What We've Been Up To...

We're still enjoying having Daddy home, of course! When people ask how he's doing, my instinct is to say, "He's great." lol. But, really, I mean, to a normal person, no, he's not great. Here's what's great:

He's alive and he appears to be always getting better. He said he didn't take any insulin yesterday. That's great. His cold seems to be getting better. That's great. He was feeling well enough to do a bit of grocery shopping. That's great.

But, how does he actually feel? Like if it were you or me feeling like he feels, we'd probably say that we feel like we've been hit by a train. He's still getting over the cold, but the coughing is getting better. The Prednisone still has his leg muscles pretty weak and his face puffy. He is wiped after any form of exercise and that includes standing up while making dinner. He tends to use a stool to 'take breaks' while he's cooking/when he's cooking. He hangs out on the couch a lot and fits in naps, but he helps out in all the ways he feels well enough to do so. He's good and cuddly and we've been enjoying some great episodes of "An Idiot Abroad" as of late and having some good giggles together.

Getting to watch two knew episodes of Glee was a highlight of our week as well! YAY Glee!


For you Aunts out there that ask me to 'turn the camera on yourself', here's me doing 'bedtime storytime' with the boys on the couch. I used to do storytime in bed, but man, I'd get so tired and then I wouldn't accomplish anything afterward!

The boys beg for forts just about every single day. I have permanently hung a curtain under AJ's loft bed, and the other sheets there are temporary each day to make "Dexter's house" so they can visit each other.

They bring little toys into the reading bed. Ooooh, I dislike that. I'll cuddle in at night to read some Secret World of Og to AJ after normal bedtime stories, after I put Dexter to bed, and "Ouch!" a Bakugan in my butt!


I was in one of my card-making-moods on the weekend, so I made AJ's birthday party invitations!

This one is for his afternoon party with his girl-friends. We're going to paint flower pots and plant flowers in them.

This one is for the morning party with his boy-buddies. It will be a digging-in-the-dirt kind of party in the backyard. He's pretty stoked!

Here's a night this week when the boys chose to use their chore tickets they'd earned to play Rockband. Dexter likes the drums and the microphone.


AJ likes microphone, drums, or guitar. It's funny watching him sing while trying to read the words that are whizzing past the screen WAY too fast for him to be able to read them all. You'll hear him shout out a word that he caught every so often. Luckily, here, he was singing "Poker Face" with which he was pretty familiar.

Daddy rockin' out on the guitar.


On Monday, we drove with Richard to his appointment at VGH. We dropped him off, and the boys and I went to Aberdeen Centre to go to Daiso to pick up a few bento lunch supplies. We got to the mall at about 10:10am and read the mall hours. What kind of mall doesn't open until 11am on a Monday? Luckily, the front doors were open and some stores, including Daiso, were already open. So, it all worked out.

After the mall, I took the boys to one of our favourite parks in Richmond. It was VERY cold and VERY windy. I had packed boots for the mud, warm hoodies, and raincoats in case it rained. I didn't pack mittens and toques.
But the boys didn't complain. That's Dexter telling me to "Come, please."

Ahh, a good old fashioned cement playground castle. I dread the day when some crazy over-protective mom pleads with the city to rip this down because her child got a bruise.

So sunny. But sooooo cold.






Look at this old thing! It's just waiting for a child to slip, get their leg caught, and half fall off while the leg's still stuck. The boys have a great time pretending on here.
AJ drew a pretty cool dinosaur in the dirt with a stick!
I see you, Dexter!

Awwww, my boys.

We picked up Richard, and met my dad at Milestone's in Vancouver, near the hospital after that. We were running into Dexter's naptime. After Dexter had a few curly fries, and his eyes were closing while he was eating, Richard tried to encourage Dexter to rest a bit. He was fighting it, but he eventually gave in.

Grand-Dan and AJ being silly. Thanks for the great lunch, Grand-Dan. A good beef-dip always makes Richard a happy-camper.

Dexter was out cold for a good 45 minutes or so until we woke him up to leave.

