96 Days to Go!

I’m knocking on wood before I write this…BUT…Ethan has 96 RESTRICTED days left! Given that today is the first day of February, I have no doubt these 96 days will fly by!

Ethan is now fully recovered from his surgery two weeks ago. He’s had two outdoor “playdates” this week. He’s really enjoying seeing his friends again! His energy level remains high, and mischief is always brewing between him and Eliot. He’s eating really well, although I don’t know how much he’s gained. He does feel heavier though. His skin is the biggest problem right now…very dry and irritated. Who’s isn’t at this time of year though? We continue to slather him with lotion. This week he complains of “bug bites” on his legs, which do appear to be very similar to bug bites…but I have no idea where he would have gotten them from. His doctor doesn’t think it’s a huge issue, and recommends we just wait to see what they do (go away/multiply, etc.). He’s due in Clinic next Wednesday.

We’re slowly making our way back into the world outside our home. Emma will begin her piano lessons next week. She hasn’t taken them since May, when Ethan went into the hospital. And unfortunately without lessons and mandatory practicing, the piano seems to be any ordinary piece of furniture, ignored, walked by, and hardly used. We look forward to having Emma’s music fill the house very soon!

We continue to work daily on our schooling. We don’t have a rigid schedule. We’re a bit free-flowing around here. Ethan continues to work on letter sounds, word families and reading. He feels proud that he is able to read a couple beginner books, BOB Books. While extremely simple books, they provide him and I with tangible way to see his progress. Thank you to Aunt Rita, a life-long teacher, Emma now has better instruction for writing. Rita is providing both Emma and I with writing ideas, exercises and books. While there are workbooks out there to support writing exercises, they are not as easy to implement as the spelling, vocabulary, math exercises. I was stumped in this area, as writing was never my forte. And, I’m discovering that teaching is not my forte either, but can be fun with great ideas like Rita has! THANK YOU RITA!

I managed to go out twice last month, attempting to socialize at night with friends. While a bit hesitant to leave the house, in the end I am very happy that I did. It’s quite a boost to see friends and have great conversations, and get out of my house! They continue to make me feel connected, regardless of how long it’s been since I’ve seen them. Yancy made his way to Florida for his annual business trip. We don’t miss the days that he used to be on the road constantly. Aside from work, Yancy is keeping busy with a website launched in December, www.planetlotus.org. It essentially lists blogs/blog updates of Lotus Notes professionals. It’s been quite a hit among that community and Yancy continues to receive accolades regarding it. It’ll be interesting to see how it develops. The concept could be taken to any field or interest where blogs are popular, creating endless possibilities. Like most websites out there today, the money in it would stem from advertising. He’s still working on that part .

Thankfully, that’s our biggest news to report! Expect another update next Wednesday after Ethan’s clinic appointment.