Confidence and Coops.

Over the weekend we spent time in our garden.  Andrew and Cooper started making our chicken coop.  Cooper loved using the drop saw under strict supervision and he is getting more confident with loud noises.  The coop will be done before christmas and Santa will be bringing the kids some chooks.  We have made the coop accessible for Cooper, so that he can use his wheelchair or walker up to the coop, open up a little door that leads to the laying area and Cooper will be able to collect his morning eggs.

We also spent time saying farewell to a friend of Coopers from Kinder who is moving to QLD.  It was lovely for the kids to play and enjoy meeting new people.  It was such a small world that we met C who happens to work with Nana Jill.

There were many new kids.  At one stage Cooper wanted to "jump" on the trampoline.  Cooper jumps by being on his knees and bouncing.  There were 3 kids on the tramp, 2 jumping on their feet and Cooper on his knees.  M who had not met Cooper before was checking out his jumping technique, not saying or asking anything just noticing I guess.  Cooper confidently bounces over to her and says " I can't walk" as if to explain the knees before she was to ask or I perhaps butt in.

I was really so proud of Cooper, taking it upon himself to explain in such a confident relaxed manner.  He is showing me that he is confident with who he is, happy with who he is and realising that there are people outside of himself.

Friday round up.

Today Cooper had Kinder Orientation for next year.  He was really excited to meet all his "new friends" as we approached the classroom.  He seemed so much more grown up than this time last year.  He was confident to enter the room, talked to his teachers and chose where he would play.  All the children in his class of 25 are either just 4 or nearly 4.  Cooper has a year on that.  I was watching the other kids and started to wonder if I had made the right decision for Cooper to do another year of Kinder.  He seemed so much older, he was asking me to write the date, month and year on his artwork.  Most of the kids wandered around, looking slightly lost and so small! Then I watched them play.  They came up to Cooper and one sat and did a puzzle next to him.  One child sat and played blocks with him.  Another came up and made a pirate ship with him.  Cooper talked to them.  They talked to Cooper.  Not one if them even asked about his voice or his wheelchair.  Unlike the  current class of kids (who are 5.1/2 and so ready for school) who ask so many questions and are starting to be able to see outside themselves.

I thought this is a good thing, kids who are more on his social level in an environment where he is the oldest and feels safe and confident.  

Pep is now 17 months old.  She has now transitioned to a big girl bed.  I am not really sure why I even thought that was a good idea!  I thought she might settle better with more space or something?  The first night she want off to bed, so excited and squealing about her new sleep space!.....I underestimated her, I gave her a few nights to figure out that she could escape!  Within 2 minutes she was back in the lounge smiling at us and we could not help but laugh back!

She is doing really well now and takes a few trips  out the door but generally settles well. She loves to show people her new bed and her and Coops love to play in there.

Peps is also talking more, attempting to copy words and babbles all day long. She runs everywhere and loves to dance, she has some hilarious moves too! She is getting blonder each day and loves nothing more than taking off her clothes and doing nudey runs.

Day Off Thursday- Santas place.

This morning we ventured out to Santas Place 

Santas place is around 20 mins from home and perfect for the kids to run around through the Christmas trees and interact with all the displays inside.  

We went with our very good friends Holly and Lucy who both the kids adore.  Sometimes they adore Pepper a little too much! 

Lucy
This picture of Cooper as taken solely by Lucy, captures him beautifully.
Holly

At the end of the property is a little farm area.  There were 2 Shetland ponies who both had foals.  One was 16 weeks and the other only 5 days old.  WE took a tractor ride down to the end of the property with some other kids and families which all the kids loved.  

The tractor

Pep
Cooper used his wheelchair, insisting that only Lucy push him.  She really listens to Cooper and asked him which way he wanted to go and loved pushing him really fast!  She really takes tthe time for Cooper to respond and he really adores her. They will be at Kinder next year together.

WE shared some morning tea of hot chips and milkshakes and there was a big playground for the kids to let of some steam! 

It was a great morning, very humid but great to get out and about.  Thanks Emma for taking care of Peps so I could allow Cooper to access everything.

In the afternoon Cooper had an OT visit where he made a mask with lots of arts and crafts .  He did really well and concentrated for most of the time!

Special Exposure Wednesday

I feel as though the fog is lifting and I can see ahead of myself a little more than last week. When I have these moments it always helps to take a look at these two precious people I helped create, hope their smiles brighten your day too .

For other Special Exposure Wednesday pics click here. ( USA time!)

Weekend.

On Friday night we headed off  for a weekend away.  Always a great idea when you have had a week like I had! Going somewhere different always freshens the mind, and without the usual distractions you can enjoy your children and just relax a little.

We drove an hour from our place up to the Hills to a place called Healesville.  It is now even closer to use since Eastlink was built so very easy to access the countryside.

WE stayed overnight in a little room at a 10Acre property just near the wildlife sanctuary.  We enjoyed dinner at a beautiful old restaurant that was extremely child friendly and Cooper and Peps made friends with 2 other children who were holidaying from Singapore. 

After a good nights sleep we headed off to our next stop, Healesville town for some breakfast and a look around.

I was so excited as they had 3 op shops and a church fete! I was in heaven.  I thrifted a few tops to make dresses for Peps, a hoody for Cooper and homemade lime jam and apricots and honey!

Cooper loving a horse ride in the main street for 20cents!

Pep having a bread roll for breakfast.

Breakfast time in Healesville.

After midday we headed to Yarra Glen to stay at the Grand Hotel.  It was just beautiful inside.  Truly heritage with all little rooms for dining, reading, relaxing.  Here we celebrated Grandpa Dougs 60th birthday. The dinner was just beautiful, such good food and it was lovely to see all the boys enjoy each others company so much until the early hours of the morning. Coming from a family of all girls I often find it really hard to even relate to the humour but funnily enough Cooper fits right on in !
Doug with his 4 sons. Uncle Michael, Chris, Steve and Andrew
Steve and his beautiful girlfriend " Aunty Jess"  ( cooper is giving some very hard hints there!)
Cooper and Steve catch up on things!  Steve and Jess live in Perth and we do not get to see them often enough!

Jill thank-you so very very much for organising this wonderful family weekend. Now to settle back home and get some sleep!

Day off Thursday- not ideal.

Ever have one of those days were you have experienced every emotion possible? I had one of these today.  Now normally I would try and keep my posts upbeat and positive but life is not always like that.

The morning started off wrong.  The kids were tired.  I was tired.  It was hot and predicted to be even hotter later on in the day.

