MORE Prayers for Derrick Please...

Here is another post asking for your prayers for little Derrick. He was doing great -- no more feed tube. No more IV and eating all on his own. This was fantastic news. So was the news that they had decided to postpone his surgery until he was bigger and stronger. He was gaining well and was only one oz away from his birth weight and being released likely this weekend -- until they took him off a much needed med and put him back on a different one making him lose weight again. Katie is on my mind so much these days and I can only imagine what it must be like being in the hospital with your baby, away from home might I add -- all day long! Away from her other children too! She wants to come home. We all want her home. Kate needs our prayers so she can be strong -- So she can stay strong. Derrick needs our prayers to keep up his stamina and gain, gain, gain. Be strong little guy -- you can do it! Your Momma is by your side!!

She's Registered!

Thank goodness it is done! Lilly is finally registered for Kindergarten after many frantic conversations on Mommy's part. I thought this would be an EASY thing. When I went to register Lilly for school I at first wanted to wait to see where we might be living when she started school in September. Once we figured out we would still be here likely, I had to decide whether to put her in Catholic school (like I attended) OR public school (like Liam attended). We decided public school was the route. But-- then when I called Amherstview Public school they asked if I wanted her in English or Immersion? Wow! This was too much for me. I started thinking about Lilly's future and how very important it would be for her to be bilingual in her future. After many chats with family, people I know who attended immersion and a family teacher, I decided against the immersion after almost registering her. When it came down to me going to Amherstview Public yesterday and almost registering her in the immersion program, the secretary wasn't there and they sent me away (with more thought of course). I had to call back today to find out that this school wasn't even our district! Ahhhhhh! Collin's Bay Public School is where Lilly is suppose to attend! LOL I also fond out that if we did end up wanting her in the immersion program that she would be bussed all the way to Henderson -- which if I had known in the beginning probably wouldn't have considered immersion. Anyhow -- It is done now! No more mulling things over. No more frantic conversations with family members. No more stress about whether or not this is the right decision. Ultimately there are still way more children in the English program and if Lilly decides in her future that she is interested in french we will get her in the courses she needs to be in then. Ultimately it is VERY important for her to be stronger in English. Lilly is now registered for JK. Yes only JK, not college. And Mommy thought Daddy was a stress ball! LOL End of story!

All Ya Need is Love, Love -- Love is All Ya Need!

Having a little nap together...

Making forts on the stairs OR decorating for a surprise birthday party... see the socks hanging on the banister for decoration? LOL

Tessa is betting BIG Mom! I can't hold on to her.... timber! LOL

That's better! Much, much better!

Feel the love of your big sister Lilly Tess...

My new motto these days ... All Ya Need is Love. And -- look how much love we have in this family!

What Tess Has Been Up To

Tess has this new habit that is driving Mommy up the wall. She is sucking on her fist! At first I thought -- hmmmm this is kinda cute and then it got not so cute when her poor little hand comes out looking red and swollen after a sucking fest! I try to remove the fist and insert the susie but she will just spit it out and put the fist back in. It is not a comforting, put me at ease to sleep sort of thing -- but, more like a I have found my hands, they taste good and it makes funny noises so this is fun kinda thing. Anyhow maybe this will pass (hopefully). She is doing really well lately. She had some weird spells after the party the other night so I took her in to the doctors and they took a urine sample from her. Hopefully it was only the over stimulation from the party that caused these episodes. After last night (pancake supper at the church), we realized that over stimulation does cause poor lil miss to cry and refuse her feedings. I think this one likes the quiet and we may have to find a babysitter for some social time! Any takers?? Here is a picture of Tessa and her new habit.

Tessa has been spending much more time in her bumbo lately as her neck and head control are improving. She is a pro now :) So anytime lil miss is laying down partly she fusses and complains -- or....

just tries to sit up on her own. Funny little girl is showing Mommy just how strong she is. We may have to say goodbye to the breastfeeding pillow until she is actually big enough to somewhat sit on her own. It has been wonderful for laying her in for an early morning feed because she will just fall asleep in it afterwards. SO today we bid goodbye to you my friend and we will see you again in a couple months when Tess decides she wants to sit on her own and Mommy can prop you behind her so that when she loses her balance she doesn't hit the floor :)

That is the update for now. Stay tuned for some more pictures of the girls. They we so in love with one another this morning and I got some great shots.

