After the gifts we got everyone fed and hung out. We did not have lot to do to prepare the food, which left all of us feeling a little ill at ease. We set up an anti-pasti plate, which is a family tradition that reaches back into the mists of time, at least four years. I like anti-pasti and just decided that it would be part of our tradition. So sue me.
The rest of the family started arriving around 1400. Adults, kids, guests. My sister and her family. My "brother" and his family. My cousin. One of my sister's co-workers, who was away from home for the holiday. Eighteen of us in all, from 87 to 18 months. We also had four dogs, two cats and two fish. It all sounds very Dr. Seuss, when I put it like that.
We snacked and drank and talked until the turkey was done. We loaded the table and got down to business. The chaos almost subsided during the meal, though with small kids it never truly goes away.
After the meal we cleared the table, I did some dishes and then Tracy came in to let me know that the kids were circling the tree like vultures. We opened up the second set, mostly for the kids this time. Owyn was totally down with opening presents the second time around. Rhys was all over the place. There was a cloud of wrapping paper and in five minutes the kids turned a tree full of presents into toys and trash. The adults barely had time to snap a couple pictures.
Following the second present opening it was time for the kids to get down to some serious play and for the adults to chill a little bit and catch our breath. Everyone left about 1830, leaving us to put the boys to bed and sit with our feet up.
It was a great day. Happy kids, lots of family, no drama and good food. Just the way Christmas should be.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Day
Today is Christmas. The boys have been very excited, especially Rhys. He has practically been vibrating.
My folks came down and stayed with us last night. They brought my grandfather and his incontinent, zombie dog. Gramps and the dead dog walking slept in Rhys' bed. They pee'd in it.
Rhys slept on our floor. He was awake at 0445. Tracy managed to get him to hang out until 0545, when Owyn woke up. Even for our boys, this is early, but, of course, it is Christmas. Tracy and I took great pleasure in sending the boys to wake up Nana & Grandad. "Wake up! Santa! Christmas!"
We were down stairs by 0600. Our neighbor's lights were already on. I was glad we weren't the only ones. We opened presents and drank coffee. It was a good year for gifts for all of us. Santa brought Owyn a farm set and Rhys a Geo-Trax set. They were both set up and ready to go. Owyn also got a train set for Geo-Trax, so they were both able to play with it. That was the grand slam hit of the day.
Owyn pretty much lost interest in opening more presents because he was so busy with the ones that he already had. Rhys opened all of his then "helped" Owyn with his.
I was very pleased with everything I got, including some things that I didn't even know I wanted until I opened them and realized that my life had been incomplete without them.
My folks came down and stayed with us last night. They brought my grandfather and his incontinent, zombie dog. Gramps and the dead dog walking slept in Rhys' bed. They pee'd in it.
Rhys slept on our floor. He was awake at 0445. Tracy managed to get him to hang out until 0545, when Owyn woke up. Even for our boys, this is early, but, of course, it is Christmas. Tracy and I took great pleasure in sending the boys to wake up Nana & Grandad. "Wake up! Santa! Christmas!"
We were down stairs by 0600. Our neighbor's lights were already on. I was glad we weren't the only ones. We opened presents and drank coffee. It was a good year for gifts for all of us. Santa brought Owyn a farm set and Rhys a Geo-Trax set. They were both set up and ready to go. Owyn also got a train set for Geo-Trax, so they were both able to play with it. That was the grand slam hit of the day.
Owyn pretty much lost interest in opening more presents because he was so busy with the ones that he already had. Rhys opened all of his then "helped" Owyn with his.
I was very pleased with everything I got, including some things that I didn't even know I wanted until I opened them and realized that my life had been incomplete without them.
Hot Peppers
It's Christmas day today. We had eighteen people over for dinner. One of those people is my cousin Luke, who Rhys adores. Luke is 35'ish.
I walked into the kitchen and Luke was eating a piece of garlic bread, which he had made. The garlic bread was sitting on top of a bottle of pepperinci. Rhys said "Eat pepper". Luke, "No way, they're hot". "No they're not, eat one". Rhys "I eat one, you eat too". Luke, "Ok, I'll eat one with you".
As I watched Luke pulled out a pepper for himself and one for Rhys. They stood there, holding their peppers and looking at each other. They each, slowly, moved the pepper closer to their mouths, never taking their eyes off of the other's pepper. When they could not get any closer they both stopped and waited. I'm pretty sure a tumbleweed blew between them. Luke stuck his in his mouth and Rhys was right behind him. They both chewed.
Rhys, "Do again!".
I walked into the kitchen and Luke was eating a piece of garlic bread, which he had made. The garlic bread was sitting on top of a bottle of pepperinci. Rhys said "Eat pepper". Luke, "No way, they're hot". "No they're not, eat one". Rhys "I eat one, you eat too". Luke, "Ok, I'll eat one with you".
As I watched Luke pulled out a pepper for himself and one for Rhys. They stood there, holding their peppers and looking at each other. They each, slowly, moved the pepper closer to their mouths, never taking their eyes off of the other's pepper. When they could not get any closer they both stopped and waited. I'm pretty sure a tumbleweed blew between them. Luke stuck his in his mouth and Rhys was right behind him. They both chewed.
Rhys, "Do again!".
Thursday, December 10, 2009
G-E-E
Owyn's pacifier, his binkie, is called his Gee. He came up with this name. It took us awhile to figure out what he meant when he was asking for a gee. It comes from Bink-gee.
Owyn loves his gee. He is not allowed to have one at day care, but as soon as we pick him up he asks for it. We have been spelling it out, when we didn't want him to know what we were talking about.
Tonight the boys had a shower. As I carried Owyn into his room, all wrapped up burrito like in a towel, I realized that I had left his gee in the bathroom. I told Tracy, "Oops, I have to get the G-E-E." Owyn said "Yeah". I looked at him thinking, "surely not." "Do you know what a G-E-E is Owyn?" "Yeah, Gee!".
Have I mentioned that he is two?
Owyn loves his gee. He is not allowed to have one at day care, but as soon as we pick him up he asks for it. We have been spelling it out, when we didn't want him to know what we were talking about.
Tonight the boys had a shower. As I carried Owyn into his room, all wrapped up burrito like in a towel, I realized that I had left his gee in the bathroom. I told Tracy, "Oops, I have to get the G-E-E." Owyn said "Yeah". I looked at him thinking, "surely not." "Do you know what a G-E-E is Owyn?" "Yeah, Gee!".
Have I mentioned that he is two?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Two cars
Rhys has been insistent, lately, that he needs to take two cars to school. Tracy had not really given it much thought. Both boys like to take toys to school with them.
On Monday the three of them walked in and started to get ready. It has been freaking frigid here the last two weeks so there is a lot of getting ready to do. As Tracy was getting Rhys out of his coat Amaya walked up and said "Do you have cars Rhys?", "Yep, right here". The two of them walked off, each with one of Rhys' cars.
As mama stood there with his jacket he looked back and said "Bye mama".
On Monday the three of them walked in and started to get ready. It has been freaking frigid here the last two weeks so there is a lot of getting ready to do. As Tracy was getting Rhys out of his coat Amaya walked up and said "Do you have cars Rhys?", "Yep, right here". The two of them walked off, each with one of Rhys' cars.