Cooper wanted to play mechanics and I just did not have the patience this morning to understand or rather, be instructed on the exact position that the car has to be balancing between 2 chair so he could lie under it.  After getting it wrong so many times and not getting clear instructions rather more whingey, whiny, little voice, I lost the plot with him.  Deep down I knew it was not him I was so so angry about.  It was his disability I was so mad at today.  I was furious.  I was in tears, I was sobbing I wished it would just go away just for a minute.  I wanted Coopers speech to be clear, I wanted him to move typically, I did not want his arms to go all stiff and his whole body fling around, I did not want his little voice to be so so strained that the words made so sense to me at all.  I wanted things to be easy for him, easy for me. I wanted him to be "normal".  I did not want a sore back, sore arms, sore body, I did not want to have to lug around so much bloody equipment everywhere I go.

After many tears in the house and Pepper just wandering around spreading Andrews business cards all over the house, Cooper and I lay on the couch and had a big cuddle.  I cradled him like a newborn, like I had wanted to do when he was first born.  I looked into his eyes and saw the precious son I adore and felt so so guilty for even getting so mad at his label for it is who is is now and I just need to deal with that.

The rest of the day was lovely.  We spent time in the sunshine and water with our beautiful neighbours and I just adore watching the strong bond between Cooper and Lucy develop even if it means ganging up and making Emma and I so wet! Cooper was bright and happy and I was so proud of him, his voice was clearer, he was easy to understand and his body did what he wanted it to do, splash and kick and be a typical 4 year old boy enjoying the springtime in the water with friends.

Standing tall.

Every now and again Cooper surprises me.  I have been wanting to take some pics of Cooper and I pretty much always have something in the background, whether it is the top of the wheelchair seat, his walker, or he is on his knees so he looks mini!

Yesterday he decided he would show me how he could stand up against the wall.  "It's easy".  He continues to blow me away with his strength and persistence and his ability to try new things when only he wants to! ( a trait he surely gets from me).

He looks so grown up standing up tall next to his little sister. I had just cut Coopers hair but it seems to look more wild than usual!

Pep enjoying the summer heat in Spring and pretty much spending the whole weekend naked.

Communication and Assumptions.

I think a lot about Communication and Cooper.  I think about it most days.  I worry about it most days.  I think about the future and how Cooper will continue to be exposed to many more situations that will require complex communication and how this will be achieved.  At the moment I am there most of the time to support his communication with the people/situations he encounters.  I think about how complex his thoughts must be, how imaginative he is and how on earth he manages to keep it together not being able to tell us all about it, with all clear words, with everyone understanding.

While we were traveling many things became apparent, rather stuck out with the difference between our western culture and the culture in Thailand.  Everywhere we went people would talk to Cooper, they would look him in the face and talk "to " him.  Most of the time they would say " Hello Boy" or "you like massage?".  Cooper would immediately smile and they would too. They did not seem to assume anything.  I find back at home perhaps we think to much, perhaps we assume too much, we use so many calculated decisions and thoughts and don't just "be". Experiences here are that some people assume Cooper when in his wheelchair/walker does not understand the questions being asked of him. While we were away it was assumed that he does.

People would always say " his legs don't work" then point to their heads and say "okay" Pretty simple really but the truth in a sense.

I also saw how much lack of mobility impeeds communication/socialisation.  I would watch Pepper walk up to anyone and everyone, to bow to them, to say "hi", to blow kisses and totally engage them and so she learns the social rules and the early stages of communication with others. It was beautiful to watch but also hurtful to remember that Cooper never did this, was not able to do it this way.

I guess this is parenting.  The difference between parenting two children, one of whom has a disability.

Pepper 16 months and so grown up.

Pepper seems to have changed overnight.  She is currently sporting 2 fat lips from a bed fall out in Thailand and a couch/playdough cutter injury.  She is loving steps too and practises for ages going up and down without holding onto anything.

She has two new bottom teeth.
This is my favourite look she gives.  It's her " what are you talking about?" sort of look.
All grown up at 16 months.  I think her pigtails look so cute, and her juice belly has reduced!

Her new word is "Dog" which is the name she gives to any animal that is walking around the place!

Special Exposure Wednesday- the naked Chef

      

The Naked Chef, making Lemon Rice, his own creation. Sushi rice, lemon, pepper and tuna ready for Handrolls for dinner.

You may also notice he is sitting on our newly tiled kitchen floor, a lovely surprise on our return home.

The end.

After leaving Phuket on Sunday morning at 9am we arrived back in KL for the night.

We stayed at Tune Hotel again and we able to get the "accessible room" which was great.  It was at least 3 times bigger and had ramp access everywhere and all the things Cooper may need when he travels in his adulthood.  He was really impressed with the sink and the long handle to turn it on from wheelchair height. " this is so easy for me!"

We had an early breakfast at LCCT and checked in for our flight home to Melbourne.

It was fun chatting to other travelers about their adventures and giving me many more ideas for next year!

The 8 hours was not as long this time.  It was actually 7.5 hours.  I sat next to a lovely girl from Malaysia who shared with me many a travel story giving us the bug even more!

Pep made friends with a little girl Molly who kept her entertained for most of the flight.

" I miss Pepper already" she said to her Mum when the plane landed!  She also thought Pep was lucky to have 2 big brothers which makes me damn old!

WE came through customs etc in record time and made it home around 2am where we all slept for the rest of the morning.

Back to reality.

Back to normality.

Back to the HEAT!

Back to our house that has had so much done to it while we were away! thanks Mum and Dad xo

So now for the next adventure......bring on March 2010.

Day 5, Buddah, Guns, Karon and Market

Yet another early start and a beautiful day.  We could get very use to this.

This morning we drove to the centre of Phuket Island to the Big Buddah. It is still under construction and has been for 10 years.  We were happy to see that better access rather than the current zillion stairs are under construction.

Driving back Andrew decides to take Cooper to a "shooting range" to have a LOOK.  I wait with Pep in the car.  They are taking a long time.......

The theory backfired and Cooper is now even more in love with the whole idea of shooting.  He has new stickers for his chair and the target he shot at.

The local markets were on again tonight in Kamala.  Here are some pics of what we saw.




Fish on a stick in the shape of Hello Kitty.

Ingredients ready for handmade springrolls

This lady sells many different meat on sticks, she is just beautiful and has a voice that sounds like a songbird.
Our favourite pancakes, banana with condensed milk.

WE head back to KL tomorrow for one night then home on Tuesday. I don't want this to end.

Day 4, Car, Cape and Crab.

Today we spent the morning just taking it easy and having breakfast on the beach. I had a pedicure on the sand while Andrew and Pep swam in the ocean.  We walked and walked all morning and discovered many little private streets and saw the real Phuket.