Tuesday's Tribute - Gramma

I don't know if anyone out there keeps in contact with their grandparents as much as I do with my Gramma (Gram) -- or if they even have the opportunity to. I talk to my Gram at least once a day and if by chance we miss this chat on occassion one of us is always worried about the other wondering if all is well. My Gram is the most caring and loving person I know. She is always thinking about others and putting them before herself. She is always giving motherly advice -- make sure you drink lots of juice, garggle with salt water, bundle those girls up well! And then will follow her advice with "and that's your lecture for today!" as if she thinks we think she is being a pest! She is always there when we need her -- offering support and telling me how wonderful I am as a mother, a listening ear, giant hug, or some advice. I cannot imagine my life without her in it. An 85 year old woman who still drives, meets me at all my doctors appointments to help out with the girls and stopping in for a visit NEVER empty handed! I LOVE this woman. She is strong hearted, LOVING, gentle and kind. She is a mother to three, a Grandmother to many and also a friend -- to me! I am so blessed to have her in my life. I am also so aware of how much my girls love her and I feel so very fortunate for them, that they will know her and remember her in their lives. She is my role model, my inspiration and like I said... she is my friend. I love you Gram -- Always!

Talking with Tess while feeding her a bottle

They had a little fall in the snow here... LOL

Grama talking to Lilly -- Lilly taking in the moment

Happy 60th Yves!

Tonight we gathered to celebrate my Unlce's 60th Birthday. We had a great time and got to visit with many people in our lives we have not seen in far too long. Great catching up with all of you!

We did have to sneak out a bit early as Tess was just not herself. Momma could not get her to eat or stop crying. Poor little thing was a little over stimulated I think and needed to be home where it was quiet.

Here are some pictures from our night..... there was also a surprise visitor -- Chuckles the Clown.

The girls couldn't get enough of chuckles

Nephew Tanner and Niece Kiley waiting patiently for balloons

I love how Abigail is staring adoringly at Chuckles -- too cute!

I didn't get the most amazing pictures tonight (my apologies). You know me and the camera... unfortunately I was a little preoccupied with Little Miss. Some great memories were made tonight anyhow-- even without great pictures.

Great News!

Derrick ate a full feed today from a bottle! Plus -- Kate was lucky enough to have her Dad bring Hayley and Ayden(Derrick's big brother and sister) for a visit to Ottawa and to the hospital.

I am still thinking of you daily Kate -- often on my mind, ALWAYS in my heart. Love you XO

The New Do!

The girls and I headed over to the Tortoise and the Hair today so Lilly could get her hair cut. Her hair has been growing since her last short cut but we needed to get those bangs to fit in a bit better and for the "I'm clearly growing out my bangs" look to disappear for good. Here are some pictures of my little girl looking way older than 4! Her new BIG GIRL hair cut...

Also while I was there I had to browse all of the wonderful accessories and goodies they sell there all made by local moms. I fell in love with too many things in the store but could not resist this...

a diaper bag -- handmade. I fell in love with the pattern firstly and it is amazingly put together. The label it sports which I tired to get a picture of (but my camera isn't good enough to zoom that close and still take a clear picture) reads Mommy's Lil Monkey. Here is a picture of the sales tag that was attached to the outside though. www.mommysmonkey.atsy.com

Liam says it is so small and if I was going to buy ANOTHER diaper bag (like I have a bought a lot already -- I haven't at all. Not a diaper bag freak) that it should be more practial (BIGGER). Amazingly this is what it holds:

8 diapers (5 Tessa size and 3 Abigail size)
2 receiving blankets

2 sleepers

1 pair of socks

baby wipes

1 tube of vaseline

1 bottle of hand sanitizer (hanzitizer as Lilly says)

1 cell phone

Lilly's Choice of Dress

Every day Lilly gets up and dresses herself. usually in regular clothes -- pants (stretchy ones and not jeans since she HATES jeans) and a tank top (she likes her tank tops beacuse she sweats a lot). Totally independant this girl and she makes sure things match. Although mommy's choice of dress for her would be much more stylish I let her dress how she likes unless it interfers with the weather. Every 4 year old (amlost 4 year old) needs her independence you know?

So, everyday she dresses herself and about 10 mins later she undresses herself and re-dresses herself in this....

I have washed this outfit too many times in the last month. Sometimes she wears the tights -- sometimes not. Sometimes they are over the outfit and sometimes under. She is ALWAYS dancing around the house so full of energy. Do you think she is trying to tell us something?? Future dancer maybe? We need to get her signed up for dance classes and soon. Maybe then the novelty of this outfit will wear off. But, for now... we smile at her and tell her how darn cute she looks.

