Swim Set Up

We went from long sleeves to swimsuits in a single day. Yesterday our high temperature reached 92, which is obscenely hot for this area in May. Since our pool is not yet set up, Timmy was content playing with the hose and thoroughly "washing" my car. 

Sunshine and warm temperatures are in the forecast for the weekend, so I'm going to nudge (or push) the boys to set up the pool. The YouTube assembly videos promise that the "easy set-up" should take about two hours to complete. That is equal to about 10 hours if you convert the time to our skill level. I know that this is a mammoth project, but I can't wait to start splishing and splashing again. It will be worth it in the end.

Wish us luck with the assembly!

Cake and the Loose Tooth Drama

 I want to thank everybody who took time out of their day to send me an email, a text or a message via social media for my birthday. Every time I opened my computer I felt like I was opening birthday cards. I truly felt special from the outpouring of well wishes.  

My day was relatively quiet but very nice. Robby made my birthday cake and he insisted on doing it completely by himself. He even cleaned up!  I can't remember the last time somebody made me a birthday cake, and having it prepared by my Koopa made it even more special.

Not only did Robby make my birthday cake, but he insisted on preparing dinner as well. He made bacon cheeseburgers and fries. He is turning into quite a good cook. 

Timmy, without even trying, managed to figure out the best birthday gift he could give to me. His tooth fell out! After weeks of wiggly drama, he now has a new gap toothed smile. 

Here's to another trip around the sun!

My Birthday

 Yesterday morning I woke up before dawn, set myself up with my laptop and a large mug of coffee, and waited for the clock to strike 6:00 AM.  Robby's enrichment school class registration went live at 6, and I wanted to ensure that he was registered in his preferred classes. He absolutely loves his Spy Games and WWII 3D History classes and he wants to continue the courses next year with his friends. Because those particular classes are in high demand and have limited enrollment, I knew that I needed to be quick. 

As soon as the clock turned I refreshed my screen and started clicking. I was checking out and paying at 6:01. The website crashed at 6:02 from excessive traffic. Thank goodness I woke up early, because if I had delayed even five minutes he would have missed out. 

When Robby woke up and learned that he was enrolled for next year, I was instantly elevated to heroine status. Seeing the smile on his face and hearing the banter he exchanged with his friends when they connected about their schedules made the lack of sleep worth it. I love seeing him so excited about his courses. 

In other news, today is my birthday. I don't know if it is the poison ivy, the prednisone, end of the school year stress or a combination of factors, but this year I just don't really care. Usually I love my birthday. This year I want to hide in a hole and pretend that it isn't happening. 

It isn't that I'm upset about a growing older.  I just feel like there are so many balls in the air right now that I can't juggle another, even if it includes my birthday. Hopefully I will feel more celebratory as the day wears on.

Poison Ivy

After Robby's medically involved week, I suppose it was my turn to feel lousy. I woke up on Saturday with my eye swollen and my face itchy. I quickly realized that I had poison ivy all over half my face, in my scalp and across my neck. I spent the weekend wallowing in misery.

I went to the walk-in medical clinic on Saturday, where I was officially diagnosed and received a shot and a bottle of prednisone. Unfortunately the steroids take some time to work, so there was little for me to do but to stay still (movement seems to make my face hurt more) and quiet as I endured the rash vengeance all over my face. I felt itchy, ouchy and sick.

Hopefully the steroids will start to work today and the rash will begin to retreat. In the meantime, I look like I've been hit with an ugly stick. Did I mention I'm miserable?

Ears

 Robby has certainly been put through the wringer this week. On Monday he had his toe surgery, which was both unexpected and painful. Yesterday he switched aligners (which is always uncomfortable) and he went to the ear doctor. 

We were not expecting the ear doctor to scrape considerable scar tissue. My Koopa was a trooper, but miserable. He has a habit of talking through medical procedures, mainly to keep himself occupied and to avoid hearing and seeing what is happening. During the procedure he ranted, "What's next Mom? This week my toe gets cut open and now this. Are you going to decide that my circumcision was too long and take me to get it shortened?"

The doctor had to stop the procedure because he was laughing so hard.

Helper Phase

I am over-the-moon with the decision to 12-15 year olds access to the Covid vaccine. I can't wait for Robby to receive his first dose. (He is less than thrilled with the needle jab.) Even though we still have to be careful to protect Timmy, adding another immunized person in the immediate family is such a relief.

While I relished in the vaccine news, Robby spent his day convalescing in front of his computer. His foot is still extremely sore and he feels pain when he bears full weight. I'm hoping that the pain begins to wane, because my Koopa is miserable. 

Timmy has stepped up to help while his brother is immobile. He loves fetching drinks, snacks and books for his big brother. He is already in the helper stage. Helping his big brother fills him with both glee and pride. 

I love his enthusiasm for being helpful. I hope it lasts, but I know that this stage is fleeting. I guess I will enjoy it while I can!

Recovering

Yesterday was laid back. Robby spent most of the day resting his foot and fighting back the discomfort. His foot is so swollen and discolored that I know he has to be uncomfortable. He is definitely a trooper!

Timmy and I worked in the morning and played through the afternoon. The weather was nice enough for us to go outside for a few hours. After being stuck inside for several days because of rain, it felt good to be in the fresh air. I know that Timmy had fun rummaging through the woods in search of a treasure. (We still haven't found one, but he hasn't given up!)

For those who have asked, his wiggly tooth is still attached. I have stopped asking him about it and, surprise surprise, he has stopped complaining. At this point it will fall out when it is ready, and I'm going to try to not stress over it. 

Today will be busy. Between meetings, school lessons and band rehearsal, I will be in near constant motion. Hopefully the weather is going to be nice tomorrow because I think we will have earned another trip to our farm.