What's New

I realize that all of the multitude of supportive people in our lives have been happy to receive the news from my surgery and recovery here on the blog. Many of you have told me how good it makes you feel to know I am improving and sounding more like myself and that you're happy I've stayed on top of the updates. But as interested and as caring as you all are, I know what you're reeeeally thinking is "But what's up with the kids?". Because as fascinating and riveting as my life is right now (please tell me you know I'm being sarcastic) I know you're all actually desperate for this blog to return to its rightful subjects - the kidlets. So here's a little update for you:


Rio

• Best kid ever. Seriously. The best. Her compassion, which already blew my mind, has gone to a whole other level through this surgery. Not once has this been about her and the fact that her mom has been pretty useless. It's all been about mommy and making sure I'm happy and comfortable and getting enough rest. If that girl does not grow up to be a nurse/doctor/social worker or some other caring profession, it will break my heart. Her giving spirit is astounding.
• Getting soooo excited for kindergarten which she keeps saying is "in the fall". I don't think she realizes "the fall" is right around the corner. We have bought her a backpack and lunch kit and she is so proud. Can't wait to get some school supplies and new clothes when I am up for a shopping trip!
• She starts dance camp on Monday. I'm stressed. It will be my first solo venture out with the kids (post surgery) so I will be tired....and I'm guessing INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATED. Please cross all of your fingers and toes that she is willing to participate (keeping in mind she beggggggged to take dance again).

Asher

• Drinking from a sippy cup like a champ. Woot! Woot! We finally found the perfect one - two handles with a straw. Our therapists thought he was too young to master a straw but he is so darn motivated I knew he could do it if it meant independent drinking. Sure enough - SUCCESS!
• Self feeding most of his meals. It is still an absolute mess, but I can confidently say that less than 50% of his meal ends up on the floor now, as opposed to 95% a few short weeks ago. He is SO determined. He will actually not let you feed him - unless he has attempted and dropped it, and then he'll take help. But he needs to try himself every single piece. Bless him, he is amazing.
• Says "bye" now - but only to Rio's toy laptop. When you turn it off it says "bye bye" to which Asher responds. Get him to say bye to a person though - not a chance.
• Has twice held his own bottle! I never thought this day would come and I bawled when I first saw it. My brain fast forwarded 20 years to him drinking a cup of coffee on his own and my heart soared. The little things people take for granted - holding a cup of coffee - we are not sure Asher will do. But when I see him attempting to hold his own bottle - those things seem a lot more likely. And can I add how impressive it is that he balances a full, heavy bottle, using only one hand!?!
• Loves standing. If only his core were stronger I am sure he could stand on the furniture. But he can't so he demands that we hold him up in standing position as often as possible. He's a firecracker and he lets us know what he wants!

Nolan

• Refusing to walk. REFUSING. He is so scared to let go!! It is terribly cute.
• Independent standing on occasion - only until he realizes he's doing it and then he drops to the ground immediately.
• Understanding the concept of a bribe (let me explain before you judge us as terrible parents for bribing our babies). Last night they had chili and buns for dinner. He only wanted the bun, not the chili, so Jordan held up the bun and told him he could have a piece if he ate some chili first. He got it. Over and over until the chili and bun were both gone.
• Picking on Asher. Big time. Stealing every toy or piece of food he can get his hands on. I know it's normal and Asher would be doing the same if he could, but he can't so it's sad. Of course we tell him no, but at the same time are trying to encourage Asher to "fight back" and protect what's his.

The kids are having a fantastic summer overall. We're all loving that the weather is finally nice enough to hang out in the yard/deck and we spend much of our day there (with the exception of me being in bed lately!). Nolan is into everything and loves to follow Rio around. Asher is no longer content to just lie in the middle of things - he wants to be held or sat up to follow his siblings around too. Both of the boys LOVE Rio's toy laptop and while they obviously can't play the games, they love the feedback it gives them. Good thing big sister is so good at sharing.

Ok I think that sums us up? Hope I've given you your fix. I promise that now that I'm on the mend we'll return to regularly scheduled progamming, i.e. the kids and not boring old mama!