Not About Richard, Not Really Even About the Boys, But About a Product I Love!

This entry has no new information about how Richard is doing or about how the boys are growing. It is simply a 'plug' for one of my favourite items in my house!

If you want to know how Richard is doing, feel free to check out his blog. He's been well enough to keep it up lately! That tells you that he's doing a little bit well!



My Boys and Their Accountable Kids Chore Charts


Dexter has been very excited about "AJ's chores" for quite some time now.

I LOVE this chore chart/program from Accountable Kids. AJ got his a year ago, and Dexter wants to do chores just like his big brother so badly that I decided to go ahead and get him his own for his 3rd birthday.

He was so excited when the package arrived!


To quote their site, here's the basic run down of what the program is:

"Accountable Kids is a unique parenting program designed to teach accountability and responsibility in the home. It is a back-to-basics system which includes essential parenting principles and concrete stepping stones that strengthen relationships and build a foundation for success; an ideal program for ADHD natural treatment therapy. Children learn to balance choices and consequences in a fun, productive manner. They experience the joy of being a vital, contributing member of the family and develop confidence and self-worth. The Accountable Kids program includes a book, Quick Start DVD, Progress Board, 50 Reminder Cards, 3 blank Reminder Cards, 10 Tickets, 10 Bonus Bucks, 3 Special Date Cards, 4 Best Behavior Cards, and 2 Privilege Passes, and 2 sticker sheets. The Accountable Kids program provides everything parents need to maximize efforts and bring structure and harmony into the home."

What I love about it most, is how fast it gets us out of the house in the morning without forgetting about any of the 'basics' that need to get completed before we leave the house. How many times do I hear moms talking about the nightmare that is 'getting out the door in the morning'?

You're probably thinking 'chores' for a 3 year old? Isn't that a little crazy? Although there are actual chore items in the package, for the boys, many of the items are normal every day things that just keep us on track. That means less nagging from me. It's not me telling them what to do. It's the chart.

Dexter and AJ's morning chores go like this:
*eat breakfast
*take vitamin
*brush teeth
*get dressed
*hair done
*make bed
*school (for preschool mornings)

Even if I only had the morning, it would be worth it! Everything runs smoothly. Nothing is forgotten. Best of all, it's they who remind me what needs to get done before we leave!

Their mid day chores are:
*eat lunch
*quiet time (nap for Dexter)
*clean up the playroom
*set the table

Their evening chores are:
*eat dinner
*clear the table
*bath time (not every night)
*pajamas
*clean your bedroom
*brush teeth
*floss (heck, I should get a chore chart for myself to remind ME to do that each night)
*storytime

(Don't think that the thought has not crossed my mind to get one for myself! Things like 'plant care' and 'car care' will tell you that it's good for older kids too!)

The boys get a ticket for each batch of chores that they complete. Those tickets can be redeemed in the evening for a special activity. The AK program would recommend things like tv/video games/things that you'd like to limit and have the child earn. Perhaps as the kids get older, I may venture that way. Currently, I don't want to use tv or video games as a reward,per se, because I don't want them to think those are 'extra special' or 'of value' for any reason. That's not to say that they never use them for those items, but most of the time, the boys redeem them for some special extra activities with Richard or me. Board games are usually the pick of choice. Sometimes they choose drawing time, painting, or double bedtime stories. What I like about that is it's a time that I specifically set aside to do whatever THEY want without any mommy-distractions. Sometimes they choose 'an extra 10 minutes' of a movie or some Wii games with Daddy. Just last night, they choose to use their ticket for playing Rockband and each getting to choose one song.

