Cooper starts school..

On the 4th of February, Mitchell started his first day of Grade 1 and Cooper his first day of Prep at school (Prep being Victoria, Australia's first year of schooling).


My how quickly they grow!  Cooper had been looking forward to being as big as his brother.  He managed first term ok, tiring quickly like most Preps.  But he had hurdles to overcome as well!

Dealing with his friends being told that he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for one.  His mum bringing his motorised scooter in and explaining that Cooper needs to use it because he has weak muscles would be the second...

 Consequently after explaining all of these things to the Preps, a majority excitedly explained that they too had 'weak muscles.'  I did explain that their weak muscles can feel better after a good nights sleep.  However they still insisted that their muscles were so weak that they to would need a scooter as well. The only way to curb the excitement was to explain that Cooper, and his family, had to have a blood test with a needle and then a doctor told us that only Cooper had the messages in his blood explaining that he had weak muscles.  I was careful to ensure I didn't scare Cooper's classmates about needles, but emphasised that a Doctor has to 'read the messages' in their blood. 

But he finished the term on a high note at least...  One of the concerns for Mitchell has been "what will happen when we have the school cross country?  How will Cooper compete?"
I had worked out between Cooper and his teacher that he would take photos at the finish line. But when I got to the event and the Preps had all lined up to do one lap of the school oval, I was informed that Cooper was 'hiding behind the bush about 6 metres from the finish line'.  I initially thought that was a bit unfair for the other kids having Cooper scare them on the way around. 
I didn't realise that as the competitiors came around the bend for the finish line a beautiful Grade 6 girl, led Cooper in front of the others to cross the finish line first!  It was an amazing experience watching his big beaming smile as he ran across.  Lucky I had my sunglasses on to hide the emotion.  But when I saw the actual winner of the Cross Country that afternoon, I made sure that I congratulated his effort and commented at what an athlete he was, coming first! 
For as much as I appreciated how much the school cares for and caters to Cooper's needs, I'm always mindful of the considerations of the other children in his class. 

Life's a Beach

All so different and unique! They love the beach and just playing for the entire day.  

Mitchell loves to prove to himself how athletic he is and then finishes the days with quiet moments floating in the shallows.

Cooper finds it hard to find his enjoyment.  He tries the skiffle board, the boat, using the net to catch the little fish in the shallows...and after a while he always goes back to simply playing in the sand! That is what brings him enjoyment.  He stops silently comparing himself to his brother and finds his niche'.

Then there's Reese... She just runs, smiles, splashes and loves it all.  Especially the Mr Whippy van, where she asks Granny.  Big eyes, innocent pleading smile which would melt any heart and of course gets her an ice-cream.

They never want to leave... so we don't.  Just like when I grew up in Rye...someone goes to collect the fish n chips and then the battle to digest the salt rather than the sand begins. 

Oh the memories I have that I get to now share with my own children...What a gift to share these experiences with them.

Miracles do happen...

These photos were taken in November 2012...it was the closest Cooper had been to riding a bike really fast.  The smile could not be wiped off his face and it was quite amusing to watch Mitchell push the bike (with Cooper) around the uphill corners.

Then in December shortly after Christmas, Cooper was elated to have the opportunity to ride his friend Jack's bike.  It was made for a child with special needs before Jack owned it which made it easier to pedal.  We could not get Cooper off the bike all afternoon.  (Thanks again to Jack who was extremely understanding)!  This is Cooper riding on his own for the very first time...

After returning home we have seen Cooper try to get on various bikes and tricycles and has successfully been able to pedal.  So after a special trip with Dad...Cooper has his own bike. 

After a trip to the local netball courts...Cooper's now flying along...

(We still had to contend with the frustration he has at not being as good as his brother and finding things challenging...but he was riding... on his own!)

I love my kids!