Yep, we're still here!

Happy 2010!!
Where did 2009 go? I think I was so busy running round like a headless chook that I missed it. Upon reflection much has happened to us, the Carroll family, over the last year. The biggest thing would be the addition of our fourth child, Lucas William Carroll born on 19th August weighing in at a healthy 3.65kg. Here he is...and yes, he's another stunner!

Some more news...

Like all our children, Lucas is a joy to behold. I will admit we were more than a little apprehensive about adding another to our brood, simply because we are tired and over-streached as is (yes, he was a big surprise). However, he is a much wanted and adored little bub and brings us all such happiness. He's a very easy going little chap who adores his brothers, smiling and laughing raucously at them as they blast past him, for they pay no attention to their 'chubba-brother' and find him rather boring (or smelly, as Samuel keeps telling me!). He does crave our attention at times and tells us so if we leave him too long without loving, playful contact. I wish you could all get to have a squishy cuddle with him because he really is the most gorgeous little dough ball who whoops with delight at being held.

So we have three walking boys in our clan now...Jacob is walking in a walking frame! Not all the time but he can do it, knows he can do it and can go at an amazingly fast speed when chasing his brothers around the house or in the back yard. He's so much happier to go in it than when it was first introduced to him several months ago - as Grandpa can attest. It was a battle to get him using it but we simply needed to find the right walker for him which his fantastic physio did. He can push to stand from sitting on a chair with a bench/table in front of him and can stand at a waist high table unaided for quite a length of time now. (In case you're not aware, bearing weight on your legs in kids 2yrs and over is incredibly important otherwise the hips can get out of alignment which would then require an operation). He also loves to ride on various push along bikes we have in the garden. His hearing and talking is coming on leaps and bounds. I had no idea that when he was given cochlear implants that we would need to teach him to hear as well as talk and it's been a huge learning curve for us all but we all so appreciate the sounds around us much more these days...and I try to remind myself of this when I have four screaming kids going at the same time! Jacob is able to communicate to us what he wants very well these days and manages to get a loud voice at times (particularly when asking for cake and ice-cream!). His CP does effect his speech and breathing so it is hard for him to talk at times but with practice he will get better and better.

Samuel needs absolutely no practice at talking! At home he is a beautiful little chatterbox who has a wild imagination and tells us fantastically creative stories every day. At the moment 'magic land' features regularly where it seems you can get up to all sorts of mischief! At pre-school (where Samuel & Jacob have been attending two days per week for just over a year), he is a thoughtful, quiet, sensitive little boy who has very much hidden behind his twin brother's out-going and confident personality. Who'd have thought this is how our identical twin boys would have developed? It's certainly surprised me. It does seem though that Samuel has grown a little more in confidence with this new school year and we have enrolled him in a third day on his own to help increase his confidence and the possible anxiety that he is currently showing. He overwhelms me with his intelligence and his teachers are blown-away by what he comes out with when he does actually talk. He is so old for his years...has he forgotten that he's only just turned 4years old?!!! Watch this space for the next PM of Australia!

Alex...oh, Alex...exactly where do I begin, I say with a big grin on my face, for that is how I think about my darling curly-haired, blue-eyed beauty. Our lives changed once Alex was on the move...walking at 10months (and the blogging, amongst numerous other things, stopped). From that moment on he had two speeds - fast and go-faster. He's been a bundle of energy...a jumping, running, climbing, adventure and danger/thrill-seeking mischevious...well, for want of a better word...bugger! (Oh, and how the aussies love the word bugger!). However, alongside this very active and physical dynamo of a kid has been a behavioural issue that's been creeping in. Hitting, biting, nipping, screaming with his brothers (amongst other things), instigated by Alex but totally unprovoked. At it's peak (and the peak has gone on for several months!) 'baby Lucas' came into the fray and so we thought it simply the challenge of a new addition to our infant brood. Time has passed, along with copious amounts of toddler training books having been read, parenting courses attended, family clinics frequented, GP's brains picked and extensive internet trawling, all in the hope of improving our parenting skills which Bren and I (particularly me, being the primary carer) viewed as being at fault. The 'halleluja moment' came in December when I was sitting with one of Jacob's carers at his pre-school. She suggested that Alex's behaviour might be a sensory issue. That was it! The beginning of the biggest change you could possibly imagine. I read and researched everything I could on sensory processing and found that Alex fit the bill for a sensory processing disorder (SPD), being hypo-sensitive. Christmas was the biggest celebration for us as a family in more ways than one. Not only had we found what was troubling Alex but Samuel seemed to fit the category of having a hyper-sensitive SPD. This made so much sense to us and it meant we could seek help, research and educate ourselves in order to help our children.