Now, I'm a teacher, and a crafty one if I must say so myself. I've made a lot of charts. I could have made some kind of chart myself. BUT, it could not compare to this one. Their program is a 5/5 in my books, namely because of it's adaptability. There are lots of features to this program like 'best behaviour' cards that I do use. They are just like the tickets, but can be given out for random acts of kindness, or behaviour, that I deem worthy of some sort of praise. The boys do as their chart tells them, and yes, sometimes they need a gentle reminder to go check their chart to see what's next, but usually, they are excited to take the initiative. Less nagging from me is ALWAYS a good thing. There are near 70 or so cards with chores on them, and some you can make yourself. As a child gets older, you can add more grown-up chores like laundry (which is currently on AJ's 'extra help' list), and taking care of the pets or plants. The program is for 3-14 year olds. There are features for giving an allowance of which I will definitely be taking of advantage as the boys get older. Right now, they're willing to do the chores without complaining just to spend extra special time with Mom and Dad, so I'll keep that going for a while!

What the program recommends is that there are different sets of chores. For instance, there would be the basic chores that everyone is expected to do for free (just for being a functioning member of the family so to speak). I consider those to be what the boys do currently. Then, a separate set of chores that are for earning allowance. I love that idea.

When you purchase the chore chart, it comes with a dvd and book that explain everything really well. Of course, when I ordered Dexy's, I just ordered the chart, not the book/dvd, as I already had those from before.

It is so versatile. Yes, the program is laid out for you step by step, but it also allows for some freedom. You can use the product in a way that fits best with your family's values. There are just so many options available for the chores. The chart really grows with your child and you can personalize the chart as well by painting it or ordering it with your child's name engraved on it!

A BIG thank you to Accountable Kids for their program!

Dexy's First Day of Preschool

The First Day of Preschool!

Dexter first day of preschool was awesome. Well, at least his time during preschool was awesome. Getting out of the house that morning was a bit of a challenge.

Normally, mornings at our house are not total chaos. Aside from me, naturally being a 'chicken with her head cut off' (I get that from my mom - hope she doesn't read that), mornings are pretty smooth, especially since we use a super-great chore chart that I will probably blog about on Thursday.

However, this morning took a turn for the worst when.....

Dexter has a bad cold. He seems to be at the end of it, as it is the 'coughing phase' right now at nighttime.

This morning, despite looking horribly (and still having acceptable clear-snot for preschool), he was doing well and excited for preschool, when he very wonderfully said, "Mom! I need too poo poo in the potty!" And he did just that. He motioned to the flusher, which I assumed (mistakingly) meant for me to flush the toilet for him. In fact, he meant to say, "Don't flush, I want to show Daddy my very big poop."

And, as he watched his proud poo poo flush down the toilet, the irate meltdown began, and basically didn't really end until AJ and I were packing ourselves in the car and saying good-bye to Dexter.

Hence the reason his picture looks like this:



But, as we neared preschool, the weather was not only sunny, but so was Dexy's attitude:


Albeit he had some help from me, he was ready faster than AJ, for sure once we were inside. He ripped off those shoes and slipped on his indoor shoes. He was EXCITED!

After I dropped the boys off and handed in one more document for Kindergarten Registration, I headed to the gym as per my normal morning routine.

After the gym, I did exactly what I KNEW I would do with my spare time...
I went to the mall.

But don't worry, I didn't go crazy. I just bought myself some very much needed undies. No biggy.

I picked up two VERY happy boys from preschool, and VERY STUPIDLY took them for their lamely scheduled (as per moi) haircuts that ran through lunch time and into Dexter's nap. Let's just say it wasn't the most pleasant hair cut experience and Dexter was falling asleep in the chair.

I picked up my coffee and then dropped AJ off at his friend Josh's house (until 4pm!).

Dexter came home for a little lunch and a little late nap. He was bagged.

But he was still game for swimming lessons. Those went well and Daddy came to watch again.




Thursday

Thursday night was skating lessons again. Dexter's getting better at staying up on his skates and taking little steps. I will forgo telling you how annoying it was to get both kids' skates on and completely laced and ready and THEN realize that I forgot their helmets out in the car.

Good grief!

But it was a good time had by both boys. AJ is just zooming across that ice and likes to do dramatic skids to the ground onto his knees that end in him rolling across the ice like someone who's been thrown from a moving vehicle. I'm thinking acting lessons may have been a good idea.

