Words from the Birds

Jacey's Fundraising is.... complete!!!

2011-12-10T12:17:00.001-08:00

Well we have officially started...and stopped fundraising! We began in August with our big family/friend garage sale and it took off from there. I never expected it to get as big as it did, or do as well as it did. I thought the bottle drive would be a lasting event until May when we left, but I think I did 5 trips of bottles...and poor Graham, Mikey and Jon did a really yucky, huge trip! (Thanks guys!)

The big family garage sale was huge, I thought we'd have a little pile and that would be it. I guessed wrong! People from church, family members, random friends and strangers all donated items and poor Jenny, Gramma and I were pricing and organizing for hours at a time. It was CRAZY!! I had contacted the newspaper thinking they would maybe do a little write up and that would create more foot traffic, little did I know, she would be on the main community page. A huge write up and pictures explaining what we were doing! It was so cool and that really made it happen. 2 nights before the sale I was organizing at Jenny's when a woman showed up with her daughter and she explained why she was interested and that they wanted to be involved. She donated $5000 on the spot to Jacey. There were many tears and hugs (poor lady didn't know I was part Hudkins and I hugged her like 5 times). That is when I knew camp would happen for Jacey and she really got the ball moving. The garage sale was a HUGE success, people stopped just to donate, they bought bread for $100 (Gramma's bread rocks but sorry Gramma, not $100 worth!! hehe), they donated their own garage sale earnings to Jacey. There was another newspaper picture with info about the garage sale. It was great. We raised alot that weekend and it was so great to see all the family support.

We were then contacted by Walmart who had seen the newspaper article and asked if they could host 2 BBQ's for us. They wanted to help Jacey, who lives in the comminuty. We did 2 BBQ's on 2 separate Fridays...even Gramma and Grampa drove out for the best hot dog they have ever tasted....I'm sure of it! We raised $1000 and then Fort Sask Walmart doubled that. Unknown to us, the store manager had contacted Walmart Canada and they decided to match the amount...again tears and hugs to the employees occured. (Excpet the manager, he did NOT look like a hugger) So a total of $4000 was made to Jacey that afternoon. The same newspaper write had come to do pictures and a large write up again...I asked if he as sick of seeing us yet!

Next was a large garage sale in Fort McMurray. A bunch of Emily (my mother in law's) old staff had asked if they could "throw something together". I thought it would be a tiny little thing. Not so. It took place in my old elementary school gym and there were over 25 tables of things. There 3 tables just for all the baking that friends and strangers did for Jacey. Over 10 companies from Fort McMurray donated items for a raffle as well as some beautiful quilts from Mom and Aunty Sylvia. M&M meat shop donated their grill and food for a BBQ to run at the same time. It was HUGE!!! There was another write up in the Fort McMurray paper about it and there was huge interest. There were even a group of construction workers outside who came and had lunch at the BBQ and at the end of their day showed up with a $200 cheque that they had done up for Jacey. It was AMAZING and hugely successful!!!

At the end of the sale while we were cleaning up, a man and woman showed up looking for us. They had read the article and run a foundation called KIDS FOREVER. They had decided to adopt Jacey for the year. They have a large dinner, dance and auction where they raise most of their money and then choose 10-12 children to adopt every year and Jacey was one of them. They gave us a $3000 cheque and again can you guess.....tears and hugs and tears. They offered to pay for her wheelchair. Although her chair will be 100% covered, they offered then to help pay for the van and adaptations we would need to make. 3 weeks later we were invited back up for the KIDS FOREVER fundraising event. My parents, Jon's parents, Jacey and all the couples who helped in the Fort Mac garage sale came. There was a delicious meal (the chef brought out an early little plate just for Jacey, she was starving) and then a silent auction, a live auction and company presentations of funds and then the family recognition. They had picures and write ups of all the kids they were adopting. (Don't worry guys I picked the cutest pic of Jacey I could find) It was an amazing night to be a part of. They presented us with our cheque and I almost passed out. They had given each family somewhere between $12,000 to $20,000. Jacey received $17,000. It was such a surreal experience.There were again many tears and hugs and we all had to speak...you know Jon, strong and silent type. So while I was bawling I had to get through some type of thank you and speech.

There are still things happening for Jacey. Retrospect Photography in Fort McMurray is donating a portion of each of her sessions to Jacey until March. Fort Sask Towing is donating a portion of every service call to Jacey until May and a friend of mine in the Fort does photography and is auctioning off a few sessions that she will donate the money to Jacey.

As I sit here typing it all down, tears stream down my face. I would have never in my wildest dreams thought that this would happen for our family. It is a tough, tough business raising kids...and it is a tough, tough business raising special kids. I know that Jacey was meant to come to our family, and this success just shows how much she is loved and supported by not just our family, but friends and communities. It is still surreal to me, I look at the fundriasing bank account and pinch myself. We are so excited for camp and for her changes that will occur. Thank you everyone for all that you have done to help get us there. Couldn't have done it without all your love and support. Thanks!!

Love The Bird Family (Jon, Alyson and Jacey)

Ability Camp for Jacey

2011-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Well it has begun....we have officially started fundraising to send Miss Jacey Bird to Ability Camp. We are so excited to start this journey together with you all! Here is a brief intro to Jacey and our family for those who don't know and also our quest to send her to camp.

Jon and I met in high school and have been together for about 9 years now. We've been married for 5 years and welcomed our little Jacey Bird almost 3 years ago. Jon works as an Accounts Payable Clerk and is going to school to finish his Accounting Degree. I interestingly enough went to school for my Special Needs Teaching Assistant Certificate, and am now staying at home to be with Jacey. She joined our family in August of 2008 and has been such a joy ever since.

A few months after she was born, Jacey was diagnosed with a rare type of Cerebral Palsy. She was born with very little white matter in her brain. Now it has been explained to me that our brain is like a computer and the white matter is like the chords directing the info to our body parts. Because Jacey has such little white matter, her body does not move as it should. She has had surgery to help her rigid and spastic muscles in her hips, strabismus surgery on her eyes to help straighten them, and 2 injections of Botox in her legs to help relax the muscles. She is such a trooper! She has the funnest little brown-red curls and the best smile ever! (Not that I am biased...okay maybe a little bit)She is also such a happy, goofy kid. Her spirit is so sweet and she is just a special little lady.

My husband and I heard about this fantastic camp in Ontario that works with individuals with Cerebral Palsy, and decided that it was something we wanted to do for Jacey. It is called Ability Camp (abilitycamp.com) and it offers very intense physical and occupational therapy. It also works on eating skills, toilet training and communication. It is amazing the work that they do. The camp is 5 weeks long and between 5-6 hours a day of therapy including the hyperbaric oxygen. The camp is awesome but is also costly. The estimated cost is $6000 for the Camp, $4000 for the Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and close to $5000 for extra costs. (Flights for 3 people, food, and vehicle rental for 5 weeks)

We have begun fundraising and will continue with: a large extended family garage sale, a bake sale, a continual bottle drive, a Bird Girl raffle and petitioning other social clubs. We hope to raise all the costs and enjoy and learn from this great experience. Although it is costly, we think Jacey is worth it!!

Any donations, support, ideas for fundraising or anything at all are appreciated. My email is ahinko@hotmail.com

This scripture is from Matthew Chapter 6, the Sermon on the Mount
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Thank you so much! Love The Bird Family (Jon, Alyson and Jacey)

These are my days....

