Long Live Bubble Baths

I'm sorry for the gratuitous photo of the lad.  But that smile says it all! For those of you in the states, have a happy holiday weekend.

My Cape is in the Wash

On the cape it says "Super Woman".  Lately, Lew has been wearing his super hero cape and turning it into an apron for imaginary play sessions as a pizza chef.  I have admired his cape and feel that I earned my own, to keep, after traveling to Florida this past week by myself and the boys.  Said cape is now in the wash, with the other mountain of laundry from our mini-vacation.  Ah, real world reentry is never easy. Not to make light, Nate was such a sturdy assistant helping with the carry-ons and juggling the crayons, snacks and iPad to keep LJ entertained during the flights.  As I managed the little human, the wheelchair suitcase and the other bags, Nate was so self-reliant and responsible.  He was great!

Aunt Jessie (aka Tanta) celebrated a birthday the first night we were in town.  Lew helped her celebrate by giving her a great gift- riding Tanta's electric chair.  Nothing else mattered than riding with Tanta.

Fortunately, Tanta is a much, much better driver than Lewis (he's recently scuffed up our walls and door frames.  He thinks its very funny when he purposely slams into the dining table). He's become defiant like that. He sat on her lap and was strong enough to hold himself upright...pretending to turn the key and drive.  Hope he got some good driving tips.

Next up Legoland: Nanny and Babu took Nate to meet Darth Vader, R2D2 and the Pirates of the Caribbean.  And if that's not enough!  He visited NYC, DC and Vegas baby.  Incredible Miniland versions of lego cities that took months to create.  Nate was thoroughly impressed and inspired.  Nanny and Babu deserve super hero capes too.  Nate declared Florida very HOT! and also Legoland was his fave part of the trip;)

While they traipsed around Lakeland, Lewis and I went to Innisbrook to swim in the pool and eat mac n cheese poolside.  Tons and tons of mac n cheese. We had some good qt.  The weather was beautiful and the pool also had these spray fountains that Lew tried to squash with his feet.  When that failed, he bent his knees, squatted down and then triumphantly sat down on it.

Clearwater Beach: LJ loved to sift sand through his fingers.  We made sand soup with a dash of sea shell sprinkles.  Aunt Kara shuttled him during a fun game of tag with his cousins.  He also thoroughly enjoyed making some serious sea horse sand molds.  Try saying that ten times fast.  Nate and Cousin L dug to China, practiced sliding stops in the sand & then tried to take a bath in the sand.

The sunset on our last night of the mini-vacation was a perfect gift.  After months of shuttling to therapies, doctor appointments, surgery and follow ups I was truly able to be at the beach without thinking of other things. At that one point in time, I felt no anxiety or stress about therapies and treatments coupled with the trials and opportunities parenting Nate. I only felt joy. I was home. I had avoided burnout.

Song in My Heart

If I could carry I tune, I would possibly write a song for both my boys.  But I don't think I would muster the courage to post it on YouTube.  However, this mama did here and it is truly special.  Is there anything more true, more relevant, more important on this mother's day than remembering what a gift our children are to us? Happy Mother's Day to each mama and mom figure out there!

Parenting Gem

The other day I came home to find this note on the kitchen counter.  It's from Nate to Lew.

He brought LJ to school with me one day last week, and it was his idea to bring a book to read to LJ's class during circle time. I wish you could see the writing more clearly, but his handmade card says "I hope you like the story. Do you want me to come again"  Incidentally the story was Brown Bear, Brown Bear and he replaced the teacher's name with Ms. J's name and he replaced all the kids' names with the people in LJ's class.  Too bad LJ can't read yet. No worries, I'm saving it in my bell jar of quotes and Nate-isms that make me smile and smile A LOT especially on grey days.

Big, Bad, Buddha Belly

Pre-stomach surgery to close the g-tube

Post-Surgery to Repair the Stomach, Abdomen & Exterior Skin

This post could have equally have been titled, "LJ and the Belly". Warning!! Don't look at this before you eat! Here's the progress we've made these last few weeks. He's getting stronger, scar is lookin' better and we're all just a little relieved that there haven't been any complications (well besides a little skin infection but that was resolved once the stitches were removed last Friday). We've come a long way, baby!