This is my favourite place to have lunch.  It is on the side of the road in Kamala.  It is where the locals eat.  There are 3 plastic tables and chairs, no power just a gas cylinder to cook on and ingredients that you can see and smell.

The lime juice when added to the chicken and rice is just heaven.  It is by far the best meal I have ever eaten and it cost 30B which is 1 AUS.

After lunch we hired a car.  ( it was around $35 for 24hours) We drove down to the Southern most point of Phuket called Cape Prom thep.  It has a beautiful viewpoint which naturally is up a million steps. There is more than one way to get up steps!

Beautiful Elephants.

The View. Cooper loved the lighthouse there and a museum.
We then drove from the South up the West Coast through Kata, Karon, Patong, Kamala to Surin for Dinner.  This is the amazing sunset that we shared dinner with.

Cooper wanted crab for dinner.  He saw them in a tank and insisted on ordering it.  I know it is ridiculous seeing a little man with this massive crab and probably could have fed 10 Thai children ( or for the cost sent a child to school for a year)  but he really enjoyed it, he ate all the crab meat and it was delicious. 

We drove back to Kamala which is so quiet and peaceful and looked forward to our next adventure.

Night in Patong

We spent our 3rd night in Patong.  Patong is the second main town on Phuket.  It was a sensory overload as soon as we stepped out from the Tuk Tuk. There were so many lights, music, sounds and smells.

We wandered around taking it all in and decided upon a little restaurant on the beach for dinner.  It was just past sunset and people were sending lit up lanterns into the night sky.

Being in a tropical paradise we thought we better join in with some Summertime drinks.

Day 3, Beach, Motorbike and Paradise.

This morning was another early start.  WE headed off to the beach for a long walk before breakfast.  The beach was so quite and both the kids enjoyed traveling along the hard wet sand.

Coopers wheelchair was good to push but had a little bit of difficultly when the sand was dry.

Pep enjoying an early morning stroll.

We found a lovely little hut for breakfast that was right on the sand.  Pepper loves the fresh juice here in Thailand.  She had both and orange and pineapple juice.( which were actually Coopers and Andrews to start with)  She then proceeded to cover herself in sand which stuck to all her sunscreen and she looked so grotty even before 9am!  One local was laughing saying that Peps tshirt matched her hot clammy skin!

After breakfast we headed towards home and organised for two motorbikes to pick us up at 10.30am.  Well we spoke to a guy who called another guy who came down on his bike and worked out a "special" deal for us......I give you special deal! ( he started with 800B return trip but for Cooper made it 400B).  The motorbike drivers picked us up and we drove up North to Laem Singh beach ( around 10mins from Kamala)  There is no accom here, just an extremely steep decline down to the most beautiful beach I think I have ever seen.  There were big boulders, blue/green waters and it was so warm.  It was very quiet and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery.


The kids played for about 1.5hrs in the shallows and we had many swims in the sea.  The water was so warm and the sun shone all day.

See that belly full of juice!

We had a small lunch on the beach and we all relaxed. Walking back up that hill made me realise just how unfit I really am, especially carrying Pep in the sling, luckily they had some rope and bamboo to haul myself up on the steepest parts.

All being tired and sunburnt we spent the rest of the day at the villa, having a swim and a sleep and ready for tonight's adventure by Tuk Tuk to Patong.

Tomorrow we are trying a longtail boat ride and exploring the South of Phuket.

Day 2. Tuk Tuk

It is amazing how much you can fit into one day when your day starts at 5am.

We set off early after a fresh fruit breakfast into town.  The streets were already alive with people going off to work and many street stalls were busy making the locals breakfast.

We got a quick snack from a road stall which was delicious.  Fried dough with a green sauce and some curry rice with egg.

The plan of the day was to go in a Tuk Tuk.  This is the main mode of transport here on Phuket Island.  Cooper loves anything to do with transport.  We chose a red Tuk Tuk that was all open and had 2 long seats inside.  Perfect for our family pllus the wheelchair and pram.

We set off to Phuket City around 30 mins away to the Butterfly house and Insect world.

 

Cooper in his first Tuk Tuk

 

 

Pepper discovering Kamala Bay in the early morning

Andrew in the Tuk Tuk

On return from our morning we spent some time in the pool.  Cooper is gaining much confidence in the pool and really could spend all day in there! We all got a nice bit of sun and have a lovely reddish glow to our skin tonight!

WE had lunch from a local street stall.  Amazing Chicken/Rice and Seafood/noodle all for around $1AUS a serve.  The kids have eaten so many bananas and mangoes and pineapple and always seem hungry! 

In the evening we were lucky enough to stumble upon the local night market.  It is for the locals and we only saw a few other tourists so it was great to be immersed in the real culture. The smells and sights were divine.  Everyone was so friendly and there is not the pushy selling at all here in Phuket.

We saw so much fresh seafood, spices, fruit and fried anything.  Cooper at Pepper were just amazed at all the different things to see.  Cooper saw lots of crabs and fish ready for eating.  " I love it here!"

Cooper managed easily to eat 2 Banana pancakes with condensed milk/sugar/chocolate for dinner.( 30B)  We also tasted fresh springrolls,(10B) pototoe, orange juice and curry pancake. 

Tomorrow's choice of transport is the motorbike to a secluded beach area called Laem Singh.

Kamala Day 1.

We made it to Phuket.  The flight from KL only took 1 hour.  Pep slept the whole way, while Cooper and I discovered so many islands out the window.  It was just beautiful to sit and watch all this amazing scenery.  We saw beautiful big white clouds, many boats and beautiful seemingly deserted islands.

We are staying at Kamala beach.  Kamala is about 45 mins from the airport and north of Patong the main toursit area.  It seems really quiet here, not many people around which is lovely.

 

Cooper discovered he and Pep are sharing a room!  He gets this whole King size bed to himself!  

 

The view from the balcony  of our villa.

 

Our Villa.

We spent the whole afternoon in the pool.

 In the evening we went for a long walk to discover our surrounds. The beach is about 350m away and a lovely bay beach perfect for the kids.  We sat on the beach and enjoyed fresh banana smoothies while Pep played with a beautiful little local boy who was 2.  It is highly inaccessible and I think people believe we are mad walking along the main road with a wheelchair and pram!  Cooper has been getting loads of attention and so many waves and High 5's! Naturally Pepper has had her cheeks and legs squeezed a zillion times already.

Cooper keeps saying " I'm so lucky!, to be here"  and yes indeed we are.

Planes, KL and LCCT

Eight hours on a plane is a LONG time.

Eight hours on a plane with a 4 year old and a 16 month old is even LONGER.

I remember looking at people with kids on long plane flights wondering what on earth they were doing?