2011-05-02T20:47:00.001-07:00

A day in the life of the Bird Girls

So the Bird girl and I have enjoyed being at home these last few years. (Not like there have really been a ton of years in our professional relationship but...) I thought I would break up our day so that you can see how we roll. My morning begins with some breakfast and a butt change, I will spare you the details.We almost always watch Harry and His Bucket of Dinosaurs and then Miss Bird turns into a dinosaur herself, which is hilarious. Then Jacey and I hang out on the big red carpet, I like to think of it as the Big Comfy Couch, but not so stupid. This is where we work out, let's not get silly here, Jacey works out not me. I enjoy a glass of chocolate milk! We do our phyios stretches and we work on our little fine motor skills and wear our special hand equipment. This goes on for a good hour or so, or until Jacey rips the hand stuff off via her pirahna mouth. We also spend time in her Pony Walker, affectionately called "Walker, Texas Ranger" or her new standing frame, which she loves. These are all fun and interesting unless Mommy is unloading the dishwasher, playing the piano, dusting, washing the floor, wiping down things or even taking a moment to pee by herself. Then all heck breaks loose and the bird girl yells and yells for me to come running and play with her still. Sheesh! So after we are done playing and working out we snuggle together on the recliner with a bottle for a mid morning snack and then hit the sack. This is one of mommy's favorite 20 minutes of the day...yup I said it 20 minutes...jealous?!? That is what a nap consists of around here. My lady drops like a sack of potatoes into her bed, squeaks once usually and is out like a light for 20 whole minutes. You can imagine my happiness as I either rush through a shower and put clothes on, or do the tidying jobs that Miss Scream a thon wouldn't let me do earlier or third option..is more embarassing. I sit on my butt and relish in the "I don't have to hold my kid 24/7 for the next 20 MINUTES" plan. Hehe The little lady makes some fun talking to herself noises and squirms for a good 5-10 minutes and I dilly dally around cause I want her to know I don't run at her beck and call (she clearly runs the show around here!). We are up and off to the races again! She loves to have fresh air hit her smack in the face, so often times we go sit on the front porch if it is nice out. We don't go on the grass much as we gag, yeah we gag alot and that leads to barf and that leads to mommy barf and so we don't go on the grass much. BUT she does love the air. Then we play, sometimes we go downstairs and see the bunny and chinchilla, sometimes we fiddle around with toys, sometimes we go bounce on mommy's bed. Jacey loves books, music and anything she can get her digits on to chew. So one of those things occurs in this time period. Lunch is next, something delicious, like leftovers or baby food or a sandwich. We are all out gourmet around here! Then you guessed it some more playing, we practice walking in our walkers again with our little leg braces on which is adorable to watch and sweaty to participate in. We also like to re-organize the DVD's, oh wait WE don't like to do that JACEY likes to do that. Sometimes we catch a Backyardigans or Toot and Puddle (mostly cause I love the potty reference name) and or Toopy and Binoo. These are our favs. Then we sit and wait for daddy to come home for supper and a tubby. Then it is off to sleep so that Mommy can tell Daddy all these details. Fun hey?!? If this is not our day, we are running like crazy women to appointments in the city which is fun too! Glad you enjoyed a day in the life....bet you wish your day was as fun. Peace out! - A

Yes, barely made the month cut off!!

2011-03-31T20:52:00.001-07:00

Soooo since I have decided to try really really really hard to blog like every 2 weeks or once a month (let's not get crazy here)...here I am, March 31st at 10:00pm....nailed it!!!

Our family has been busy since our big trip. Jacey is working out at the Glenrose every two weeks and is busy getting into another Rhymes and Storytimes with her cousin Mia. Fun to watch the ladies play together, Jacey loves her cousin and Mia loves Jasus!! hehe Her way of saying Jacey, pretty cute. Jacey also is having another surgery in June. It will be on her eyes to help straighten and strengthen the muscle as well as some Botox injections. Just to clarify the botox is for JACEY not ALYSON...although ALYSON wishes she could have some botox as well. Her stress is creating wrinkles which makes her look 100x meaner than she really is (which is only like some meaness). I digress, she is having surgery and we are ok with it. She is also loving popping up onto her knees and sitting back on them, ALL THE TIME! It is pretty radical to watch. She is pretty proud of herself.

Jon is still working, and being nice to me. (Which is a good thing) He is excited for some one on one daddy time this weekend while I am away. He will swim with the girl and cook for her...or reheat some leftovers...whatevs! I am heading out of town with my mom, sistas and some other family members to SCRAPBOOK. I am uber excited to relax, and work hard on my tiny lady's baby book. Should be fun!

Anyways, don't want to get all carried away and think because this post is semi long that I am a wicked, awesome blogger or something. I mean c'mon! =) Love ya's - A

Did y'all die of a "she finally posted" heart attack?!?...I did!

2011-02-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

These last few months have been pretty busy around here. My last post of an unmentionable date was about Jacey's birthday and surgery. Since then she has been doing really good! Update(jot note form):
- Jacey did a 16 week program weekly at the Glenrose called 1,2,3, Go! and it was an intensive physio/occupational therapy/speech and other professionals class
- She wore her little casts on her legs for 6 weeks and then they were cut to be removed only during physio and bath time and then another 3 weeks
- She has "conditionally" been accepted for GRIT school program this fall which works 5 days a week for 3 1/2 hours a day out of our home 1:1 with an assistant. WAHOO!!
- We have some new equipment to help her little hips continue to heal and hold off her next surgery
- We have had more genetic testing done and it has been back and forth, but for the time being looks non-genetic (we are totally not making more little people till we know)
- Jacey had her first haircut, it was a bit sad but really made the curls pop back up again
- Christmas was great with both families and the Bird Girl was spoiled as per usual
- Jon's dad recovered well from his open heart surgery and has had no more problems and his mom has gotten a full time job (exciting but sad to not get to see her on our weekly visits in the day)
- My dad has had some medical stuff go on, but is healing like a trooper and my mom has been working away at her doula certification
- My sibs are same old same old...except Jenny got pregnant again..what a fertile myrtle the turtle. hehe We are beyond excited about it!!
- February our family along with my sister Jenny and her hubby Graham and their little woman Mia all went down to Florida for a vacay. It rocked!! The girls were rock stars with the 8 hour days and we hit up some great Disney parks and spent some $$ outlet shopping and really relaxed for some time off! It was greatly needed after the year we had.
- Jon got a new job working in the city for a Property Managers company which he is loving and he gets to have lunch with his dad every day which is special.

So that about sums it up, we are continually in the city for appointments but feel crazy blessed that we get to be so close to all the resources we need for out little lady. We have had some yucky go on this year but the positive is outweighing it ten fold. Now lets cross our fingers and hope that I will post weekly...monthly from now on! =) Love- The Birds

The Bird Girl's Surgery

2010-08-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I think I will be doing the writing and updating for a bit, I am your new host of a little game I like to call How is Jacey doing? Well not so much a game but she is definitely testing the limit of how long she can go without sleeping...Well as most of you know Jacey had surgery this week to correct her eyes and hips. Yes 2 in 1 surgery, we talked to the surgeons and they said that the surgery went very well. And as of noon yesterday Jacey has been in a room at the Stollery Hospital recovering from those surgeries. She is doing really well and still is finding time to play drop the soother and drop anything that is in front of me onto the floor game. A favorite of mommy and daddy....nope just kidding not fun at all. She is doing really well though, the only thing is she is having a hard time sleeping. That is why Mommy and Daddy are resting now and have time to update the blog. Her biggest problem is her lack of movement she has a big cast on her legs and they are seperated by a broomstick I have included a picture of this as it is pretty cool and she definitely got some wild colours haha.

Well that is the update so far we would like to thanks everyone for there thoughts and prayers during this time and for everyone who has sent messages, we really do appreciate it and love you all.

