning, spent some time in down town Calgary exploring. In the afternoon we went to a Car show. Josh loved it and it was fun seeing Lincoln and Lacey enjoying it too. I'm glad we can make one of Josh's hobby's into a family activity. After the Car show we stopped at my Uncle Russ's house for my Grandma Thomas Birthday party. It was great to see all the Thomas'. After a busy Saturday we went to a hotel and had some more fun. Can't go to a hotel without water slides if you have kids. We all had fun night on the water slides and stayed up too late. We had a great weekend and can't wait to do a family weekend trip again soon.

Smiley. Happy. Content.

Oliver is one smiley, happy and content baby. He's so easy to love. He almost never cries. I love when we are out and about and people comment on how happy Oliver is, and how he's such a smiley baby.  I'm glad others can he what a special little boy he is. We love our happy Oliver!

 Our smiley Oliver!

Happy Birthday Logan!

Thank you for all the great childhood memories together. Happy birthday to a person I am proud to call my brother. Have a happy and fun-filled day.