Blossoming

This blog entry is way overdue…I don’t even know where to start…so many thoughts…so much time has passed since my last update. Let’s just start with the most important stuff!

ETHAN’S HEALTH: Ethan is doing so well! His last clinic appointment was on October 29…in which he passed with flying colors. All blood work looked great. They told us to come back in six months…six months?!!!…that puts us in April 2009. They couldn’t even book our appointment, as their calendars didn’t go out that far. As always, they tell me if I have any concerns in the interim, call, e-mail, come on in…they’re always there for us.

1st GRADE: We never predicted that Ethan’s adjustment to first grade would be so seamless. Socially, academically and emotionally, he is thriving. We have occasional mornings that he doesn’t want to go to school…I think it’s really related to how tired he is. We really couldn’t be happier for how well he is doing.

Holidays were amazing…full of joy, gratefulness, love…and food of course. And Ethan turned seven. We’re blessed, and continue to be full of hope. Our holiday vacation was fabulous. Lots of fun, games, family, ice skating, movies, rest…so good, all of us wanted it to keep on going. But inevitably, we return to work and school..

And upon that return, Ethan blossoms…he seems to be full of energy, full of laughs and giggles. His reading skills are emerging. The other night was unforgettable, as he giggled and commented while he read the entire book of Morris the Moose to me in bed.

He starts taking karate…and loves it. He has a smile from the moment he walks in, ‘til the moment he leaves.

Our dream is coming true…Ethan is growing up…Ethan is reading…Ethan is learning new things every day.

Emma and Eliot are thriving as well. Yancy and I are becoming more relaxed. While we are in a “normal” routine of life, we try our best to maintain perspective…don’t sweat the small stuff…remember where we’ve been…remember what we have. We make time for our health too…

Yancy has begun training for a marathon in May. He recruits Nick and John (Johanna’s brother-n-law and brother) to run too. I decide to ride the PMC this year…mainly because Kate, my sister, has said she would ride with me. I’ve never done anything that arduous in my life, but know that our experiences, Kate at my side, and thinking of others will get me through it. We found a bike, and next week, January 20th, Kate and I will sign up for and commit to the weekend ride of 192 miles. The next seven months will be filled with learning a new sport, and much training. I look forward to it…