Also in a final note today is Jacey Bird's birthday Happy 2nd Birthday to a sweet special girl and even though it is no fun to have a birthday in the hospital I think straight eyes and straight legs are a not bad present...well maybe some toys would be better but we are unconventional parents like that haha.

Take Care,

Jon, Alyson and a recovering Jacey

Our Special Lady!

2010-04-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, this post has been one that I have slowly, and with a bit of trepidation been waiting to write. Over a month ago, almost 2 months ago now, we have had some big developments with Jacey. She has been diagnosed with a rare type of Cerebral Palsy. The white organic brain disease is the specific name for it but classified as CP. This does not diminish in any way our little lady's fiestyness, or want to do things, she just is not able to do them the way other kids can or as soon as other kids can. We don't really know what the future holds for our tiny girl. We love Jacey like crazy people and I hope that we do the best that we can for her. However, there is always the little tremor of fear, dread, remorse, grief and guilt that takes hold of a small piece of your mind. I always have questions about the future running through my mind: will she walk, will she speak and understand, will she date/marry/have kids and will she ever really understand how much we love her and want the best for her. I don't in any way want this to be a sob session but using this as a bit of my journal, I want to express the things I worry and think about. For people who know me, I am a pretty laid back person with a fairly upbeat personality. This is something that I work daily to continue, I don't want to be the crybaby mom or the my life is so hard mom or the down in the dumps all the time mom. So I am sorry if you catch me on an off day and I complain or I spew a few tears. This is all fairly new for our family and we are working through all the appointments, paperwork and questions from other people. So bear with us and don't worry that my pants and shirt don't match!! =) hehe

On a more positive note, Jacey is doing amazing. She is doing Physio and Occupational Therapy every 2 weeks. We now have a special walker in our home for her to work with, and little tiny leg braces (AFO's) that she wears everyday for a few hours. We also have a special chair that goes into her high chair and her stroller to help control her body movement and a tubby chair...WAHOO for her to be able to play in the tubby longer than 5 mins without mom breaking her back cause the girl is getting chunky! =) Jacey is so happy and pleasant all the time and we are incredibly grateful for her disposition cause it makes all the yucky stuff that much easier. We are grateful for the gospel knowledge we have of perfected bodies and our family being together forever. It is just a new time in our lives that we are getting used to. And also for the record...all the people constantly asking about more babies...As I told my sis...When I wake up each day and DON'T want to poke myself in the eye...then there will be another little person coming along! We'll keep you posted, until then it is all the Bird Girl! - Alyson

Best Vacay Ever!!

2010-03-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Soooo Jen, Les and I with babies scooted up to the Mac this past week for a lil visit with our fam. It was nice, got to spend time with the parents and a few friends and just relax a bit. However, there were 2 fantastic memorable moments that occured whilst here.

1. The first one began with some innocent clothes shopping with Les, Mom, Jacey and Kingston. Leslie had gone to put the babies in the car while we finished paying when she suddenly ran, wheeling Jacey back in exclaiming, "WE have a big problem!" Ummm the "big" problem was that Kingston had been strapped in, the car doors locked, and then closed. Sooo the tiny tyke was in there with no adult supervision. hehe We tried a few times to get him to push the lock button but he just smiled at us and continued sitting nicely. So Leslie ran to an auto place which told her to run to this security place, which brought a gent over to unlock the doors for us. Poor Leslie was more freaked out than Kingston who really did just sit so nicely! Saved...by the random key guy.

2. Leslie and I were on our way outta town when we had a Fuji Sushi craving, you all know what I am talking about. The restaurant didn't open for another 10 mins or so and so we decided that we would let the little peeps run around the Plaza II mall. Kingston made me ride the escalators over and over and Leslie carried Jacey football style around the mall. When it was time to go, we hit up the elevator with another mom and her 2 kids. Ummm, it stopped! The elevator got stuck between the two floors. So Leslie called the emergency number while I stopped Kingston from putting his fingers in the two mouths of the random stranger kids and not let Jacey touch the shady/dirty floor/wall/ceiling. They told us 1/2 an hour and they would be there. 1/2 AN HOUR!! There are tiny people in here. Within about 10 minutes or so we could hear people and figured we couldn't be very far from the floor and so Les and I sumo powered the door open. There was a security guard standing on the outside and we were about a foot above the floor. We all crawled through, said sayonara to the mall and enjoyed our sushi!!

NO JOKE, these two stories happened within 2 days of each other. I might just write a book about my life now.

Am I a bad mom for not posting Christmas???

2010-02-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

What the...what did I do wrong?!?

Jumping Jumping Jacey- Girl

Chocolate Face

Merry Christmas from us to you...or else just from me!

I love my big girl carseat

We are busy busy in the Bird house. Jon is still working away and I still am hanging with the little miss around the house. She is getting so big and hilarious! Her huge toothy grins are to die for. She is a ridiculously pleasant girl who is a real mommy suck! Jacey is working hard on her physio and we are still waiting bloodwork and genetic testing results. She is just so much fun!! We had a blast at Christmas time visiting with all the family. We did both families this year which worked our perfect. We hosted dinner for the Hinko's at my house, which I was sick in bed for almost all of it the whole time...Horrible Hosting Skills!! Jon's fam stayed overnight during Christmas and we opened presents and did a big dinner out here as well, this one I was not sick for! Jacey loves her new big girl carseat and the rest of her toys are slowly being discovered. I'll post another one of Jon's and my sneak away to LA trip soon. So I have decided I ain't bad, but severely delayed. These will be a few of my fav pics depicting the past few weeks of no blogging... Enjoy!

P52

2009-11-22T20:49:00.001-08:00

30/52- Snuggling with a pumpkin

29/52- Fanty & Mia, Amy & BFF Ember, Mommy & Jacey

28/52- Our SHOCKED expression...quite well known

27/52- Family Picture Night...looking good!

26/52- Swinging in the Mac

25/52- Smooching at Gramma's

24/52- Bird Girl and Mommy with her piggytails

23/52-Swimming with the cousins and aunties

22/52- In the new house with Jasper

21/52- Bird Girl's Birthday Party

20/52- Mommy and Bird Girl day before B-day!

Whaaaaat? 3 months?

2009-11-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Cutest gent I know

Loving her grins

My little piggie =)

Twins

The dragon met the chicken and didn't fire her

The cousins hanging out

Jacey being goofy

Trying to see her piggytail

In her wintergear

With her eye patch

So months earlier I vowed that I would be a good blogger. I'd read up on others, comment once in a while and keep my own updated. I've turned into a lurker, non-commenting unupdated blogger and for that I am truly sorry!! Here is the low down of what's gone on in the last couple months:

-moved into the new house...love it...pics soon, once I stop woosing out and hammer up some pics (don't want to put holes in the wall...lame I know)

-Dad had 50th b-day and us kids and mom surprised him with a trip to Calgary to take little people to the zoo...well received by him

-Mom and Dad had their 30th anniversary

-Jon, Jacey and I travelled to Newfoundland to visit the fam and be with his Nan while she underwent open heart surgery. She is doing awesome! Jacey travelled like a pro and totally wooed everyone in her path, what a kid!

-Went to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge to visit friends and Jacey learned to pet a puppy on her own (tears and a video ensued) =)

-I'm pregnant...just kidding

-Jacey is getting bigger and busier. Another physio session has been added monthly WAHOO and she has been approved from the government for disability funding. Bittersweet but more sweet than bitter!! She smiles all the time and is so goofy.

