Garage Sale

So far between the garage sale, lemonade stand and raffle tickets this weekend, we have raised an EXTRA $175 for the Spirit Wheel Walk Run

Basket Raffle

Selling raffle tickets at my garage sale this Saturday to make more money for the walk

Here are pictures of the baskets that I am raffling off. If you are in the area come on by and try your luck. All proceeds go to the SB&H

Tickets are $2 or 3 for $5

BT: Breakfast Television

Well, I sort of had some success with Breakfast Television. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it will have to do. On May 21st they will post information about the Spirit Wheel Walk Run, SB&H and my blog. They won't talk about it, but at least the information will be posted and read out loud -- hopefully the exposure will help!

Jake and I are also going to go on June 15th to see BT recorded in person. Jake is really looking forward to watching it live -- since I force him to watch it on TV every morning -- I know "I'm a bad mom" : ) After the filming we are off for his annual visit to Sick Kids and than a tour of the SB&H office. After all that is done "Auntie Holly" is going to take care of Jesse and me and Jake are off to the Science Centre -- the perfect place for a kid with ADHD and touching issues : )

Thanks BT!!!!

Garage Sale for SB&H and Toonies for Twins

Date: May 23, 2009
Time: 8:00 am
Location: 108 and 114 Hickman St, Bolton

Baby and Childrens Clothes, Furniture, Toys
Children and Adult Clothes
Books, DVD's, VHS's and CD's
Clothes
Furniture

Charity Raffles
Coffee, Cookies, Muffins, Lemonade ETC

Come and spend and get great deals

All money divided between SB&H and Toonies for Twins
For more on Toonies for Twins
http://tooniesfortwins.blogspot.com/

Sleep Training

I know I was only going to use this blog to talk about Spina Bifida and the SB&H Spirit Wheel Walk Run for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, but I have to add a little blog about this. It's a parenting thing and it was something we had a big problem with Jake on this topic, so I figured what the heck (If I typed Hell -- I would have had to put a loonie in Jake's swear jar)

Let's talk about sleep training! Jake was almost 7.5 (yup only a couple of months ago) before he learned to put himself to sleep. Up until than we either stayed with him or had to come in every 10 minutes until he fell asleep from pure exhaustion. Well, there was no way in heck (lol) that this was going to happen with our newest master, Jesse. So since I knew I wasn't strong enough to train Jesse by myself, I decided to hire a professional to help us with this issue. I first heard about "Sleep Doula's" on BT (Breakfast Television) and I thought to myself -- wow I could use one of those (again paraphrasing because the thought I had to myself included swear words -- and I really dont want to give Jake any more money). So I checked out the website of the one they interviewed and when I saw the price I almost had a heart attack. Her price didnt even include the milage that I would have to pay for her to come to the boonies (Bolton). So since I am a professional (library technician) I decided to do what I do best and do some research into other sleep doulas. I found a women in Mississauga named Debbie and her company "Precious Moments" http://www.preciousmomentsdoula.ca/

She was the same price but didnt charge the extra for mileage, plus she just sounded a little more down to earth and less Sleep Policeish (I know its not a word). So I set up an appointment with her and she came by yesterday. Well, I tell you "IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY". She met with Jesse and me and asked about our schedule. She created a new schedule with us that was going to work better for all involved. Than she showed me all sorts of things that I should do that will help Jesse learn to put himself to sleep. Than we set in motion the routine that I would do to train him so I would no longer have to stress out at nap and bedtime. She explained that it was going to be tough but by about 5 days everything should work itself out. Honestly, I didnt believe her at first, but I figured I would give it a try.

Well, I won't lie -- the first 2 naps were hell on earth. The only way I got through it was by talking to her on the phone (part of the support) and yup thats right folks -- I grabbed Jake's DS and played me some Star Wars Lego. Mind numbing and addictive and maybe me totally toon out the very pissed off baby in the next room (He's used of crying and me being his bitch and come running).

But you know what it kept taking me less time and less crying to get him to sleep -- and its only been 1 and a half days. Last night was awesome too, he only woke up once and it only took us 20 minutes to get him to get back to sleep (I know that sounds like a long time, but its not) Jeff stayed awake with me while he screamed in the middle of the night and made me laugh (also helpful). We kept imagining out loud what Jesse's was really saying each time he cried. Again, I cannot tell you because it involved a lot of unappropriate terminology that would have me paying ALOT of money to the swear jar.

