Triple Sensation: October 2010

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Well, it's been a very busy few weeks since I last updated the blog. Besides the everyday care and concern of the four girls, we were trying as best we could to help out with the preparation and execution of Jer's Uncle's memorial service. In the midst of all this, we celebrated Thanksgiving. We were so blessed with not just one turkey dinner but two. The first was a beautiful dinner brought to us by our dear friends in High River - thanks Smillies!! The second was a family affair celebrated at Jer's Aunt's with cousins and kids galore. This was our first outing where we actually stayed for a meal. All-in-all, it went fairly well. The babes were great up until we sat down for dinner (of course) and then decided to let loose and wreak havoc! We were all so thankful though to just be together and honour the life of dear Uncle John that I don't think anyone really noticed too much.

The days in Calgary have been glorious - 20 degrees today. We've enjoyed as much outdoor time as possible walking, playing at the park and so forth. It's hard to think that the winter will soon be upon us, but we're trying to take advantage of the beautiful days as they come. All the girls love being outside. Jennifer especially is a real outdoors girl and often prefers to run alongside or push the chariots over riding in it. The babes also love the outdoors and now that they are growing and becoming more aware of their surroundings, the outdoors offers something new to look at, hear and smell every time we go out.

The babies were all at the doctors last week for a regular check. All passed with flying colours. Heather has a small issue with her head shape and has been referred to physiotherapy in order to assist her with some neck stretching (she prefers to look at her left shoulder over her right). We definitely want to try to avoid having to put her into a "head-shape helmet" so we'll do what we can now. Weights are great and in keeping with a decent growth curve. All the girls are in and around the 50th percentile for their corrected age (4 months)

Emily is back on top at a whopping 13lbs 13 oz. Heather next at 13 lbs 8 oz and Caitlyn comes in at a solid 13 lbs 4 oz. Great job girls!

Over the past weeks, we've been witness to some really great socialising. All of the babies have "turned the light switch on" as I coin it and really enjoy any one-on-one social time. If you're lucky and the stars are aligned, Emily will give you a gut wrenching giggle that often draws Mama or Papa from whatever they are doing. Heather too has a delightful giggle and graces us with this whenever we rub her tummy just the right way. Caitlyn has her own unique laugh and although I would not say it's a belly laugh it is definitely communicating that she is enjoying your company and finds you quite hilarious. We're trying to give the babies as much time on their tummy as possible. Some days this doesn't amount to much however it is as Jer says - the art of the possible. All three babies are getting stronger each day - Heather is the leader in this department. She enjoys folding her body into a perpetual crunch position and plays with her toes. Any attempts to mimic this posture by either the Mama or Papa is met with significant groans and other unmentionable sounds. Caitlyn prefers a more relaxed posture and often can be seen just lying flat taking delight in her sisters' busy movements. Emily loves the floor time as long as someone is tickling her belly or reading her a book otherwise she would prefer other activities thank you very much! All the girls are given equal amounts on their tummy - as much for the fact that when they are older they will feel comfort in knowing all were "tortured" equally. None of the girls really like tummy time however, they will tolerate it for 5 minutes or so at a time. We've taken away the towel so they have to work a bit harder to stay upright. All the girls are doing well and gaining neck and core muscle strength. We learned from some of Jennifer's difficulties with gross motor development that tummy time is so important for muscle strengthening. The other milestone that we've seen in the past couple of weeks is the girls' ability to hold things. We gave each of the girls a small rattle to hold. All of them took to it quite quickly - Emily I think is going to be the leader of a marching band the way she was able to make her rattle shake. Caitlyn may need some lessons in etiquette and guidance on not hitting her sisters with hard objects. Heather enjoyed the colours and sounds of the rattle and the feel of something in her hand.

We've finally made the shift to feeding the babies every 4 hours. This, of course, was in line with our last doctor's appointment and the girls exceptional weight gains. It's only been 2 days but so far we're doing okay. We'll need to do some tweaking here and there but for now, the girls are managing well to finish larger volumes of milk in the extended time. The new schedule also affords us to have them in bed by 7:15-7:30. What are we going to do with all of this extra time......?