They brought out the little chairs this time to help some of the little kids get going.
Dexter thought that pushing the teacher around was BIG fun.
No pics of AJ from this lesson.

Stinky, sweaty, ice skaters get a bath.


Oh man. If these guys end up being hockey players. Yuck. The stench. They just sweat at their lessons!

And the night ends with some spaceship building.




Friday

That was a nice, special day. Auntie Ryan came out from North Delta (thanks so much for coming all that way Auntie Ryan!) to our local play-place. The kids has a serious blast-o-fun at the playcentre. They were sweaty, and their socks weren't very pretty. Erica and I had a nice time getting to catch up with Ryan, and the kids were occupied with fun. It was, unfortunately, a torrential downpour outside. YIKES! Crazy rain. Erica had to get some grocery shopping done, so I offered to take Ryan and Jack back to my place during Dexter's nap. It went VERY nicely. The kids played great!

In fact, there were lots of playdates over the weekend and into this week. AJ's been a lucky boy having so many friends over!

Friday night and Saturday night, I think, ended with some family "Rock Band" time! Fun.


Saturday

Saturday was very relaxing, everyone in their comfies around the house. It was so quiet. There was no tv, and not even music in the background like usual. The boys rediscovered their Leapsters and Daddy's ds. I just puttered around the house cleaning up and the boys alternated between little video games and playing Lego and Duplo. It was seriously, so quiet.




Oh yah, Daddy was fixing up our Wii. That's contributed to a lot of the quiet.


The boys took a break from big boy Lego to build some big ships with the duplo. I am amazed daily by what both of the boys create.


Some of the cats playing a part in our lovely, quiet day. Sassy on the left and Shakespeare on the right.


Sunday

What a GREAT day!

Happy Birthday Brunch for my Auntie Brenda with a whole slew of family again! Thanks to everyone who came! It was so great to see you all!

About ten minutes before we left the house to head to brunch, my-other-friend-Jen called to ask if AJ could come play with Landon (while she got some painting done). AJ was given the choice and definitely wanted to go play with his pal. We dropped him off and headed to brunch one-kid-down. It was so nice to be at a restaurant with just one kid! You forget so easily how much calmer it is with only one! Dexter enjoyed his favourite food, curly fries, after eating some fruits and veggies. YUM.

We left there to pick up AJ, so I could take he and Dexter to a birthday party. Daddy's been dealing with a cold, so he stayed home, kidless, to rest-up and relax. The boys had a great time at the pool.

Come to think of it, Daddy didn't really relax too much. I think he did some more grocery shopping.

Thanks for brunch, Mom and Ken!


Monday

Gym. Another playdate. Landon came over to our house. It was another one of those hear-a-pin-drop kind of playdates. Lego is just mesmerizing I guess. Yah, the were downstairs loudly pretending to be in a rockband for a while and the Rescue Heroes were escaping some natural disasters, but most of the time was quiet-Lego and quiet-Duplo. Nice.

Can't remember the rest of Monday, just that I remember saying to Richard that I was "filled with joy" that day. It was a really nice day.

Daddy may be getting no sleep because of his cold that has him down for the count, but he still busted his arse to make me a giant batch of his delicious homemade chicken soup for my workdays.

And, he played some 'robots' with AJ and Dexter.

Daddy does a really great robot-voice.



Richard

He's been home for a week! It's been really nice to have him home. Unfortunately, he caught a cold and now Dex has it too. Hopefully, it's on it's way out. His body seems to be fighting it.

I'm finally used to having another adult in the house again, so that's good. It's amazing how you get used to being by yourself.

The nice thing is for Richard, that I'm still acting like I'm by myself a bit which means that he can do as much as he feels like he can do, and if he feels like doing absolutely nothing, then he can do that too.

But of course, he's Richard. And you know Richard!

I don't need to say too much about him because he's been updating his blog!
This week marks "Day 100" since the stem cell transplant! Can you believe it? So exciting. He's, of course, not out of the woods, so to speak, but still... out of the 'acute' phase. Now, if Graft vs. Host occurs, it's considered 'chronic'.

