Bits and Pieces of Happiness

Sorry for the radio silence folks. I've been trying to dig out after last week.  Lew's surgery was successful.  Tests were normal, so we've had some closure there.  Honestly I never heard anything else the surgeon said regarding the procedure; I was kinda in la-la land from hearing "normal".  It's not something I usually hear these days.  The following day we had snow and ice so there was a two hour delay for school.  We've also checked off an IEP meeting,  a night of sleeplessness due to who-knows-what, a solid day of trying to make up for the lack of sleep, Kindergarten night, Josh traveling for business and of course the Super Bowl.  Nate was a happy camper because he invited two of the neighbors to watch it at our house.  More than the game (which incidentally none of the boys watched) I enjoyed seeing LJ use his gait trainer as he chased the three boys to the other end of the house, returning back to me proudly & then the boys engaging in a fun game of sneaking back up on him...only to be chased back into their room again.  I so wish I had recorded a voice memo of LJ's giggle.

One other fun note, LJ told Anna earlier today what he wanted to do with his life.  He conveyed that he wanted to open up a donut shop in Arlington and give Dunkin' Donuts a run for their money.  I said, "why yes, that's a fantastic idea! and mom and dad will help you start your business".  Uncle D, you will be his best customer;)  Bring all your buddies!  LJ wants to call it District Donut.  He then told me he didn't know how to make donuts.  This was a major business flaw. So we watched about 8 shows on baked goods, donuts and the like.  District Donut website under construction and flavor profiles in the test kitchen.

Some snapshots below from the rest of the week.  I find it a bit odd that the Tasmanian Devil is prominently placed on the hospital gown when all that's expected is for your wee baby to take a snooze.  While my guess is its supposed to make kiddos smile, we'll take any good, crazy energy we can get, Bugs Bunny and all.  Oh, popsicles also sorta help.

LJ grilling the nurses and doctors about what they were doing

An underwhelmed Nate's note after another visit from the "Tooth Fairy"
can you tell our son is a non-believer?
Dear Dad

Annie following the sun spot.  Dogs are so therapeutic!

I've been meaning to talk to you (pic captured at school by fabulous Ms. S.)

And this note came home in LJ's back pack...he really loves the computer...

Quieting Down, Chillaxin and About 9 Other Things

Everyone seems to be experiencing New England weather as of late.  It was 17 degrees this morning and the snow was still covering many roads.  As school was canceled yesterday and Josh was out of town, I set out to shovel snow while Nate and LJ created a snow slide in the backyard.  Then yesterday afternoon, Anna the Great came to my rescue and took LJ and Nate sledding (my fave part of the below video, is Anna apologizing for almost bulldozing another kid walking back up to the top! That and LJ's happy laugh.).  The kids had a ball.  This morning schools had a delayed opening. Short week for the boys as Monday and Tuesday were off as well.


LJ and Anna Sledding_Woodstock from Jenn S on Vimeo.

Like every other challenge in life, your circumstances become your reality.  And you just deal.  It's honestly been so long since our little accessibility project started, we forgot what it was like to not have plastic sheeting hanging everywhere and hammers going to work.  We also forgot what it was like to not have LJ sleeping in the guest room with one of us (but usually Josh was delegated to the task).  But I'm happy to report that things have quieted down and LJ is digging his own bed again.  We're pretty much all done with the exception of stuff on the punch list.  LJ also can rock the automatic door opener for his ramp entrance.  Your child's independence is one of the most beautiful things.

We've been working on LJ's IEP Meeting, his Re-Evaluation Meeting for "reevaluating whether our child is still a child with a disability who is in need of special education and or related services" (insert here: protocol and just going through the motions. Though I get why its there) and touring different neighborhood schools' Kindergarten classes for LJ next year.

I had a long meeting today with LJ's wonderful school speech therapist and teacher. We conferenced in an augmentative communications expert who is helping us order an Accent 1,000 through Lew's insurance.  It is basically like an iPad but more durable and sophisticated.  We ruled out the Dynavox and eye scanning systems through separate trials earlier in the year.  We hope that the Accent will provide the most success through building on language acquisition via a motor planning method (think muscle memory here but with icons and words).  Theoretically, it will go with Lew Bug wherever he goes and as he grows older and travels around his school and community setting, having it mounted right onto his power chair for ease of access (between his wheelchair and the communication device, he's get up costs about the same as a small car).

