The Life of Kids

A Florida wedding

Hi all,

The kids are doing great, loving school. Emily is reading and writing, and drawing constantly. Her art litters the tables and floors of three different rooms! David's passion is more mechanical, setting up trains and cutting every piece of paper he can find.

David as Harold and the Purple Crayon

Both kids love dressup, and while David is still Emily's occasional pawn, he has his own mind. No more fairy dresses for him, he's into Superheroes! Batman, Spiderman, Superman, he can sing the theme songs for all three. A flowing scarf becomes a cape, held together by snack clips. We don't just walk into the bedroom, we fly!

Here are samples of the kids' latest art:

About David

Healthwise, David's in for a challenging year. Ten days ago he had surgery #5 to correct some boy issues. He faces a followup surgery in six months. A big THANK YOU to our friends whose kids made cards for David, and our friends Estelle, Cindy, Leah, Liz, and Nicol, for the fabulous Honey Baked Ham and great side dishes during David's recuperation. Oh gosh, were they ever appreciated!

David also faces some sort of surgery to correct his probable short palate. Within a year after that, we're looking at reducing scar tissue around his lip (for speech and appearance before Kindergarten) and opening up his right nostril so he finally breathes better. He doesn't handle anesthesia well, nor pain narcotics. Nor the hospital and the poking and prodding.

Ah well, it's all for speech, after all. And he's finally trying to speak...really trying. After 22 months at home, he cares about communicating.

In June, after surgery #4 (tonsillectomy, ear tubes) he finally attached to me. I mean, really attached. After 19 months of being home. Now he's my best buddy--he wants my love. He seeks me out constantly, wanting hugs and kisses. He finally let me into his heart, and it's a lovely place to be. And he's more relaxed now that he's stopped fighting me. (He was afraid I'd disappear like all his previous nannies.) So, he wants to talk. Most people still can't understand him, but his family understands those vowel sounds! We're all incredibly proud of him.

What About Mom n Dad?

Kevin and I volunteer weekly in Emily's class, and occasionally in David's. (Preschool doesn't ask for parents as often.) It's a great experience, and the kids in Emily's class are so excited and affectionate with us. Although, it feels like a marathon, some days, keeping them focused! Kevin's business, Bamboodah, is off to a nice start. (The website is in work.) We're not in the clear by any means, but we're plugging along. Kevin's determined to make it succeed.

Hope you're all well.

Take care,

Caroline