So where are we up to? Well, if you read up on SPD you'll find that it's occupational therapists who diagnose this disorder. Alex has been seen by three; Samuel by one. Both boys have the disorders as we thought, Alex at more of a severe level. Now we're in the throes of setting-up regular appointments with OT's, speech pathologists (Alex's speech isn't clear for his age, even though I can understand him!) and also paediatricians. What has also come to light in the last ten days is that we need to get Alex assessed for autism (?and other behavioural disorders) as there is a large cross-over with SPD's and autism and he has been showing a few autistic symptoms. We are extremely lucky to have him booked in with two leading Australian behavioural-paed's in the coming months. Our pre-school OT also explained a common link of gluten and autistic tendancies. In brief, we have put Alex on a gluten-free diet (as a family we are 80% gluten-free and hope to be 100% in the coming weeks) and the improvement in his behaviour within 5 days has been astounding. Alex is calmer, more communicative, much less hyper, talking more and so much clearer and he wants cuddles again!!!...surely this is coincidence? Supposedly not, as you can have a dramatic behavioural change this quickly, particularly if the child has a high gluten-intolerance. Hmmm....that's possibly why Alex has always been so bloated at the end of each day and we just thought it was because he was/is a chubba! So watch this space for more news.

and as for Bren and I?...exhausted, wrinkly, grey-haired, stressed-out worried parents...and loving it - and perhaps we drink a bit too much wine at times - BUT there will be NO MORE CHILDREN!!!!!! We love 'em all to bits but enough is enough and we've shut-up-shop!! Goodness knows how lucky we are to have the four we have.

So, I've finished my third glass of red, it's late and lots needs to be prepared for the morrow. I leave you with a promise that I will update this blog when I can.

Love to all and here's a pic of our boys at their best -

Merry Christmas!

Where has the second part of this year gone?! I can't quite believe it was July the last time I posted...I also can't believe I didn't manage to get any Christmas cards posted this year - so sorry everyone!
Thought it was therefore important to give a quick update to let you know how we're all getting on.
The boys are all doing great:Bren and I are well, if not tired most of the time but that's what you get with raising 3 young kids.
Jacob began a new therapy centre in July where he has a new physio and a new hearing therapist. They are both amazing and we cannot get over the improvement Jacob has made during the last few months. He's now ready to begin walking in a walking frame which all the doctors told us wouldn't happen! His physio truly believes that some day Jacob will walk totally unaided. He is also beginning to speak and understands so much of what we say to him. His cochlear's are a very powerful tool for him as not only can he hear everything with them on but he can also take them off when he doesn't want to hear anything (particularly if he's getting told off!). He's a clever little fella, just like his brother, Samuel. I often have to remind myself that Samuel is only the older brother by 2minutes as his maturity really astounds me at times. He's a rather serious little boy who never wants to leave my side but certainly enjoys having a laugh and joke around. He loves his cuddles and I can't keep up with how much reading he likes to do.
Alex is really something else...I just don't know where to begin!! He is a bundle of energy who is the biggest mischief maker you could possibly meet. I thought I had it easy with S&J but this little guy has me running rings round myself. He's into and onto everything and I have to keep an eye on him ALL the time otherwise there's trouble. If only I could get him to stop eating the sand out the sandpit and everything else he can find in the garden!
All the boys are adorable and Bren and I love spending every minute with them and sharing these good times.
They're still too young to know what Christmas is all about this year but they certainly like opening presents so they're gonna have a lot of fun tomorrow.
Right, I'd best get back to watching over them (Alex is having a nap!).
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2009. You are in our thoughts and hearts and we miss all our family and friends greatly.
Have fun!
xx