As mama stood there with his jacket he looked back and said "Bye mama".
Leave the door open
Rhys has been having accidents again. Almost every day for the last two weeks he has had an accident. If you ask him if he needs to go, he says no, even if he is wiggling his little butt on your lap.
Today at day care he looked like he needed to go but he told his teacher that he did not need to. Amaya, (his best friend at day care) walked up to the teacher and told him, "If you leave the door open, Rhys will pee." Mr. Keith tried it, he opened the door, escorted Amaya to where she could not see him, and Rhys went pee.
Amaya is a very smart little girl. She knows her Rhys pretty well too.
Today at day care he looked like he needed to go but he told his teacher that he did not need to. Amaya, (his best friend at day care) walked up to the teacher and told him, "If you leave the door open, Rhys will pee." Mr. Keith tried it, he opened the door, escorted Amaya to where she could not see him, and Rhys went pee.
Amaya is a very smart little girl. She knows her Rhys pretty well too.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Parent Teacher conference
Yesterday we had Rhys' parent teacher conference. His teacher and all three of his special ed teachers were there. It was somewhat painful getting the conference scheduled but we finally got them all in the same place at the same time.
He is making great progress in all areas. He has met some of the goals on his IEP and is close on others. They are optimistic that he will do well transitioning to kindergarten next year. They briefed us on the process for turning him over from the current team to his new team, since he will be at our neighborhood school next year.
Importantly, he is also much more compliant and able to do things on his own, critical skills for kindergarten. His current class has twelve kids, four of whom are special needs. There are four adults in the classroom at any given time. The ratio will not be that good next year.
They were very excited that we have gotten him in to speech therapy, (as are we). They could already see an improvement.
They were also very impressed by his sweetness and compassion. He has taken the new, smaller, kids under his wing and helps them out. There is one child who is extremely special needs, strapped down in a wheel chair. Rhys talks to him and brings him toys. He doesn't talk back, but Rhys never gives up on him.
It was all very positive and hopeful.
He is making great progress in all areas. He has met some of the goals on his IEP and is close on others. They are optimistic that he will do well transitioning to kindergarten next year. They briefed us on the process for turning him over from the current team to his new team, since he will be at our neighborhood school next year.
Importantly, he is also much more compliant and able to do things on his own, critical skills for kindergarten. His current class has twelve kids, four of whom are special needs. There are four adults in the classroom at any given time. The ratio will not be that good next year.
They were very excited that we have gotten him in to speech therapy, (as are we). They could already see an improvement.
They were also very impressed by his sweetness and compassion. He has taken the new, smaller, kids under his wing and helps them out. There is one child who is extremely special needs, strapped down in a wheel chair. Rhys talks to him and brings him toys. He doesn't talk back, but Rhys never gives up on him.
It was all very positive and hopeful.
POOOOOL!
Tracy got us a gym membership. Tonight we took the boys to see it. They have a huge indoor pool and a very cool day care center. I took Owyn over to the window so he could look at the pool. He was mesmerized. He couldn't look away. We did not have swim suits with us. As I walked away and headed towards the car he let out a long wail. "Nooooooo, Poooooool!"
He will get to swim on Saturday at Rhys' birthday party, but I think the gym will be a hit with the boys, at least.
He will get to swim on Saturday at Rhys' birthday party, but I think the gym will be a hit with the boys, at least.
Look at me!
The other day Rhys was sitting on my lap while we watched his shows. He wanted a cookie. I had told him no. As I sat there a small hand reached up and grabbed my chin. He turned my head to him and said, "Look at me, Cookie, Now!" We had to have a serious talk about being rude.
It was all I could do not to laugh and spoil the whole thing. I was laughing on the inside though.
It was all I could do not to laugh and spoil the whole thing. I was laughing on the inside though.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Story time
We have a new routine at bed time. It used to be, not so long ago, that Owyn went to bed before Rhys. Tracy or I would give Owyn an bottle and tuck him in, then I would put Rhys to bed, half an hour later.
Two months ago, or so, Owyn started staying up and playing in his crib at bed time. We moved his rack time back to the same as Rhys'. In the last two weeks we have modified things again.
We take the boys up at the same time. Tracy gets Owyn ready and I get Rhys ready. He goes potty, puts on his jammies, feeds his fish and picks his stories. About the time he is done, Owyn shows up, grinning from ear to ear.
I sit on the bed and Owyn climbs up. He sits down between my legs, leans back against me, and pulls the blankets up over us. Rhys hands Owyn the stories and climbs up, tucking himself in on my left side. Tracy sits on the food of the bed.
Owyn gets to pick which story we read first, there are always two.
When I finish the second story, with many, many interuptions, Owyn says, "Bye Daddy", gives me a kiss and climbs down. Rhys turns on his turtle night light and hits the button for blue (there is also green and a disturbing, corpse like brown/orange). I turn off the light and lay beside Rhys for a few minutes.
I always tell him that I will stay for five minutes. We count down, five, four, three, two, one, zero. He likes it when I make the zero sign because he can stick his spindly little arm in the circle of my fingers. He always talks me into staying past five minutes.
We talk about the next day. He always wants to know how many schools he gets to go to. He gets "two schools" on every day except Friday. His second question is always "Daddy pick-a me up?" Two days I pick him up at "two school", the other days Tracy or I will pick him up at day care.
When it is finally time for me to leave I give him a kiss and a hug, find whichever of twenty stuffed animals on his bed he has decided he "needs" and stand up. On my way out the door I turn of the light on the fish tank and he says "Goodnight Fish, Goodnight Daddy". "Goodnight Rhys, I love you. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well."
Two months ago, or so, Owyn started staying up and playing in his crib at bed time. We moved his rack time back to the same as Rhys'. In the last two weeks we have modified things again.
We take the boys up at the same time. Tracy gets Owyn ready and I get Rhys ready. He goes potty, puts on his jammies, feeds his fish and picks his stories. About the time he is done, Owyn shows up, grinning from ear to ear.
I sit on the bed and Owyn climbs up. He sits down between my legs, leans back against me, and pulls the blankets up over us. Rhys hands Owyn the stories and climbs up, tucking himself in on my left side. Tracy sits on the food of the bed.
Owyn gets to pick which story we read first, there are always two.
When I finish the second story, with many, many interuptions, Owyn says, "Bye Daddy", gives me a kiss and climbs down. Rhys turns on his turtle night light and hits the button for blue (there is also green and a disturbing, corpse like brown/orange). I turn off the light and lay beside Rhys for a few minutes.
I always tell him that I will stay for five minutes. We count down, five, four, three, two, one, zero. He likes it when I make the zero sign because he can stick his spindly little arm in the circle of my fingers. He always talks me into staying past five minutes.
We talk about the next day. He always wants to know how many schools he gets to go to. He gets "two schools" on every day except Friday. His second question is always "Daddy pick-a me up?" Two days I pick him up at "two school", the other days Tracy or I will pick him up at day care.
When it is finally time for me to leave I give him a kiss and a hug, find whichever of twenty stuffed animals on his bed he has decided he "needs" and stand up. On my way out the door I turn of the light on the fish tank and he says "Goodnight Fish, Goodnight Daddy". "Goodnight Rhys, I love you. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well."
