In the dark

We are in the dark, going on day 3 1/2 without power. The house survived the storm with only minor damages, though we lost some huge limbs. As for us, we are doing okay. Irene greatly rattled Poppy, and she's been fussy since. We also think she's afraid of the dark, poor baby. Miles is loving all of the sticks and puddles- it's like little man adventure land. And Jesse and I have been locked in a serious ongoing Scrabble battle. I won last night with a 54 point word which u cannot share in this family forum- : ). All in all, we are feeling thankful, especially as we remember Hurticane Katrina this time of year.

It's the final countdown.

Tomorrow this time I will be setting up classroom. Sigh.

Tonight

Tonight I am grieving for some friends of our family.

Until now I thought a sudden death would be a blessing, no long drawn out illness, no time spent fearing all of the unknowns... Now I am feeling the pain of an unexpected passing, the pain of not getting to say goodbye. And that is truly devastating.

Back to School Thoughts while Going Blonder

Sitting here, head full of foils, counting down the seconds until I start my 6 year as a teacher. How 'bout them apples? That's amazing! This is also a landmark victory because I've made it past the typical 5 year burnout for special educators. Like I tell folks, I'm in special education life- in one capacity or another. Which brings me to another thought- if I weren't teaching, how else could I be as involved in the special education community in a professional sense? Teaching keeps me on the front line for all procedural and paperwork changes; it allows me to be our best advocate. I've always thought things happen for a reason, and my background definitely has definitely payed off in spades on terms of knowing and finding resources for Miles. So I guess I owe a huge AMEN and thanks for my school district for taking in me.

And I'm not the only one in countdown mode. Miles wanted to talk about his bus last night at bedtime. He's so ready. He misses his buddies, all of the fun activities, and of course, his beloved bus. I would pay (if I could) to get the same driver and aide for him. Miss Rita & Miss Carolyn truly loved him- and we couldn't have felt better sending him off each day- besides, they gave him the best hugs. I'm going to tear up soon- time to blame the bleach.

Updates: M & P

Miles is rebounding from two nasty infections. We had a double-header of strep and sinus infections come crashing down on him (and me) last week. After two rounds of two different meds, he's looking better. Still a bit snotty, but his energy and ability to cooperate (which disappears when he's sick) have returned.

Poppy has teeth, two beautiful (and Ginsu sharp) bottom teeth. The top two are begging to join the party, and they are hellbent on making an entrance as soon as possible. For the most part, Penelope is handling the matter with elegance and grace. Other times, she is gnawing my hand off in a non-verbal plea for some liquid Tylenol. God bless teething toys. Especially those that can be chilled. Amen.

Open

I'm officially open for suggestions. Like... go back to school and finish my needed course work in art (or philosophy, psychology, Am. studies... all the cool places my brain visited before joining the real world.) These past 24 hours have me thinking a change is needed. So, I am going to open-minded and see what the universe (and your thoughts) might be. Is it time to pick up the paint brush again? Write a novel? Explore the cultural influence of John Hughes films on shaping Generation X's approach to consumerism and identity in an ever-narrowing capitalistic market tinged with monopolistic rhetoric? Seriously, I need to stretch my proverbial "career" legs and take a look around. Maybe.

An analogy waiting to happen...

Red Leaves

The Japanese maple on my deck has recently sprouted red leafs. Much bigger than the existing green leaves. Fast and furious, they have crashed my little tree's house party, and they are looking to take over. Is there an analogy lurking in here? Something to do with the green and red leaves developing differently though they are from the same tree, that they will have to work together as they age- giving nutrients to the tree for a common good, as siblings they will be supporting each other, and... Naw, I was just checking to make sure you were paying attention.

But seriously, the maple is starting to turn red... and we are in the last, wheezing, gasping moments of my beloved summer vacation, or as this year will forever be known as, Toddler 'n' Teether 2011! Going back to work might actually be a bit easier than what I've had to juggle over the past few hot weeks. Middle schoolers vs. Thomas tiny tots... it's a toss up.

Is my heart breaking at the thought of not spending 90% of my days with Miles and Poppy? You bet your sweet bippy it is. Breaking into a million tiny pieces- oddly shaped like toy trains and binkies. Most of the time, my timing stinks. But Poppy's is spot on. She waited until June to truly come out of her shell, and I'd like to think she was saving it up for me. Thank God for this time because I've been able to bond with her. And we've been able to watch Miles fall in love with his sister, too. Case in point, I trucked the munchkins into school today- had to pick up my new laptop. The drive over couldn't have been cuter; they were taking turns making each other laugh. Think ridiculously cute and multiply that by 100, that's what it was like to be there.

As I am going to miss them once I'm back full time in the classroom, I know they will miss each other when Miles also returns to school. This might make me a bit sadder than as I before. Great. Back to those red leaves, I guess.

Achoo!

On today's agenda- cleaning and sneezing. Poppy's big move is underway, and I've already had my first dose of allergy medication. As has Miles- he woke up crusty and cranky. I don't think his OTC allergy meds are cutting it anymore. He and both suffer from arm bumps related to allergies. While mine are under control, his have erupted this summer. Little man now has to use a prescription lotion containing lactic acid- as thus far it's not helped. Our ENT is also an allergy wizard. Hopefully we will make to our October appointment without having to move it up.

Photographic Evidence: They're Growing Like Weeds

My Dear Sweet Neglected Blog

I really should write more. Yes, I say this, but I also believe it. However, will I commit to fulfill this need tonight? Probably not. It's late. I've got to get to bed. Blah. blah, blah.

Why do I need to write? Well, there's simply a lot brewing these days. Events, concerns, questions, and (frankly) venting that would best be served in this forum. Annnnnd more importantly, I need to do more bragging. Bragging and sharing more pics of my amazing kids.

Back to the grumpies I am facing. After all is said and done, I think I am struggling with issues rooted in fear. Fears related to the future- our family, our country, our world. Aren't we all? There's a lot to fret about, and I am a natural born fretter. Writing on this blog has always helped me cope during the hard times, the darkest of days, and all points in between. I used this blog to navigate Miles's diagnosis and his heart surgery, and I should revisit this form of "therapy" to relate the wild ride that is toddlerhood, persuing a master's degree with two small children, working full-time, and not having slept a full night in well-over a year. And like I mentioned earlier, as to not be the pessimist I could be, I have much to share and celebrate.

Without further ado, allow me to relay some warm fuzzies. Starting with the little man... We had an amazing visit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Loved Baltimore, love the center. Though we didn't really learn anything drastically new, we were able to rule out Autism for Miles. There had been an increasing of stemming-like behaviors this year. Following OT and medical evaluations, kiddo doesn't appear to be on the spectrum at this time. KKI has also made available behavioral support if we feel its warranted at a later time. Good to know. And we'd gladly make the trek north for their support as opposed to going back to CHKD, seriously.

Now onto the Poptart... Penelope, whom is mostly referred to as Poppy and/or Poptart these days, is a bustling and bubbly 7 month old ball of wonder and delight. Each day I fall more in love with her; her level of interaction and affection grow by the hour. Her personality is steadily emerging, and her interactions with Miles only encourage it to blossom. Tomorrow, she will be officially moving out of our room and into her own room, next door to Miles. Sigh. They will be neighbors now. And Liloo will have to work double-time to keep my lonely feet warm. As soon as she is moved in, I will post pictures.

Well, maybe I did write a bit more than planned. I feels good to be back, and here's hoping I return sooner than later. I do have a bit more time with summer classes done for now. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- find me on Facebook. Love ya!