Ortho Appointment

Friday, Zachary and I headed out to Toronto to the Spina Bifida clinic. When we went for our first assessment in June, Ortho wasn't there that day, so they had wanted us to come back to have Zachary checked out.
We went to my Mom's first for some lunch and then she was watching the bigger boys for me.
After going North instead of South off the 401 (I'm not known for my stellar sense of direction lol), I made it right on time. While in the waiting area, there was a lady from the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association.  I chatted with her for a bit and asked her a few questions about herself.  I found out she had SB herself, I didn't inquire about at what location, and she walked with a cane quite well.  As she went to sit down, she tripped on the chair and quickly apologized. I asked if she was ok, and she mentioned about not have feeling in her right foot.  That intrigued me and I wondered where her feeling started. It turns out she has no feeling in her whole leg. She drives, bikes, swims, has a job...lives life!  It's not about meeting someone who has less mobility than Zachary, but how much they accomplish in spite of it and knowing Zachary can accomplish anything he puts his mind to.
So anyways, we called a short time later and then proceeded to wait an hour and a half to see the Dr! I must admit, I truly thought we would have been seen much sooner. Dr Wright walked in at 4.03 and left at 4.06.  So very annoying yes, but it also means they were very happy with Zachary! :) And there's nothing better than good news.
That was the start of a very long weekend and I can't believe tomorrow is already Monday, and the last full week before school starts!

Last weekend we packed up and went to a friends cottage. The boys were super excited! Unfortunately the forecast wasn't one we would have picked, but we had a great time anyways. Another couple went up with their little boy as well and she commented on the nice room we got...I am beginning to realize there are perks to having the most kids. We may work the hardest, but we always get the nicest room :) lol
The cottage is right on the Trent River and close to one of the locks. So we walked up just in time to miss 2 boats going through and then never saw it used again. And I must say a lift lock is not something that is very kid friendly to hang around for very long. But it was cool to see how high the boats are carried through the lock.
We only stayed the one night, and supper on Saturday was DELICIOUS! There was steak, corn on the cob, taco salad, roasted veggies and the best potatoes I've ever had.

Had to take a picture showing that Ryan actually contributed LOL

Zachary hanging out

Lock 14 on the Trent River

Just the 2 of us

Abby and Carter at the Waterfall

Playing at the waterfall

All this past week I sent the bigger boys to Vacation Bible School. It was fantastic!  Not only did they have a blast, but I thoroughly enjoyed being on my own with Zachary. I even had a couple naps! :) Heaven.
A little taste of the days when school starts.
I did a little visiting and had some playdates...




Sharyn and Elle...such pretty girls



<><><><>Zachary had a chance to try something new, and he loved it.

mmmm...mum mums

<><><><>Zachary is doing so well sitting!

Zachary practicing his sitting

Big grins

So it has been a busy past week! In my last post, I comment that we drove Ryan to work on our way to the beach. We drove him that morning because he was in his cousins wedding the next day and had the rehearsal to go to, and I was meeting up with him the next day.
I split the kids up while we were away, as I felt more comfortable having Zachary with just one person. I was originally going to take him, but we found out that there were going to be balloons in the decorations. The wedding was in Tweed, about a 2 hour drive from here. I had good company for the drive, as Jenny and Cory came along with me.
We unfortunately didn't have high expectations for this wedding...we pretty much figured it was going to be a gong show. And for the most part it was, but we still had a good time, because we made our own fun :)
And there wasn't a balloon in sight...and even though I missed him, it was nice not having a baby attached to me for the day and just hang out

Our travelling buddies, and great friends that made the day so fun :)

Perfect Beach Day

This morning we had to drive Ryan to work, and I thought we should just continue east to Cobourg to go to the beach. It's the one place that I will swim in Lake Ontario lol
It was absolutely perfect. I only wish Ryan could have been there for the fun. The boys had a great time and the morning just flew by.

Cobourg Beach Pier

Fun at the Waterpark Splash Pad

Soaking up the sun playing in the sand

Nothing says summer like ice cream on bellys :)

My fish...never wants to leave the water

mmm..look at that face

Rolling to check out the grass

And sleeping babies to end the day

6 Months!

I can't believe half a year has gone by since this little guy rocked our world.  He has brought so much joy to our family.  Hard to imagine he's been here longer than how long we knew about his diagnosis.  The past 6 months have been filled with a lot of Dr's appointments, too much googling, some loss of sleep and a whole lot of smiles.
Zachary has to be one of the most content babies.  He doesn't fuss very much and goes to sleep like a champ. He is always full of smiles and we consistently receive compliments on his bright eyes.
Even though this past year has been a tough one, and is sometimes surreal, Zachary never ceases to amaze us.

Happy Anniversary!

7 years ago I married my best friend!
Now 7 years and 3 kids later, I would do it all over again.
That day was the best day of my life...and since then he has added 3 more best days of my life.
This past year has been one crazy ride, and I wouldn't want to have experienced it with anyone else. 

You truly are my best friend, the first person I want to tell anything to!

Just a cute shot of Zachary in motion. As soon has you put him down, he's on the move showing off his rolling skills. Funny enough, he's known how to roll from his tummy to back for some time now, but every once in a while he gets stuck there after rolling from his back.  It just makes me laugh...

Kitchen Renos

Last weekend we started our makeover for our kitchen. This was long over due!  The WHOLE kitchen was yellow, including the ceiling, along with a sunflower border. The lighting was old school florescents that reminded you of being in a cafeteria.
First task was taking down the lighting and getting that ceiling white. That made a huge difference in itself.
We are now done the painting, replaced the lighting and have almost conquered the backsplash.  We will hopefully finish grouting that today.

The terrible yellow, and this is just painted on thanfully!

Some old Some new

The new lighting

Backsplash on. Still needs grout and the window trim needs to painted and coverings to be replaced.

It looks so much better and we wish we had started it sooner.