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Nanna's
Owyn loves Bananas. He loves them more than any other food, even pizza. Just seeing them in the store is occasion for celebration. Actually buying them and bring them home warrants a happy dance.
Nothing beats getting to eat them though. That is just pure joy.
Christmas is coming!
You know Christmas is getting close when you start to get the toy catalogs in the mail. Toys-R-Us showed up the other day. Tracy and I went through it first. As we were finishing it up the boys found it.
They immediately got down and dirty and went through every page. They have pointed out their favorites several times, hint, hint, hint.
Movie Night
The other night we rented Toy Story for the boys. It was late when we started it, bed time is usually 1900. Rhys and Owyn were frantic to see it. They curled up on the couch with Mama to watch it. Owyn was riveted the entire time. Rhys couldn't hang.
Halloween
Spook night was sort of mixed for our family this year. Rhys loves it, Owyn hates it. Tracy likes dressing up the boys.
Penguins are Rhys' totemic animals. It all stems from my time in Antarctica, but suffice it to say, that he has penguins everywhere. He was ever so excited to dress up as one this year. He loves the dress up, he loves the trick or treating and he loves the candy. Rhys can't get enough of it. As soon as he was done trick or treating he wanted to go again the next night. He was devastated to learn that he has to wait a whole year before he can do it again.
Owyn hates dressing up. If it was up to him he would never wear anything but jeans and tee shirts, though perhaps shorts in the summer are OK. He was supposed to be a pirate this year. The costume is great, and Rhys was a knock out in two years ago. Owyn threw a fit when they tried to stuff him into it. He wasn't excited about the trick or treat, though he eventually got into it. He wasn't even all that jazzed about the candy. He had a sucker last night and that was it.
The boys ended up getting to stay up late, and they got a reasonable amount of candy, which they might get to eat if they hurry. Otherwise their Mama will eat it all.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Gunkins (Pumpkins)
We carved pumpkins last night. Mama had visions of a great fun family event. I had visions of small boys knife fighting in a shower of orange gore. Reality was some where in the middle.
We had three small pumpkins and two big ones. I cut the tops out and sent them on to the table where Tracy and the boys were waiting. Tracy began trying to get them to pull the seeds out. Rhys thought the slimey, nasty, stringy mess was fantastic fun. Owyn didn't want to have anything to do with something that icky.
Owyn left early. He had hands to wash and shows to watch. Rhys got sent to the naughty step after he refused to stop throwing spoon fulls of seeds around the room. Mama was vexed. I quietly carved my stroke victim pumpkin and left the room.
I suspect that the event was not all that Mama had hoped for.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Oink, Oink, Oink Again
It's Owyn's turn. He has been sick the last couple of days. We thought he had the same virus that Rhys has had the last week. Today was pretty bad though. Owyn took a five hour nap and he pretty much just sat on the couch or laid on the floor all day.
Tracy just found out about a new Pediatrician who is open until 2200. We decided to take Owyn in. He came back, almost immediately, as positive for Swine Flu.
He is considered to be moderately at risk, as is Tracy, since she has Asthma. It's too late to get his Tamaflu prescription filled tonight so we will just have to get it to him in the morning. I guess I'll be missing another day of work on Monday.
I sure wish these little boys could catch a break and go a whole two weeks without being sick.
Tracy just found out about a new Pediatrician who is open until 2200. We decided to take Owyn in. He came back, almost immediately, as positive for Swine Flu.
He is considered to be moderately at risk, as is Tracy, since she has Asthma. It's too late to get his Tamaflu prescription filled tonight so we will just have to get it to him in the morning. I guess I'll be missing another day of work on Monday.
I sure wish these little boys could catch a break and go a whole two weeks without being sick.
Swim Class
Rhys had swim class again this morning. He was supposed to get a new teacher, but ended up getting to keep his old one.
Rhys has been struggling with kicking. It is very hard for him to coordinate enough to get both legs moving, but in opposite directions at the same time. His low muscle tone also means that he can not keep it up for very long.
Today, for the first time ever, Rhys swam. He kicked and moved his spindly little arms and moved forwards through the water with his face under the surface. He would have drowned if he had to go more than a couple feet. It wasn't pretty. It was, however, swimming.
I am very, very proud of him.
Rhys has been struggling with kicking. It is very hard for him to coordinate enough to get both legs moving, but in opposite directions at the same time. His low muscle tone also means that he can not keep it up for very long.
Today, for the first time ever, Rhys swam. He kicked and moved his spindly little arms and moved forwards through the water with his face under the surface. He would have drowned if he had to go more than a couple feet. It wasn't pretty. It was, however, swimming.
I am very, very proud of him.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sick. Again.
Rhys has been sick for the last week. Today is the first day he has really felt ok. He was running a fever and just, generally, run down.
Today it is Owyn's turn. This is turning out to be a rough year for the boys.
Today it is Owyn's turn. This is turning out to be a rough year for the boys.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Clean up, clean up, let's clean up
There is a song they sing at pre-school. The title is most of the lyrics. I'll spare you the rest. Owyn's Speech teacher works at a pre-school when she is not doing therapy in the afternoons. She brings a big bag of toys with her, for speech learning games.
When it is time to go Miss Vickie sings the Clean up song while she and Owyn clean up all of her toys.
Today, as is the tradition in our house, the boys nuked the living room with a 4 megaton toy bomb. Mama decided that, non-traditionally, she would make them clean it up before bed.
As she and I sat in the other room we heard Owyn singing "Clean up, clean up".
When it is time to go Miss Vickie sings the Clean up song while she and Owyn clean up all of her toys.
Today, as is the tradition in our house, the boys nuked the living room with a 4 megaton toy bomb. Mama decided that, non-traditionally, she would make them clean it up before bed.
As she and I sat in the other room we heard Owyn singing "Clean up, clean up".
PIZZA!
We ordered pizza for dinner on Thursday night. It had been a long day at work for both of us and the thought of cooking dinner was just more than we could face.
Both boys were hungry. We told them we had ordered pizza and they would just have to be patient. That got them off our backs, for the time being.
The doorbell rang. Both boys, in unison, stood up, looked towards the front door and yelled out "PIZZA!!!".
It wasn't the pizza. It was dude handing out the neighborhood newsletter. Imagine the despair.
Both boys were hungry. We told them we had ordered pizza and they would just have to be patient. That got them off our backs, for the time being.
The doorbell rang. Both boys, in unison, stood up, looked towards the front door and yelled out "PIZZA!!!".
It wasn't the pizza. It was dude handing out the neighborhood newsletter. Imagine the despair.
Poster for Owyn
The other night I was sitting with Rhys at bed time. We had fed his fish, and read his stories. He always asks me to sit with him before I leave. The lights were off except for Turtle. Turtle is a toy turtle that has hundreds of holes in his shells. There are blue, green and orange LED's that shine out through the holes in the shape of constellations.
Rhys likes the blue light. He never, NEVER, never has the green or orange on.
As we were sitting there, Rhys was looking at his posters. He has four of them. Two are Cars posters (from the movie). One is Puss in Boots from Shreck. The last is Remi from Ratatouille.