I haven't mentioned Jennifer too much. She continues to delight and amaze us at what a great big sister she is. She can often be heard singing "ABC's" to the babes or offering "it's okay, Jennifer's here" while patting a tummy. Equally, we've lobbed potty training at her which, at first I thought was a grave mistake however, Jennifer has proven once again that she can conquer anything she puts her mind to. Each day is new and brings with it something wonderful to share together. (okay sappy yes, but true!)

So...onto this week...we've said hello and goodbye (again) to Grandma Judy and Grandpa Ross back from their tour of Italy. We welcomed Uncle Chris and cousin Lachlan (who met the babies for the first time) here for Uncle John's memorial - and then said goodbye on Tuesday. Tomorrow we will welcome our dear friends Jenny and Archie from N. Vancouver for a brief visit.

And that's what it's been like her over the past weeks -- phew.

In no particular order, here are some images.....

Heather having some fun with Uncle Chris!

Caitlyn waiting for dinner with Grandpa Ross...

...joined by cousin Lachlan!

Lachlan gaining confidence and skill in handling Emily!

Heather wondering when is she going to get a nap?

Good time with Uncle Chris!

Lachlan and Emily really solidifying their relationship.

Hangin' with my cousin...

Hangin' with my sisters...Emily, Heather, Caitlyn...

Hey, where did you go? Emily, Heather, Caitllyn

Yes, it can be done! Heather, Caitlyn and Emily - getting fed by Jan!

Heather and Emily having fun with the camera...

...wondering why there are so many flashes?

You lookin' at me? (Emily)

YOU LOOKIN' AT ME?!?

Take me to your leader (Heather)

Hangin' with my sis (or, her thumb at least) - (Heather and Caitlyn)

Grab your partner, swing her round!

You know what they say about three heads...

Pop quiz -- who is who?

Papa indulges himself...

Papa doubles down

One on one... or is it two on two?

Calgary has a new tower

For those of you who got it wrong last time... who is who?!?

Fashionista!

Bam bam ba bam bam BOO!

Smiler pusses

Hey, look... it's TURKEY TIME!

Hope you are well....Until next time --

Jan

Monday, October 4, 2010

In praise of a good man

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I pass along the news that my dear uncle John Fraser succumbed to a six month fight with Multiple Myeloma on Thursday, September 30th.

I remember being seven or eight. It was clear, but there was a light breeze and both the air and the lake were remarkably cool. We were watching the clock tick away the minutes, the smell of coffee and toast from a late breakfast still lingering in the air, waiting for the magic one-hour period after eating to pass, so I could get in the water. Then, uncle John stood up, declared that it was time, grabbed a towel and headed out the door. Where he lead, one was compelled to follow.

We carried the rowboat to the water's edge and pushed it in. I hopped into the cold water and maneuvered the boat around to the point, and uncle John hopped in. I must have looked scared, because uncle John delivered one of his "never mind that" speeches and told me to get in the water, or else. The next thing I knew, I was in the water swimming behind uncle John in the rowboat, trying to remember why it was so important that I be able to swim as far as the other side of the lake.

The lake, that dear beloved Lake Hughes was where, only 2-3 years before, that same uncle John had taught me to swim -- patiently, forgivingly, lovingly. He not only loved all kids in general but also, to my great delight and surprise, me in particular. I remember Lake Hughes being dark and cold in the middle. My imagination worked as hard as my scrawny frame in conjuring up images of sub-aquatic monsters living in its muddy, weedy depths. I remember starting to panic and telling uncle John I couldn't go on: "Nonsense," he said. He utterly rejected giving up at anything. I treaded water for a bit and then continued on. I stopped several more times, tired from the effort, and prevailing on uncle John to let me in the boat, but he refused each request in turn.