So guys, if your kiddies are having sleep issues (sorry she doesnt train Hubby's) give her a call, she will save your sanity (and your wallet from having to buy all that alcohol to get through stressful bedtimes -- damn why didnt I know about her 7 years ago)

Thats it -- won't be doing much blogging for the next couple of days because of this training. The computer is in Jesse's bedroom and I do not want to bother him when he is sleeping. Hmm, think I will get Jeff to move the computer tonight -- I may go through withdrawal symptoms if I cannot Twitter when I wan't : )

Who says Spina Bifida isn't fun

Jake has been having tons of fun peeing into the bedpan (see post on Bloorview). The bedpan is sort of like a measuring cup for the toilet. We have to mark down how much he pees everytime he sits on the toilet. Well, he's turned it into a game. He wants to break his record of 250ml! I only have to ask him once to go sit on the toilet -- normally I have to nag and nag and nag some more. Sometimes he even asks if its time to go to the bathroom (because of spina bifida he doesnt know when he has to go). Too bad we couldnt have tried this years ago -- I would have been so less stressed -- and saved a fortune since I wouldnt have to have gone through so much red wine to destress (joke)

For those who want to join in the walk

Saturday June 6, 2009

12:00

Starts at 108 Hickman St in Bolton (Give me a call for directions). We walk down Hickman St and than up Hwy 50 to the McDonalds. Quick rest stop at McDonalds and for those interested we will walk back to 108 Hickman ST

Distance: 3.5 K to McDonalds or 7K return

905-951-2029

Give me a call if you are interested

Jen

Bloorview Kids Rehab

Well, it was Jake's biannual visit to Bloorview Kids Rehab today

I know I have talked about this before, but its something I have always been good at. Turning a negative thing into a positive one. Jake's diagnosis really sucks and he is going to have to deal with a lot of tough issues but I think it will make him a stronger person. I know this whole situation has turned me into a much better person (and way less shy and sweet I tell ya). Those who know me, know that my favourite expression is "what doesn't kill you makes you strong". I really truly have come to belive that since Jakes birth on September 11, 2001 -- hell of a birthday eh.

One of these positive things is all the extrordinary people from various medical communities that we have met because of Jake. One of our favourites has been Dr. Biggar at Bloorview. Unfortunately for us, Dr Biggar is slowly retiring, and he wasn't at the Bloorview clinic today. We missed him, but his replacement Dr Church seems to be another exceptional person. She really made Jake feel comfortable today about talking about some of his bowel and bladder issues. She was also really patient with all of our questions and just very down to earth. Also a shout out to nurse Julia too -- she always explains things without medical jargon -- trust me a very good skill to have.

Today was the appointment that we knew would have to come someday. Now that Jake is no longer constipated all the time (Sorry for those easily grossed out, time for you to leave) it is time for him to start a bowel and bladder program so that he no longer has to wear pull ups. I will try not to go into much detail because hey who really wants to talk about these sorts of things, if you dont have too. I just want people to know of some of the issues that people with spina bifida have to deal with.

The first step to get Jake out of his pull ups is to start by measuring out how much pee he has each day before we start him on his new medication. Yup boys and girls he has to sit on the toilet with a bedpan underneath that measures out in ml how much he pees. I than have to chart how much he pees each time he sits on the potty for 2 days. After the 2 days are over we have to start giving him Ditropan(sp). Than once again we have to measure out how much he pees each day and chart that as well. If he cannot pee within 8 hours of first taking the medication -- we will have to catheterize him. If that doesnt work and his tummy becomes distended we have to take him to emerg! Fun stuff -- definately will be having a couple of stiff drinks after the boys go to bed --hmm never done drugs before but thinking now might be the time to start -- joking btw!

I also than have to call nurse Julia after a couple of days to discuss pee and poop. Yup a 30 minute conversation about the colour and amounts of urine with some exciting dialogue about shapes and colours of bowel movements. You can see how we dont get asked to many dinner parties. Hopefully the medication will work and we wont have to get him into self catherization(Sp) routine -- I dont even want to think how stressful that would be for him.