As we looked at the posters Rhys said "Need more posters". We had been at the store that day and he had seen all the posters they have there. I said "Do you need another poster or does Owyn need one? We are only going to buy one poster". Rhys thought and thought. His little face was creased and everything. Finally he made up his mind.
"Owie needs poster." "Daddy buy Owie a poster".
Rhys likes the blue light. He never, NEVER, never has the green or orange on.
As we were sitting there, Rhys was looking at his posters. He has four of them. Two are Cars posters (from the movie). One is Puss in Boots from Shreck. The last is Remi from Ratatouille.
As we looked at the posters Rhys said "Need more posters". We had been at the store that day and he had seen all the posters they have there. I said "Do you need another poster or does Owyn need one? We are only going to buy one poster". Rhys thought and thought. His little face was creased and everything. Finally he made up his mind.
"Owie needs poster." "Daddy buy Owie a poster".
Rhy's Bed
I usually go to bed late. Very late. The rest of the family has been asleep for hours by the time I hit the rack. The good thing about this is that it is unlikely that I will wake the boys when I check on them, last thing.
The other night I went in to check on Rhys, as usual. He had, obviously, not been very tired when I put him to bed. He had his little people castle in bed with him. He had taken his piggy bank down and spread his "noney" all over the place. There were cars and animals and books everywhere. He was asleep in a drift of toys. I could barely see his blankets.
At least he stays in his room.
The other night I went in to check on Rhys, as usual. He had, obviously, not been very tired when I put him to bed. He had his little people castle in bed with him. He had taken his piggy bank down and spread his "noney" all over the place. There were cars and animals and books everywhere. He was asleep in a drift of toys. I could barely see his blankets.
At least he stays in his room.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Celebrating
To celebrate our tenth anniversary we went all out. We arranged for the boys to stay with Nana and Granddad. Thanks Nana and Granddad.
Tracy found us a really nice Bed & Breakfast here in town. Our room had a nice view of the downtown skyline. The bathtub faced the fire place. The bed was big and comfy. We had champagne and chocolate waiting for us when we got there.
We had a car pick us up and take us to dinner. Our reservations were at the Capital Grill. It may have been the best meal we have ever had. Bread, prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, lobster bisque and a salad to start. We both got the steak and lobster. We had Lyonaise potatoes (fried spuds in my neck of the woods) and roasted mushrooms. For desert Tracy had strawberries and ice cream and I had, by far, the best coconut creme pie I have ever had.
The car picked us up after dinner and took us back to our room. We talked and enjoyed each other without any interruptions, for once. The bed was very comfy and we slept in until almost nine.
The breakfast was tasty, and again, we got to just sit and talk and enjoy our food and the company. We mosied out of the B&B about 1000.
It was a fantastic night.
Tracy found us a really nice Bed & Breakfast here in town. Our room had a nice view of the downtown skyline. The bathtub faced the fire place. The bed was big and comfy. We had champagne and chocolate waiting for us when we got there.
We had a car pick us up and take us to dinner. Our reservations were at the Capital Grill. It may have been the best meal we have ever had. Bread, prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, lobster bisque and a salad to start. We both got the steak and lobster. We had Lyonaise potatoes (fried spuds in my neck of the woods) and roasted mushrooms. For desert Tracy had strawberries and ice cream and I had, by far, the best coconut creme pie I have ever had.
The car picked us up after dinner and took us back to our room. We talked and enjoyed each other without any interruptions, for once. The bed was very comfy and we slept in until almost nine.
The breakfast was tasty, and again, we got to just sit and talk and enjoy our food and the company. We mosied out of the B&B about 1000.
It was a fantastic night.
10 Years
Last week was our ten year anniversary. It is one of those moments, like finding yourself thirty years old, when you take stock and say "Holy Cow! How did that happen?" We are both finding it a little bit hard to believe that we have been married for that long.
A lot has happened since then. Tracy got out of the Navy, got her degree and had four different jobs, each a step up. She has gotten two professional certifications. She moved from Virginia to Colorado.
We had our two boys. We moved to England and then back. We have bought two houses and rented three.
I went to all seven continents, circled the globe and sailed the seven seas. I went to war twice. I have had five different jobs, each a step up. I got my masters degree.
It seems like a lot to try to cram into ten years.
A lot has happened since then. Tracy got out of the Navy, got her degree and had four different jobs, each a step up. She has gotten two professional certifications. She moved from Virginia to Colorado.
We had our two boys. We moved to England and then back. We have bought two houses and rented three.
I went to all seven continents, circled the globe and sailed the seven seas. I went to war twice. I have had five different jobs, each a step up. I got my masters degree.
It seems like a lot to try to cram into ten years.
Sleepover
Rhys and Owyn had a sleepover with Nana last night. It was our tenth anniversary and Nana and Grandad agreed to watch the boys for us.
Last week Nana called and asked to talk to Rhys. He was very surprised. It was his first phone call. Nana was calling to invite him to bring Owyn and the dogs and come over for a sleep over on Saturday night. Rhys said yes. He was very excited.
All week long he was asking, "Go Nana's house?". "No, that is next Saturday". "OK". When Saturday came he woke up and said "Go Nana's house now?". "No, we will go after you and Owyn have a nap".
Rhys' swim lessons have been moved to Saturday morning. After I took him to swimming we went bye bye. We were in our second store when he said "Daddy, Rhysy go home, go to bed." "Really? You want to go home and sleep?" "Yes Daddy, Rhysy go home, go to bed." I took him home and put him in bed. It was 1000.
Ten minutes later he came down stairs, "Go Nana's now. Nap over." Ah ha. It all fell in to place. Eventually we really did go to Nana and Granddad's. Rhys was so tired and wound up by then that he cried almost the entire way there, then took a ten minute nap. Owyn slept for half an hour before we left and refused to sleep in the car.
When we arrived at Nana and Granddad's, Grandad was there. We gave him all the details, whose blanket was which, meds to be taken, food to be eaten, that sort of thing. Then we headed out for our night out.
The boys asked for a nap, laid down on two couches and got up in five minutes. They played outside in the dirt and the fort. Owyn was thrilled to discover small boy sized furniture out there. They ate chicken parts and mac and cheese. They played learning games with colors and shapes and numbers. They slept in the same bed, for the first time.
In the morning, at 0530, they got up and had pancakes and bacon and played some more while they watched Thomas the Tank Engine.
Nana asked Rhys if he would like to do it again. "Yes!"
Last week Nana called and asked to talk to Rhys. He was very surprised. It was his first phone call. Nana was calling to invite him to bring Owyn and the dogs and come over for a sleep over on Saturday night. Rhys said yes. He was very excited.
All week long he was asking, "Go Nana's house?". "No, that is next Saturday". "OK". When Saturday came he woke up and said "Go Nana's house now?". "No, we will go after you and Owyn have a nap".
Rhys' swim lessons have been moved to Saturday morning. After I took him to swimming we went bye bye. We were in our second store when he said "Daddy, Rhysy go home, go to bed." "Really? You want to go home and sleep?" "Yes Daddy, Rhysy go home, go to bed." I took him home and put him in bed. It was 1000.