You see, it was always that way with John. He pushed you on, because he always believed that if you worked hard and true enough, you could accomplish anything you set your mind to: he knew that, in life, the quick fix is an illusory prize and that real accomplishment comes from persistence and perspiration. And sure enough, I eventually made it to the other side. Not long after, we got there and back again.

Since Janet and I moved to Calgary in 2001, my dear uncle John and aunt Johanne have been so extraordinarily kind and generous to us in every way imaginable. When I faced challenges making a career transition as we settled in Calgary, there was John steering the boat up ahead again, leading and coaxing me on in the right direction. When we bought a house here, there was John again, offering his practical and gracious advice, or rolling up his sleeves to help. He had a way of pointing me in the right direction and letting me take the lead. He had, I have often thought, a remarkably misplaced sense of confidence in my own abilities. And finally, on the occasions of the births of my daughters, he was pulling on the oars again, telling me, "just love them Jer... lots of hugs and kisses. That's what it's all about." I so wish that they could have the chance to know him better.

John was a man of clear and unshakable principles. Conviction, consistency and compassion were but a few of his guiding lights. To say that he did not believe in quitting would be an unprecedented understatement. My uncle John was a fighter right to the end. This is how I know, without guessing, that John's own fight with cancer was one that nobody could have won, and why we must take some small comfort in the speed of his decline and the fact that he passed on without pain and suffering.

I know that, although John was not a religious man, he was deeply fascinated with the spiritual aspects of humanity. He believed in an afterlife and I know that he would have enjoyed the peace of knowing that he would be reunited with his beloved parents, George and Daisy.

His marriage to his dear wife, Johanne, is one of the great shining examples of love and constancy I have had the honour to behold, and a beacon by which any right-minded person could orient their heart and sense of romance. Equally, there is nothing in this earth that I know of that he loved more than his two sons, Jason and Devin, and his granddaughter Kiara.

I will miss you dear uncle. I will always think of you rowing that boat up ahead of me, encouraging me on with a cheeky smile and a wink. I hope that in this dark hour, those of us who knew and loved you well can all summon the strength of your good humour and the courage to follow your example.

I send love and sincere condolences to my aunt Johanne and my cousins Jason, Devin and Kiara -- and, of course, to my dad, Ross, who I know will miss his younger brother to the end of all his days.

Jer

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Fall Fandangle...

Once again we've had busy weeks here. Grandpa Bill and Grandma Pat were here in Calgary for their annual fall visit. It was great to see them and have some fun together. As usual, the time goes by too fast and we're having to say goodbye far too soon. We also had a brief visit from Grandpa Ross and Grandma Judy en route via Calgary to Italy. We're a little jealous of their travels but live vicariously through them.

Now all have gone and the house seems too quiet for some reason. Ironic given how many children there are here. Alas, it will not be long before the spare bed is once again occupied...

The fall is a beautiful time in Calgary. It doesn't last long but the show of golden colour is quite brilliant. I often find myself reflecting on the year during this time and given its proximity to Thanksgiving allow myself to consider all the gifts that we've been given. This year our attention has been drawn this way in a sudden and sad way - we had to say farewell to John Fraser - Jeremy's Uncle. A good man who had to leave us far too soon. His passing has left us all sad; however, I am thankful for the time that we had to spend together. These were always good times. This occasion has also refocussed my attention on those around me/us. It's easy to take for granted that we'll always have tomorrow. John's passing brought me back to reality that sometimes tomorrow is too late. So let us all take some time today to say thank-you to those who make a difference in our lives; to those who we love; to let each other know that our presence in this world matters.

I have so much to be thankful for. There is an African philosophy - Ubuntu which translates to mean "I am who I am because of who we all are." I think this is so fitting, as there is no doubt in my mind that our little family is because of all the people who are in our lives. We could not be who we are without all of the amazing people that love and support us. John was amongst these people. So thank you to you because you have made a difference in my life.

Here are some photos to enjoy....