The Bunkbeds

Since the first night in the bunks the girls have been sleeping like angels. I know, I know... LOL It has only been three nights but, so far so grand!

Abigail LOVES her new bed and is sleeping beautifully. Tonight she found a new position though.... picture to follow. Lilly bugs me all day long to go for naps just so she can be in her bed. Total melt down last night after dinner (after bothering me all day to nap and me letting her try) asking to nap yet again -- I told her it was too late and she needed to wait until bed time but she bawled and bawled until I told her she needed to get out of the kitchen and into her room until she stopped crying as I was trying to cook supper. After protest "I don't wanna sleep in Abby's bed" she was almost instantly quiet and when I peeked in at her she had CRASHED in Abby's bed after all. It took her a little longer to fall alsleep last night of course since her nap was so late -- but, she loves her bed SO much that she doesn't mind just laying there (since we put her to bed around 9pm still). Only downfall so far is the early rising. I guess 7am is pretty good concidering I have 3, but Abigail use to sleep in until at least 8 undisturbed -- Lilly never! I am thinking I may have to invest in one of those dark blinds to keep light from shining in in the morning... this might work for both girls (wishful thinking)!

Here are some pictures of the girls in their new beds... You can see the joy on their little faces :)

This is after the first sleep in their new beds. If you could see the rest of the bed Abigail is a wee tiny spec on that matress. See how she almost fits on her pillow?

See how thrilled they are? Up in Lilly's bunk!! Sorry for cutting off your head Abigail.

This is them sleeping right now -- Abby's new sleeping position and Lilly's arm hanging out the side rail :)

Sleeping angel :)

More News From Kate -- A little Detail

I just got an other e-mail from Kate this afternoon with a little more detail than before. I found out the reason Derrick was admitted was that his electrolyes were low and it would be much quicker for him to recover in hospital than at home. He has not been responding well to the medication (it is drying him up too much) and it is effecting his kidneys. This medication would have held him off until surgery. The cardiologist said he should stay in until his surgery, which they just found out will be the whole operation of fixing his heart instead of a smaller one to hold him off for awhile. They will be going this week to CHEO (which I noted in my last post) for his surgery that will probably happen next week. They will be there for a week or so until he recovers and will be able to go home. He is currently getting food from a feed tube because he exerts too much energy trying to nurse or bottle feed making it too hard on his little heart. Katie does get the odd chance to nurse him though and is right by his side constantly.

Please pray also for a desired return of big Derrick..SOON! (a reminder from Kate) :)

Tuesdays - It's Not All About You!

I have been following a few new blogs lately. One of the blogs being of a family who recently lost their little girl to cancer. Her name was Tuesday and Steece's blog (another blog I follow) has been doing a new tribute every Tuesday now called "It's Not All About You!" She is encouraging using Tuesdays to blog about someone special in Tuesday's memory.

from Stacee's blog

What is it?Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU. It's about SOMEONE ELSE. It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else.

Huh? Whaddya mean?We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Still lost...what would I write about??How about...A blog/blogger/business whose work you love that you want to help promote to your readers? (example)A friend or a loved one who you respect? (example)One of your kids who just accomplished something great?A cause you feel strongly about? A Fundraiser?

We could always use a friendly reminder that life is not all about us--Right? I thought that this would be a great thing to be a part of - even if it is not every week I am going to give it a try. Ultimately the world does not revolve around the Porter Clan and there are a whole lot of special, interesting people out there to share about. Feel free to take part in Tuesdays Tribute. Why? Because it's all about sharing and it's not all about you :)

Earlier today I wrote about Kate's baby Derrick. This will be my first Tuesday Tribute. Katie and Derrick and their family need our support and prayers while going through this tough time in their lives. Please think of them today and remember how very fortunate we are for all that we have.

Another Update on Baby Derrick

I got an e-mail from Kate yesterday saying they have been in the hospital since last Monday and will be going to CHEO likely today and Baby Derrick will have his surgery next week sometime. This is all I know as of now. I will update further when I hear anything else. Lets keep praying for Derrick, Kate and family. They appreciate all the prayers and loving thoughts.

