Like Father, Like Daughter

A couple of weeks ago something strange happened: Avery got a "cold" and Jordan didn't. Avery had a snotty nose & a hefty cough for 2 weeks, Jordan had nothing. So, either Jordan's immune system finally kicked into high gear, or Avery was suffering from allergies. Considering the nice spring weather, and Devon's history of asthma and allergies, off to the allergist she went.

She did a great job with the 18 scratches from the test, and seemed to fully recover after a trip to the carousel & a scoop of bubble gum ice cream ("totally, totally awesome").

Luckily the results weren't too bad, but the doctor did say that she's "on the road" to asthma, and has some very mild allergies to grass, dust mites, dogs, & cats. Avery screamed when I mentioned getting rid of the cats, but the doctor said not to get too extreme -- just get some dust mite covers for the bedding, keep the cats off the furniture, and keep some albuterol & zyrtec on hand. We've already got bottles & bottles of albuterol on hand, thanks to Devon & Jordan. . . . I guess all we need now is a pig (although I'd much rather get a dog, some sheep, and at least 2 horses, but I guess that'll have to wait until our next house).

Big Story: Can you really protect your child from allergies?
Last updated: March 2005

If you're like most people, you don't keep a pig in your house. Are you missing out? Pigs are intelligent — they can even be house-trained. And they have another redeeming feature: Kids who grow up with a pig in the house are less likely to have allergies. Their parents have to put up with more grunting and oinking but less wheezing and sneezing. . . . more

AND

Live on Farm, Avoid Allergies?
June 3, 2003

UBC assoc. prof. Helen Dimich-Ward says growing up around farm animals may protect children from allergies and asthma.

Dimich-Ward and colleague C. M. Trask surveyed 1,158 4-H Club members, aged eight to 20 and found that allergic symptoms were lower among those who lived on farms when the survey was taken or who had lived on farms.

Dimich-Ward told The Globe and Mail that it is not yet absolutely clear that endotoxins are the protective mechanism. Contact with farm animals was not the only factor in her study that appeared to have a protective effect.

[UBC Reports, Vol. 49, No. 6, In The News: Highlights of UBC Media Coverage in May 2003, Compiled by Brian Lin]

Tonapah

When my mom was a little girl she lived in Tonapah, Nevada, and had a burro named Jackson. When I was a little girl we lived on the family farm (Double "D" [Driver's Dairy] Farm) and had a burro named Tonapah*. Tonapah was a wonderful pet, but sometimes very odd. One of my strongest memories of her is her 6:00am wake-up call, every morning!

Leslie & Tonapah, circa 1982

Now Jordan seems to think she's Tonapah, but 2 minutes earlier. Every morning for the past 5 days she's woke up screaming at 5:58am -- exactly. Now, I know kids can really get comfortable in a schedule, but this is a little ridiculous. Luckily it just takes a diaper change and a burp to get her back to sleep. I'm sure it won't last. As soon as a kid is into a schedule, they're out of it and onto another. Hopefully it's one for the better.

*She was adopted from the Grand Canyon in the early 1980s, and lived with us until 2 years ago, when the Driver's sold the family farm. She then went to live with my old friend Rami's horse. She always likes to keep a horse company. Rami & I have known each other since early elementary school in Cusick.

Tragically Hip-sters

For US$28 you can spend the evening ~20 feet away with Gordon Downie & his gang The Tragically Hip at the Roseland Theater in Portland. That's what we did. Yep, still hip after all these years! That's one great thing about the US -- in Canada you'd pay hundreds to be that close to the band. My ears are still buzzing, and I'll have to wait until tomorrow to check out the camera-phone pictures & video (I've never used the camcorder on it before, so I don't even know if it'll have sound). We haven't seen them since 1999 in Los Angeles, at the Wiltern, another classic old theater. Frankly, it's way better this way, GM Place is outrageously too huge!

For those of you familiar with the Hip, there's not much else to say. If you're not familiar -- hey, get Hip with it!