Ten minutes later he came down stairs, "Go Nana's now. Nap over." Ah ha. It all fell in to place. Eventually we really did go to Nana and Granddad's. Rhys was so tired and wound up by then that he cried almost the entire way there, then took a ten minute nap. Owyn slept for half an hour before we left and refused to sleep in the car.
When we arrived at Nana and Granddad's, Grandad was there. We gave him all the details, whose blanket was which, meds to be taken, food to be eaten, that sort of thing. Then we headed out for our night out.
The boys asked for a nap, laid down on two couches and got up in five minutes. They played outside in the dirt and the fort. Owyn was thrilled to discover small boy sized furniture out there. They ate chicken parts and mac and cheese. They played learning games with colors and shapes and numbers. They slept in the same bed, for the first time.
In the morning, at 0530, they got up and had pancakes and bacon and played some more while they watched Thomas the Tank Engine.
Nana asked Rhys if he would like to do it again. "Yes!"
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sailing, sailing
We got the boys a new book shelf/toy box. We took the old one out. We set it off to the side. We put it with the shelves facing away from the boys. Tracy used it to block the bottom of the armoir, which the boys like to climb in to.
You can see how successful our sly ruse turned out to be. The boys have nothing but time. Mischief is their chief pass time. They found a new, and hitherto unimagined, use for the book shelves.
I should go take them to the basement right now. I have no idea why they took their shorts off.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Oink, Oink
Rhys has swine flue. Yeah us.
He did not have any symptoms. We got a call from school that he was lethargic and complaining that his belly hurt. I picked him up and took him to the Dr. They did a nasal swipe and within fifteen minutes we had the magical news.
He has a prescription for meds to treat it, but the pharmacy was out. They should get some in today. Rhys and I are home today. Tracy will stay home with him tomorrow. Owyn goes to the Dr this afternoon.
At least there are only two more days this week, so we should be free and clear by next week. I hope whoever he got it from is out of school and that Rhys did not spread it around to his little friends.
He did not have any symptoms. We got a call from school that he was lethargic and complaining that his belly hurt. I picked him up and took him to the Dr. They did a nasal swipe and within fifteen minutes we had the magical news.
He has a prescription for meds to treat it, but the pharmacy was out. They should get some in today. Rhys and I are home today. Tracy will stay home with him tomorrow. Owyn goes to the Dr this afternoon.
At least there are only two more days this week, so we should be free and clear by next week. I hope whoever he got it from is out of school and that Rhys did not spread it around to his little friends.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Rhys and Amya, sitting in a tree
Rhys has a girlfriend. They are in day care together. We are happy about this for several reasons.
She speaks more clearly than the boys do, thus hopefully being a good influence on his speech. He needs all the help he can get there, though his speech therapy is going well.
She is very understanding of his potty training difficulties and is very supportive of his efforts. Last Friday he did not have an accident all day. She was so excited that she gave him her peaches and popsicle (they are studying P's).
She does not get him all wound up the way the boys do. As he gets more excited, and there are more inputs, his little brain gets overwhelmed and he goes feral on us. He starts biting and hitting. He needs to get away and do something quiet, like wash his hands for half an hour or so. Amya is less likely to push him over the edge than the boys.
Today, when Tracy was dropping Rhys and Owyn off, she overheard part of a conversation already underway. "We can't take him, we don't have a car seat for him." This was followed by an very patient four year old, obviously concerned that she has to do all the thinking around here. "Well go buy another car seat Mama, then we can take Rhys with us".
Amya is going camping in South Dakota. She wanted to take Rhys with her. Ahhh. Young love.
She speaks more clearly than the boys do, thus hopefully being a good influence on his speech. He needs all the help he can get there, though his speech therapy is going well.
She is very understanding of his potty training difficulties and is very supportive of his efforts. Last Friday he did not have an accident all day. She was so excited that she gave him her peaches and popsicle (they are studying P's).
She does not get him all wound up the way the boys do. As he gets more excited, and there are more inputs, his little brain gets overwhelmed and he goes feral on us. He starts biting and hitting. He needs to get away and do something quiet, like wash his hands for half an hour or so. Amya is less likely to push him over the edge than the boys.
Today, when Tracy was dropping Rhys and Owyn off, she overheard part of a conversation already underway. "We can't take him, we don't have a car seat for him." This was followed by an very patient four year old, obviously concerned that she has to do all the thinking around here. "Well go buy another car seat Mama, then we can take Rhys with us".
Amya is going camping in South Dakota. She wanted to take Rhys with her. Ahhh. Young love.
Ham popsicles
We got a big package of ham for sandwiches at Costco. It is thin cut and each piece is folded up. They are very east to get out of the package and to roll up.
Owyn, it turns out, loves ham. We call them ham popsicles. We were snacking over the weekend and Owyn kept coming into the kitchen, saying "Am Opsil" and smiling up at us with his crooked toothed grin. As soon as we handed him one he would march back to the living room with his roll of greasy, fatty goodness, happily munching away.
I'm sure we are scarring these boys for life.
Owyn, it turns out, loves ham. We call them ham popsicles. We were snacking over the weekend and Owyn kept coming into the kitchen, saying "Am Opsil" and smiling up at us with his crooked toothed grin. As soon as we handed him one he would march back to the living room with his roll of greasy, fatty goodness, happily munching away.
I'm sure we are scarring these boys for life.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Goodbye
Last night we had some friends over for dinner before they moved out of town today. Kris and Barb have been a very important part of our lives for almost five years. It is a sad day to see them leave.
We met them in a baby class that we took through the base. Barb had just had Gianna and Tracy was still preggers with Rhys. Barb was starting up her baby sitting business and we signed our little bean up.
Rhys and Gianna grew up together, and when Owyn came along he went to Barb too. They had another daughter, Charlize and the four of them were together all the time. Rhys loves his "Yanna" more than any other child, other than Owyn.
Kris is in the Air Force, and just got his commission after finishing his degree through the, very competitive, Air Force commissioning program. Barb also just finished her degree. We are very proud of both of them and we will miss them.
Good luck guys.
We met them in a baby class that we took through the base. Barb had just had Gianna and Tracy was still preggers with Rhys. Barb was starting up her baby sitting business and we signed our little bean up.
Rhys and Gianna grew up together, and when Owyn came along he went to Barb too. They had another daughter, Charlize and the four of them were together all the time. Rhys loves his "Yanna" more than any other child, other than Owyn.
Kris is in the Air Force, and just got his commission after finishing his degree through the, very competitive, Air Force commissioning program. Barb also just finished her degree. We are very proud of both of them and we will miss them.
Good luck guys.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Dirt
Owyn had never been camping before. He loved it. The woods were irresistible to him. He kept heading off on great explorations, all alone. We spent the whole weekend trying to keep track of him.
He also loved the dirt and the junk food. That is not a black eye, it is dirt. We went through two full packages of wipes just cleaning up kids over the three days.
The fire was pretty neat too.
Night Night Swing
Rhys has a swing in OT that is used to calm him down. It is, basically, a hammock hanging from a single hook. He calls it the night night swing, and it is one of his favorites.
When we went camping in Wyoming there was an actual hammock set up. A very dangerous vortex into a black hole of napping it was too.