Now I have to talk to his school because with the new medication he will have to go on a bathroom schedule where he has to go to the bathroom every 2 hours and try to get all the urine out. That should be lots of fun. They dont seem to understand that Jake has a real disability. To them he looks like every other kid and they sort of forget that he needs extra help. Anyone with a special needs child, you WILL have to learn to fight with the school boards. Extra help for these kids = extra money out of the school boards and the government. Hmmm seems I am a little bitter on this right now, hopefully by Tuesday when we have to sit down and talk about it I will be more pleasant -- cross your fingers.

I am probably leaving tons of stuff out -- but its been a long and emotionally stressful day. Also I hope this makes sense since I am writing this while sipping from a HUGE glass of wine. Please send comments on any mistakes or things that I need to clarify.

Here is some actually well written material on Bowel and Bladder issues in those with Spina Bifida.
http://www.sbhasa.ca/MedicalQA/bowel_bladder.htm

If you need further information please contact me and I will point you in the right direction -- I am a library technician and I am damn good at helping people find what they need : )

Night all!

Basket from the Albion Bolton Public Library

Hey Guys

Take a look at the wonderful basket that the Albion Bolton Public Library donated as a prize for the Spirit Wheel Walk Run. Check out the library sometime -- I know I am predjudice since I am a library tech -- but these ladies are really awesome. Fun to chat with -- that's why hubby NEVER believes me when I say I am only going in for a sec : )

Thanks Scholastics

Here is the picture of the Scholastics prize. Jake says he wants the star wars book -- and me being the charity w***e I am -- told him to go get lots of pledges! : ) I wont repeat what he said.

Still Need

Hi Everyone

Some of you have been asking what we still need. Here is the list:

Prizes for participants
Pledges for my walk under Jennifer Rayment or Journey for Jake
Promotion of the walk in Newspapers and especially on Breakfast Television
People to take part in my walks at Humber College (June 5th) and Bolton (June 6th)

Please contact me if you can help in anyway

Jen

Special Needs Poem

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
byEmily Perl Kingsley.c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland.""Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

OK, lets talk about Postpartum Depression

1st of all it is nothing to be ashamed of – it happens to more people than you think. My mother in law says there were tons of women with in when they were new moms -- but they just drank instead of getting medical help : )

I had it with Jake and it is a horrible thing. I was lucky in one way that I never wanted to kill him – I just wanted to kill myself. Our warped Rayment sense of humour helped me get through some of the tough times, but I also had wonderful friends, family and Effexor.

I imagine many moms who have had children that are considered disabled have probably had it as well. It’s a tough thing realizing your child will always be a little bit different.

If you are new mom and feeling overwhelmed, want to hurt yourself or your child. Go tell someone and get the help you need. There is nothing to be ashamed of and you are a better mom for getting the help YOU need. Trust me it sucked having PPD – but I am a better person because of it.

Now the not so nice part – it is HARD to come off of anti depressants and NEVER do it without medical help. I’m going through the hardest part now because after 7 years I am almost completely off it and am going through what I guess is sort of like withdrawal symptoms. Its tough, but I’m doing it – with advice from Dr and Naturopath. Wish me luck – and well “Do not piss me off right now – trust me!!”

Some helpful websites about PPD – but if you feel that you might have it – go straight away and see someone!! There are tons more sites that your health care professional can provide you with.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/mh-sm/preg_dep-eng.php
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87-88
http://www.postpartum.org/supportgroups.html

Helpful advice
Go to your local Parent Child Centre and make friends with other moms
Join any Mommy and Baby group and make friends with other moms
Hmmm go make friends with other moms!!!!!!
Ignore any advice from Tom Cruise on PPD
Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
Do something once a day for yourself (eg take a bath, read a book, throw darts at picture of Tom Cruise)

Can’t thing of anything else right now –more later. Off to run on treadmill – helps with the withdrawal from Effexor – also good for heart and rest of body.

Basket from Mars Canada

Hi Everyone

Here is the prize that Mars Canada donated.

Thanks!

Thanks to a very generous donation by my massage therapist "goddess Joanne" we have now raised $998 so far. Close to my original goal of $1000. Now upping that goal to $1500 -- lets see if I can do it

http://www.sbhao.on.ca/events-swrr09.asp

Remember to mention my name when you donate: Jennifer Rayment or "Journey for Jake"