Family Photos

I have found this great photographer who is local and very reasonably priced. This was our second time using her and I just love her. Check out our new photos on the right to see how great she captures us all. I did family pictures and she got some great shots of the little ones alone as well. Alek didn't cooperate as usual, but he's a tween, and not many tweens do. Check out my little guy and see why I wish I had another child just like him.........

And our family picture........

I think they came out pretty well considering.

I just love these pictures and couldn't wait to share them!



Kindegarten, here we come...........

So as June approaches, so does the end of school and the end of preschool as Cameron knows it. We have completed our IEP meetings and eligibility meetings. We have discussed his needs and met his new teacher at his new school. Cameron thinks he is already in kindergarten because he has heard so much about it already. After 3 whole years in the preschool and IPOP program with the same teacher, I wonder how smoothly this transistion will go. I don't worry about Cameron at school currently. That's because I know it's mostly about doing your colors, drawing pictures and doing some very preschool learning. My working with him at home has slowed down considerably since I've become the "single parent". So now my concern goes to the education. I don't doubt that there will be education but I wonder how a child who has a hard time paying attention like Cameron does, will do in an inclusive enviroment. An enviroment I might add that I advocated for him. One that I moved to a new city for. I wanted my child included and to be around his typical peers for social reasons, I just hope this doesn't hinder his education. When I spoke to the teacher (the new one), she assured me that Cameron would be put into small group settings for English and Math across the hall. I know when I work with Cameron just one on one, the problems I encounter due to distractions whether it be other kids, an animal, a noise etc. Will this be a huge problem for him?

Cameron sitting in the cubby in his new classroom for next year!

Now that I've vented my worries to you more experienced parents I'd like to compliment my little man on what he has accomplished. He knows his letters, can recite his ABC's, can count to 15, can read a few words in print (mom, dad, Alek, Rylee, Cameron). His fine motor has gotten better and his physical therapy is about to be discontinued because he is doing so well. His speech improves every day He is sweet, adorable, loving, and most of all caring. On my birthday he made me a card and brought me a cake while singing "happy birthday".

Now if I can just get my act together and start doing my homework with him, maybe things will get even better!   :)

The most appreciative kid ever.......

I wish I had pictures of this but at 6 am who has their camera ready. Just a little back story. I had major back surgery again, just less than 2 weeks ago so I've been laid up and my mom has been living with me to help with the kids that I am unable to lift for 2 months. Anyway, I forgot to get the kids valentines ready the night before and my mom woke me up just before 6 am to get the stuff ready. I only get my kids candy and bits for valentines as I don't want this to be another endless gifts holiday. However when Cameron can in my room at 6:15 he carefully removed each and every piece of candy and thanked me and my mom for each piece. I am so delighted at his appreciation for everything he gets. He makes getting up when it's still dark very worth while.

What's going on?

It seems it's been forever since I've updated here. Things have been very busy for me lately. Since my husband and I seperated, I have gone back to work full time. I haven't worked full time since Cameron was born almost 5 years ago. My body and mind have had a lot of adjusting to do. Unfortunately, this has made it very difficult for me to be as involved in therapies and school as I previously have been. I guess you can't have it all can you? During the Christmas break and a small break from work I did have time to visit Cameron's Christmas party at school which I must say was just adorable. Cameron, like always, has a girlfriend and a caretaker. Isabelle not only plays Cameron's girlfriend, but also makes sure he is doing what is supposed to and helps him with tasks that are a bit more difficult for him. I was very impressed at how well Cameron fit in with his peers and how well he was able to communicate with them. It appears he feels right at home when he's there. Who could ask for anything more at school?

Alek however is feeling the struggle of the seperation. My once straight A student has brought home a interim with a "d" on it. A "d" i repeat. This is not because middle school is hard for Alek, this is simply because Alek has been not doing his homework. I have to take some responsibility for this. I have never before had to check Alek's homework or make sure it was done. It's just always been a given. Apparently now, its not a given. We're having to go back in time with him a bit and really check on him. On top of that he will be 12 in a few days and the pre-teen attitude has already started. Oh boy!

Rylee is doing well. Her and Cameron spend a lot of time causing trouble......the terrible twosome. They also fight pretty well. There is never a dull moment in my house, or a quiet one for that matter.

Everyone has been healthy and well. And a New Year means it's time for our round of 6 month check ups with all of Cameron's specialists. That makes for a busy time for us, but it's always good to have everything checked  and cleared for 6 more months.

As for me, I am struggling. Not with the seperation, more like the responsibility and the feeling of guilt I get when I fail to get it all done. I have had to skimp in some areas and avoid other areas of my life all together. But all in all, I'm a much happier person. I'm doing it alone and quite honestly that feels good.

Here are some recent pictures from Christmas!

What's happenin

Life has gotten so busy, I haven't blogged in forever. I've gone from working 2 days a week to 4-5 days a week, which is a huge change for me. I haven't worked this much since before Cameron was born. Since he now only goes to therapies on Wednesday mornings and goes to school 4 afternoons a week, I decided to work more. This was more of a necessity than a desire. Being a single mom isn't cheap or EASY!

Alek started middle school this year. We live close to the school so he is able to walk. Lately however he has wanted me to drive him. This gives us time together which I'm sure he feels like he never gets. It's pretty hard being the oldest cause mom is always focused on the babies. Along with going to middle school, he has also adopted the pre teen attitude. Talking back, arguing, being rude etc. This is the beginning of the fun times I'm afraid.

Cameron has started his last year in IPOP. He has the same teacher he has had the past two years and I'm grateful for this. He loves her and she loves him. They were very impressed at how much more Cameron is talking this year. At the end of school last year we were lucky to get a three word sentence out of Cameron. Now he is speaking in complete sentences very easily. He really gets a kick out of telling everyone he has two girlfriends and saying "you're jealous".

Rylee is walking and getting into trouble with her big brother Cameron. She isn't talking alot yet, just a few words here and there but she is getting cuter everyday. She loves her big brothers and they play very well together most of the time. She's learning early to fight back and knows how to get what she wants.

All in all, things are good. Busy but good. I'm trying to not get so busy that I miss these valuable years with my children. Sometimes it's hard to appreciate the moments when you're exhausted.