The boys loved the night night swing and could not get enough time in it, though they, apparently, have super ninja skills which let them avoid the naps that afflicted the rest of us.
The weasel hound, Deuce, is in the background of one of the pictures. She is our little dog.
Horses
Last weekend we went camping in Casper. My aunt has horses and both boys got to ride. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves. We hope to get Rhys doing some hippotherapy soon. I don't know where they are going to get hippos in the mountains though. (Not really, I know what it is, I swear, really).
Rhys' Speech
When I got home I noticed that Rhys was more understandable. One benefit of being away from him for five weeks, I noticed his progress. He still has a long way to go for other people to be able to understand most of what he says, but any progress is welcome.
Last week he finally got to start speech therapy. It is at the same place as his Occupational Therapy and his physical therapy. He has become very well known there. His various therapists (three of them) compare notes on how to deal with him, what works and what doesn't.
He has speech and OT every week and PT once a month. This week was all three. He was in there Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each time he went in he saw one of his other therapists.
Each of the therapists pushes him way past what he wants to do. He, inevitably, ends up getting angry at them at least once. It is the nature of the beast. He tends to quit when things get hard. We have to remind ourselves not to be too quick to help him, to push him, but I think that he is capable of more than we require of him. His therapists push him to that higher level.
Today at speech he saw his OT therapist, who usually ends up pissing him off the most. He ran up and gave her a big hug, then came back to speech.
He is a very sweet boy, even after all that we put him through.
Last week he finally got to start speech therapy. It is at the same place as his Occupational Therapy and his physical therapy. He has become very well known there. His various therapists (three of them) compare notes on how to deal with him, what works and what doesn't.
He has speech and OT every week and PT once a month. This week was all three. He was in there Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each time he went in he saw one of his other therapists.
Each of the therapists pushes him way past what he wants to do. He, inevitably, ends up getting angry at them at least once. It is the nature of the beast. He tends to quit when things get hard. We have to remind ourselves not to be too quick to help him, to push him, but I think that he is capable of more than we require of him. His therapists push him to that higher level.
Today at speech he saw his OT therapist, who usually ends up pissing him off the most. He ran up and gave her a big hug, then came back to speech.
He is a very sweet boy, even after all that we put him through.
Strep Again?
Tracy and Owyn and Rhys and I all have strep now. This is actually not all bad. Silver lining time here. We are all on antibiotics at the same time. This means we can all kill it off and not keep giving it to each other round robin.
We have thrown away all of our tooth brushes and started over with new. Tracy soaked all of Owyn's gee's in Listerine. This has the benefit of killing off germs and of making them less desirable for him.
Not silver lining time. I was jet lagged all last week. The lack of sleep in Korea finally caught up with me and all I did was work, spend time with boys, go to sleep, wake up and back to work. We went camping last weekend. Great time, but not restful. I got strep on Monday. Early to bed every night because I felt like crap.
I have been home two weeks and all I have done is work and sleep, and spend some time with the boys. Tracy and I are looking forward to each getting a day to sleep in this weekend. After six weeks we both need one day to catch up.
We have thrown away all of our tooth brushes and started over with new. Tracy soaked all of Owyn's gee's in Listerine. This has the benefit of killing off germs and of making them less desirable for him.
Not silver lining time. I was jet lagged all last week. The lack of sleep in Korea finally caught up with me and all I did was work, spend time with boys, go to sleep, wake up and back to work. We went camping last weekend. Great time, but not restful. I got strep on Monday. Early to bed every night because I felt like crap.
I have been home two weeks and all I have done is work and sleep, and spend some time with the boys. Tracy and I are looking forward to each getting a day to sleep in this weekend. After six weeks we both need one day to catch up.
Homecoming
I had been dreaming of my homecoming. I could not wait to see the boys, to see the looks on their faces, and to hug the little monsters.
When I finally got home, it was all I had dreamed and more. Tracy and the boys met me at baggage claim. I got there first. I saw them walk in, Tracy holding Owyn and Rhys like a hunting dog on a scent.
Rhys saw me. He stopped. His face lit up. His smile stretched from ear to ear. He yelled "DADDY, daddy, daddy!!!!" and ran towards me with his arms out. He flew into my arms and glued himself to me.
I heard Owyn, "Daddeee!" He ran up and threw himself at me too. I had not expected this. I did not know if he would miss me. I stood up with both boys in my arms, hugging me as tightly as they could. Glued to me.
At some point I got to hug Tracy too. It took awhile. Both boys have been attached to me ever since I got back. Owyn has become much more of a daddy's boy now.
It's good to be home.
When I finally got home, it was all I had dreamed and more. Tracy and the boys met me at baggage claim. I got there first. I saw them walk in, Tracy holding Owyn and Rhys like a hunting dog on a scent.
Rhys saw me. He stopped. His face lit up. His smile stretched from ear to ear. He yelled "DADDY, daddy, daddy!!!!" and ran towards me with his arms out. He flew into my arms and glued himself to me.
I heard Owyn, "Daddeee!" He ran up and threw himself at me too. I had not expected this. I did not know if he would miss me. I stood up with both boys in my arms, hugging me as tightly as they could. Glued to me.
At some point I got to hug Tracy too. It took awhile. Both boys have been attached to me ever since I got back. Owyn has become much more of a daddy's boy now.
It's good to be home.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Skype
I am back in Hawaii. One of the biggest benefits of this is that I can skype with the boys again. Last night, right before bed, Tracy go them all on and we got to talk for a few minutes.
Rhys was standing, so all I could see was the top of his head. I know he has missed Daddy. We were both happy to see each other. He had a lot to say, most of which I couldn't hear.
Owyn was sitting on Mama's lap. He just kept smiling and waving and blowing me kisses. He was so excited to see me. I was not sure that he was missing me, but I have no doubt now.
It was great to see them. Tomorrow I get home and can actually hold them all again. I can't wait.
Rhys was standing, so all I could see was the top of his head. I know he has missed Daddy. We were both happy to see each other. He had a lot to say, most of which I couldn't hear.
Owyn was sitting on Mama's lap. He just kept smiling and waving and blowing me kisses. He was so excited to see me. I was not sure that he was missing me, but I have no doubt now.
It was great to see them. Tomorrow I get home and can actually hold them all again. I can't wait.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Rhino
Tracy and the boys were watching Little Einsteins. This is Owyn's favorite show. Every time he gets to buy a book, it is "Einsteins!". Every time we ask what show he wants to watch, "Einsteins!". Every time he gets to take something to school for show and tell, "Einsteins!".
In the current episode the kids were on a safari and Tracy was having the boys name the animals. When the rhino came on she said "rhino". Rhys said "rhino". Owyn said "No, Daddy".
The kid is scary smart.
In the current episode the kids were on a safari and Tracy was having the boys name the animals. When the rhino came on she said "rhino". Rhys said "rhino". Owyn said "No, Daddy".
The kid is scary smart.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Missing Daddy
Rhys has a list of things that will happen once Daddy gets home.
1. "Daddy will take me to Rhys and Daddy's store."
2. "I will stop having accidents when Daddy gets home."
3. "Daddy will get me a new comic book when he gets home."