I am now one of those parents!  I am one of those parents that pack everything for the kids and minimally for myself.  I make sure we have lollies, food, clothes, bibs, nappies and the rest.

We checked in at Melbourne airport around 7am.  Cooper had been up since 4am, too excited to start his journey.

We met Amy and Phil (on their way to Japan for their honeymoon) for breakfast and wished them well on their way as we departed Melbourne.

I have to mention how fantastic all the Airasia airport staff were in Melbourne.  They allowed us to have the wheelchair right up to the airplane door ( it may have fitted down the aisle but I was happy to carry Cooper- we were well aware of this being a budget airline) and we boarded before anyone.  We were lucky enough to have 5 seats between us and were seated next to a lovely lady from Malaysia who loved playing with Pep!

Cooper managed to throw the best tantrum ever, and promptly fell asleep for 2 hours after that.

Pepper decided 30 mins into landing to finally go to sleep which meant for 7.5 hours she basically ran up and down the aisle, made many friends, played with the seatbelt, ate chips, vomitted, had 2 nappy changes, 1 change of clothes and squealed and laughed.

On arrival to KL it was pretty tough coming into the heat and having to go through customs without the wheelchair.  Although they did recognise that and allowed us to move quite quickly through, even though it was most probably Peppers screaming that helped in this instance.

We thought we got a few stares back home!  

Firstly I think people check us out as we are travelling with children.  Then they check out the wheelchair, Cooper, the mini pram, the chubby blonde one and the dreadlocks on Andrew!  You can see peoples eyes do that in that order! then they smile.

Pepper has already attracted so much attention.  Firstly her high pitched squeal turn scream.  Secondly as she runs and runs around laughing and giggling and giving random people cuddles!  She also has a fascination with shoes and found a very white and shiny pair of high heels on an equally tall and tiny woman.

We made our way over to our airport hotel about a 10 min walk from the terminal and drooped our bags ready for some dinner.  It was now 4pm ( 7pm Melbourne time).  The Tune Hotel which is affiliated with Airasia is also budget ( at $30 a night, very clean and comfortable but tiny).

We were all asleep in the one bed by 7pm and got a rude awakening from Cooper at 3am ready for the day.

It was great to see the airport so early in the morning and see what happens with all the planes and everyone getting to work.  Cooper told us when he is older he wants to work at an airport. He then asked what I wanted to do when I was older!

Back to the room for a nap, and we are on our way to Thailand at 12.45pm, all going well.

Wedding, the last of the 3 girls.

Well Dad finally has us all married off!

Matt played a beautiful song for the bridal couple.  It was amazing.
Thankyou to cousin Megan for creating a special bond with Coops.
Amy, Phil, Mum, Dad.

Andrew and I, we were lucky enough to be child free for the reception!

Amy.

My sister Katie
Thankyou Jessi for taking this picture.  I love it!

These are just a few of my favourite pictures from yesterday.

Yesterday my sister Amy married Phil.  The ceremony was held under the giant Morton Bay Fig at Black House House.

Amy looked just beautiful. What a wonderful day.  Many memories created, many laughs, many tears and way too much champagne for most.

We are off to Thailand early in the morning tomorrow.  See you when we return xo

Funeral and Family

It has been a very busy few days.  This week saw us attend a funeral of my cousins Father.  I saw this as he is the ex husband of my Aunty ( Dads sister).  Aside from the grief and mourning it was the first opportunity in such a long time for most of the family to all be in the one spot.  Everyone kept commmenting on why is it that we dont get together more often and why is it s funeral that brings everyone out of the woodwork!

I saw my Cousin Josh who I adored when I was smaller.  I realised it was the first time he had met Cooper, so at least 5 years since I had seen him.  I also caught up with cousins and their children from USA, Darwin and Townsville.  I had not seen them since Cooper was 1, some of them did not even know that Pepper existed until she was running aorund calling out "Maaaam" and coming to me!

Cooper is now on my back about a holiday to California as my cousins husband more commonly known as Plucka Duck from Hey Hey asked Cooper to come and stay with them so he could go to Disneyland and Legoland, oh and shoot deer in a forest! Naturally Cooper is delighted and already is packing his slingshot and bow and arrow.

I was also very happy to meet my cousins, cousin on the other side.  John 

 he is on the board of the ACD ( association for children with a disability)

he reminded me that there was a job still available there which is my dream one day when Cooper goes back to school as a parent support worker.  I was keen to learn all about John and where he had come from, he was very inspiring and Cooper loved his wheelchair and lights and thought he was hilarious. He shared he same fiesty attitude as Cooper too.

And now for the Special exposure Wed pic!:

 

This is Cooper and his Nanny Liz.  Mum adores Cooper and will do anything for him which often means ruining her already dodgy back!  I love the look on Coopers face in this pic, the look of freedom the feeling of freedom as he flies through the water!

party overload.

 

 

 

What a weekend!

 2, 5 th birthday parties

 1 30th birthday party

1 Hens Day

We are all exhausted Lots of fun, litle sleep had by all.

Saturday saw us celebrate a Kinder friends 5th birthday in Transformer style.

Saturday night was "Wimbeldon whites" for Uncle Michaels 30th.

Sunday was Amy's Hens day and another Kinder birthday for Cooper.

Big thanks to Nana Jill for having Pep for the afternoon and especially cleaning ( I mean ALL)  my kitchen!

Pepper is also 16 months old today. In true Pepper style she has started the terrible 2's today!  Luckily my 70+ year old neighbour saw me at the park and carried my screaming child home for me! He had already done 2 laps of the oval.

Best news of the day though goes out to Cooper who yelled " Mum! Poo!" while having a bath this morning, and 5 mins later and a few pages of a fav book we had a full potty!!! then he wanted undies on all morning! so excited for him.

Things kids say.

 

Pepper does not share her brothers love of cold water!

 

She loves splashing in it though.

 

 

Cooper and I often chat about life before Pepper.  According to Cooper it was "so boring!".

Having a sister means he has someone to play with anytime of the day.  He has someone to play with outside when it is sunny and to splash with in the water. He has someone to make laugh which he is constantly trying to do by singing silly songs right up close to her face.

At the end of the day he has someone to watch him brush his teeth and learn from him.

" Pepper is getting very good at brushing her teeth"

" Pepper is good at learning to feed herself"

"Pepper is good at walking now"

" I am getting good at standing without using my walker against the couch!"

" you feed me, as I am too busy!"

" I love Pepper so much, I need another sister! and a brother, Come on Mum"....

Day Off Thursday.

This morning the first words out of Coopers mouth were:

" Mum, I am going to the ZOO today!!!"