-Jacey said "Mama" at her physio appt the other day...she was crying cause she was hating on it but that still counts right? I wrote it in her journal anyways, so it counts now hehe

-Jon is still plugging away at work and looking into finishing his last few classes next year

-We decided to take a trip to New York next fall...started to save (with no Jacey..duh duh duh)

- Kingston turned one and had a Halloween theme party, he is too fun!

-Amelia is starting to grin and coo and grabs for things...she is such a tiny sweetheart

That is about it! Whewph! We are busy still getting settled and still enjoying Jacey. She really is such a fun addition to our lives. The bird girl keeps us on our toes daily, all the big toothy grins are so rewarding and fun. Life is good, busy but good! Some pics to keep your entertained!!

Happy 1st Bird-Day!!!

2009-09-08T09:27:00.001-07:00

The morning after...rough night! hehe

Nooooo, I don't wanna go to bed....more CAKE!!!

Yep, It's delicious...you were right!

Digging right in

The Bird Cake that mommy made

Bird-day Party for me today!!!

Sitting and waiting, waiting, waiting....

Playing with my new rings Gramma bought me....

Daddy and his Bird-day girl

WHAT, I get presents at this thing....I'm there!!!

So this girl had her 1st Birthday a couple weeks ago! We affectionately called it her 1st Bird-Day...the Bird Girl had no idea but the adults thought it was funny. It was a real nice little shindig at our new house. We got posession that day and decided that with only the table and chairs we would still host her party. We ordered pizza and wings, I made a Bird Cake and we did gifts and paper everything!!! It was ALL class. I think it went well and Jacey seemed to enjoy it (although honestly how would you know??) hehe She got some great gifts from people and enjoyed noshing on her Bird Cake. All in all a success.....now to start the next year planning!

The HELLarious incident

2009-08-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

My P.O'd kid, ripping into her bib, well at least she ain't ripping into me

Flying Baby

Just hanging around guys, how bout you?

Oh can I tell your fortune my pretty?

I am completely shocked that not only one...but TWO clips fit in my hair!

Well now that I've struck down the P52 pics and the new house news and pics...I am feeling as though there is more to be said. I am busily trying to overcome a Gisdusting cold whilst my child has taken it on as well...Jon is sure to follow soon...stay posted. Besides this yuck, I am thinking about packing...oh no I'm not doing any packing but strongly thinking about it. Also some new shots of my stinkin kid. She is almost a year old now and getting big, not huge, but big! As I sit here listening to the background sounds of a fake Golf Tournament courtesy of Jon, I am trying to recall a HELLarious incident that occured the other day to share. Beyond funny, laugh till I cried, almost pee in my pants a teeny bit funny. Here it comes: Jon and I were heading into Kingsway Garden Mall, lets call it KGM for short when we happened upon a gentleman and his little kid. Now when I say little I mean like 4 years old. The dad was leaning down telling the kid something, and this kid was absolutely unimpressed with whatever his dad was saying...when what to our wondering eyes should appear....but a split second pants pull down and a little pee. The dad seriously yanked his kids pants down, and let him pee, on the sidewalk, in clear view of all passerby's. I tried desperately to avert my eyes and Jon just grabbed me and pulled. The dad realizing that this is NOT a men's bathroom at this point tried to turn his kid into the wall (seriously? at this point, seriously) so as not to offend every single person walking back. Umm I was killing myself laughing, on the inside. Or at least on the inside until we got through the doors and then I burst out laughing! THAT JUST HAPPENED!!! On a more awesome note, we saw that same dad and kid in HMV not 10 minutes later, and the little guy was putting his mitts all over everything....awesome. Anyways wanted to share. Enjoy Jacey. I'll post a 1 year tribute to the little gaffer for her birthday!

P52

2009-08-14T08:32:00.001-07:00

19/52- New house

18/52- Mmmm sharing a deliciously soggy fry..er..yum

17/52- Mommy and Jacey on the Seattle Ferry

16/52- Fam pic at cousin's wedding

15/52- Mommy and Jacey at the library

14/52- Family Pic for my Mom's 50th

NEW HOUSE NEW HOUSE NEW HOUSE

2009-08-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

IF you could not tell....we're getting a NEW HOUSE! Jon and I are extremely excited about it. We move in next Friday which also happens to be Jacey's 1st birthday. Kinda special! The place is in Fort Saskatchewan, in the new Sienna district. It is a 2009 Duplex, 1300 square feet with an unfinished basement and garage. I am kinda excited to throw my designing ideas into it. I have found some awesome things and hope they aren't too eclectic. Jon says as long as he can do whatever he wants to his "Man Cave" he doesn't care to much about any other rooms....Heh heh heh (evil laugh) Anyways it should be fun, exciting, new and bank breaking hehe Follow us along on our housing adventure! - Alyson

Mom's 50th Scrapbook- The Saga

2009-07-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Honorable Mentions!!!

And the winner is......

Yeesh, ever try really hard to do something special for the parental units and your dang kids make it a gongshow?? Umm welcome to the life of the Hinko girls.... We are making a scrapbook for our mom's 50th birthday and wanted to get nice family pics and a little love note in there. Also thought that it would be funny to have a shot of the grandkids with a little love note. You would have thought that we were torturing them. First off Jacey refused to do anything but scowl, Kingston wanted to tear the note and then poke everyones eyes out and Amelia just layed there. (Granted she is 3 weeks old, but c'mon, move it or lose it already) ehehehe This was a fun time actually and here is the winner...so far!

Project 52...some more

2009-07-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

13/52- Mommy and Jacey having
a mouth open contest...she won

12/52- Mommy dumping the Bird Girl,
Bird Girl did not appreciate

11/52- Mommy and Jacey having a lil' face
cuddle. Not 10 seconds later did she try to bite
my nose...awesome vampiro

10/52- Cuddling the new neice while Jacey
desperately tried to ignore her jealousy

Project 52 cont'd

2009-06-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

9/52- TUB TIME!!

8/52- Mommy and Jacey standing tall
and playing at Jungle Jim's

7/52- Mommy and Jacey face cuddling

6/52- Stollery Hospital stay, what a trooper!!

Some more pics...

2009-04-30T17:32:00.001-07:00

Jacey laughing it up with Fanty Jenny

Jacey in the walker...not quite sure...

Jacey yelling at me...with love!

Cool swimming face!

Her new thing of holding her suckie while sleeping

If any ones knows how to post more than 5....SAVE ME cause I have no clue!!

Project 52

2009-04-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

I love how the darkness of the flash
camo's me in a swim suit...phewph! (5/52)

Just sharing some fist at West Ed (4/52)

Jacey and I at the farm...FUN! (3/52)

Traveling and then some!

2009-04-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a pleasure?

Auntie Manda and Jacey

Daddy and Jacey swimming it up

Daddy and Jacey after quadding

Bird Girl with her Easter hat

Well it has been a little while since being on here for sure! We (Jacey and I) have been back up to the Mac for a week hanging out with my brother while my parents went to Niagra Falls. It was a fun week getting to know my lil brother better, although I am beat and ready for a trade off with Jon. The Bird Girl is busy!!! Jacey is getting bigger and changing every day, has starting grinning alot more and even cut her first tooth. We named it Hercules!

We also got her MRI results back yesterday. Her doc told us that she has low white brain matter. Some areas are very thin while there are spots where it is absent altogether. This means that her brain sends the messages but b/c there is no white matter to transport it, her body isn't receiving. He said that this is probably what caused her to stop breathing when she went into the hospital and why it took so long for her eyes to focus, why she took so long to smile and why her arms don't reach or hold anything yet. This also affects her emotions, which I think is the hardest for me. It means she could be a totally different baby when things hopefully develop. We are waiting to hear from a few docs for appts. She needs to see a neurologist, opthamologist, hearing specialist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and Jon and I need to go do some genetic tests. Once we have done these perhaps they can narrow it down to genetic or metabolic, like a pre/post birth injury of some kind. This is huge news for us and were kinda just going along with it and taking it all in. Luckily it isn't some debilitating disease or something she will deteriorate from so that is good news. We will just keep plugging along with it!

