Hip Dysplasia

What is hip dysplasia?:

http://www.hip-baby.org/index.html

http://hipkidsaustralia.org/b_rc.php (about the rhino brace)

> Sophie is in a rhino brace

Sophie's birthday photos ...

Opening gifts ...

Enjoying my birthday toys!

More birthday cake!

Partying hard into the night!

Enjoying cuddles with the boys ... I'm ready for bed!

Sophie's 1!

Our little girl turned one today! I can't believe that a year has gone by already! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE! You've been such a blessing to us this year and we're so very proud of you!

Our gift to her was the Ball Blaster (as seen in the photo below - we were naughty and opened it earlier!). Here are just a few snap shots of her reading her cards and a book that was given to her from a friend.

Seeing we celebrated lots of birthdays last week with the Tanner family - tonight we will just have a quiet celebration and go out for dinner ($10 steak night at the local ;) to celebrate!

Regarding her hip dysplacia and appointment today with the Orthopaedic Surgeon .... we had good news and bad news! The good news is is that her hip has improved dramatically - in fact he said he's amazed how quickly it has improved and the hip socket/ball has mended well in the last 4 months since she's been wearing the brace, and the hip is almost placed properly. It was great seeing the 8 month x-rays and the 12 month x-rays to see the huge difference & improvement.

The bad news - she still has to continue wearing the brace for the same 20 hours per day each day until her next appointment. At least she's getting better - so that's good. Her next appointment is in 3 months at the end of November. God willing then - we will get the news we're longing to hear. Please continue to keep her in your prayers! He said he wouldn't be surprised that when he sees us next she'll be up and walking even with the brace! She's such a little trooper.

One more sleep!

Could today be the last day of Sophie wearing the brace after 4 months? We look forward with anticipation to her checkup with Orthopaedic Surgeon tomorrow. Of course being that it's also her birthday tomorrow - the birthday present of no brace would be the best ever! She's been such an amazing girl with the brace and has adapted to everyday life as any other kid! Hopefully once the brace is off her legs will start to gain some strength in them and she'll be on the road to pulling herself up and walking around furniture etc. like all the other kids are doing at her age now! Sophie you're a champ! We love you dearly.....

Kobe's 6th Birthday Party

Here are a few snap shots of Kobe's birthday party.

1. Donut game

2. Zane & Kobe eating pizza

3. Shaylee & Kobe

We had a lot of fun and because of the wonderful weather (19!) we were able to enjoy the party outside.

The kids had lots of fun - especially Kobe!

The Celebrations begin ...

Last night we started the celebrating ... the last week of August and the 1st week of September (within a week) we are celebrating 4 birthdays. Sophie's (1); Adam's (23); Grandma (79) & Kobe's (6). And of course Father's day thrown in there as well! We had a lovely time last night - out for dinner than back to Grandma's to enjoy the cake and start the festivities!

He got the scooter! Kobe's wish came true and he got a scooter from Grandma! Also some transformers from Grandma & Grandad (+ Night at the Museum DVD and Cars PJs) and a Transformer from Aunty Ruth & Uncle Renzo.

Sophie seemed more impressed with the wrapping paper! But she got an Elmo, LP Bus and a Harrod's bear from Grandmas and Grandad & Aunts and Uncles.

Sophie's 1st & Kobe's 6th Birthday cake!

Tonight the cakes have been completed for Kobe & Sophie's combined birthday celebration with the Tanner family this Thursday night! Sophie's is the little echidna and Kobe's is the big echidna! We've started a tradition with Kobe where he gets to choose a cake from the Women's Weekly birthday cake books each year & Sophie will do the same in years to come. Susan holds huge memories of doing the same as she was growing up and wanted to carry on the tradition to her children! For Kobe's 1st he had the #1; 2nd a train with carriages; 3rd a Shark - Bruce (Finding Nemo); 4th a Giraffe & 5th it had to be a bought one due to the birth of Sophie! We have such great fun making them.

Out of the mouth of bubs ...

This week Sophie attempted to explore more in the english language. Two new words were added to her vocabulary on Wednesday - they being: BYE BYE (with hand actions) and BUTTERFLY! You can imagine our awe as she mouthed the babble of butterfly again repeating it for others at Gary's family's Thursday night dinners. At Sophie's change table and on the walls of her room are butterflies which she has continued to point to for several months now - each time we repeat butterfly! Now Sophie says butterfly - a proud moment to share.

Countdown!

It seems at the moment that the Tanner household is on countdown .... countdown to Sophie's birthday, the day her brace comes off, Kobe's birthday party, Kobe's birthday, Father's Day, other family birthdays and of course our much awaited holiday! All of them exciting events which we are looking forward to with anticipation!