He was so excited that my the time Nana Jill picked him up he said goodbye and was on his way. He did not look back. He looked so grown up in his chair going off to the station for a big day out.

My heart felt empty. A whole day without Cooper. I felt a little lost. I miss him when he is not around.

But.....

Life is so easy with one child I soon discovered! My back could have a little rest, my mind could wander, and my heart could soar as I watched my baby girl discover the beach, twirl around and around and fall on the sand.



Pepper slept from 9-12 and I was able to mow the lawns, do washing, clean up the house and prepare dinner. It was quiet. Too quiet!

I had a lovely visit from Lizzie and my neighbours. The sun was shining, life is good.

Cooper returned around 4, exhausted but so excited. We looked at the zoo map and he told me all about his day.

Cooper's quotes:

" I loved the bufferflies, but there was a horrible smell!."
" I had an icecream for lunch, it was a Milo one" oh " and the snacks you packed me"
" I saw the Lions and I heard them...they went ROARRRRR"
" I went in here, it was SO dark. Nana was scared. There were spiders. SO Many!
"There were 4 boys, counts on his fingers 1.2.3.4. "
" It was so much fun! I want to take you and Pepper there one day"

I love how a day out of the ordinary reminds you how much you love your children and the joy and fun they bring to each day.

Special Exposure Wednesday.

This is one of my very favourite pictures.

This is my Dad, Coopers Poppy. ( "op")

I love the huge cheesy grin Cooper has on his face as he enjoys a day at the beach with one of his favourite people.

Cooper was nearly 3 in this picture. I was pregnant with Pepper and we spent every day that Summer at "our"beach. We live about a 5 minute walk to the beach.

We can't wait for Summer to arrive  and be able to explore and enjoy the beach with both the kids this year.

Cooper is definitely more stable on his knees and will really be able to get a lot out of a beach day.  He will be strong enough to high kneel in the water and is already practising his swimming and blowing bubbles in the bath at night.  Needless to say Pepper will love the beach as she is asking ( I mean screaming at me) to go outside at 6.30am these days.

Junk

There is something I love even more than thrifting through Op-Shops on a Saturday and that is the local annual hard rubbish collection.  It is a constant source of entertainment, recycling and fun.

Once a year our local council organises to pick up anything from your front naturestrip.  We started off -loading on Friday night.  It is such a good opportunity to get rid of junk from around the house which someone always thinks is their treasure. We managed to fill our naturestrip and clean up our whole front yard beautifully.  It has never looked so tidy.

We put out a big plastic toy kitchen ( that I happened to get off someone elses hard rubbish a year ago) and within a minute a couple with their trailer pulled up out the front and took it for themselves and their 5 children. I did happen to replace it with a smaller plastic oven that I found across the street to match my small dishwasher that I also found last year!

Two cane chairs that I found 2 years ago, went out and a young man came to the door to ask to take them and do them up. He also complimented me on my mosaic number 5 on our front door.

We put out a park bench and within 5 minutes it too was gone.

Chatting to my Dad later on that evening and laughing about people taking your trash, he was sitting on his back porch on his "new" park bench!

My favourite find was a wooden hat stand that now holds all the kids dress ups and it is their perfect height.

Most of the kids in the street and surrounding streets had two fun nights pushing eachother in old prams and nicely throwing a mop in my front yard!

This morning the street has been cleared and looks beautiful once again as the sun shines and Summer is hopefully on it's way.

Cooper spent the afternoon sleeping. Pepper spent the morning sleeping.

It was a busy weekend.

Mixed Business

 
I feel like I have a had a little bit of a blogging block as such, life seems to get in the way lately of my posts!

Often I blog when I am feeling particularly emotional or passionate about a disability issue and things have been very quiet on that front which is always a good thing I guess.

I might just give a quick rundown of what been happening!

• Kinder started back for Cooper and he is loving it.  We have been approved for funding for next year and Cooper will be attending MWF again.
• He has 2 Kinder birthdays to go to next weekend! It was beautiful to see him so excited when he was handed an invite, one of the boys showing off their invites. Naturally there have been other parties that Cooper has not been invited too and thats fine as well.  I am not about ready to invite 20 kids to my place either! I only realised after talking to a couple of mums that they were worried about access to the party etc, just so I was aware that it might be hard for Cooper to move about. Good to know people do think about these things but as long as a party invite is there we can always attend and be creative :)
• I have been busy sewing two flower-girl dresses, 3 little dolls and Coopers outfit for Amy's wedding that is in 2 weeks. 
• We have applied for Cooper to start horse-riding.  They may have a spot next week but we are more than happy to start next year.
• Pep is doing great.  She is very busy and loves moving everything around the house and hiding things!  Last night I found a biscuit in her bed and her dummy in the fridge.
• Pepper is learning some sign language her favourite signs being jump, milk, and eat.
• We head off to Thailand in 2 weeks. ( before that we have a kitchen tea, hens day, wedding and a 30th and 2 kids parties)

And Lastly for a laugh:

On Tuesday afternoon Cooper and I spent most of the afternoon preparing a roast chicken and vegies for dinner.  We followed a Jamie Oliver recipe and used a lemon to parboil with the potatoes then popped it in the chicken to cook, it was delicious.

As we were eating :

Me " Andrew don't you think this is the best Cauliflower cheese I have made?"

Andrew" Bron, this is the best dinner you have ever made!"

Cooper " Here Mum and pretends to pass me something.....have a medal!"

Special Exposure Wednesday.

As we are renovating our kitchen, I thought some vintage looking photos would be great for the wall that is so bare and freshly painted.  Last night we took these photo's.  It was so much fun having the kids dress up in the beautiful aprons and chefs hats that I had made by Miranda. I love supporting homemade and I did not have the time or skill yet to produce such a cute chef hat! I can't wait to get these pics blown up to complete our kitchen.

Like a teddy bear.

Weekend

What a beautiful weekend.  Cooper and Pepper spent most of the weekend outside which was lucky as Andrew and Dad were renoving the kitchen and there was stuff everywhere!

 

Cooper has already put his head in the water 5 times and thinks it might be a good idea to wet his sister!

 

It was warm enough for no clothes and water play!

 

Great time for bouncing on the trampoline! Bouncing, running, falling, crashing and doing this over and over again.

 

We were lucky enough to go to two birthday parties this weekend.  A 1st and a 2nd birthday. We have SO many lollies in our house, lollie bags are not what they use to be, and now we get 2 so we have so many treats to enjoy over the next few days.  

Cooper joined in pass the parcel for the first time today and was able to follow the rules and passed on and received by himself and opened up 4 layers all by himself.

