"Black and Orange Day" at School Today
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween Eve
Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year, we did a preview around the neighbourhood to show off Summer's costume: the Elegant Witch (she calls herself the delicate witch...)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Mommy, I still love you...
...And I still love you too Daddy!
I was away on a training course for a week and Summer had a great time with Dad and Gramma. The weather was wet and rainy most of the week, but I think a lot of leaf raking was fit in between the raindrops. I arrived home on Sunday and Summer made sure I knew I was missed.
On Sunday, October 16th, Summer participated in the April & Friends Walk at the Hospital while Dad and Gramma volunteered to help run the event. Summer attached herself to one of the event volunteers, Jill and had a blast playing games in the gym.
I was away on a training course for a week and Summer had a great time with Dad and Gramma. The weather was wet and rainy most of the week, but I think a lot of leaf raking was fit in between the raindrops. I arrived home on Sunday and Summer made sure I knew I was missed.
On Sunday, October 16th, Summer participated in the April & Friends Walk at the Hospital while Dad and Gramma volunteered to help run the event. Summer attached herself to one of the event volunteers, Jill and had a blast playing games in the gym.
Lynn Johnston was at the event to sign the children's books and also made her mark on
Dr. Simon Says's labcoat!
.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Conservative Optimism
Yesterday Summer had her follow-up with her Pediatrician. These visits are more frequent now because she wants to keep a close eye on her since we received the assessment that Summer's shunt is likely not working.
She observed Summer and asked her lots of questions about school, which she mostly answered "I don't know." but then she volunteered lots of information in her own time. Summer complained about the felt markers being all dried out, and how was she supposed to colour with dried out markers. The Dr. promised to have new ones for her next visit.
The Dr. and I chatted a bit. I know she tends to be more optimistic than Summer's neurosurgeon on the topic of whether Summer needs the shunt or not. I know that Summer's Neuro is very concious of instilling the fear of god into us, so that we do not ignore any possible signs of pressure. We are OK with that - and will never ignore signs of pressure, but still, it is nice to experience a little optimism now and then.
While Summer's Neuro will likely never say "she is out of the woods - no more need for the shunt", Summer's Pediatrician feels optimistic that if Summer shows no sign of pressure in the next year, we may be looking at the likelihood that she does not need the shunt.
I know the shunt will likely never be removed - but at some point, I really hope we can be more certain than not, that Summer is doing all of the CSF absorption on her own.
While waiting to see the Dr. a display of 'equipment' was being exhibited in the gym at OKP. Summer killed some time riding the Terrier Bike - similar to the one she uses at school
She observed Summer and asked her lots of questions about school, which she mostly answered "I don't know." but then she volunteered lots of information in her own time. Summer complained about the felt markers being all dried out, and how was she supposed to colour with dried out markers. The Dr. promised to have new ones for her next visit.
The Dr. and I chatted a bit. I know she tends to be more optimistic than Summer's neurosurgeon on the topic of whether Summer needs the shunt or not. I know that Summer's Neuro is very concious of instilling the fear of god into us, so that we do not ignore any possible signs of pressure. We are OK with that - and will never ignore signs of pressure, but still, it is nice to experience a little optimism now and then.
While Summer's Neuro will likely never say "she is out of the woods - no more need for the shunt", Summer's Pediatrician feels optimistic that if Summer shows no sign of pressure in the next year, we may be looking at the likelihood that she does not need the shunt.
I know the shunt will likely never be removed - but at some point, I really hope we can be more certain than not, that Summer is doing all of the CSF absorption on her own.
Summer is showing Gramma her classroom
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Keeping Gramma Busy
Gramma is visiting from BC and Summer is having a great time. While I usually have a camera handy in my free hand, I must say, I haven't taken any pictures so far!
I picked up Gramma at the airport on Saturday night and we stayed over with Barb & Laurie. We headed out in the morning and did a bit of shopping on our way north.
Summer was ecstatic to see Gramma and she had lots of spontaneous hugs and kisses for her. We cooked a turkey dinner on Monday and rounded out the weekend with lots of playtime outside in the spectacular weather.
Gramma has been coming to work with me this week to help out at the office. This weekend is our annual walk/run which will have over 700 participants on the hospital grounds. There is lots of last minute items to take care of. It is a great help to have another set of volunteer hands. Thanks Gramma!!!
I picked up Gramma at the airport on Saturday night and we stayed over with Barb & Laurie. We headed out in the morning and did a bit of shopping on our way north.
Summer was ecstatic to see Gramma and she had lots of spontaneous hugs and kisses for her. We cooked a turkey dinner on Monday and rounded out the weekend with lots of playtime outside in the spectacular weather.
Gramma has been coming to work with me this week to help out at the office. This weekend is our annual walk/run which will have over 700 participants on the hospital grounds. There is lots of last minute items to take care of. It is a great help to have another set of volunteer hands. Thanks Gramma!!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
New Therapy Block
Summer's new Therapy Assistant Lindsey is very nice and Summer took to her right away. I am sure they will make a great team. Summer will be able to have all of her weekly sessions take place at her school.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sunnybrook Annual Report to Donors - Published!
It's official, Summer's ruby ring story is now published in Sunnybrook's Annual Report to Donors.
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/sunnybrook-hsc/rtd_2010-11opt/2011092701/#34
It is a privilege and an honour for us to be a part of telling the public how special Sunnybrook's Neonatal Program is. It is staffed by some of the most amazing people for whom we have an unfathomable level of respect and gratitude.
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/sunnybrook-hsc/rtd_2010-11opt/2011092701/#34
It is a privilege and an honour for us to be a part of telling the public how special Sunnybrook's Neonatal Program is. It is staffed by some of the most amazing people for whom we have an unfathomable level of respect and gratitude.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Enjoying a beautiful day!
A round of baseball. Summer has pretty good aim with the bat and even better aim with her arm.
We found a wee tree toad.
We relocated the tree toad so that George, our cat, didn't make him a snack.
When you live in the country, you have to be creative on where to put your hop-scotch. The Canadian Shield makes a great foundation for hopping!
Here we go!
Summer enjoyed it, once she got over the fact that I put two too many squares on and the numbers went up to 12 instead of 10.
Chalk & A Rock = Country "Sidwalk Art"
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