Everyone's really happy to get see Richard around lately. We had a game night with Erica and Kevin (thanks you two!), people got to see him at brunch, my friends get to see him when they pop by, and he's making appearances at swimming lessons!

We're happy to have you home, Daddy!




The Boys

I'm definitely going to have to do a baby book entry soon to discuss funny Dexterisms that remind me of how old he is such as, "Oh Mom, I almo sowgah my bahpah." (oh mom, I almost forgot my backpack!)

AJ is reading bigger and bigger books. He enjoying trying out little mini chapter books. He likes the nightly routine of me reading the boys one book, AJ and I alternating pages reading another book, and then AJ reading a whole book himself. He's reading with more and more expression. It's fun to watch the progression.

Tonight, instead of the usual '3 books in bed' rule, AJ informed me, "Look how many books I'm going to read in my bed tonight, Mom!" I think there's about 10 in his bed. Our books, not his library books. I would worry about the library books getting squished and bent.

OH yah! Something funny. AJ informed the hair dresser today with a frown, that he did NOT want his hair to look like Daddy's. lol

Watch Out Miss. T !

Can you believe it?


1. indoor shoes, check
2. back pack, check
3. paper work filled out, check

Miss. T at AJ's preschool will have to endure......


BROTHERS!

That's right! Tomorrow is Dexy's first day of preschool! Now that he's poopin in the potty, he's ready to go. It's a day, long awaited, by Dexter, and thanks to Grand-Dan, Dexter's little dream will come true!

(technically, I think Miss. T already has some brothers - a set of twins - in her class, so I'm sure she's prepared)

I'll post pics of the special day sometime tomorrow night when I'm avoiding doing my marking.

News on Richard

Last week did not go as expected (not good or bad - just not expected).

I had made the mistake of getting my hopes up which I don't normally do. I had really thought that when Richard came home last weekend, he would pretty much be home for good.

6 months of having your husband live somewhere else (give or take 1-3 weeks at a time about thrice) really gets you missing the guy. Not just missing Richard, but missing the marriage, missing 'normal' life.

Anyhow, he had headed to the lodge last Sunday night with his mom so that he wouldn't have to commute Monday morning for his appointment. His appointments were supposed to be Monday and Thursday that week.

Something happened. Not sure if I fully understood/listened. He was supposed to be getting a bone scan, I think. The hospital thought that he booked it and he thought that they booked it.

Anyhow, long story short, it resulted in him having to have appointments on Wed., Thurs., and Fri., bummer.

Richard's results came back from his bone marrow biopsy, and the results were good. No Leukemia and I'm guessing, no other bad stuff.

Richard's platelets had been low (unexplainable, but no one seems alarmed), and then, Friday, his haemoglobin was low (also unexplainable, but no one seems alarmed). He was WAY down at 82. They transfuse at 80 and lower. They decided to transfuse him that day so that he would have enough to get through until Monday.

He came home again this weekend, as I already mentioned. Norma stayed back at the lodge this time. According to Richard, she had a fun weekend planned.

Richard still headed back Sunday night again, to avoid the commute. His numbers were better today, so that was good news. Last I remember, he had a Thursday appointment scheduled once again, and I'm not sure if that's changed or not. He's going to relax today, and he said he and his mom are going for dinner tonight. He'll stay one more night at the lodge tonight, and then should be coming home.

For good?
I hope so. Of course he will still have appointments each week, but hopefully, only once or twice a week. Yes, they will still be at VGH because he needs to go to the Leukemia Bone Marrow Transplant ward (and they don't have that in Abbotsford). He needs people (the oncologist and nurses) who are familiar with and specialize in Leukemia to be checking on him regularly. They know what to look for. Plus, each Monday, that I know of, he still needs to get checked for Epstein Barr (due to the research drug), and that happens there at VGH.

I'll let you know as things progress. He's nearing Day 100 (the acute phase of the transplant recovery period).