A-V-E-R-Y

For the first time Avery got to the letter "R" while writing her name. Mind you, she's no penmanship teacher, but she does have the concept of "A-V-E" down. The A often looks like an "H", and the "E" often has five or six horizontal lines, but hey, ya gotta start somewhere. The important thing tonight, in my opinion, was that she made it through "R-Y" all by herself. Then, Devon & Avery worked on actually making an "R." Stick, loop, stick. And a "Y." Small "V" with a stick.

The first try, while she thought no one was watching.

The second try, with a full cheering section. I think she got a little too excited towards the end, so Devon helped her out with "R"s & "Y"s for awhile after this. She's getting the hang of it.

It's amazing the things we take for granted each day. It takes forever to build the muscles, dexterity, and brain power just to write letters, never mind learn how to read them all put together in words.

Another thing we're working on: getting dressed by herself. She can do it, but she just isn't interested. I mean, why waste time putting on clothes, with all those rules (shirt on top, only one leg in each pantleg, tags in the back, etc, etc.) when there are soooooo many other things to do in the world. Tonight I brought her pajamas to her in the playroom & told her to get them on. These are her kitty jammies that nana Noma made her for Christmas, and one look brought on a "no, not those, those jammies make me tired. I don't want to go to bed." However, since they were made by nana, they do have one thing going for them -- no tags. Small steps.

Noooooo, those jammies make me tired!

As for Jordan, she's doing very well. Avery had a "cold" for the last couple of weeks, and Jordan didn't even get a hint of it.* She's hardly coughing and barfing, her neck is getting stronger and stronger being in the wheelchair & the stander, and she can't get enough sucking. Her hands, a bottle with water, fingers, even a binky, if you're willing to sit there and hold it in. She's still not very good at it; her jaw opens too wide and even 'snaps' a bit, but hopefully we'll get some guidance with that next month at feeding clinic. Also, I think we are going to try some very soft foods over the next few weeks. It's worked for other g-tube kids -- skip the liquids and give some soft, flavorful food a try. Tonight Devon started off a little too strong, I did not recommend the cookie, and even though it seemed as though she was into it -- she wasn't! Soon it was all over the both of them. But she did seem to enjoy chewing on it.


*Consequently, Avery has an appointment with a pediatric allergist on Thursday. . . .

D-Ball (& Other Fun Stuff To Do When It's Sunny)

Oh how we love spring in this family. Anything to get out of the house & into some fresh air.

Hey, get me outta here, or I'll go crazy like my hair. Ahhhhh, the beauty of "curly" hair -- uncontrollable craziness.

Today we went to nana Noma's for part of the day to visit & help her out in the yard. Okay, it's mostly Devon helping, Avery "supervising," and Jordan & I hanging out, soakin' up the rays. Nana's already been working hard for a few weeks now -- every time there's a break in the rain, she's in the yard digging up rocks, planting things, & has even initiated the lawn mowing season. But, after she got the back mowed a couple of days ago, she couldn't get the electric starter to work on her fancy 2-year-old mower. Devon tried to troubleshoot the electric starter, but couldn't it figure out. But, if there's one thing Devon can do, it's mow a lawn! So he pulled the cord to start it, and ended up mowing nana's front lawn, then the neighbor's back yard, & when we got home, our whole yard (complete with weed whacking). I think he must have been missing his high school days of golf course maintenance.

Avery was busy "helping" nana Noma dig rocks out of her garden beds. Each spring nana Noma spends day after day digging out rocks so she can plant more things (this time: Asparagus). I tried to explain that her yard was an ancient river bed, but she's convinced they spend each winter mating. . . .
Anyway, while nana is digging, Avery likes to build worm "homes" with the rocks, then fill the "homes" with her pet worms. She names the worms for friends & family -- and today she even named one after her brand new cousin George William Milne* & one for cousin Nathan, too, who turns a great big 4 years old tomorrow. Happy Birthdays boys!!