On Tuesday, January 28th, LJ will have surgery to replace bilateral ear tubes.  He'll be having an Auditory Brain Stem Response (ABR) at the same time since he'll be under anesthesia.  The last one was here.  Don't think there is hearing loss, but we've never caught a clear picture of whether there is any.  So this will be good to have some closure.

That's it for now.  Trying not to be overwhelmed by it all....For now.  I'll just flip upside down to change perspective.  Thank you to my yoga practice.

Photo of me Taken by Red Portrait

Closing Out 2013

Wishing you and your family health, happiness, creativity and vulnerability in 2014.

Both of these guys chillaxin'.  Roomies from the NICU.   Ringing in the New Year = Full Heart

And as we turn our faces to the new year, its easy to latch on to what we didn't do this year.  The goals we didn't reach.  Instead, I suggest we make a mantra for the day, week or year.  Perhaps, "life is a work in progress".  Or "Right here, right now." Or "I embrace change and let go of fear."  Because as we grow and change, our abilities to see the world clearly also grow and change.  When you realize everything… you actually have a number of accomplishments from the past year- the wisdom of which support you fully and completely, and anchor you in better knowing over 2013. Perhaps in 2014, the mantra no longer exists.  Yet the purpose, the intention, for which you repeat the mantra remains true.

Remember that all endings are just beginnings.

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."  ~Hal Borland

Little By Little

Progress is surely being made,  it just takes patience.

Please, hurry up.  I wanna move back into my room.  I will get my head stuck in a Duke basketball hoop if you don't giddy up!!!

In Honor of My First Born's 8th Bday

All is really well.  It's Nate's bday.  Nate and his best buddies will be running the streets at Dave & Buster's this weekend to celebrate.  

As he's growing older, I want to remember and tuck away all the happy memories so I can recall them all later.  I want to remember his conviction telling me Santa Claus was too fat to fit down chimneys so he is "obviously, definitely a myth" as I listened thoughtfully while driving him to school one morning. (for the record he is not allowed to ruin it for his firm--Santa Claus-believing friends.)

I want to remember how he talks sweetly to his little brother and will do anything crazy like throwing himself off the couch or destroying a wedgit tower just to incite his brother's laughter. 

I want to remember hanging out on my bed one night after LJ was asleep, and Nate and I listened to music and then would play our guitar.  Taking turns listening to each other as we attempted to make some reasonably, pleasant tunes.  

I want to remember how Nate asked if we could make creme brûlée again soon, because it was soooo yummy and it's now his favorite dessert.

I want to remember how, in trying to understand why his playlist was not on my computer he said "wait, what if Mom sunk my iPad…" I'd called that fair and had a discussion about sink versus sync.  Or another funny moment when he was trying to turn on his Nintendo wii but I had earlier messed with the cords inadvertently.  Once he saw the picture, he exclaimed "Why is this in black and white?!  What is this the 90's?"

My boy is growing up so quickly.  Seriously, I'm so grateful for his love and laughter.  Happy birthday, Nate!! I love you.

Happy Thanksgivukkah

Hanukkah and Thanksgiving Collide

Now this is a Menurky (turkey menorah)!  It's been one of those weeks for me where you run around and wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts of things to do and things to buy. We're having two Thanksgiving dinners.  We're having one today with Didi and Bop and a larger one with Josh's bestie Brett and his family on Friday. I hope everyone has great company and a very filling Thanksgiving.  May your turkey be moist, your mashed potatoes lumpy, and your belts loose!

This is Gratitude!

Gratitude is when things happen by surprise that create more daily joy in life.  That happened this morning as Lew Bug was getting on his school bus.  Lewis' beloved school bus aide, Ms A, had a green (that matches his glasses) and blue rainbow loom, rubber bracelet made by her daughter for my Lew Bug.  Evidently, he had been admiring a few that Ms.A was wearing earlier in the week. Oh my heart.  Today is a happy day.