Now that my yucky news is done, we can enjoy some more pics of my cute kid!! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, we DEFINITELY appreciate them.

Project 52...for real now!

2009-04-10T10:47:00.001-07:00

Hmm, couldn't get this to turn. Soccer game
P52(2)

Jacey on the floor, cutting one!

Cool dude, watching daddy play street hockey

Les and I with our "sipper straws"

Les and I with our little people P52(1)

Well since I lied last post about putting on my pics of the girl and I, this is the time for repentance in the form of real posting!! Soooo a little bit of info update is in order here. Jacey went for her MRI on Tuesday morning and did great! We got there and they put her hand cream to numb on and she woke up but was so pleasant. They then did the assessment and the anaestesiologist came and told me he prefered to do the IV without parents b/c it seems that they need a nurse for the parent and then a nurse for the kid...I can totally see that cause I was terrified. So they took her and did it and when they called me back in to take her she was just up and looking around. No crabbing or upsetting or anything! What a brave, big girl I have. Although with all her crazy stuff anyways, she is pretty used to it. Also in big news, Jacey was supposed to do mom and tot swimming with me on Thursday. Ummm, everything was going well and we walked out to start our lesson when the lifeguard told us to grab the floaties for the kids and to get ready to EXCERCISE!!! What... I definitely signed up for a mom and tot swim lesson, but the problem was that they hadn't updated their time change on the internet so I signed up for the time frame which changed to an excercise class. Seriously?!?...seriously?!? hehe So I stayed and worked out and semi-enjoyed it and then asked after what the deal was, no refund b/c 2 classes have passed already...looks like I might get fit hehe Aw well besides the awesomeness that is in our fam there ain't much else to tell. Jon is still plugging away at work and enjoying the weather more as Graham and him go out to do some road hockey more now! Besides these going on's, were still good!

52 Project and then some!

2009-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Jacey and Daddy

Jacey wondering...why this family?

Still wondering...

Jacey and the Oil Kings game

Jacey with BFF Ember just visiting

Hey all, this is the beginning of our 52 project. There is a photographer friend who is doing this 52 project which encourages mom's to do photos once a week for 52 weeks(year) with their kids. This will document that YES, mom is there and the change in our little person. I am kinda excited to do it!!! Besides this there were a few more shots of the kid I thought I should put up and also blog, which I haven't done for a couple weeks.

We are pretty much same old same old. Jon is working away and I am still just hanging out. Although the last month has been hectic what with cross province visiting. We hung out with our fam in the Mac and then also with friends in Lethbridge and the Hat. Other big developments with the lady are that she has FINALLY moved out of our bedroom into her big girl crib and is doing awesome with it!! She has been having amazing nights...as have I. We have an MRI appt as well for the 7th of April and are waiting for that. Jacey is a popularly, busy kid what with swimming lessons and books for babies starting and her schedule is just busy!! (Sadly, her time is more in demand than mine) Alas, I have enjoyed her eating her big girl food more so that I can have time to go out and do things by myself more often, see a movie without wigging out that she is starving and whoever is watching her wants to give her away. All in all though the girl is fun and we sure love her lots!!! Just realized that our 52 project isn't on here, missed it, will add both next week!

Wow, I am a lazy blogger!

2009-03-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

The lady with her new headband...
Thanks Gramma!

With her "Chic" look, a little P.O'd

Loves cuddling with Gramma

Daddy's little accountant helper

I remember thinking that when I decided to start my blog I was gonna be diligent, I was gonna be on this all the time and adding...lets not kid ourselves anymore. I am truly a slacker!!

Anyways things with the Bird's are good. We are busy with traveling again, have been to the Mac and also heading to Lethbridge soon. Cannot wait to visit with family and friends. Jon is still busy with work and enjoying it, I am enjoying the money aspect of it and also when he gets home to relieve me of my crazy messy mommy duties.

Jacey is just growing, growing and changing. We went in on Friday for an MRI, however since she had a cold the week before, the Doc's wanted to wait to do it. Her breathing is good now but they were concerned with her history of Apnea and didn't want to chance it when she is still congested somewhat. Sooo waiting again it seems!!! She is definitely developing though, her eyesight is better even though sometimes she gets a wonky eye. Also her limbs are slowly loosening up enough to manipulate a bit. She is still not grabbing for things or holding anything but now that she is looser hopefully that will come. She is just a very pleasant little girl, very relaxed and ready to cuddle always. She is starting this new thing of spitting on people, it is hilarious! She purses her lips and just lets loose this little spray, it is too funny! She taught Kingston her trick this past week.

But that is all that is going on with us now, hopefully it warms up more so we can go out for walks more often, we have tried her sled and its not her fav but she doesn't scream so it is positive in my mind hehe

Faces galore!

2009-02-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, look at Grampa Hinko's baby blues

WHOA, what is that!

Jumpin, jumpin away from daddy

What a little ginger she is, holy redhead

Squirmy worm

So things with the Bird clan are just moving along. Jon is busy with a new job with a scaffolding company doing the payroll. Seems to enjoy it and well let's face it, I enjoy the paycheck that comes along with it. I am still just puttering around the house. Loving spending time with our lady. This girl is a goof-ball! She is definitely developing her personality and her likes and dislikes. Jacey has the best facial expressions lately and is all about the goofy noises and jumping on laps. We have put up her merry muscles and jolly jumper and she is getting into the hang of them...get it...the hang of them!! hehe She is still enjoying her cereal, she has tried her rice and oatmeal kind now and this week we will introduce some veggies...yummy slash blech! Anyways here are a few of her silly mugs for y'all!

Solids...or a sloppy solidish mess

2009-01-27T16:58:00.001-08:00

A few hesitant bites, then SLURP

The thinking of like or dislike

The surprise of deliciousness

Announcing that Jacey Bird has had her first bite of pablum! We made some rice cereal (really runny) and she ate the crap outta it. She just stared at the bowl and spoon and slurped a handful of bites up. Too funny to watch and listen to. Here are a few shots of her experience...

Seattle Sillyness

2009-01-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

Ferry ride from Kingston (weird) to Edmonds

Hating the starfish

Touching the ocean

Bow baby

Waiting at the airport

Well this month has flown by! I look at my last posting date and feel a little guilty actually. We have been busy as Jacey and I flew to Seattle along with my mom, two sisters and nephew. It was a really enjoyable trip and alot transpired while we were there. Sadly, Jenny's mother in law passed away the night we arrived and Jenny left right away. Ann will be sadly missed, she was a sweet lady and incredibly kind. We were sad to see Jen leave but knew she needed to be with her husband. On a happier note, the rest of us enjoyed our stay as did our fam we visited...I hope!! The babies had alot of firsts on this trip: such as first hotel(Kingston), flight(Kingston), ferry ride(both), swimming(both) and more! It was a fun trip. Lots of post baby clothes shopping and the outlet buying was redonkulous!!! Coming home was a little sad but we missed our men, so it was still ok! =) Here are some shots...

Big Developments

2009-01-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas p.j's and bib...cute!

I love scooting and tummy time...not!

Almost smiling but NOT

I see you...what's going on?!

