Spinach and Asparagus Soup

Recently I made a very easy and healthy spinach and asparagus soup that a friend really enjoyed. She suggested that I post it to my blog…so here it is.

• 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth
• 4 large celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large container of fresh baby spinach
• 1 bunch of fresh asparagus 
• Salt and pepper

Add 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth to a pot and add the chopped celery. Bring the broth and celery to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Add the spinach to the broth and cook for 5 minutes.  Turn off the heat and scoop out ½ the asparagus onto a cutting board. Chop the asparagus into ½ inch segments and set it aside. Place all of the baby spinach into the pot containing the hot broth and cover for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt. Blend the soup with a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to a pot and add the remaining asparagus segments. Add pepper and salt to taste.

Serve hot with delicious crusty bread and extra old cheese.

Bonne Appetite.

Wedding and flower girl dresses found!

Amelie, Chloe and I spent the day with my step mom shopping for wedding and flower girl dresses on St. Hubert street in Montreal. Its incredible how many stores are located on that two block segment of St. Hubert. If you can't find a dress there...I doubt you'd be able to find one anywhere.

My dress is a very simple, cream coloured, strapless dress. Amelie's dress is cream as well with some beading on the torso and bottom. Chloe's dress is very similar but in gold with beading on just the torso. We also found beautiful matching shoes and tiaras for the girls.

It's hilarious because now that we've bought the dresses for the girls, they are going to have to wait over two months to wear them. That's just going to be torture for them. They just can't wait!

So, the next step will be to put together Scott, Preston and Cole's outfits for the big day. I think they could pretty much choose any colour that matches this cream and gold palette. If they want to choose a bright colour like orange or blue, we could potentially make our bouquets that colour.

So, I have two months left to plan and here's my to-do list:

• Design and send out the invitations. We’ve already got a rough idea what they will look like.
• Reserve the tuxedo rental for Scott and the boys.
• Buy shoes for myself.
• Design and make my jewellery.
• Hire a photographer (I've already got a photographer in mind but am trying to solidify a meeting with her on April 27 to confirm her availability and costs.
• Plan where Scott and I will go the night of our wedding.
• Buy gift for the kids. Ideally necklaces for each of them.
• Plan the ceremony with the officiate.

Spinal asymmetry or juvenile scoliosis?

These past few months have been a roller-coaster ride. For about two years my daughter has been periodically complaining about having a sore back. At first I ignored her complaints. After-all, I have pain in my back on-and-off too, so do most people I know. I figured that minor back pain just a part of being in the 'vertebrate' family of species. But as she continued to complain it occurred to me that it may not be normal for a 5-6 year old to complain so frequently about back pain. So we (her father and I) decided to take Chloe to the doctor just incase this is something more serious.

Our family doctor did the standard forward bend test (Adam's test) to check for a curve in her spine. He checked her shoulders, to see if they were even. He also checked her hips to see if they were level. And when she bent forward, he checked her back to see if there was any visible asymmetry. He didn't see any substantial unbalance in her shoulders or hips, but we all could see a slight curve in her back toward the right. And, when we looked more closely, we could see an slight elevation of the right side of her back caused by the rotation of her trunk-what some call a rib hump. (Note: Angle of trunk rotation is also referred to as ATR)

We were given a requisition to go to the Children's Hospital in Eastern Ontario (CHEO) for x-rays.  In December 2010 Chloe's x-rays were taken and a week later we received the results. The report on Chloe's x-ray claimed that she had an 18 degree curve in her back and referred us to the orthopedic surgeon.

In an effort to get the best information possible about Chloe, we decided to make an appointment with a second orthopedic surgeon who was referred to us through a friend's physiotherapist. The appointment took place last week on April 9, 2010. The hospital took two x-rays with their EOS III machine, which is a low-dose 3D imaging device. In case you didn't know, x-ray exposure increases the risk of developing cancer--so if you can avoid taking x-rays you should. We are trying to keep Chloe's x-ray exposure down to a minimum. The EOS III machine decreases radiation exposure by 100-500 times (compared to typical scanners).

Once the x-rays were ready we met with the orthopedic surgeon. He analyzed the x-rays and examined Chloe using the forward bend test and a scoliometer. His reading of the x-rays determined that she had a 16 degree curve in her spine and the scoliometer reading showed a significant enough ATR to warrant concern. In his opinion Chloe has juvenile scoliosis and needs to be fitted with a brace immediately. If she does not receive treatment the curve will worsen and there will be 100% chance that she'll need surgery. And, surgery is something to be avoided if at all possible because there are several possible complications and negative long-term effects.