I love watching Pepper as soon as she enters a party she starts chatting to everyone and playing and thinking she is part of the "in" crowd.  Cooper takes a little more time to warm up to new faces especially when he has so much attention focussed on him.  ( that happens when you wear a ( real)Police uniform in a wheelchair to a party!) 

Special Exposure Wednesday- 5 minutes for special needs

 

Here is Cooper being a DJ.  He loves mixing it up and scratching!

Our Weekend

When did the Bucks "day" turn into a "Bucks weekend?" and why is the Hens day still only a day?  a mere 10-4?

This weekend saw the celebration of the Buck who is to marry my sister Amy this October 31st.

This is the weekend where Andrew enjoyed a very expensive, very alcohol induced, very male orientated weekend.  I think I have heard about the "waitress" who ended up sporting a little maids outfit and no top by the end of night and was still a waitress apparently???

So I had the kids for 2 days and it was actually great!  I could do what I wanted, when I wanted and had much support from Nanny Liz ( Poppy Nev was at one of the Bucks celebrations) and an outing with Aunty Amy.

Friday night we spent just the 3 of us.  Pepper went to bed around 6 and Cooper and I settled in for a movie night.  He had chosen " Curious George" the movie but we only got through half of it when he burst into tears at the Man in the yellow hat sending George back to the jungle.  

After many sobs and hugs he fell asleep and refuses to watch the rest of the movie.

Saturday we were up bright and early and off to Hampton to join Aunty Amy at the local park.  It was fantastic!  It was highly accessible for both the wheelchair and walker.  It also had many steps up to tower tops which were great for Cooper to practise climbing and he successfully made it up at least 9-10 steps to have a view over the whole park.

A small snack at a cafe and we headed home before lunch.

Saturday afternoon we played outside in the sunshine until Nanny Liz joined us for dinner promptly at 5pm!

We also got to vists Coopers chicken, Rabbit as we are "chook sitting" for the week and are loving the fresh eggs and giving all our scraps to them.

Sunday morning in the wee hours Andrew arrived home after a short stint in the city and too many mentions of the Mens Gallery, fell asleep in the bed with the 3 of us.

Sunday we headed down to Cape Schanck  to pick up a car and stopped at Mc Crae for a play.  I always think I would love to live there when ever we visit.  

They have a very new playground next door which also displays a lighthouse.  Cooper and Pep loved playing here, there were a few steps to climb up to the top and we have to watch Pepper like a hawk as she has the ability to move far very quickly these days. There was a lovely accessible part underneath that had a large mirror, some musical instrument type things and a clock which was at the perfect wheelchair level height.  We love exploring new parks and seeing the delight on both the kids faces is all worth the very early trip.

Leaving with the beautiful 15 month old Pepper who is loving some outdoor sunshine while her brother is back at Kinder after holidays ! He could not get out the door fast enough ( faster than I was even trying to get him out!)

Book sharing Monday

This is a book that my friend Jessi suggested I look Everywhere for!

I finally found it on ebay by luck from a lovely lady in Adelaide.

The edition I have is from 1972 and it just beautiful.

A little golden book with such vintage sketches and an adorable little "Pepper" who plays nurse and looks after the many animals that she comes across.

Naturally Pepper loves reading it and hearing her name.

Author: Gina Ingoglia Weiner

Illustrator: John Fernie

Edition: (312)

Copyright: 1972

Tip Toe through the Tulips.

On Wednesday we headed to the hills for the Silvan Tulip Festival.  It is held each year in the Dandenong Ranges around 1 hour from where we live near the beach.

Gates opened at 10 and it was busy from the word go!

Today was a very special day as we were meeting some wonderful women and children who I have known via an online CP support group.  Some people are in the early days on this journey and some are right in the thick of it! I have been part of this group since Cooper was 1 and it has always been a very supportive environment and we thought it was time for the Melbourne families to meet! We are also hoping for a national meet up.

Archer loved running through the Tulips! He was so busy and kept his Aunty Natalie so busy so his Mummy could chat! We were all so lucky to have brought a support person with us too.  Many thanks to Aunty Katie, Aunty Natalie, Aunty J and Ms S!

I love this pic of E! I asked him if it was okay if I took his pic and he gave me the "thumbs up!"

M it was so lovely to finally meet you and I look forward to some more chats soon.
This is BC! He and Cooper loved trying to scare everyone with their "roars!" The little Bean was too busy for me to take a pic!
Pepper loved running ALL day! She ran through the Tulips followed by an exhausted Aunty Kit!
The beautiful scenery.

There was heaps to do on this day but it was really lovely staying in the one spot and talking while the kids played.  We did spend a large amount of our time there waiting for the face painting but the result was priceless and it stayed on until around 6.30pm when I demanded it be washed off after many photos, looks in the mirror and asking to scare some neighbours!

Thankyou Di, Margie and Belinda for making the huge effort to join in the fun at the Tulips.It was really so special to talk to you all face to face and see how unique, individual and beautiful our children are.

Special Exposure Wednesday- 5 minutes for Special Needs.

Today we spent the day at the Tulip Festival in Silvan, Victoria. More photos and stories to share tomorrow.

Sunday

It rained ALL day on Sunday.  We stayed inside and did some work on the kitchen.

 

Pepper discovered she can climb a step ladder and find tools and work hard!

 

Cooper painted the walls with Andrew and loved getting all messy. Lucky we are tiling the floor.

 

The kitchen all painted.  Next job is some cupboard doors. Then the floor and a new window then it will be done!

 

Great day for jumping inside while it poured. Great day to stay in your jammies too :)

New wheels

 

Coopers new wheels

 

Playing it safe and putting the brakes on

 

This is a cheesy grin apparently!

 

Cooper starting to wheel himself!  

When Cooper first arrived the thought of my child using a wheelchair petrified me.  I guess like most people I was unaware of the possibilites a wheelchair might actually represent to a 4 year old child with limited mobility.  It was all about me and what I "used" to think and the sterotypes that are around.

Today it became about Cooper.  The minute he sat in his new chair it was about him.

The application process for his Glide chair only took 5 weeks.  That has to be a record!  5 weeks to make it and pay for it and it's ours.

When we picked up the chair at the RCH in Melbourne I had butterflies all morning.  I felt rather sick actually.  Just like the other pieces of equipment Cooper uses it took me time to get over the initial shock and try and see my child beyond these contraptions and remember it was my precious son behind them.

Cooper basically lunged out of the double pram onto his knees and knee walked to his new chair.  He pulled up to stand and turned around and needs some help sitting in the chair at this stage.  He started to see how it all worked straight away.  He spent time looking at the wheels and the spokes and the brakes.  He popped his hands on the wheels and started to move!

It was sheer delight on his face and he also looked about 3 years older instantly!

