Soccer Uniforms

Amy received her soccer uniform . . . finally. She has been waiting for this day forever (okay, at least a week!). She is very proud to have the number four because, well, that's how old she is.

The best part of the uniform is the "I've just played and I'm thirsty" flash inside the shirt. Yes, I know it's mass marketing, using children's sport for profit and so forth, but I can just imagine that marketing meeting where, perhaps, some intern came up with the idea of putting a that in upside down inside the shirt. Brilliance I say!Daddy doesn't have one in his coach's shirt. Phooey.

Good luck Team Yellow!

Mommy and Daddy Come to School

This week at school, the children were learning about different jobs. The teachers had invited parents to come in and talk about their professions, so naturally, wanting yet another glimpse into the secret daytime world of our daughter, we jumped at the chance.

When I went in, I told the children about how I help teachers help children learn. I explained that in order to do this, I had to give little tests or games to see what different children could do. We then began a number of short activities or puzzles and I had different children come up and do each one. I know the kids really did not understood what it was I did for a job, but it was a lot of fun and they enjoyed it.

Then, this morning, it was Daddy's turn to come in. He brought a contract between the three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, but it was the affixing of the red seals (okay, they were really red stickers) that were the big hit. Some of the kids put ten or fifteen of them on, just to make the contract really official. He then let the kids try on his court robe, which he wore to class, and took a picture of them wearing it.

Here's our little lawyer in the making.
Thank goodness they don't wear wigs anymore!

Music Class

Last week, parents were invited to come into Music class to observe their children. Robin and I were very excited to see Amy at work, but also anxious to hear where all those songs she sings were coming from. The teacher made it clear at the start that it was not a concert, but a regular class. The pace was quick and the routine clearly laid out and followed.

Amy loved the sticks and rocking out to a rhythm. Maybe percussion is her thing.

Clearly enjoying music class.

I don't think she could have more fun if she tried.

Amy's music teacher exemplified the characteristics of an early years music teacher - I'll just leave it at that. She was a joy to watch, and one can only admire the patience it would take to teach this class.

Thanks Krissy

Amy had new PJ's to wear to bed last night, thanks to her big sister Krissy. They were especially appreciated as they were the much loved and coveted Toopy and Binoo PJ's. "Thank you Krissy. I love them." Here's a big kiss for you.

Our Athletic Girl

We went to Amy's pediatrician last week for a check up, one week after being discharged from the hospital. Amy is doing very well and it was stressed to us that we should strive to make her life as normal as possible. She is no more susceptible to bumps and bruises than any other child and should be encouraged to go about her life as normal, with the exception of being at arm's length when in water.

With that in mind, Amy and I headed out today to acquire equipment for her newest sport that she wanted to master . . . . . . rollerblading!!! Yes, she couldn't even wait to get the equipment into the house - we had to try it on as soon as we got home. Given how well she took to ice skating, I thought she'd do well with roller blading, but I was in for a surprise. She was even better!

Before we knew it, a roller derby had broken out on our drive! This was her stance after blading the 3 meters from my car. I seriously think she was watching way too much of the Olympics this winter.

And she's off!!!

Finally, after about 45 minutes, she declared herself to be done, kaput, plumb tuckered out.

Oh, but wait! Didn't we buy some other sports equipment today?

Time for a second wind and a chance to try out the new soccer cleats and other accoutrement.

Finally, after our busy day of shopping, visiting, Chinese Dance class, roller blading and soccer with Daddy, it was time to kick back on our dilapidated deck and watch the pelicans soar by while enjoying some corn on the cob.Tomorrow, football.

She Drives Me Crazy!!!

Admittedly, I am very particular about many things. I like things to be in order. I like things to be organized. I like things to match.

Amy is a bit more of a free spirit. Here she is yesterday before school. Looks cute, right? Sure she does, but look closer.

Yep. Those are mismatched socks. And check out her shirt.

That's not just a pretty design. No. It's the label! And the socks . . . they aren't simply mismatched, but out of season as well! Christmas in April! And red and pink to boot! They are two colours I feel should never be worn together.

Yep. She DOES do this intentionally just because "it drives Mama crazy"!

Yes it does Pal, yes it does.

Amy

We had a horrible week last week.

On Saturday of the Easter weekend, Amy had two seizures. The first one was 15 minutes long and the second was 20. Her movements and clenching for both were very quiet. Each time she quit breathing and had to be medicated in order for her to pull out of them.

To say they were scary would be the understatement of the year.

She spent 5 days in hospital and was paralyzed for the first day. She did not fully regain her gross and fine motor skills until the third day.

We now have a very good video monitor a few feet above her bed so that we can always see her face. We also have a oximeter so that we can monitor the oxygen saturation level of her blood; very loud alarms will sound if she quits breathing and we can at least respond to her if she has another seizure. We can now sleep instead of watching her all night.

Amy has enjoyed improved health over the last week. She is now fully recovered, has returned to school and back to her wonderful, superhero self.

And we are so very grateful.

Easter

Amy, my sister Carol and I headed out to my Dad's, a three hour drive north, for Easter. Amy and I rooted through the house until we found my Mom's Easter decorations. I told Amy to decorate the house, but I guess because my Dad can be most often found on the couch napping, she assumed he was furniture. He got decorated, as did she. The next day, Amy and Carol decorated eggs. This involves blowing out the eggs, which is almost as fun as decorating them.

As you can see.

Except your cheeks get so sore, it hurts to smile, let alone laugh.

We never did get pictures of the finished products, but they were colourful and beautiful.