PS If you haven't caught on to this rainbow loom craze, you can learn more here.

Being Present Takes Intensity

I am gradually discovering how being present can sometimes feel like this life is a mountain with no top.  As the great yogi B.KS. Iyengar said, "As soon as you think you've arrived, you get squashed like a bug."  Albeit a steep climb, forever expanding.  It humbles you.

I've posted a few pictures below of Lew Bug's bathroom/accessibility renovation progress.  It's slow, slow, slow and steady progress.

Tonight though...something Lew Bug signed to me has been ingrained in my memory.  I've been reminded that the past is forever effecting our future. We had a conversation in sign language.  I explained (just as I used to work for Nate's buy-in during the dinner process), that eating healthy and wholesome foods would benefit him.  And that two bowls of Lucky Charms were not as effective as a meat, grain and vegetable for a meal.

After some discussion he inquired, "So if I eat more vegetables, will I get smarter, stronger and bigger?" When I said "yes, of course"  he further questioned me by motioning to me, "So if I eat my vegetables, I'll know more, my arms will be stronger [like Popeye), I'll grow taller and I'll be able to walk without help?"  Not blinking (nor thinking this was so ridiculous for a kiddo to desire) I said yes.  So we agreed he would have spinach or broccoli with dinner tonight.

This is on the heels of him telling his new physical therapist the thing he wanted most was to be able to walk independently.  He was so enthusiastic when from a seated position on the floor he mimics how you would pick one foot up and then the other to walk.  Bang, bang, banging his heels on the Earth.  This made me cry in front of the physical therapist.  I think even she was moved very close to tears. And she has a tough exterior, but her range of emotions were beautiful, and she was mush on the inside.  Not missing a beat, "Ok,  I will help you get there."  And I believe they will contribute to us putting our all into our energetic presence.  Lew Bug puts in his all and tries to play by the rules.  When I consider the possible reality, it gives me pause and tugs at my heart. But his heart, passion and perseverance light up the way!!!!  I pray that his hard work is rewarded.

Snaps: 5th Birthday Party

Last week we got to celebrate with classmates, close family friends, both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins (from Virginia and Florida) for a super outdoor movie party.  We're lucky it was last weekend…. today it is 35 degrees out but all LJ wanted was an outdoor movie party.  Last weekend was lovely - we're lucky to have such great family and friends.

A Peek Inside and Out

I will blog a bit later about our past family and friends weekend(s) soon (cousins, grandparents, great aunts/uncles and cousins included).  In the meantime, we're making baby steps toward finishing our accessibility renovation. Here's the finished ramp and the demo of the old bathroom (great headway was made today).  Perhaps the most endearing aspect of this is the day LJ was dropped off from school by the bus, and he signed and simultaneously verbally proclaimed somewhat intelligibly " I love it!" It touched me so to see and hear him so happy...

Pssst! We're 5!

LJ: two weeks old, Georgetown University Hospital DC

Unreal.  What a rocky beginning.  He's five, but still my baby!  Going thru all the photos gives me an entirely new appreciation for how far Lew has come.  What an amazing, smart little guy.  I cannot say I can't imagine life being any different.  Sometimes the best way to let go, is to honor the pain we carry. But it is as it is.  Our hearts have learned to grow from the past.

He has always had the kindest heart, best head of hair, the most infectious smile and the biggest bear hug on the planet!  And now he's even brighter, has the most generous spirit, is quite funny and he's becoming a fantastic story teller (possibly letting the world know what he's thinking soon with the aid of a new Dynavox Maestro) on top of all that.  His favorite thing to do at school is tap keys on the keyboard in the computer room followed closely by eating snack; at home, Just Dance Kids on the Wii is at the top of his list, mimicking the movement with the flick of the remote…realizing and feeling the motions and independence that most of us take for granted.

As they say, change is the only constant.  Learn to flow with the changes in your life whether difficult or easy. They are the same sides of the coin.  Day by day, moment by moment, we grow, we change. Bring on the rain.  Bring on the sunshine. There's always still a part of yourself that's always been there.