What a shock to hear all of this! I was expecting to hear that Chloe's curve was small and not anything to be concerned about. I was expecting to hear that her curve would either stay as it is or straighten itself out with time. Not in a million years did I expect to receive such alarming information. Trying to come to terms with the fact that Chloe had juvenile scoliosis. That, without treatment there would probably be 100% chance that down the road she would have to have spinal surgery (which could have devastating results). She would have to be fitted with a brace immediately and wear it 20 hours per day for the next 8 years of her life--only to decrease the chances of her requiring surgery down the road to 30%. Imagine going through all of that and still requiring surgery down the road!

Yesterday, we met with the second orthopedic surgeon and received a completely different diagnosis. He examined the original x-rays taken at CHEO and did not agree with the report (where they found the angle to be 18 degrees). He measured the angles several times and determined that there was a less then 10 degree curve. He even tried to exaggerate the results and was only able to get 13% curve. He also examined Chloe using a number of physical exams, including the forward bend test with a scoliometer where he reported only mild asymmetry with a 4 degree ATR. His diagnosis was that Chloe did not have juvenile scoliosis, but rather spinal asymmetry. And, spinal asymmetry does not require a brace and could potentially remain the same or even correct itself. Wow - what a different opinion! I was thoroughly confused.

He went on to say that there is a chance that Chloe does actually have juvenile scoliosis, so we should watch her very closely for any signs of progression in the curve. If the curve in her back does progress, we will need to reexamine her back and take it from there.

It amazes me how drastically different these two prognosis' are. And now, I feel like I need a third unbiased opinion. Fortunately I have a friend who's brother is an orthopedic surgeon so maybe he'll be able to shed some light into the situation. Right now, I'm leaning toward the watch-and-wait recommendation. It's less invasive for my six year old daughter. Four months down the road, if there is any change in the curve of her spine we'll evaluate once again whether it could be juvenile scoliosis.

I'd love to hear anyone's stories about spinal abnormalities, asymmetry, scoliosis, etc.

   

Started Training for the 10K Marathon on May 29

On March 1st I decided that I wanted to challenge my self physically, so I've decided to run the 10K marathon in Ottawa on May 29th. I've been running regularly since the beginning of March, but I haven't been following a training program. I have found many programs online and I just can't seem to decided which one suits me. They all seem to have a couple common guidelines:

1) Include a variety of different speeds and distances to ensure that your muscles build the strength they need for a long distance run. Running hills or stairs can also help build those muscles. 

2) Both rest and nutrition is important. 

One thing I decided to do at the start of my training program was to share my goal (10k in May) with all of my friends and family using Facebook and in person. Also, I found a terrific application called "Runkeeper" for the iPhone that helps track my pace, distance, calories, inclines, etc and it automatically posts my results to Facebook and Twitter. And, by doing this, my circle of friends have been instrumental in helping to keep me motivated and positive. It's been wonderful!  

You can see my training log here.

If anyone knows of a good training program for the 10k marathon, please send me a link. I'd really appreciate it!

A Weekend at the Cottage

This past weekend we packed up the family and headed for the Jette Cottage in Magog (Eastman), Quebec. We couldn't have asked for a better weekend--the weather was beautiful--about -10 degrees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

We left the city on Friday night at 6:45 and arrived at the cottage around 10:00. My wonderful father made sure the cottage was ready for us and welcomed us on our arrival. The kids very quickly got ready for bed and fell fast asleep.

In the morning I made eggs and bacon and the kids watched a little bit of the "Charlie and Lola" Saturday morning cartoons.

After breakfast Cole, Amelie and Chloe went sledding and Preston tried out his snowboard. I nick-named Cole "Crasher Cole" because of the way he launches himself off the sled when it hits the snow pile at the end of the path.

Afterward we explored the hills and trees around the cottage. Amelie, Chloe and Preston took turns making believe they needed to be saved...by quick snow-sand or falling from a cliff. It was very exciting!

For lunch we kept it simple...pizza, apples and tangerines.

After lunch we played Junior Monopoly and the kids played their Nintendo DS together. In the afternoon we headed back outside for a couple of hours to snowshoe on the lake and build snow-forts. It was unbelievably beautiful day.

Dad arrived for dinner on Saturday night. We enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and then watched the first 10 minutes of the movie "Juno" before my dad made it clear the movie wasn't really working for him. (For the record--I love that movie!) Once it was decided that Juno wasn't working out...we tried watching Gladiator. I think we were all just a little too tired from our busy day because 20 minutes later we were all heading to bed. 

Early the next morning we had to leave for home in Ottawa to begin our standard Sunday marathon of gymnastics for Cole, Amelie and Chloe's ballet, and Salsa dancing for Scott and I.