Art and Craft

Yes, been braving art and craft INDOORS with S&J lately. Made our own playdoh, nice bright green. Any bits that were dropped on the floor had to be picked up quickly so cheeky chops Alex didn't get it. S&J both adore painting and we've used various objects to paint with other than hands and paint brushes...vegetables feature regularly and painting on bubble-wrap is fun for them too.

Can't wait for the warmer months when we can really get messy and be outdoors so there is much less clearing up to do!

And just HOW alike are they?!

OK, so I'm talking about the first photo! Bren and I both got a shock at just how alike S&J when we saw this photo we took of them the other night after bath and hair-wash. To us, they don't like that identical but I know my folks often tell me how alike they think the boys are when I email them photos. They must study them in great detail cos they've said even their ear-lobes look the same! I just think this photo of them is beautiful, particularly with Jacob's arms round Samuel. I tell you, it's not often we get them both to stay still long enough to get a photo...and of them both together.

and of course I couldn't not put one on of this cheeky monkey! He really does make me laugh and I'm sure you can see why. Oh and that's J on the potty in the background...

I feel like I've been in hibernation over the last 6-8 weeks. Here is a very quick update on the boys...
We keep asking ourselves where our little baby has gone as Alex is so grown up now. He's starting to walk and is managing to take 4 or 5steps on his own. He's been crawling for months, which is very different from Samuel who didn't start moving until he was about 14months. Alex is very adventurous and is into everything! He seems to have no fear and has a go at trying to do everything Samuel is. We had them at the local park the other day and he very much enjoyed going down the slide with me sitting him at the top of it and letting him do the sliding and then catching him at the bottom. All the boys are very affectionate and Alex certainly likes his cuddles. He also loves being chased, particularly when I'm in the middle of changing his nappy and he manages to escape!! He loves his food, isn't a fussy eater at all which you can probably see for yourselves. He's a little chubba but I know the weight will drop off him once he's running round and chasing his brothers.
Jacob never ceases to amaze us; he is doing incredible things. He's independently mobile these days as he gets around by shuffling on his bottom. He is trying to find a way of getting up and down one or two steps on his own and his balance is getting so good that he can now sit unaided on a little chair all on his own. He has recently been fitted with ankle-foot orthotics which hold his ankles and feet in a position allowing him to bear weight properly when sitting and standing. The difference these have made is unbelievable and Jacob is now wanting walk and is showing us he certainly has the potential to do so but it will take time. He already has a standing frame which we put him in a couple of times daily (to help him strengthen his whole body muscles) and his physio is now looking at helping us choose a walking frame for him so he can begin practising his walking. I know he will be very happy when he gets one as it will help him more and more to interact with his brothers and friends. We know and see that Jacob is totally unaffected mentally with the cerebral palsy and he is a very clever little boy. He loves reading, doing puzzles and is now beginning to talk as his hearing is so good these days. All in all, we're very excited about how Jacob is doing and love seeing him so happy.
I just can't seem to keep up with Samuel these days! He is incredibly intelligent, a very fast learner and such a mischief maker. He too is very affectionate and is always asking for a cuddle from his mummy – or course I'm making the most of this as I know in a few years time he won't be wanting cuddles! His talking and vocabulary is exceptional and people are always commenting what a good speaker he is. He adores reading books and now likes to read stories to himself. We always make sure the boys have stories read to them before they go to bed though. Samuel is not as much of an adventurer as Alex but certainly likes trying things out and loves going to the park and playing on all the equipment there. He's becoming more independent and leaving my side more often which is great to see as he was quite clingy for a while. He loves his brother Jacob and most of the time looks out for him. He's not as keen on Alex(!) but they do have some beautiful sharing, interactive moments these days.
I am getting glimpses of what it's going to be like as the boys grow older as the three of them love a good wrestle!! These days I always seem to be pulling one off the other so it's never a dull moment in the Carroll household.
Oh, and Brendan and I...well, we're just fine and dandy!!