I feel so lucky to see LJ grow.

This Is Helping Me Today...

His laugh.   It's all about the simple joys of the week.  Happy almost weekend!!



Giggalicious from Jenn S on Vimeo.

Calm Heart

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

Just like the bird's nest, we show our journey- what we see and carry on any given day. Its symbolic of all our trials and error, challenges to overcome, little victories and birdsongs of joy. Rebuilding part of our bird's nest  is necessary for us to be able to carry on, allowing us to feel safe and secure. Construction started this week!  Here is the first stage of the ramp being built leading into Lew's room. It is going to become a launching pad for LJ to fly!  

Ramp Visuals:

Nate and Annie, inspecting the work…there will be a covered portico
so LJ doesn't melt from the elements given inclement weather;)

Footings for concrete ramp foundation 

Leading to our parking pad, the gate will be replaced.  The bus
picks LJ up just thru that opening you see.

Highs and Lows

He's Learned to Love the Ocean Just Like Mama_Taken by RedPortrait

Lately, I've been telling myself you are exactly where you need to be. I have been teaching this to my students but I'm having to relearn it myself.  I'm still struggling with connecting to the stillness and peace within.  Even after so many years.  My sweet boy is almost 5.  Five years and it is still so hard.

There's been lots of intensity as school started a few weeks ago- it's Lew's last year before Kindergarten.  We've had some hiccups along the way (what? you need an example? well, for instance when everyone loads into the new-to-us wheelchair lift van to head out for dinner, but the van door goes on the fritz and refuses to shut.  What to do? What to do?  You can't drive the fam to the restaurant with the car door blowing in the wind. Plan B, C, D, E and F please!) but new routines have also been found. LJ's therapies have increased and the transition with his new teachers and therapists have gone well.  I've started taking sign language class with the retired Gallaudet professor and appreciate being able to improve communication with LJ. Thank you Dr. Z!  Our builder is an Universal Design Architect and they are beginning our accessible ramp and bathroom remodel for LJ this coming Monday!  Oh yeah, I also confess I've absolutely, positively over-programmed Nate this Fall with soccer, baseball, tennis and French extracurricular activities.

All these positive events have occurred simultaneously with some painful, trigger points for me that take me down to a low place.  These points of view that sneak in despite my best efforts to change my perspective and shift my energies.  Life is all about change.  The ebb and flow will still continue.  Shouldn't I take a hint from the slow gas leak that we had- the size of the bubbles depends on the intensity of the leak?  Yet, sometimes resentment turns up like a little demon.  Resentment for how things have turned out and how many challenges LJ has had and will have to face.  To wishing that children and adults alike would stop asking me why he can't walk or pointing out the differences in the way he eats and drinks.

Then it turns to annoyance with myself that I've judged someone. Confession.  Last week I judged a perfect stranger, without knowing their story.  She had walked in just before LJ and I rolled in.  She took the only wheelchair-accessible potty.  I placed blame on that stranger for causing my toddler to have an accident while waiting for the handicapped accessible stall that thereby ruined our holiday dinner mood.  Regret.  What if I could have educated that person or somehow changed the outcome of that dinner if I had asserted myself.  What should I have said differently while the school bus was loading my son's power wheelchair into the bus and the impatient stranger-lady got out of her car to ask me what was going on?  What's going on?  Deflated the rest of that morning.

So my point of view is this- to see this process through.  To keep after it.  To practice and work towards those thoughts and activities that will best illuminate a little space, a lot of balance and some sanity amidst the chaos.  Cutting our expectations for a cure is a gift we can all give ourselves.  There is no cure for being too hot or being too cold.  The ebb and flow will go on forever.  I've been coming back to a note dear friend C wrote me early on in this journey.  Gratitude for the great character lesson you gave me and the ability to appreciate and look closely at the core…

All knowledge has use, and all you have gained from this experience.  Your heart and soul are bigger.  I know no one would choose to have growth thrust upon them this way yet you choose to turn pain into love & a depth of spirit that can strengthen the people that are privileged to get to know you.

This moment, I am on the road of life.