First port of call was McDonalds and Cooper started propelling himself down the hall.  He has good strength and control on his right side but will need to work really hard to match the left to actually go straight.  At the moment he is happy to turn and do 360's!

Our first outing at the shops today saw us use the wheelchair for the first time.  We are used to lots of stares, comments and smiles when Cooper is in his walker.  We are also used to them when he is in the pram and most of the conversation gets directed towards Pepper but this has now changed.

I was amazed to see people looking at Cooper in a different way in his chair.  People still smiled, still stared, still looked but they came up to him and talked to him like any other 4 year old.  They smiled at him, they asked "him" questions, they saw HIM and not the disability.

 He says:

" Mum, I'll use my wheelchair when I am tired, and my walker when I am not!"

He looks great in his chair, he loves it . It suits him as it is part of him, part of his life and he is so proud.

Special Exposure Wednesday

 

The "carpark" at a playdate in August.  

Weekend in pictures

We had a great weekend.  A very busy weekend.  

On Sunday we were invited to a Cowboys and Indians party for baby Tom who was 1.

Cooper was so excited for weeks leading up to the day.  On the day of the party he wanted to get dressed up when he woke up!  He was even happy to pose for the pictures above!  We had a great time catching up with many friends.

Peak hour.

I don't know how people get up and go to work every morning.  It's hard work.

I had a small taste of this today.  Although I was not going to work as such, I was going to a meeting that started at 9am.  I needed to drive there, be on time, be dressed and have no children with me.

It was the Southern RAG meeting to go through all the applications for children with severe disabilities to access and be supported in mainstream Kinder services.

So the day started with waking up at 6am with both the kids.  We all had breakfast, we all got dressed and somehow it was already 8am and I needed to leave.  I had not showered, but I had cleaned my teeth and brushed my hair.

I also managed to get some snotty substance on my pants that was about the height of Miss Pepper.  

Out the door and in the car by 825am...not bad.

Oh the traffic! I had forgotten about cars this early.  At this time I am usually making the small 5 min drive to Kinder or walking in the sunshine with the kids, all within a 5kms radius of my suburb.

Today I stepped outside my comfort zone of being a Mum, of being close to home.

Funnily enough I was the first to arrive 10 minutes early.  I felt at home right away.  The other 4 team members were lovely.  Very professional, passionate and engaging.  I actually had worked in the past with 2 members so we could chat about the "good old days".

Although today I wore my parent hat.  It was a strange feeling sitting in this environment as a Mum after so many years being the "professional".  One thing though was that everyone agreed that the parent role in this meeting was very important to bring the situation back to earth and make these applications and children more real, not labels, not things, but real kids.

We got through all the application reviews for this year and it was exciting to learn how this process happens and to be in an environment where I could use my professional knowledge and my heart from being a proud Mum to a child who happens to have a disability.

Book sharing Monday

A sausage went out for a walk one day, ‘I’ll be eaten for breakfast if I stay.’

This weeks book is called " A sausage went for a walk"

I used to read this to the Toddler group at a childcare centre I worked in many many years ago!

I still recall the little giggles from the kids.

It is such a fun book with such clever illustrations.

It has many opportunities for kids to follow some actions as an active story .

The sausage starts the evacuation from breakfast with cereal, drinks, toast etc leaving just in time not to get eaten!

Now of course we start the book off with " Breakfast time, Cooper and Pepper couldn't wait......"

Kinder update

The last day of Term 3 for Kinder. Traffic school day! Cooper went off as a policeman running madly down the path into class.

We have been filling in ALL the forms for Cooper to have a second year at funded 4 year old preschool here in Victoria.  We also filled in the forms for Cooper to have additional support at Kinder through the KISS program/ Yooralla.

There is no doubt these forms are depressing.  These forms are all negative.  It is all about what the child cannot do and how badly they cannot do it.

Gets you down after a while.  Gets you very down sometimes.  Often makes you cry, scream, and not want to get out of bed too!

On Wednesday I dropped the signed forms back to Coopers kinder and happened to mention that even after 4 years and being very realistic with who Cooper is, I found it really hard reading all these things about MY child even though most of the time I manage to think it's not really Cooper, just a label of him in a sense.

On returning I was given a copy of the forms plus an additional 2 pages of all the GREAT things about Cooper for my own records. ( we can't show them to the Dept as they don't care what Cooper can do at this stage)

Each of Coopers 3 teachers had written some special things about him just for me. Here are a few to share.

• Cooper is trying more actions to songs when he thinks no-one is looking!  ( Hilarious because at home he practices them ALL the time!)
• He is much happier to try new things
• Cooper has a wonderful smile and a great sense of humour
• Cooper has been holding the spade with 2 hands and can fill up a truck and a bucket with sand.
• Cooper has wonderful ideas for buildings, sandpit and making things.
• Cooper has lots of confidence to move around the room and yard in his walker.
• Cooper enjoys sharing stories, items and show & tell with the group.
• His drawing is really coming along.  His pen grip is much better and he is showing a real interest in drawing.
• He loves being at Kinder.

I am so very proud of Cooper and so lucky to have found a supportive learning/play environment for him this year and next year. Do you think he could just stay at Kinder till he is 18?

Happy Holidays :)

Day Off Thursday

Today it rained ALL day.  When we all woke up at 6am it was raining and when the kids fell asleep at 6.30pm it was still drizzling.

Cooper enjoyed a morning of not going anywhere! he lay on all the pillows and proceeded to jump off the couch a zillion times while watching Fireman Sam. 

 

Pep loved the swing today. As soon as she wakes up she wants out! She hangs next to the door and points and screams, until I let her out!

Today was a great day for "water art".  Cooper loved using a paint roller in the water to paint the deck! He made roads and cars.

WE baked muffins.  Blueberry and White choc chip.  Cooper is enjoying cooking so much.  We still need to work out the best way for Cooper to do it himself as often his muscles will jerk and naturally everything goes everywhere! He likes cracking his chooks egg best!

Oreo's Coopers treat he chose after our big rainy walk to Safeway.

The backyard getting much needed rain but no play.

Our vegie plots all planted up.  WE are growing from seeds this year so everything is still underground waiting to pop up next week!

Last day of term tomorrow and then 2 weeks Kinder holidays.  Lots planned and can;t wait for some Springtime sunshine.

Special Exposure Wednesday- 5 minutes for Special Needs.

Father and Son 

Smock

I found this great idea from here. This is called a smock or with a pocket it is called a Smocket!

I made two for Pep yesterday both reversible so infact 4 new outfits!

