Jo sings and builds websites whenever she can, while chasing children. You can see her business website at joanne.oosterhoff.info .
Alexis slaves away at work (although not for much longer), flies (and dreams of building) airplanes or runs insane distances...
Joey is growing into an independent by sweet kiddo, and practices his hugs on the youngest member of the family, Lucy, who is getting used to strangulation.
Our home town is Perth, Western Australia. Joanne's parents (John & Marianne), sister (Jacquie - married to Adrian - with 3 sons - Nick, Zach and Dan - and a daughter - Jen), grandparents, aunt - ok, all of Joanne's immediately family - live in WA. Alexis' Mum (Jan), brother (Joshua with son Jacob) are also in Perth, but Dad (Peter) lives with his partner Andrea in Townsville, Queensland.
Joey was born on Sunday June 27, 2004 and changed our lives forever. An angelic baby, many people commented that he was an old soul. I guess he needed that as he has already had a few challenges in this life.
He has bilateral retinoblastoma, diagnosed at 8 months. He had his left eye removed immediately, and the right was saved with chemotherapy - he sees well, so we are very grateful for our luck.
He has verbal and motor dyspraxia, diagnosed at 2.5yrs, so didn't speak before then... however now you can't get him to stop talking! An indomitable spirit, for sure!
Did I mention he's gorgeous!?
Lucy is a miracle to us - since she DOESN'T have dyspraxia or retinoblastoma, and is therefore a NORMAL CHILD! If you can call any child that! She is a mynx who loves to laugh and play games, has a go-get-'em attitude and already a great deal of self reliance.
She's beautiful.