After the hard yard work was done, Avery & nana got her yard toys washed for the season, then Devon & Avery played a little modified T-ball. D-ball is what I call it. Devon tried & tried to pitch, but Avery's gross & fine motor skills still have a ways to go. So, bravely, he held the ball in the palm of his hand for her to hit -- and nothing could have been more exciting. Granted, she's just 3 and it was a plastic bat, but I tried to hold it for her & couldn't -- I flinched every time. Way to go, daddy!

"Okay, I'm ready, gimme the pitch!"

Strike 30. . .

Hey, I think the smaller bat works better!

Home Run!Hmmmmm, I think this think shrunk over the winter. It hardly seems worth the effort, but Avery didn't mind. A slide is a slide. And she loves slides.

Washing up the other yard toys with nana Noma. She was under strict instructions not to get anyone wet with the hose, or she'd be in time out for the rest of the afternoon. It worked -- amazingly!

I think she might find that these toys shrunk over the winter, too -- especially her "house."

Taking in the rays. It's great to have Jordan join us outside so easily now. Note: it was sunny, but it was also cool, especially if you're not digging & washing & otherwise running around.

As for grandma Linda & grandpa Earl, they left early this morning headed for home! They started their winter adventure south at the end of November, and haven't been home for 4 months, so they were excited to get back. We had a great visit with them over the last couple of days, and can't wait to head north on our first mini-van trip to visit them in Hope. We hope to have a number of trips up there this summer to enjoy the wilds & beauty of British Columbia, and grandma & grandpa, too!

*Heidi's new little brother, born this morning in Seattle to Devon's cousin Crystal & her hubby Jarrod. Yeah Milnes!

Friday Night Fun

With grandma Linda & grandpa Earl around, and neighbor Jaynie's Magenta Theater company nearing the end of its run of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Devon & I sneaked out to see the penultimate show. Fantastic. The cast, costumes, set, all fantastic, oh, even the directing was great [tee hee, Jaynie ;-)]. I only wish that Avery had been a few years older so she could have appreciated it. It was one of my favorites when I was a kid, I guess because it was one that our local schools liked to produce. I think this may have been my 4th or 5th viewing, but this was by far the best. Way to go Jaynie! (Also, our audience set a new record for attendance for the Magenta Theater company -- even the audience rocked.)

Four Furry Feet

The Wood family has a new addition -- Piper, the golden retriever. She's got big paws to fill after angel Bailey, but I'm sure she'll be up to the tasks. Fishing with Ed, playing with Kate, walking with Kelly, and, if we're lucky, being Jordan's surrogate "therapy dog" every-so-often, too. Or maybe that was my surrogate "therapy dog" . . . .

Piper (March 2007)

Angel Bailey (June 2006)












[all photos by Kelly Wood]

Spring Birds

Grandma Linda & grandpa Earl are back! After a winter in sunny southern California, they've finally wandered their way back north. Avery is in heaven, and already looking forward to summer visits to "Candada." But for now, she's got a couple of days to play new games, get more hugs, and relish in the extra attention. And try out all her snappy new comments*. Oh, those older daycare girls. . . . Jordan is getting lots of snuggles, too. I'm not sure who likes to snuggle more: Jordan or grandma Linda [or any other grandparents, for that matter].

Oh Candada -- thanks for the gear, Astrid & Matt.
[Much to our surprise, she screamed out "a Candada shirt" as she ripped open the package. Guess she knows how to read "Candada" already!]

And speaking of birds, it was almost dry enough yesterday for Avery to fly away with her hair. She loved looking at the pictures of her crazy hair.

Avery's all excited to be swinging & hanging from the "monkey" swing now that she's 3 (and therefore a big girl).

Sunshine on Jordan's face. It's been nice and sunny for the last few days, but pretty cold, especially if you're not running around like a 3-year-old monkey.

Free Willy continues as a dominant theme in our lives. Imagine the excitement the other day when she found this juice bottle at a store.