The one she is wearing here is a little long but will grow with her!  Recycled vinatge fabrics on both sides.  As it opens at the back you wear it over leggings and a long sleeve top. I used snaps instead of ties as it looks neater and is easier to get on and off.

I also made one for her to wear to Toms with a beautiful cowgirl print and reversed with Wonderland .

Bandanas & Cowboys.

Here are the finished bandana bibs I have been making for Cooper and BC.

All of the Bandanas are made from recycled material and sandwiched with Bamboo Batting for absorbency. 

They measure 45cms across the top and 35cms either side of the triangle.  I allowed for a 1 cm seam allowance.  Easy to take off and pop on with the snaps too!  Cooper used the Press to help me which is also a great muscle/co-ord activity!

 

Cooper used one that lasted all day yesterday, even through many biscuits, drinks and marshmellows by the fire!

A little about ME

Thought I would join in the fun of one of these "get to know you's "

Making : a cowgirl print "smock" for Pepper to wear to Toms 1st birthday.
Cooking :trying to make some jam that might actually set this time!
Drinking : coke
Reading:  Lonely Planet Guide to Thailand
Wanting: it to stop raining so I can take Pepper out for a walk.
Looking: at the rain falling over my backyard and the blossom starting to flower on the apricot tree.
Playing: on the swing with Pep undercover on the deck.
Wasting: time putting away Coopers cars only to have them all over the floor 5 mins later
Sewing: some bandana bibs for BC
Wishing: I was on a warm beach and about 20 something years old and kg's lighter.
Enjoying: having only one child at home! ( Cooper and Andrew have gone to a record (LP) fair)
Waiting: for dinner at my parents tonight.
Liking: all the washing Andrew folded this morning
Wondering: if I might have a tantrum free day today?
Loving: watching Pep climb on everything!
Hoping: she does not fall off the table!
Marvelling: at how agile Pep is and how natural all motor skills can come.
Needing: some new summer clothes
Smelling: Peps freshly washed hair.
Wearing: leggings, converse and hoodie.
Following: so many great blogs!
Noticing: how quite it is in this house today.
Knowing: that kinder holidays start next week and I need to organise some play-dates so I don't go crazy.
Thinking: too much
Bookmarking: new sewing projects!
Opening: the door to let some fresh air in.
Giggling: over Pep sitting at the table drawing like a big girl!
Feeling: tired, emotional, ready for bed!

Day "On" Thursday

Cooper and I set out for our journey across town to Deal.

Luckily we got to leave the red hot Pepper behind!  She had been up from 8pm-2am with reactions to her MMR immunisation.  She was hot hot hot and grumpy!  Dad looked after her beautifully and enjoyed cuddles on the couch.

Cooper and I got to have a good chat in the car on the hour journey to Deal.  It always seems as soon as we jump in the car he cannot stop talking.  We covered many topics the favourite being the difference between a red/white ambulance and the green transport ones.

There are not many places we can walk into and feel at home.  Firstly there is always the question of access.  Naturally Deal has a ramp to walk up and up Cooper went.  Upon entering there were lots of smiles, from volunteers, to staff to clients.

Rosie introduced herself and everyone as equals, she did not miss anyone as everyone matters.  She was needing to do some photocopying so she asked Cooper if he could help.  He raced over and proceeded to press the green button to make 5 copies of some compic pictures.  Secretly I think she was seeing if Cooper could follow instructions and how he could use his pointer finger!  Most importantly it made him feel special, she tapped into him straight away!

For the next 2 hours Cooper got to play!  It was fantastic to see all the technology that is available.

Cooper seemed to have the most success with this communication device.

He and Rosie were able to discuss which food he liked and he loved the interactive level of the device.  ( he also loved eating some cookies from the cupboard!)

The screen had 32 cells with a keyguard and Cooper managed fantastically.  He had great control over his fingers and hands and worked really hard.

We also read some books on the computer using a switch adapted mouse.

 This means that cooper can use a switch which is like a big button to press which activates the cursor through the mouse to turn the book pages online!  He chose a book about a plane and loved having this control to do something independently.  

The site can be found here. Tar Heel Reader is a fun , free website on which you can find 1500 short books made from Flickr photo's.

We also looked at this site that has many accessible games and learning experiences.

Next step is to chat with current EI services tactfully about this amazing organisation and start the application for an electronic communication device.

The organisation receives no government funding and relies solely on donations.  Thankyou to Aunty Amy for donating the funds for our session yesterday which had no fee but gratefully accepted a donation.

As a special treat after all his hard work we stopped by the most beautiful cake shop in Bentleigh ( it did happen to be close to 3 Op shops too!) Cooper and I shared cake, coffee, juice and a chat.  It was a very special day and I was so very proud and happy for Cooper.  He really enjoyed his day and really wants a device for home!

To top off the day he managed to use the toilet successfully in a big way and said he will do it again!

Box Cars

Monday night at Kinder was Fathers Night.

Cooper got to take Andrew to Kinder from 6-7pm and share an evening of fun.

The kids and their Dads ( or special person) made box cars.  They had covered the table with art supplies and everyone got to work. Cooper did some great work with the scissors and sticky tape and used many different materials to decorate his car.

They also got to snack on homemade pizzas that the kids had made that day.

When all the cars were made everyone got to run around on the Kinders new bike track.  It was perfect for Cooper to have his box car attached to his walker and be able to run around with everyone else.

Coopers car had a steering wheel , walkie talkies, mags and a radio.

His walker is still a car which will make for a fun time going to our appointment this morning.!

Special Exposure Wed- 5 mins for SN

 

 

Just had to share the bigger versions of these pictures taken on Sunday.

I love how for the first time Cooper could access the water and the sand at the beach.

The grin on his face says it all really.  The fun, the joy, the independence, the freedom, doing something cheeky all by himself and loving every minute.

Tomorrow we have a very special appointment at DEAL .

It is the first appointment and assessment for Cooper to gain access to an Assisted communication device.  Deal is a private organisation with many years of expertise.  When talking to them on the phone the founder of the program put her hand up to assess Cooper when she discovered he had Athetoid CP as it is her passion and she is so excited to meet Cooper.

Please take some time to read the information and especially the link on the amazing Anne McDonald who has the same type of CP as Cooper and has overcome amazing obstacles in her life.  Get the tissues out too !

What is wrong here?

 

 

 

What is wrong with these pictures?????

I was in the kitchen this morning doing the breakfast dishes when I hear Cooper calling me.

"Mum, Pepper !" "get down"

" I have an idea, we need one of those baby jails" !

Pep was happily sitting on the table after using the chairs to climb up and was eating 2 pencils after drawing all over the table.

Not to be outdone, Cooper climbed into my massive washing pile, stood up and proceeded to "snowboard"