Changes

This may be the biggest shocker of the year......we moved again!!  This should be the last time that we move for hopefully many years.  John and I bought a house in Oakdale (on the eastern side of St. Paul) and have put our nomadic lifestyle to an end.  Here is a recount of all the places we have been in our eight almost nine years of marraige.  1.  Brooklyn Park  2. Uzbekistan (Peace Corps) 3.  Minneapolis (only a short stay)  4.  New Brighton  5.  Minneapolis  6.  Maplewood  7.  Lauderdale (second floor apt)  8.  Lauderdale (down to first floor apt)  9.  Roseville  10.  Lauderdale (back to student housing)  11.  Oakdale!! 
The kids are loving the new house and Adina will be in Kindergarten!  There are many kids in the neighboorhood and we feel blessed to have found a wonderful house that suits all of our needs, especially Mr. Oliver.
Speaking of Oliver, we discharged him from Hospice!!! (again)  We are hoping that this time it is for a very long time, but we have learned that anything can happen.  It was a bittersweet goodbye as we have become so close to our fabulous hospice nurses and team.  There are so many people that have become part of our family through this journey and we will never forget any of them.  We also sadly had to leave our school team who has been with Oliver since he was 5 months old.  These were the people that always focused on what Oliver could do rather than all of the can'ts that the rest of the world has always put on Oliver.  His new team will be great but Roseville will always hold a very special place in our hearts.  We are planning on sending Oliver to school this year, hopefully 1-2 times a week.  Yes, he will get sick, but what kid doesn't want to be with other kids? 
I spoke with a group of new nurses today at Gillette about what it is like to be the parent of a special needs child.  As John and I made the power point together of all the pictures of Oliver throughout his short life we relived every emotion from the day he was diagnosed.  It has been such a roller coaster that will continue to have the highs and lows and loop-de-loops.  Oliver has taught us all so much and the kids are so proud of their brother.  Adina is worried that Oliver is going to wrestle too hard at school because that is what boys do, they wrestle.  Cora has decided that when Oliver is in his wheelchair she is going to sit in Olivers lap for the free ride.  She is becoming his new protector.  Phinneus is oblivious and loves his tubes.  Oliver is a celebrity in our household! 
Nothing else new here, just enjoying the last few weeks of summer before I send my two babies on the school bus!!  That will be a rough day for mom!

Phinny-9 months

Oliver got out of picture torture as he was asleep.  He is a clever fellow.

Pooped out from the long drive.  Cora and Phin often hold hands in the car.

Cousin Arne helping Cora with her hat.

 4th of July cuties!

 Kisses for Oli.

Cheesy!!

 Papa and Phin.

"Help" from three painters.

Very thankful for all of the help from Uncle Scott who can fix anything!!

Adina got to help paint her room, yup, it's purple.  She is pretty excited!

 
Help from mom who painted all week alllll day long.  Thanks mom!!  We did not keep the blue walls.

Finally celebrating Oliver and Cora's Birthdays.  Phin was taking a nap, as was Oli, wearing his pirate's hat. 

Oliver got a glitter lava lamp.  Party central in Olivers room!

Snuggle with cousin Charlie, Grandma, and Adina. 

Hmmmm... I stepped away for a few minutes and Cora came to me looking like this.  What great helpers big sisters can be.  This was not a fun bath!!