No Longer a Kid

It's Josh's birthday! I've been working on this Coconut Layer Cake (see above) inspired by a visit to the Peninsula Grill in Charleston, SC several years ago that he loved. To the tune of a Widespread Panic song here, "I like coconuts/ You can break them open / They smell like ladies lying in the sun." Even more,  LJ enjoyed the entire baking process- from the batter testing complete with digging his entire index finger into the assembled, cooked cake as I was attempting to frost it! And not once or twice, but three times with an evil, mischievous laugh. Its only fair, man. The thing weighs just about as much as LJ does!! Everyone is welcome to come over and help us eat! We have plenty.

I've also been reminiscing throughout the day. He's the best dad! I just love this video (all the way at bottom) from the vaults. It was taken when LJ was still depending on feeding from the stomach tube and he had a lot of discomfort and difficulty sleeping.  Josh is the joy in my life.  Happy birthday!!

Coconut Cake recipe as described on www.marthastewart.com 
This delicious coconut cake recipe is courtesy of Robert Carter from the Peninsula Grill, in Charleston, South Carolina.
YIELD:makes two 10-inch round cakes
 INGREDIENTS Nonstick cooking spray with flour
1 pound unsalted butter, preferably European-style
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract

DIRECTIONS
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray two 10-inch round cake pans with cooking spray; set aside.
STEP 2 In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5 to 6 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until creamy, occasionally scraping down sides of the bowl using a spatula.
STEP 3 In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, mix together cream, vanilla, and coconut extract. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture, alternating with cream mixture, beginning and ending with flour; beat until just combined.
STEP 4 Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack before removing cakes from pans.

Robert Carter's Simple Syrup 
This simple syrup recipe is courtesy of Robert Carter from the Peninsula Grill, in Charleston, South Carolina.
SOURCE The Martha Stewart Show, May Spring 2007
How To Cook Techniques from Martha Stewart

YIELD Makes enough for one cake

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS
STEP 1 Place water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

Coconut Filling 
This delicious coconut cake filling is courtesy of Robert Carter from the Peninsula Grill, in Charleston, South Carolina. YIELD: Makes enough for 1 cake INGREDIENTS 5 cups heavy cream 3 cups sugar 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 9 cups shredded sweetened coconut DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Place cream, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved STEP 2 Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together cornstarch, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon water. Add to cream mixture, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened, about 1 minute. STEP 3 Place coconut in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until coconut is finely chopped. Remove cream mixture from heat and stir in coconut until well combined. Transfer to a large baking dish; let cool. STEP 4 Cover filling with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Just before using, place mixture in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until smooth and creamy, 4 to 5 minutes

Coconut Cake Frosting
INGREDIENTS
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1 vanilla bean, scraped

 DIRECTIONS
 STEP 1 Place butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until creamy. STEP 2 With mixer on low speed, slowly add vanilla extract, seeds from vanilla bean, and confectioners' sugar. Continue beating until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes

To assemble, cut cakes into thirds.  Place 2 cups of coconut custard between each layer.  Frost the cake.  Option to decorate the sides of cake with toasted, sweetened coconut.

Daddy Sings a Lullabye to LJ_January 21, 2010 from Jenn S on Vimeo.

Lovely Land and Sea

The beach feels good. Really good. The mornings have been relaxed. I've practiced yoga every morning on the beach to the sound of the waves and seagulls. I let go, I breathe, I am in the moment. Playing in the waves with the kids. Daily runs for ice cream. And then happy hour on the porch watching the kite surfers fly with amazing fluidity and freedom. Watching the pelicans soar overhead. Sipping wine, enjoying giant family dinners, sharing laughs, resting more then I have in the last few months. Puzzle mania and reading my book. Hanging out with my cousins, parents, brother and Aunt L and UV.  Ahhhh. Bliss.

Horse Sh!ft

I got to take LJ to hippotherapy today. When do boys lose their fascination with poop? I've attached the video from today's trail ride. The whole time we tagged along, Nate couldn't stop talking about the horse poop. LJ did great despite insistent pleas to remove his helmet (it was 90 degrees +). He was a total trooper and I just enjoyed being in the moment and appreciate all he is able to do these days. We've come a long way! happy trails and hope you all have a great weekend.
Horse Sh!ft from Jenn S on Vimeo.