Christmas outfit

Well Happy New Year all!! New year and all that comes with it. We are glad to be home finally after a few weeks of traveling for the holidays. I headed up early to the Mac to accompany my mom's Christmas concert for her school so that was fun and interesting because both Jacey and I had wicked colds. Yucky traveling with that! Jon joined us a few days after his exams were done. We enjoyed Christmas with Jon's family this year and then with mine after. It was so nice to get together and spend this special time. I cannot believe the loot that Jacey made out with, perhaps a limit next year?!? Although next year will be a gongshow as Jenny's little person will have joined us by then and there will be 3 munchkins for Christmas...YIKES but fun! New years was not very eventful, Jon and I were able to scrounge up gramma to babysit and head out for a dinner date. Some new big developments in our little ladies life...rolling over!! Jacey has begun the process of rolling over, her business ir all about it. She first did it at Nanny & Poppy Bird's house over the holidays and can be depended upon to do it when put on her belly for tummy time quite often now, also doing ridiculous leans from her back to tummy but no roll yet...still waiting! Awesome to watch the development, still waiting for the consistant smiles. She definitely makes you earn them! Love her tons, here are a few pic updates. Bird Crew

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2008-12-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Just thinking about her chins

3 month mark

Wrangling and riding Tula

Daddy sweetening the sour lady up

Bored in the bumbo

Hello all, thought I would get on here quick before heading up to the Mac for Christmas. Hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the season. Jacey and I are pretty sick with colds, she has such a sad little cough. Makes for interesting nurses, travelling and breathing most importantly!! Anyways just a few funny pics and a little note. Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year too!!

Community Bathtub

2008-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Jacey tubbing it up

Kingston

Community Tub

Jacey and Kingston during chocolate dipping. Taking a little bath break, and looking like they loved it!!!! Too cute, we did this as kids, with our siblings and cousins...until it got weird hehe

Chocolate Dipping

2008-12-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

Finished & Boxed

Chocolate Fever

Leslie is Hot!

Gramma central

Betty Crocker, Aunt Jemima & Martha Stewart

Jenny decided this year that she wants to start a tradition...chocolate dipping! It was good, we made some fondent two weeks ago and did the dipping this weekend. Gramma started melting chocolate at 7 and we started dipping at 9:30am and finished around 10:00pm. It was a crazy long day and we were just pooped by the end! We made close to 1500 chocolates, what a gongshow. Cherry, Orange, Lemon, Vanilla, Strawberry, Peppermint patties, Choco-mint, Coconut, Cherry-Almond, Almond, Caramel, Butterscotch, Brazil nuts, Almonds and Pecans. Lots of chocolates to deliver and nosh on. Gramma Hudkins, G-mama Hinko, Mom, Jen, Les, Grampa, Kingston and Jacey all were there. The little people did some sleeping, eating, community tubbing and just sitting, it went really well with them. Grampa was our gopher... go for this, go for that, what a dear!! It was just a fun day.

Sleeping Beauties!!

2008-12-01T17:12:00.001-08:00

My two favorite sleepers. Gotta love em!!

Jacey NOT smiling

2008-11-27T08:02:00.000-08:00

Sitting with Fanty

Bird Lips in Tub

Just Looking

Who me?!?

I hate my bib!

Well were still in the development stage of the smiling, it is getting closer though. Right on the cusp of it! The girl's closest times are on her change table, naked and excited. Her legs and arms just get going and her mouth is soooo close. Alas, no smile. We have been trying tickling and making ridiculous noises and then just yelling...kidding we don't yell at her...much! =) She has started drooling up a storm and I fear her teething days are coming. She has started to wear bibs which she isn't fond of but puts up with. Also her tummy time is much better, she doesn't just lay her head down and complain anymore, alot more interactive with you! She is still on her tummy medicine which has made such an improvement for one more month, yucky, but helpful. So the Bird crew is still alive and functioning which is good. Christmas is coming, my favorite time and we are getting excited to see Jacey not open gifts or even really give a crap about it for the first time!!! Hehe Although I'm sure it will still be a gongshow!

Babies R Us Fiasco's

2008-11-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

The sisters

The babies

My little sis and her man Kingston came down to visit a few days ago and we thought it would be fun to do a sister/baby day! Well it is fun, but crazy trying to get little people around, took 5 hours to go to like 3 places...Geez! We started in Babies R Us and it quickly turned into a feeding frenzy..literally. I had to change and nurse Jacey and then Leslie ended up changing and nursing Kingston...and Jenny sat on the sink and visited with us. hehe We were in the Parents Lounge for like an hour goofing around and performing professional mommy duties of course, but mostly goofing around. My mom would not have been proud!! Finally another lady knocked on the door to use it and we figured we should peace out before we got kicked out! Super fun though. We proceeded to go to to a chocolate store for the chocolate to dip this weekend, and a restaurant and then the mall. The babies totally swapped turns yelling in the car and getting fiesty. At the restaurant there was almost a brawl over the kids. Some crazy drunkard people behind us were a bit tipsy and some guy came in and left the door open so there was a draft. Well the guy behind us started yelling at him and the lady called him an unkind word and the poor guy had no idea what he had even done. Needless to say we finished our meal and peaced outta there too! SHEESH! Anyways it was a pretty fun day all in all! The sisters time was hilarious, as it always is!

Home 5 weeks out of 12...anyone else see anything wrong with that?

2008-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Gramma Hinko and the gangsta

Pumpkin hat disaster...Best Mom Award!

Too big winter hat...but warm

Mommy and Jacey out walking

Daddy and Winnie

Well we have definitely been busy in the last little bit. Bird fam was home for a few days before heading back up to the Mac to introduce Uncle Jon to Kingston. It is always nice to go home and visit with the families, but so nice to return and sleep in your own bed. The poor little lady is all over the place, but what a trooper. She is beginning to not hate her carseat, I think, only a few complaining sessions. Being up there and seeing Leslie with her little man is so much fun, and so exciting to think that Jenny and Graham will get to do it soon as well. Our family is truly blessed!

We received our pics from Caylee Secretan of Caylee Secretan Photography...little shout out there and we love them! They turned out so amazing, I love the job she did on them. What a neat experience to do and the memories that you get to keep. Another little countdown, Jon only has 5 weeks of school left...WAHOO! Then he will be almost done, a few night courses next semester, but done full time school! YEAH YEAH YEAH!!! I am soo pumped for him. I have been doing not tons, but thinking of things that I need to do. Like scrapbooking and journaling and also doing her thank you's and birth announcements...YIKES! Procrastination much. Ah well they are only little once and I love spending this time with her and all the cuddles, what a cuddly kid! But gotta get running, getting ready for another 2 day trip to the Mac. Jon's mom is having day surgery and I am the enforcer of bed rest and the chauffeur so a bit more trucking around and then a veg out till Christmas hopefully!!!!

Happy Halloween & Stuff

2008-11-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween, hate this!!

BFF Ember wearing our matching pumpkin hats!

Head up high checking stuff out

Kingston & I, wow I am a beast!!

Grampa Hinko avoiding the bombardment of boobies

Well the last few days have been busy for sure! My sister Leslie had her baby on the 28th. A little man, Kingston Mikel, 7 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long, he is adorable with a ton of hair!! My other sister Jenny, Jacey and I drove up Wednesday to meet him and then came home on Friday. That night we did the hadning out of candy which has sure changed. Some kids didn't dress up and others did not say Trick or Treat or anything, I had to actually ask kids to say it!! Unbelievable, times sure have changed, little monsters! Jacey was Tigger for Halloween and was too cute, however hated her costume more than life, the girl took a few pics and that was it. Saturday was busy as well, we threw Graham a surprise 29th birthday party, I would guess that there were probably 60 people here and they did a huge street hockey game outside and tons of food inside. It was super fun! Jon and I are alone for the next week, no Jen & Graham, no puppies, no Jacey...just kidding she's here still. Where would she go?! I cannot believe how big she is getting. The changes in her are phenominal and crazy, it happens so quick. We've been back and forth to see our parents and every time we go they tell us how different she is. I have been waiting impatiently for her to smile, she is sooo close. The closest thing I get is her dang bird lips! I talk away to her and she sticks em out, but no smile. "Put your darn bird lips away and smile for mommy already!" hehe oh well what can you do?! Besides that things aren't much different with us. Jon is still trucking away at school and I am still lounging around with a baby. The next few months should be interesting to watch and see the interactions with the lady so we'll keep ya posted.

