Adorable moments

I asked Sierra to collect all the ingredients for the Christmas treat cooking. After she finished I saw a diet Pepsi in the pile. I asked why that was there and she said "the recipe called for 'soda'"!

It tickled my funny bone! Merry Christmas!

Spring

Post op recovery period

Today I noticed that Mr Kyle had enough energy to do things other than play the iPad or watch tv most of the day. I hadn't noticed that his energy level was overly "abnormal" until today when he was undoubtedly back to his normal self! He helped pour crystal light and spilled it all over the counter. He kicked the dog, unmade my bed, played Memory on his own, drove a toy truck up and down the hall for a long time, helped set the table (and I had to unset it!), helped tube himself, took himself to the potty twice and was just generally back to normal.

It was nice to see him "return"! It's been two full months since the surgery in Cincinnati. I'm not concerned that this is too long of a recovery, it's actually pretty good for something that major I think. Once the neo-Malone is all healed we should be on our way!

One bummer is that he still has accidents. It's a bit less. Two to four instead of four to six. But when the goal outcome is to stay clean for 24 hours a time any accidents are disheartening. I'm trying to decide how long to "deal with it" before I "bug" the clinic again.

Guess I'll start the next medicine... Sigh.

I'm doing much better! It's been a tremendously hard few months for me, but I'm trying to be patient with myself too.

And I'm adapting. It's still overwhelming when my main job in life is to keep four kids, one dog and a hubby all cared for and their needs balanced. It's an incredible tall order, but I chose this and I'll see that it is done well.

Spring

Dec 2011, age 6

The reindeer food was made especially by Kyle this year! It's the first time ever he has wanted to do crafts anywhere. He loved all the activities! He commented about the colors, the eyes, the nose etc. he listened about the reindeer and paints and Santa. He wasn't scared of Santa and told him thank you. It all seems so simple for typical kids, but year after year when Kyle hasn't participated and has screamed when I try to have him join in. This year, He stayed with me (mostly) and looked at me for instruction. He participated fully in each activity! When he had reached his limits he let me know. "dad, go please!". And we left. What a great kid! It was beautiful to watch! What amazing progress he has made this year. What a victory we experienced tonight. What a precious gift from him, heaven, Katie, Maria, MJ and my patience. It truly takes a village is specialists to raise this kiddo. And look at what everyones hard Work has done. A special cherished boy unlocking his potential. This is beautiful to me. Is simple and easy to take for granted but yet so profound.

Dec 2011, age 6

Kyle painted these ornaments all by himself! He was so excited to paint. I'm so proud of him!

Dec 2011, age 6

Kyles first gingerbread house. I'm so proud of him! And he wrote his name! (the squiggles)

Kyle and Merlin.

We are loving Merlin! He is gentle and smart. Our trainer is proud of him and so are we! He is 16 weeks old now and we all enjoy him so much!

Merlin-isms

Seriously I have to wait?