On the Importance of Listening to your Kids

Being a child isn't as easy as it seems. The majority of their time is spent playing with their friends and siblings, learning in school and listening to their parents. But once in a while - life can seem overwhelming and exhausting to these little people.

Today, one of my daughter's couldn't get out of bed. Although she was suffering from a mild cold, this wasn't the reason why she refused to get out of bed. Physically, she was quite capable. But, emotionally, she was defeated.

I'm not sure why she was feeling that way. It could have been a result of our very active Sunday. Cole had gymnastics lessons and Amelie and Chloe had Ballet. We played different games together and listened to music. At 5:00, the girls came with Scott and I to our Salsa lessons. They had a great time playing Trouble/Frustration with another little girl who was there.  All in all, it felt like a really fun day for all of us. But, it didn't end on a good note.

Last night before bed, something changed. Chloe threw a bit of a tantrum. This doesn't happen very often, so when it does I know somethings up. I managed to calm her down by truly listening to her and giving her some space. She talked about the difficulty that she's having with the "separation" and that she misses her father and me all the time. She also talked about school being too long and difficult and that she wanted more time to do things that she likes--rather then school work. And, she talked about the pain that she has in her neck and her back (a misalignment that we confirmed at CHEO before Christmas). After listening to her and calming her down, I snuggled with her until she fell asleep to make sure she got a full nights rest. But, in the morning she claimed that she didn't get a wink of sleep and that she couldn't possibly go to school. So, I decided to keep her home.

I think one of the most important things a parent can do is to truly listen to their child. And, if possible, do something that will demonstrate to your child that you've heard them...and that they can have some control/responsibility over their life. By keeping Chloe home this morning, I hope that she realizes that her emotions are real and worth feeling. And, she'll understand that she can take some time for herself when she needs it.

All too often kids don't know how to listen to their heart and express themselves. And, as a result of not dealing with their emotions they end up acting-out or misbehaving. When Chloe opens up with me, and tells me what's in her heart, I'm so thankful that she can communicate it to me--rather then keep it inside. And, if I help her resolve those feelings she'll start to see that most things can be tackled straight on. And, in the long run, I hope that these conversations will give her the tools she needs to understand and trust herself...and to shape her own life.

When you are six years old, I'm sure that sometimes it feels like you can't make a difference in your own life. I see it as one of my jobs to make them realize that THEY are the key to their own happiness. So, they need to listen to themselves and try to understand what will make them happy.

And, if I hear any of my kids say they are bored...one...more...time...I'm going to scream! :) Maybe this revelation can be another 2010 resolution.

Sunday Morning Snowshoeing

For Christmas I bought Scott snowshoes. So, of course, I needed to get some as well to keep him company on his snowshoeing excursions :). I purchased them yesterday afternoon at the SportChek in the St. Laurent Mall.

I have a pair of Tubbs Xplore which is perfect for exercise walking for the newbie snowshoer. Both the Frontier and the Xplore are great economical snowshoes for those of us who are just starting out with the sport.

The Xplore gives me enough traction for moderately packed and gently rolling terrain. It's not great for more advanced, hillier terrain - but that's okay for what I intend to do. It has carbon steel crampons (teeth below the foot) to give me traction for the moderate hills that Scott leads us to :). The binding is pretty easy to use but doesn't have a lot of support - so it's not great for really hilly terrain. And it has a fully rotating or pivoting shoe that sheds snow off the back rather then flicking it up onto the back of your legs while you walk.  

Scott has a pair of Tubbs Frontier which is a slightly more advanced snowshoe then my Xplore. I wanted to get him a more sturdy snowshoe that will allow him to go into the more hilly terrain that his Geocaching hobbie demands. He'll be doing those excursions without me...I think. The two big differences that I've noticed between the Frontier and the Xplore are the binding and the crampons. The binding for the Frontier has what they call ControlWings™ which make them easier to put on your boot then the Xplore. And the crampons on the Frontier has an alignment on the heel that gives you more stability on hillier terrain. It basically lines your boot up with the heel on the snowshoe so that if you do end up on an off-kilter slope, your feet will stay stabilized on the snowshoe.

We started trail blazing...or bushwhacking, through the snow behind our house near the river. I wasn't that keen on the "whacking" part of the walk...and quickly made that point clear with Scott. We turned around and followed a friendlier trail. The weather was just fine at -13 degrees and a slight breeze.

On our walk I fell twice, I think because we were on a hillier terrain than what my snowshoes were made for. But Scott had no trouble at all...so I think the Frontier will work well for him.

Close to the end of our outdoor walk we came upon what looked exactly like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. I had to take a picture of it. Doesn't it look the same? Just sitting out there in the middle of the snow...all by itself decorated with a few little ornaments. Cute.

Tell me about your holiday activities!