Nate befriended Freddy the cat! the feline version of Annie the Wonder Dog

Life's A Beach, Next Stop: Isle of Palms

I am so looking forward to doing some traveling in the coming weeks. We've got our annual beach week reunion with all my extended family. I cannot wait for the family love, slower pace, good times and big home-cooked meals. I hope it will get to linger a lil bit longer even after the fun vacay is over. And then a little later on we get to visit our dear friends in Ithaca at the lake. Fun times, great friends and family and lots of laughter.

Price Checks and Bloopers!

Gratitude to Tanta, Virginia, Nanny and Babu!!! Many thanks to Glen too!  They helped us get LJ's first, new (to us) wheelchair- lift van.  It is a total game changer- to just roll right into the van and cruise.  It's meant major relief to my back for not having to lift all his heavy equipment into the back of my crossover.  The only thing Lewis has been talking about is driving his power chair and taking out his other new wheels.  We got it Sunday night...so Monday morning we went for a ride around the block before his summer school bus came, just so he could see the view from his new perspective.

Today we mounted up and headed for the grocery store after speech therapy. We asked LJ to find us the juice that started with a "V", and he drove his wheels to the right spot on the shelf.  Then as soon as we weren't concentrating he wheeled himself to the apple granola and insisted we were all out of it.  He also said we needed the house brand fish marinade (that was not on our list either).  He also proceeded to tell us that we needed to go upstairs to get more shampoo.  All a big plot so he could get to push the elevator button and take his power chair on it's first elevator ride.

The last video on this post illustrates his mad cross-walk driving skills.  He was clearly hamming it up for my camera!  Definitely keeps us on our toes.  Enjoy these two videos of Lew's adventures.
Price Check in Aisle 4 from Jenn S on Vimeo.

Power Chair Bloopers_LJ ( 4months of Learner's Permit) from Jenn S on Vimeo.

Home Sweet (Accessible) Home

On July 3rd, we moved into a new (to us) house.  We picked it mostly because it was a good fit for LJ, though it is lovely in its own right. It is within a mile of our old house.  There are bedrooms and bathrooms all on the first floor.  The lot is flat and there is a an exterior door in what is now LJ's bedroom.  Soon, we will have a ramp and a widened door that leads from his room to the the driveway.  LJ already enjoys leading tours around the upstairs in his power chair - something he couldn't do in our old house.  Very soon, and with minimal work, LJ will be able to come in and out on his own (well, sort of - as much as any 4 year old can).

There's lots of other great (and challenging) stuff too, as with any move.  Annie (our dog) loves the big fenced yard.  We have faced flooding, plumbing issues and faulty appliances since the move in (much like any new house).

Within the first few days living here though, we discovered how truly lucky we were with our choice.  Our neighbors and neighborhood are fantastic.  Nate has quickly integrated into the "posse" of neighborhood kids - they are forever coming here, or playing at one of the other houses on the block or playing kickball down the way, where there's no traffic.  Better yet, everyone we've met, especially our next door neighbors, are wonderful.  The folks next door have already helped me through a lock out situation with utmost kindness.  There's a retired Gallaudet University sign language professor (I'm enrolled in the adult ed class being taught thru the county starting in September), a pediatric occupational therapist and an adult physical therapist all neighboring our house.  How lucky are we?

The new house is keeping Josh and I extremely busy, so luckily both boys are enjoying camp and coming home tired during the week.  Nate is back at Camp Greenway, which is always a joy for him (lots of fun) and for us (organizationally brilliant).  LJ had a ball at an Arlington County tot camp a few weeks ago - it was an integrated camp that reserved several spots for special needs kiddos.  How excellent is that?  Now LJ's at Arlington county summer school.  Unfortunately, it seems like they've gotten in over their heads with summer school - buses don't come, classrooms fluctuate, it just seems off.  Still LJ is having great fun.

Josh and I are plugging away to make the new house a home.  We look forward to you visiting.