Rhys and Daddy are missing each other a lot.
Owyn is missing having Mama to himself. The last four nights he has gotten up in the middle of the night to cuddle with Mama.
Daddy is missing Owyn a lot too, even if he doesn't miss Daddy.
This has been a very difficult deployment for all us, much harder than last year. I will be very happy to get it over with and get home.
1. "Daddy will take me to Rhys and Daddy's store."
2. "I will stop having accidents when Daddy gets home."
3. "Daddy will get me a new comic book when he gets home."
Rhys and Daddy are missing each other a lot.
Owyn is missing having Mama to himself. The last four nights he has gotten up in the middle of the night to cuddle with Mama.
Daddy is missing Owyn a lot too, even if he doesn't miss Daddy.
This has been a very difficult deployment for all us, much harder than last year. I will be very happy to get it over with and get home.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Accidents
Rhys has been having many accidents. I am hoping that it is because I am gone and that he will get better when I get home. I suspect this may just be whistling in the wind.
He has a new teacher at day care. This has caused us many problems in the past. He needs to be reminded during the day. I also think that when he goes before nap he does not always do a great job of getting it all out.
He will be five in a couple more months. He is way too old to be peeing himself at school. I'm concerned.
He has a new teacher at day care. This has caused us many problems in the past. He needs to be reminded during the day. I also think that when he goes before nap he does not always do a great job of getting it all out.
He will be five in a couple more months. He is way too old to be peeing himself at school. I'm concerned.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Strep II
Owyn now has strep. The little guy is completely miserable. Tracy is just trying to get through the days and hoping that Rhys doesn't get it as well. The picture was Owyn before he got sick.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Two Schools
Rhys went back to school on Monday. The bus picked him up from day care, but he had a new teacher who did not make him go to the bathroom before he left. He was so excited that he had an accident, so was not wearing the cute outfit that Mama had picked out for him.
Nana picked him up and took him to swim lessons. He was very excited to see her. He moved up to the next level in swimming. The only thing holding him back was his kicking but he finally figured it.
Rhys loves pre-school. All summer long he was very sad that he did not have his "two-school". This year he has the same teacher and some of the same kids, as last year. His friend from his pre-pre-school, the year before last is in his class this year as well. Ryan and Rhys were the only two kids in their program so they had a lot of time together.
Nana picked him up and took him to swim lessons. He was very excited to see her. He moved up to the next level in swimming. The only thing holding him back was his kicking but he finally figured it.
Rhys loves pre-school. All summer long he was very sad that he did not have his "two-school". This year he has the same teacher and some of the same kids, as last year. His friend from his pre-pre-school, the year before last is in his class this year as well. Ryan and Rhys were the only two kids in their program so they had a lot of time together.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Strep
Tracy has step. This is the second time in the last eight months. It is a shame that I am not there to take care of her. My dad stopped by tonight and helped to get the boys to bed.
Hard times for Tracy.
Hard times for Tracy.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
SCUBA
I'm in Hawaii right now, waiting to deploy to Korea. I was supposed to be here for three days. I've been here for a week and a half now. This doesn't suck.
I have some SCUBA gear. It is all virgin. I did not bring it because I was not going to have time to dive. I should know better by now.
This last weekend I got my PADI Advanced cert. I dove twice on Saturday and three times on Sunday. When I am out here I dive with Island Divers. They own their own boat (there are only two or three companies on the island that do, everyone else rents space on one of those.)
On Saturday our dives were in a relatively uninteresting spot, which I dived in last year. They were both shallow and were all about skills. First dive was navigation, which is not very different from land nav and is not all that interesting, but does take the whole dive to do.
The second dive was Peak Performance Buoyancy. This is interesting stuff, very useful and was a lot of fun. Again, this was a skills dive so mostly just working on that instead of enjoying the dive.
The seas and winds were also pretty nasty on Saturday. I was feeling a little sea sick, which made things less fun. All in all I was glad when the day was done.
Sunday was a whole different kettle of frog fish. This was a three tank dive. We started at 0830 and went until about 1500. We had a fun, forty minute boat ride from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki.
Our first dive was off the beach at Waikiki on a wreck, the YO-257. This was a Navy yard oiler, sunk by the local submarine tour company to give them something to look at. The bottom there is at 100 feet, making it my deepest dive to that point. We dropped down the line and the wreck loomed out of the dark. Visibility was about forty feet, even at that depth. You have to love Hawaii for the great vis.
We saw some rays, green sea turtles and a couple of frog fish. These things look like a chunk of reef. Even if you know exactly what you are looking at they are very hard to spot. One of them swam off and it just looked like a floating turd. We live in an amazing world.
While we were down there one of the subs pulled up. It was very cool to be diving five feet away from a submarine. SCUBA is a much better way to visit than a sub. No regrets about getting my cert at all.
After this dive we headed in to the fuel dock to top up and get some chow. It also gave us a nice long surface interval. The fuel dock food was iffy. The dude had three crock pots going with food in them. He made sandwiches bare handed, wiping his nose in between ingredients. I went for a hot dog.
The second dive was on another wreck, the Sea Tiger. This was a Korean ship, rumored to be a smuggler. I can't back that up with facts or anything. The deck of this one was 100 feet, the bottom at 130. I stayed at deck level.
My rented depth gauge was not working. I discovered this at depth on the first dive. We got down there, I looked at it, and it said 200 feet. I thought "Either we are all screwed or this thing is broken." I went with broken and stayed just above my buddy the whole day.
There was not much wild life around the Sea Tiger but it was a very cool wreck. Parts of the ship were falling off and there was debris all around it. We went into the bridge and my buddy, who was also the instructor, showed me the Korean instruments with Hangul symbols on them.
Our third dive was a drift dive on Fantasy Reef. We had another nice long surface interval driving from Waikiki back around Diamond Head and to the new site. Conditions were fairly rough, with a nice swell and a brisk wind. We did a negative buoyancy entry, since the boat was drifting pretty quickly.
We were split into two groups to make things easy. We dropped down to the bottom, fifty three feet at the deepest, and just let the current carry us along the reef. There were fish everywhere, six foot eels, a green sea turtle that was bigger than I am. I saw a porcupine fish about a foot long. The best thing was a lion fish. The dive master said that in over 2000 dives in Hawaii he has only seen them eight times before.
When the first diver signaled low on air we grouped up and headed to the surface. This was my first safety stop in open water with no line to hang onto. Since my depth gauge was not working I just tried to stay at the same depth as my buddy. It was a good chance to practice my peak performance buoyancy. It still needs some work.
When we were done with the safety stop we surfaced and got aboard the boat. Then we drove for fifteen minutes to pick up the second group. It was a good object lesson in how the wind can push a high profile boat a LOT faster than low profile divers.
Everyone got aboard fine and we headed back in to the pier. I got everything signed off for my advanced cert and the card should arrive at home while I am in Korea.
Last year I got to dive with my friend, but he is no longer in this unit, so is not out here with me. He would have loved it, especially all the different fish I saw, as he is really into that stuff.
I can't wait to dive again.
I have some SCUBA gear. It is all virgin. I did not bring it because I was not going to have time to dive. I should know better by now.