Well we've decided to do a birthday party for Kobe - the cake's been picked, the invitations sent out and the day approaching. Seeing that Kobe and Sophie's birthdays are only 6 days apart - we've decided on an echidna cake from the WW birthday cake book to share between them with family and for Kobe's party 21 cup cakes made into the shape of a 6 thanks to our local bakery! I figure 2 cakes in 2 days will do my head in :)

The summer clothes have come out of the closet in hopes of sunshine in a couple of weeks time on our holidays. All of us are so over this cold, wet winter ... today as gloomy as ever only asking for 13 degrees! Our heater I'm sure has been running 24/7 for 3 months now!!

To think this time last year we were pacing the tiles wondering when this new bundle of joy would arrive. Many false alarms and could this be it ... only to be induced on the 28th August! It's hard to believe that a year has passed ... way too quickly.

We hope that you've had a wonderful week and that you too are counting down to something exciting happening in your life! Thanks for taking the time to come onto our blog site.

Drawing of Kobe

Emma, from my mum's chat site has just drawn a picture of Kobe from the photo of his profile.

It's brillant don't you think?! Emma, you're a champ! If you are interested in Emma drawing a sketch for you, please contact her on: emma_witten@yahoo.com.au for further information.

Recent photos - July/August 2007

This is Sophie enjoying the remains of the chocolate cake! Licking the beaters is the best bit - 31.7.07!

Bathtime with Daddy - 1.8.07

Sophie enjoying a little chuckle - July '07

On the Merry-go-round in the City - July '07

Sophie is on the move and in the process destroying everything in reach!!! July '07 (almost 11 months)

Susan

Susan has enjoyed staying at home with the children this year having taken maternity leave from the Casey Arc Cafe (Goodlife). She's only recently returned to work for a few hours each week. It's great to be back in the real world and have interaction with "big people". She has loved watching Sophie grow and change and be a part of her everyday life experiences and also Kobe who has grown up so much since starting school. Her day consists of drop offs and picks up from school - joining the dreaded "mad mothers" brigade! On the days that she doesn't have to work - she then spends her day working through the routine of a 1 year old and maintaining the house! When Sophie goes down for her nap she loves hopping on the computer to spend time chatting with other mums, playing on Facebook and catching up on emails. The weather has played havoc to us taking big walks this winter which has been sadly missed, but we're looking forward to spring and summer and getting outdoors.

Gary

Gary has had a great year at his new job with Munn's Parks & Gardens (http://www.munnsparksandgardens.com.au). After 13 years at his previous Employer it was a bit of a risk changing jobs, but he's loved the change - especially the variety and working outdoors. He's still enjoying his bicycle riding having recently stayed up to watch the Tour de France. Even riding a section of it on his trainer in the living room through the French mountains. He's decided not to take part in Around the Bay in a Day this year having done it the last 2 years. He loves spending time with his children. Kobe and him have recently gone to see the movie "The Simpsons" with a glowing review. I think they like "Transformers" better. Sophie is the apple of his eye and is chuffed that she says dad-dad. He's looking forward to our holiday next month.

Sophie - 28/8/06

Sophie is now 1! She has just started moving about - scooting around on her bottom. She's the proud owner of 8 teeth. She loves pointing and listening to you say the words of what the object is. She adores her brother dearly and is so amused by his antics. For ages mummy and daddy tried to amuse her without any reaction, whereas Kobe can do exactly the same thing and she'll giggle her head off. She's started babbling away - her favourite word still being dad-dad. I think she's forgotten how to say mum-mum (last said at 7.5mths!). She calls Kobe and our dog Ally ... AH! And when she sees our dog she goes - woof, woof. She's been in a rhino brace for her hip displaysia since she was 8 months old.

Kobe - 3/9/01

I love this photo of Kobe and his expression (taken July '07). Kobe is going great at school - now in his 3rd Term. He's made some great friends - Zane & Shaylee. His interests have changed from trains and he's now more interested in playing with cars. He enjoys getting out with all the neighbours and riding their bikes in the court. He loves to draw and make up special games to play with mummy and daddy. It's great seeing his imagination at large. He's a fantastic brother to Sophie and is very thoughtful and mindful of her, although now she's on the move he's asked a few times if he can go play in his room and close the door!!! Our little boy is growing up fast and is now 6 years old!

Family Photo

This photo was taken at Christmas 2006.

We'll have to get a more recent shot of us as both Sophie and Kobe have grown so much since Christmas.