FAIR!

I have been catapulted into the realm of World's Best Momom because we took Robby to the County Fair. (We took Timmy as well, but he was not nearly as appreciative.) I was concerned about embarking on an adventure which required so much walking, but my leg was feeling comfortable and I figured I had to take a leap at some point.  I stowed a crutch in the car in case it became necessary, but I was determined to go and to have fun. 

Robby, his friend and his Daddy all took off in a full sprint towards the rides as soon as the gates were open. They were the first one on The Viper, a spinning ride which was a favorite from last year. He smiled and giggled throughout the ride. Scott wobbled off, obviously having a little difficulty readjusting his equilibrium.

They spent the next four hours spinning and twirling in all directions. Robby emerged from every ride skipping and smiling. Unfortunately Scott did not fare as well, walking slower and becoming paler with each ride. He was a trooper though and never gave up!

While the boys were busy riding, Timmy and I sat on a centrally located bench with a friend. It has been a long time since I've spent any time with a friend, it was wonderful to just relax and talk. Timmy was enthralled by the lights and sounds. Smiling in his stroller and constantly looking around, I had a happy and content baby. 

On the way out of the Fair we took one small detour. We couldn't leave without playing a game or two, especially when the prize was a Koopa. No surprises, he won!

Lucky Tricks

We had a fantastic mountain getaway, managing to fit a lot into a mere 24 hours. We drove from the mountain feeling happy and refreshed, vowing to return in the autumn when the leaves were changing.

We didn't want to leave, but once we got into the car I couldn't wait to get home. I tried to manage my growing anxiety, but all I wanted was to hold Timmy. This was the first time I have been away from him and, although I knew he was in fantastic hands, I worried about him. It turns out that my worries were unwarranted. He was a content little baby, smiling and flirting with laughing.

After resting at home for a few hours, it was time for another Wacky Week surprise. We went to play BINGO. Robby and I both have an affinity for the game, although for him it is more like a sport. His level of concentration as he prepares to mark his cards is impressive.

Robby focused with the intensity of a student studying for his SAT's. Unfortunately we didn't win, which was okay because the prizes were bottles of wine. (Personally, I thought wine was an odd choice for a prize considering that the event was touted as "family fun bingo night.") Regardless of not winning, we had a great time. It wasn't until we were leaving the building that I noticed that Robby was not wearing any underwear. When asked him why, he casually explained "Momom, I always take off my underwear for good luck. Why do you think I did so good in school last year?"

I was going to let it go, but I felt compelled to press him for more information. During the drive home I learned that Robby habitually removed his underwear at school before tests or evaluations. I never thought I would utter the sentence, "This year, why don't you try taking a test with your underwear on." He promised that he would, but I'm not confident that he will follow through. I can hardly wait until I have to field that phone call from his teacher!

Non Star Gazers

Greetings from a cabin tucked away in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley!

Yesterday afternoon Robby, Scott and I packed up and headed out on a mini-adventure to participate in an astronomy presentation was being offered on a local mountaintop. Telescopes were to be set up and guides were to be available to explain what we were viewing. I had no doubt that my little star gazer would love the opportunity to look through the high powered telescope with a real astronomer by his side.

My mom graciously offered to come down to take care of Timmy for the night. Although I felt torn leaving him at home, I knew that he would be happier at home. Being schlepped into the cold mountain air in the middle of the night is not typically appreciated by an infant. I felt pangs of guilt as we were driving away despite knowing that he was better off at home with my Mom.  I will have years to enjoy adventures with Timmy, but this one was not appropriate for him.

For as much as I struggled with the decision to let Timmy stay home, Robby seemed to embrace leaving him behind. He sprinted out the door when it was time to leave, screaming good-bye Hamlet as the door slammed behind him. The only reference for the rest of the afternoon made about his little brother was him saying "it sure is nice without Hamlet. We should ask Nana to watch him more often."  Brotherly love at its strongest.

After driving through the mountains, a trip dampened by the drizzling rain, we finally arrived at the lodge. It is absolutely gorgeous. We spent the afternoon walking around the park, trying to soak in as much nature as possible.  Unfortunately the rain interfered with our plans, forcing us inside prematurely.

The rain persisted throughout the evening, thwarting the full astronomy experience. We listened to the lecture, but the rain and heavy cloud cover made viewing anything through the telescope impossible. Needless to say, we were all disappointed.