A Family Room for Family Day

The basement is almost completely done now. We moved most of the furniture down today and all of the toys. I got busy organizing everything and everything is in it's place - for now! LOL I am sure when the kids get at their little toy nook tomorrow everything will change very quickly. I am sure glad to get all of the toys back together again through. I was truly beginning to hate having to tidy Lilly's room, Abigail's and the living room. Now, I will only have this one space to tidy.

My two big girls are sleeping in their new bunk beds right now! Daddy also set these up today in Lilly's room and Abigail's room too now. I thought it would be more of a fight getting Abigail to sleep in a BIG bed, but she was great. She wined a bit and kept asking for me to put her blankets on. But, that has been a nightly ritual for a little while now anyway. I went to the gate and asked Abigail if she wanted to go back up to her baby bed and she said no. So I told her that she needed to climb back into her big girl bed and go to sleep and she did. End of story (well, Abigail's story)!

Lilly wanted to be in her bed all day! I had to take the ladder away and put it in the broom closet or Lilly and Abigail might have climbed up and down all day! I think this will be a daily ritual (taking the ladder down) once they are awake. I do not like the idea of them playing on the bunks at all. Sleeping is just fine.... climbing not so fine. Lilly also went to bed with little fight tonight and I doubted she would really. She told me at first the bed wasn't comfortable until I explained to her that she still had the very same matress it was just on another frame. She dropped that idea and then told me she couldn't sleep. Same tactic I used on Abigail. "If you don't like your new bed Lilly I can take it appart tomorrow and bring your old one back?" "No Mommy, I like this one! I LOVE sleeping in the top bunk!!" End of story. She was asleep in 5 mins time.

We had a great day today and accomplished so much. I am excited to be down in our new family room tomorrow and looking forward to the convience of laundry being right there. Sounds funny right? But, doing laundry in this house is a huge task with three little ones and making trips up and down the stairs leaving them on the main floor while I switched everything over. Now I am practically in the same room and can fold it right there while they play. Anyhow, I think this post is long enough already. Stay tunned for superlatives results and Tessa sleeping in her new room to come in the near future. Happy Family Day Everyone!!

Well Hello There Mrs. Foot

When Tessa sits in her swing (which is not to often since she is not fond of it), Mommy likes to rest her foot on it. Well Tessa has decided that Mrs. Foot is her good friend and she will share stories with her, giggle and smile even LOL It is VERY amusing to watch and quite cute. Who knew a foot could keep a two month old happy for a wee few minutes?

The basement is almost finnished! It has been crazy around her with Liam studying for corrections every night now and trying to work on the basement.... the daily chaos I often speak of. But, our hopes are to start moving in tomorrow! Yeah!! Maybe we can spend family day together in our new basement. I will take some pictures (much promised) tomorrow for sure. Hope everyone has an awesome long weekend. We have been enoying every minute of it... nothing too special - just time together.

"Oh! I didn't see you there!"

" I'm Tessa. Nice to meet you!"

"It's the most exciting story I have ever told anyone before! And since we are such good friends now..." LOL

Happy Valentine's Day

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Tomorrow is Promised to no one

As I was writing my blog yesterday about our kitchen ceiling disaster I was constantly thinking in the back of my mind how very fortunate we are - Hence the fortune comments near the end of the blog. We ARE so very fortunate to have so much love in our family. Three beautiful, HEALTHY girls who have so much love to give and share with one another. It is easy to forget just how fortunate we are sometimes and then hearing a sad story about someone losing a family member to cancer, a car accident or some other horrible disease makes us feel the heartache these family members are feeling and trying to imagine being in their shoes kicks us in the heart! I bought myself a sign for my birthday... Liam was beside himself thinking "Another sign? We have a hundred signs in the house." But, this one is truly special to me and I know each one of my family members (Liam included) will understand and feel the same way I did when I bought it for myself - someday... as a reminder that tomorrow is promised to no one. Live everyday like it is your last, love, live, laugh and love.