Sooo long in posting!

2008-10-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well now that it has truly been over a month in blogging. There is a bit to update. Firstly still waiting on the arrival of Leslie and Mike's little man...hopefully soon poor Les! Jacey is anxiously awaiting her cousin's arrival. Also Jenny and Graham have found out that they are expecting naturally as well, three babies in ten months. AWESOME!!! Also Graham has gotten a great job down here in the Fort and so he will be down here within the month. Jen is pumped!! It is an exciting time in the Hinko family for sure.

Jacey is sure growing and changing. Her hair is lightening to an auburn red/brown I wonder what it will be. Her eyes are still pretty blue although I am noticing some days that they are a bit greeny so we will see. She is getting so much bigger and stronger. I put her in her sling and all she does is brace her arms on my chest to sit back and look around. She is starting to outgrow her newborn and 1 month outfits now. So she is still small and people always comment about how teeny she is for her 2 months age. What can you do, she eats like a monster!! It is interesting to just watch her develop and see the bits of her personality flare. She is a woman who knows what she wants and how she wants it done. She does not like to sit and lay, not content with that at all. She wants to be held and cuddled often...and truly who wouldn't want to cuddle her often? She is a very aware lady, likes to look around and be facing the action. My mom says that the apple definitely doesn't fall far from the tree. Hehe that might be the only similarity between her and I, cause she looks exactly like her dad.

Jon is busy with school and doing well. He cannot wait to be finished this Christmas and begin his career. I on the other hand am loving not having a career this year and getting to spend that time with my girl and also tons of time with my family. Pretty special especially with all the changes going on!

We just got home from visiting Newfoundland. Jon's family loved Jacey! Everyone was all about her, wanting to hold and cuddle her. Poor girl was all over the place, everytime she woke up she was somewhere new and someone new was holding her. But she did fantastic, slept through our flights and was not a crab with everyone. Only thing was her sleeping on Alberta time schedule still...ugh! Jon and I were pooped after this. It was a tiring trip but so much fun. We were in St. John's and around the bay for 6 days and then flew to Toronto for 2 days. We saw the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, shopped and Jon was able to see a Toronto-Ottawa game. The next day we rented a car and drove out to Niagra Falls. So much fun! They were beautiful and just awesome. Toured a bit and then flew home! Phewph glad to be home, haven't been for about 3 weeks. Anyways hopefully things have settled more and I will post more.

Cousin Playdates

2008-09-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sooo, Jacey and her cousin Kingston will be about 10 weeks apart in age once he is born. They already have had some hang out sessions though. A few weeks ago Leslie was down and laying on the floor and had Jacey laying across her bump sleeping. After a few minutes Kingston started to kick her in the head. Jacey's head kept going up and down and she had this smile on her face when he did it. Too cute! I sure wonder if they are still connected from heaven some how. Then this last weekend while Les was down again she was holding Jacey so that her bum was on the bump. Kingston started to kick her in the butt, and Jacey had this huge grin and little chuckle in her sleep. Soo funny, it was just hilarious. They must be passing secrests still back and forth. Jacey probably is telling Kingston what a gongshow this family is and to head for the hills! Anyways though, I cannot get this pic to turn good so hopefully you can sideways see it hehe Love: The Bird's Nest

Jacey got blessed!

2008-09-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Here we are again, yesterday Jacey was blessed! Both of our families came down and my grandparents and great aunt all came. What a great experience for us all to have together. Really special! My mom made her blessing gown out of my gramma's, mom's and sisters wedding dress material, it was truly beautiful. Jacey wore her dad's old christening bonnet and did not appreciate it at all! hehe My Grandpa Hudkins gave her the blessing and it was beautiful. The funny thing though was that at the start a baby was really fussing and it turned into screaming and I was kinda like, "Really? Take your kid out please." Turns out it was my kid screaming into the microphone. Yup, letting it all out! Poor grandpa and the bishop pric, he kept moving her around and their hands all followed. Kinda funny to watch! The one councillor was jiggling her suckey into her mouth and the other one kept looking at her face to make sure she was breathing and ok. I was slightly embarassed. When she came back down she stopped and burped the hugest burp, so I was grateful that was after and not into the mic hehe Nice though that everyone was there. Poor girl hate the pics after ward also, all of them have her face red, and mouth open in a great scream. Ah well, always will remember it for sure now~

Baby Shower

2008-09-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well this last weekend was a joint

baby shower for Leslie and myself. It was thrown by my other sister Jenny. She did awesome! It was a nursery rhyme theme. Sooo cute! Refreshments were centered around rhymes and also the games and things, fun. I will let you figure out the rhymes for some of the food: Pumpkin Pie, Deviled Eggs, Bread and Butter. I cannot believe how many people came and the amount of gifts, it was crazy. We sure appreciated everyone. Jacey was perfect, I filled her up double before everyone got there and the lady slept through the whole passing around session hehe She wasn't even that crabby during the evening. The gramma's also arrived yesterday and today. So funny, it has only been about 3 weeks and they are both all over her. I feared they would not let anyone else hold her during the shower. They did awesome at restraining themselves. (Although I think that they let her go because they know I am heading up to the Mac with her for a week to visit!!) hehe It was just super fun and we were grateful for those who hosted and helped and those who came and gave gifts!

Oops!

2008-09-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

I realized that the pics of the last post cut off some words. I will have to try to fix somehow...YIKES!

Jacey is 1 Month Old!

2008-09-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, I cannot believe that it has been this quick already! I feel like we just got out of the hospital with her, but then I remember all the nights and know its been a month. hehe I sure do love the girl. I cannot begin to imagine not having her. Jacey makes Jon's life and mine just that much more special and fun. It is unreal the things that you learn about yourself, your spouse and your marriage. I have learned that I am stronger than I thought I was, also that I can function on alot less sleep than I ever thought! I have learned that I married a pretty incredible guy. He takes care of me and her to such a degree that I cannot imagine not having him. I have learned how much Jon and I care for each other and how strong and solid our marriage is. These little revelations are what it is truly about. Jacey is starting to settle her nights down somewhat, I can expect to go to bed anywhere between 11 and 1. Also that almost every 4 hours is her wake up time, unless she wants her suckey or to be rotated hehe She likes to cuddle with mommy and daddy sometimes in their bed which is a rarety but sometimes when I feel zombie-like I do break down and let her in. I just pray that when we wake up, she ain't a pancake!!! Anyways, a few more posts to make so I will hurry it along. We are just really grateful for our life! Love J,A, and the lady

Date Night...woot woot!

2008-09-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been a whole bunch of busy nothing. I am feeling like I don't get much done in a day. I have an idea of what I wanna do...but then all of a sudden it is supper time and my pj's are still hanging out...on my body! I am sure enjoying spending time with Jacey at home though. She is such a super sweet baby. I love watching her little smiles in her sleep, her bright eyes watching me and listening to her coo's and cries. It just warms my heart how much I love her!