Despite the non-star gazing experience, we had a great mini vacation. A change of scenery was just what we needed. Although I missed Timmy dearly, I must admit that the solid night's sleep was sorely needed and most welcome. 

LICE

Well, my Wacky Week of Family Fun didn't start off as anticipated. (Of course, I should know by now that things rarely go as planned!) While I was happily receiving my new leg I later discovered that Scott was waging a war on the home front.  We had been invaded by a nasty and determined enemy. Small in size yet packing an enormous ick factor, we were pulled into an epic battle against head lice. 

My head instantly began to itch as soon as I heard the news. Feeling the uneasiness that comes from the possibility that hundreds of bugs are dancing in my hair, I rushed to the drug store as soon as my leg was finished. Desperate and unnerved, I bought every remaining lice kit on the shelves. I think I surprised the cheerful teenager who checked me out with my basket full of lice treatment.  The poor kid didn't know how to respond, but I did chuckle when I saw him take a step backward from the counter.

Lice are utterly disgusting. Seeing little bugs crawling around Robby's hair will become fodder for nightmares for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately for my little Koopa, his incredibly thick and luxurious hair is not an asset when it comes to lice removal. He was a trooper, but it took me nearly an hour to brush out the dead bugs and eggs.  By the time I was finished, his torso and legs were caked with the not-so-dearly departed little creatures.

Scott had a moderate infestation and, much to his chagrin, it took him about 40 minutes to comb the eggs out of his hair. I treated my hair even though I couldn't find any bugs or nits. I figured that in this situation it would behoove me to air on the side of caution! (The fact that I removed so many bugs from Robby's hair made me experience sympathy itching all day long.) Timmy is the only member of our family to be unscathed by these annoying and ugly little critters. I guess not having much hair has a benefit!

After we were all thoroughly shampooed and combed, Scott and I set out to delouse the house.  Typically not much of a housekeeper, I was impressed by Scott's efficiency in this situation. Apparently the prospect of being invaded by lurking head lice is a huge motivator. By the time the sun was setting we had finished seven loads of laundry, had vacuumed the entire house and sprayed all the furniture with lice killer. Our house now smells like a pesticide factory.

Delaying our week of fun for a day, we hope we defeated our foe. We won't know for another week or two if all of the lice are gone or if we have to re-treat. In the meantime, we are going to try to put the buggy situation behind us. I haven't yet abandoned my week of fun, but I must admit that we haven't yet created the type of memories I had envisioned.
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Wacky Week of Fun

My surgery is in a week and a half. While I am not looking forward to being gutted like a fish, I can say that I'm happily anticipating resolution. I'll be grateful  when this unfortunate circumstance is over. In the meantime, I want to try to concentrate on enjoying the last few days of summer.

We haven't done much in terms of fun since Timmy was born. The majority of Robby and Scott's summer vacation has been spent assuming the role of caretaker. While I appreciate their help, I feel guilty for robbing them of a fun vacation from school. Logically I know that my feelings of guilt are unwarranted but that doesn't keep me from feeling them. My not walking has been difficult on everybody bar Timmy, who seems content just lying in my arms while I'm sitting in the rocking chair. 

Unfortunately, the weather has cooperated with our downtrodden summer, keeping the pool tempting days to a minimum. Scott and Robby have escaped to the pool whenever the temperatures were hot, but the past few weeks they have only been one time. I can't remember the last time we have had such a cool  summer. They have spent the majority of their time meandering around the house and playing XBox.

After eight long weeks, I am finally mobile. Walking is exhausting because I have lost of lot of strength, but the pain has waned. Fatigue is something that is familiar and that I know how to control. I am done being still and am committed to building up my strength before the next surgery.

It's time we all start enjoying our summer, albeit shortened. We need to laugh and create some good memories before both boys return to the chaotic school schedule. Therefore, I am hereby declaring this the Wacky Week of Fun.

I have adventures planned for every day this week. Some are big, some are small, but all have the potential of receiving squeals and giggles of excitement. Scott knows a few of my plans, but I've even managed to keep a surprise or two secret. Considering that I'm not particularly good at keeping surprises to myself, especially when I'm excited, I am quite proud of myself.  I know that I can't pack a summer full of happiness in one week, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try!