Happy Birthday Alex

Yes, our youngest turned one today!!

I was going to say, 'our little man' but there's no way Alexander is little. He's a gorgeous chubby, cuddly boy who we reckon is going to be very tall cos he has absolutely massive feet!!!!!

Anyway, we have had a great day today and his brothers loved playing with all his birthday presents...luckily Alex liked the boxes they came in.

Hats!

Need I say more? The boys, particularly Samuel, love wearing hats so here is a selection for you to view...

So much news:so little time

Seems to be the story of our lives at the moment...just not enough time to get anything done! Can't believe it's been a month since my last post.

So what's been happening...well, the boys have pretty much been ill with colds, ear infections and asthma continually for over a month. Looks like the asthma is a family trait as it's taken hold of Alex too (so much for us just putting it down to S&J being premmy). We've had a couple of trips to hospital to get them checked all out but luckily they haven't been kept in. S&J are now on asthma preventer medication for the rest of winter. Hopefully it won't take long to get into their systems cos we all need a good nights sleep! Can't tell you the last time we had one night where all three kids slept through...Bren and I look like we've aged another ten years!

We finally got round to moving Alex out of our bedroom and in with S&J. All three are now in the bigger back bedroom where it's quieter and a little warmer. A&S have woken each other up a couple of times but J sleeps like a log; being deaf can have it's bonuses at times!

Took J to Randwick Children's Hospital last week to a CP clinic there. J had casts done for making his AFO's and will hopefully go for his first fitting in 4 weeks time. AFO's are basically open fronted ankle boots which you wear for standing or any feet weight-bearing. It should make such a difference to J cos he can't stand properly without them. He also had a hip x-ray as his hips are prone to dislocation due to the type of CP he has. Luckily at this young age hip dislocation isn't painful but you don't know if it's happened without an x-ray...I didn't get round to asking what happens if they are dislocated. He will need 6-monthly x-rays to monitor his hips. The CP Dr. said he can see J is doing well but the prognosis is that J won't walk and will be wheel-chair bound. You know, they have to give you the worst case scenario and this came as no shock to both Bren and I. Quite honestly, I believe that if Jacob wants to walk he will. I'm not saying that he'll be able to walk totally unaided (might need a walking frame) but he's such a patient and determined little boy that he will achieve anything he wants to. So if walking is a big deal to him then he'll do it. He has and will continue to set his own goals and only time will tell just what those additional goals might be. I look forward to seeing him reach his full potential; he's already made us so proud.

A&S have been attending the local occaisonal care on days when I need to take J to appt.'s that benefit one-on-one time with me. S has begun to settle in well and the centre now take him for upto 4 hours at a time. A continues to get upset throughout his stays and I have to remind myself that he's still only a baby (has just turned 10months). Have had all the boys weighed and measured during the last week. A is only 0.5kg lighter than J; S is about 2kg heavier than J. A is 77cm long, J is 90cm and S is 96cm. A's statistics are off the chart and have been for a while, J is average and S is slightly above average. Do I ever worry about A being such a big boy for his age?...have you seen his mum and dad?!!!! :-)

I'd best go and see what the boys are upto. They were watching Sesame Street on morning TV but there seems to be a bit of fighting going on...yep, we're now at the stage of mauling each other and wanting to play with everyone elses toys...at least they're all hitting those developmental milestone!!