If I knew

Hold your loved ones
close today
Whisper in their ear
Tell them that
you love them
And you'll always
hold them dear
For tomorrow is promised
to no one
Young or old alike
And today may be
your last chance
To hold your loved ones tight

A Cloud on the Ceiling

"Mommy, what is that cloud doing on the ceiling there?"
"Where?" "Akkk!"
"What is it Mommy?"
"That there 'cloud' is filled with water Lilly"
"What does that mean?"
"That is not good - not good at all. That's what that means"

So, when I called Liam on his cell phone at work to tell him that indeed the bank was closed on Monday for family day, I told him our little problem. Liam told me to poke a hole in the paint and let the water come out. I thought that was a terrible idea since I had three little girls at home all by myself and didn't want to make matters worse... but, he insisted. I poked a small hole in the paint and stood on a chair holding a bowl under the hole while the water poured out... yes poured! I explained to Liam that it just wasn't stopping, so he said to push all around it. I did. The more I pushed the more the water came out... then it would refill in the paint bubble again and keep pouring! Unreal. After about 5 mins of this I called Liam back to see what I should do. He came home and immediately got out the sawzall (?sp?). I watched Liam as he cut a smallish hole in my kitchen ceiling and water gushed everywhere. "AHHHHHHH"! and then he cut and even bigger hole... then started breaking down the ceiling with his hands since it was so soggy that it was just falling off practically. Man are we lucky or are we lucky? It turns out there is a leak coming from the bathroom sink up above. Fortunately it is in the perfect spot in the kitchen and will be easy to replace. Fortunately Lilly was not sitting at the kitchen table in her seat when the ceiling decided to fall in on it's own. Fortunately Lilly spotted the "cloud" on the ceiling before things got much worse. Ahhh....... breathe.... Fortunate?? I guess so.

As I looked back on this blog to edit it the date caught me off gaurd... indeed Friday the 13th. How ironic! LOL

Update From Kate

'Lil D' still needs our prayers. He is in hospital now until they perform surgery. He is a little trooper Kate says and God's got him! Lots of love sent to you and your family Kate. Thinking of you often. XO

Another Little Mommy

Being Mommy sure is popular in a house full of girls. I caught Abby the other day diapering Lilly's baby and actually wiping her bum with a wet wipe! Totally cute!! It is amazing that little girls can learn the motherly instints at such a young age. When ever Tessa is crying Abigail will rock her swing, put in her sousie and say "shhh, shhhh, shhh". I love my girls so much and even more so I am reminded just how much, when they are as caring as they are to one another everyday.

Happy Birthday To Me!

We had a pretty quiet day yesterday. Liam came home early from work to cook me a fabulous dinner. I had fresh pike, shrimp and crab with rice. It was delicious. Thanks Liam! Love you so very much!

Mondays dinner at Mom's was also fabulous. We had my all time fav roast beef and yorkshire puddings. It was so very tasty and I am craving it again already! Yummy! We had a great time and lovely visit with Mom, Grandma and Auntie Wendy. Thanks everyone for making my birthday extra special! Love you all!! XO

Here are some pictures from my early birthday dinner at Mom's.

Superlatives - Lilly and Abigail

I got this idea from another blog I have been following and thought it would be neat to do and compare with our friends and family. For those of you who know my children I would like for you to judge also and see what we all come up with in the end. We will use Lilly and Abigail. You can include Tess if you like but it is hard to judge her in all categories as we have only known her for two short months and many of you have only seen her a number of times. If those of you forget what superlatives are, let me remind you by example: Most likely to suceed, worst driver, best dressed etc. You probably did something like this in high school. Comment with your answers or e-mail me natalie_liam@hotmail.com . Liam and I will do these too and then I will put the judging into play in a few days or so. Have fun!

1. Biggest Tomboy
2. Most Girly Girl
3. Most Independent
4. Cleanest
5. Stinkiest Poops (LOL I know, I know)
6. Winiest (Do we even need to ask?)
7. Best Sleeper
8. Most Outgoing
9. Pikiest Eater
10. Daddy's Girl
11. Mommy's Girl
12. Loudest Screamer
13. Best Singer
14. Acts most like Mommy
15. Acts most like Daddy
16. Biggest Helper
17. Best at Sharing
18. Most Patient
19. Most Stubborn
20. Most Mischievous
21. Looks most like Mommy
22. Looks most like Daddy
23. Most Caring

Also feel free to add your own superlatives to my list and I will add them on when I repost. Hope everyone has a great day. I am going to my mothers for an early birthday dinner tonight. Yummy roast beef! My Favourite!!

Happy Two Month Birthday You Sweet Little Girl!

Yesterday my beautiful Tessa turned two months old. That sounds so weird - why do we say that? Lets start over. Yesterday Tessa reached the two month mark?? LOL That isn't any better, but you get the jist!

Here are some cute pictures of her enjoying her tubby as well as sporting her new robeez foot wear compliments of Daddy.

She is still sleeping though the night like a little angel. What a sweet little girl she is. We love you Tessa Julianna! XO