I should also mention how much I love my husband. He is such a great man! I feel like even though I look like a sloth when he gets home from school, he comes and I can see the love he has for me and our new daughter. What a supportive guy he is. I could not have asked for a better man to share my life with. The getting up with her in the AM or even changing her in the PM to let me catch a few extra z's. What a sweetheart! (Almost wrote sweatheart..Whewph)

On Monday I was pretty pumped to go shopping with Jen. Since being home, I can wear my old size clothes...YEAH ME... but don't have alot anymore and so we went and got a chunk of goods for me. I was pumped for a new dress I bought and conjured up a date nite for Jon and I. Recruiting Jenny to babysit for us. YIKES, the first babysit. However, who can you trust if not your own fam? Jenny did great with her, even giving her a bottle which the chunker sucked back no prob. Jon and I dressed up nice and went for dinner and some ice cream. It was sure nice!

I just feel so blessed to have our little family. Today Jacey's cord fell off! I was so excited cause seriously...nast...but it was kind of sad too. I almost cried a bit, that was the last connection physically that her and I had. It made her not a newborn anymore...so sad! It feels like she is growing so quick already...too quick! I just love her lots. Well now that I have gushed and gooed everyone out, this is the end. Hope you enjoy the new pics. Peace out!

Been busy!

2008-09-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Finally, finally, finally have some time to blog! We have had some scary things going on. On Sunday the 23rd Jacey was admitted back into the Grey Nuns hospital. The day before and throughtout the day she was stopping breathing and turning purple/blue. SCARY!!! We took her into the hospital and waited for hours in emerg and were finally admitted into the Peds unit. Jacey was in there for about a 1/2 hour. During that time she had about 5 of these episodes and they called down a doctor and nurse from the NICU. They unplugged her from the monitors and ran her up to the ICN where they began working on her immediately. It was horrifying and scary. I had to call Jon to come back to the hospital and hurry because she was seizing and having to be given oxygen and resucitated. My mom, dad, gramma and grampa arrived with Jon, and only Jon and I were allowed in right away. They had to start an IV with antibiotics to treat for infections and take blood and give her a nose tube to clean out her stomach. Jon and I jsut stood back and cried, prayed and watched all this happening to our new little girl! It was a really hard night. Finally once they felt she was stable, my dad came in to see her (his very first time). We were all pretty emotional! When asking the nurse if we should call Jon's parents to come back down, she said yes. If that does not have terrible thoughts going through your head I don't know what would! Grampa Hudkins was able to give her a blessing with the family present and it was just such a comfort. The nurse we had was fantastic, so caring and although she was off took the time to come and explain everything to the family and comfort Jon and I. Around 2:30 in the morning Jon and I left to sleep at gramma's and grampa's for a few hours before hurrying back for 8:30. The next day she was much more alert and more herself which was such a relief. All through the week we were back and forth between the hospital, home and gramma and grampa's house. It was soo tiring! Jacey improved sooo much throughout the week. On the Thursday she was sent to the Royal Alex to do a sleep survey where they diagnosed her with Periodic Apnea. This means that her brain was not telling her lungs to breathe properly causing her episodes. The doctor we had was amazing, kept calling her the little mystery patient. She is on a treatment of Caffiene, once a day for a month and this will help her to outgrow with no side effects the apnea. She was back to her old self, bossy and wanting to be in charge. One of the nurses in the ICN even nicknamed her "The Boss". hehe Love it. We are soooo happy to have our lady back home with us. What a scary experience! I am grateful for the knowledge of the gospel that we have and the endless support of our family and friends. You sure know who to turn to in crazy situations....your moms!!!! =) Now that the worst is over we have some new pics to pop up of her a little Jacey show if you will.

She has arrived

2008-08-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well hello folks,

For all of you who guessed August 21st at 5:15am you were correct, that is when little Jacey Emilie Bird was born. Her middle name is pronounced like "Amelia". Weighing in at 7.2 pounds and measures 19 3/4 inches long. We just arrived home today after spending all yesterday and some time this morning at the hospital. So far little Jacey has shown us that her lungs are working very well. But she is doing great and so is mom. Alyson had a natural birth, no drugs what a strong woman I married, the nurse even asked if she had any German blood in her because she had a very stoic and determined birth. Alyson and I have adjusted to the no sleep routine, I must say the 5 hours that I got the night after was the best 5 hours I have ever had haha. Alyson had a few quotable moments in the hospital including "Holy Crap!" and "Holy Mother!" all in the Grey Nuns hospitals, geez they must of thought she was very spiritual haha. Also highlights include Alyson asking a nurse before she started pushing "So if you had to guess, how long do you think this will take?" Apparently Alyson had better things to do haha. The Grandmothers were both present for the birth as they took off in the Amazing Gramma race early in the morning when Alyson had mentioned the first contraction. Well it has been an interesting day and a half and Jacey is doing great and I think has started to pose for the pictures. But she is a very strong little girl. Well we are off to be parents, but thought that I would get my first blog in here and let everyone know what is going on.

Have a good one,

Jon and Alyson and now Jacey Bird.

Frustrated!

2008-08-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

So this countdown is the official countdown of how long our order for a dresser has been sitting with Babies R Us: 2 months, 12 days, 3 hours and 16 mins. I pretty much want to egg em! I am pretty frustrated right now. We ordered a matching dresser/change table to the crib in June and have gotten the complete run around on the "lost" order, the "re"order and the delivery. I have spoken with over 3 managers and a call centre supervisor and also Purolator, who had not received the pick up order until today, when it should have been early last week. I feel like a normal on the hormones pregnant lady, but today I just about snap cased! Purolator told me that they would pick it up in Calgary today between 9-4 and that if there was enough room on the truck it would go out tonite or tomorrow morning and arrive in Edmonton. Then they would need to arrange with us a drop off. GUH!

Now that I have gotten my rant out of the way, onto other things. Jenny and I went hardcore yesterday on organizing the kid's clothes. Oh My Heck! The girl will be dressed for years to come if she intends to wear it all. Jen got to pull out her label maker (which she was pumped about) and we set them up by size and moved it all downstairs to the baby's room. Jon was home from work and organized the garage which although isn't a big baby deal, was really irking me. Must be those nesting habits going on! I feel like it is getting down to the crunch now, under 2 weeks left. Could be any time, which really would be awesome right about now...or at least once her dang dresser is here!

Look out!

2008-08-07T13:47:00.001-07:00

Who said that Jon was the only one to know how to work computers? Look out! I have decided that Jon and I are going to become all about the blogging...or at least I am. Jon told me to go hard, tons of support hehe Since it is getting close to my due date and I don't do much besides eat, sleep and bathroom breaks, I thought I would try to set up a blog for our new little family so that all of our family and friends can see what is going on.

Only new things so far are waiting for Helicopter to make her appearance. Jen and Graham have pretty much finished the basement and Jon and I have slowly made our way downstairs. Jen is all about setting the baby room up while excited as I am, have let her take the reigns here. Our family's own little Martha Stewart! Les and Mike are getting ready to make the move to the Mac to live with my parents and Mikel is still the teenager that he is. Also Mom and Dad Hinko and Bird are getting ready for baby as well b/c both the moms call pretty much all the time to "check" up on things.

In other new today, Jon is just about done work for the summer, a few weeks left and then a week off to spend with Helicopter before school starts in the fall. He has one more semester to knock out before he will have his degree in Accounting. My little bean counter! I will still be home minding the kidlet and I'd say being the best housewife ever but lets be realistic... I also think that we will begin to look for a place to buy in January around Edmonton somewhere, we'll keep ya posted!

That's about all folks, wrapping up the first post...man I hope it works or my bragging about outsmarting Jon will really not look so hot! =) Take care