Honing her lasagne skills already. Yeah!
And speaking of cooking, a very concerned Avery explained to me today that she didn't want to lose a tooth, ever. When I countered that new, big girl teeth would come in when the baby teeth fell out, she said she didn't want to be a big girl, because then she would have to cook dinners, and she doesn't like ovens because they're too hot. Gotta love the logic! Ahhhhh, snuggles for grandma Linda & Jordan, just the way it should be.

Hmmmmmm, Mojave definitely finds some of the strangest places to hang out in this house. I think he was keeping tabs on Sammy squirrel for part of the afternoon like this (yes, front paws are in the sink).

*And there are many! Devon's current favorite: "You're ruining my whole life!" Hmmmm, didn't think we'd hear that so soon. Also a new favorite, the fully defiant "What-eveh," complete with a dramatic turn in the opposite direction of where she should be going.

Busy As A Bee

[Here are some shots I got of a big, fuzzy bumble bee on our door today]

It was a busy week, as usual. The weather was nice for the last part of the week, which meant lots of swinging and playing outside for Avery, and lots of yard work for Devon. When not swinging or playing, Avery is the "supervisor" -- her duties include talking your ear off, and riding around in the wheelbarrow, [because Devon needs a little more exercise than just raking, weeding, sawing (branches from winter storms), and shoveling (gravel from the side of the house that is now on it's way to being nice, luxurious grass soon, I hope)].

Here's Avery "supervising" Emma & her friend Bri while they wash Emma's car. Every time Avery sees Emma she starts up a somewhat never-ending conversation with her -- usually yelling across the cul-de-sac from our porch. Avery thinks Emma's a pretty neat neighbor!A girl can really work up an appetite being such a diligent supervisor. She was so hungry today she decided to try to eat Devon's PB & banana sandwich (with crust), and leave the sissy flower sandwich for him. Her eyes proved bigger than her stomach, and Devon got her crust scraps in the end.

Even Jordan gets in on the action now, with her all-terrain wheelchair. Yesterday we were in the yard for so long she actually got a faint sunburn. At least she's not quite as white as a ghost now. She's really getting more and more comfortable in the wheelchair, which is nice.

Today Devon & Jordan did the grocery shopping (I'm not sure how, exactly), while Avery & I went to neighbor Sean's 6th birthday party at JJJump. I think most of the parents were more tired (& sweaty) than the kids, but we all had fun! Yesterday Sean rang the doorbell mid-afternoon and asked "I was wondering if Avery wanted me to come play in her back yard?" -- Sure, I said, head on back there, and soon Galen & Sarah came over to enjoy the fun, too. They're all different ages, but they're really learning to play well together. Yeah!

Sean, Devon, Sarah, & Galen, relaxing on the deck.

On Friday Avery went to her daycare St. Patrick's Day party. She tried to win the prize for "Most Green Worn" -- here she is posing on the way: Green shirt, pants, socks, underwear, fingernails, toenails, eyeshadow, and ponytail holders. She even got to count the green flowers on her jacket and stripes on her boots.

Not to be outdone, Devon dressed Jordan in his own concoction -- green & lavender striped shirt, green, purple, & orange checkered pants. [Note, those are actually squares, not "checkers," as Avery will correct you.]

Ahhhh, Sunday night date night. For the last couple of weeks Avery has had a slumberparty at nana Noma's on Sunday night, and Devon & I (& Jordan) head out for a nice relaxing dinner. Tonight we loaded up the new minivan, the wheelchair, and Jordan, and went for the maiden "gear" voyage (earlier today we were all in it at the same time for the first time, but no wheelchair). We went down to the Widmer Brothers brewhouse in Portland, one of our favorite spots. Good food, good beer, & no ban on kids. And there was even room for Jordan's wheelchair.

After about 1000 plate crashes from the kitchen, we couldn't take it any more and had to hold Jordan. Every time a dish clanked in the kitchen she would nearly jump out of her skin. It was like torture, and I certainly had never noticed before how frequently things crash and clank in a restaurant.

An evening stroll, to the car.

All settled in to her new throne. And the wheelchair just slides right in, no folding and a little lifting necessary. Good thing Avery likes having the whole back seat to herself.