This last weekend I got my PADI Advanced cert. I dove twice on Saturday and three times on Sunday. When I am out here I dive with Island Divers. They own their own boat (there are only two or three companies on the island that do, everyone else rents space on one of those.)
On Saturday our dives were in a relatively uninteresting spot, which I dived in last year. They were both shallow and were all about skills. First dive was navigation, which is not very different from land nav and is not all that interesting, but does take the whole dive to do.
The second dive was Peak Performance Buoyancy. This is interesting stuff, very useful and was a lot of fun. Again, this was a skills dive so mostly just working on that instead of enjoying the dive.
The seas and winds were also pretty nasty on Saturday. I was feeling a little sea sick, which made things less fun. All in all I was glad when the day was done.
Sunday was a whole different kettle of frog fish. This was a three tank dive. We started at 0830 and went until about 1500. We had a fun, forty minute boat ride from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki.
Our first dive was off the beach at Waikiki on a wreck, the YO-257. This was a Navy yard oiler, sunk by the local submarine tour company to give them something to look at. The bottom there is at 100 feet, making it my deepest dive to that point. We dropped down the line and the wreck loomed out of the dark. Visibility was about forty feet, even at that depth. You have to love Hawaii for the great vis.
We saw some rays, green sea turtles and a couple of frog fish. These things look like a chunk of reef. Even if you know exactly what you are looking at they are very hard to spot. One of them swam off and it just looked like a floating turd. We live in an amazing world.
While we were down there one of the subs pulled up. It was very cool to be diving five feet away from a submarine. SCUBA is a much better way to visit than a sub. No regrets about getting my cert at all.
After this dive we headed in to the fuel dock to top up and get some chow. It also gave us a nice long surface interval. The fuel dock food was iffy. The dude had three crock pots going with food in them. He made sandwiches bare handed, wiping his nose in between ingredients. I went for a hot dog.
The second dive was on another wreck, the Sea Tiger. This was a Korean ship, rumored to be a smuggler. I can't back that up with facts or anything. The deck of this one was 100 feet, the bottom at 130. I stayed at deck level.
My rented depth gauge was not working. I discovered this at depth on the first dive. We got down there, I looked at it, and it said 200 feet. I thought "Either we are all screwed or this thing is broken." I went with broken and stayed just above my buddy the whole day.
There was not much wild life around the Sea Tiger but it was a very cool wreck. Parts of the ship were falling off and there was debris all around it. We went into the bridge and my buddy, who was also the instructor, showed me the Korean instruments with Hangul symbols on them.
Our third dive was a drift dive on Fantasy Reef. We had another nice long surface interval driving from Waikiki back around Diamond Head and to the new site. Conditions were fairly rough, with a nice swell and a brisk wind. We did a negative buoyancy entry, since the boat was drifting pretty quickly.
We were split into two groups to make things easy. We dropped down to the bottom, fifty three feet at the deepest, and just let the current carry us along the reef. There were fish everywhere, six foot eels, a green sea turtle that was bigger than I am. I saw a porcupine fish about a foot long. The best thing was a lion fish. The dive master said that in over 2000 dives in Hawaii he has only seen them eight times before.
When the first diver signaled low on air we grouped up and headed to the surface. This was my first safety stop in open water with no line to hang onto. Since my depth gauge was not working I just tried to stay at the same depth as my buddy. It was a good chance to practice my peak performance buoyancy. It still needs some work.
When we were done with the safety stop we surfaced and got aboard the boat. Then we drove for fifteen minutes to pick up the second group. It was a good object lesson in how the wind can push a high profile boat a LOT faster than low profile divers.
Everyone got aboard fine and we headed back in to the pier. I got everything signed off for my advanced cert and the card should arrive at home while I am in Korea.
Last year I got to dive with my friend, but he is no longer in this unit, so is not out here with me. He would have loved it, especially all the different fish I saw, as he is really into that stuff.
I can't wait to dive again.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Caged no more
Yesterday Rhys and Mama were sitting downstairs, after nap, when they heard Owyn. Rhys told his Mama "You stay sitting Mama, I'll get Owyn". This was a new one, so Tracy went along, listening on the baby monitor.
What she heard was lots and lots of laughing and giggling. After a few minutes, down came Owyn with his brother. She is still not sure how he got out of the crib, but I would like to have been a fly on the wall for that one.
Both boys are growing up so fast.
What she heard was lots and lots of laughing and giggling. After a few minutes, down came Owyn with his brother. She is still not sure how he got out of the crib, but I would like to have been a fly on the wall for that one.
Both boys are growing up so fast.
R - H - Y - S
(From Tracy) So, this morning as I am typing Rhys comes in and I told him I had printed the letters to his name so he could trace them. He was very excited! I then asked him what the first letter of his name was and he said R then I asked what the next was he said H and so forth until he spelled his whole name. He got the first letter of Owyn’s name.
He even spelled it for me at 0200 when they called me this morning. He was also working on his brother's name but he kept getting fixated on the O. We often call Owyn "O", so can see how that would be enough for him.
He even spelled it for me at 0200 when they called me this morning. He was also working on his brother's name but he kept getting fixated on the O. We often call Owyn "O", so can see how that would be enough for him.
Big Beak
(From Tracy) Going to bed and Rhys put his animals away, after he and Owyn destroyed it, he points to his Penguin and baby and mama says “is that Rhys and mama”, Rhys says yes and then points to another penguin on his dresser and says Owyn, and then points to the Penguin with the long beak and say daddy. The joys of little boys.
I do have a rather large nose. I guess he is paying attention.
I do have a rather large nose. I guess he is paying attention.
Acting out
Tracy has been having a rough time with the boys while I am gone. Not only does she now have to do everything, but she is not getting that one day a week to sleep in that we both count on.
This weekend was especially trying. They boys were on a jag. Rhys especially. Finally he told her, "Mama, I'm being bad because I miss Daddy." You have to give him points for honesty. Also for being that self aware.
It's gonna be a long August for Tracy.
This weekend was especially trying. They boys were on a jag. Rhys especially. Finally he told her, "Mama, I'm being bad because I miss Daddy." You have to give him points for honesty. Also for being that self aware.
It's gonna be a long August for Tracy.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Green Eggs and Ham
I am deployed right now. I will be gone for awhile. Rhys misses me terribly when I am away, as i do him. For the first part of this deployment I have high speed Internet in my room. That means we can skype.
Before I left I bought two copies of Green Eggs and Ham. Rhys has one and I have one. Each morning (0200) my time, Rhys and Mama wake me up to say good morning before Rhys goes off to school.
Each evening, right before Mama takes him to bed, Rhys skypes me again. He is always sitting in Mama's chair, with a big grin on his face. As soon as he sees me he holds up his orange book so I can see that he has it. I hold mine up so he can see that I am ready to go.
As I read it I tell him to turn the page. He follows along, very earnest and serious. He wants to get it right.
The orange book is our special book.
Before I left I bought two copies of Green Eggs and Ham. Rhys has one and I have one. Each morning (0200) my time, Rhys and Mama wake me up to say good morning before Rhys goes off to school.
Each evening, right before Mama takes him to bed, Rhys skypes me again. He is always sitting in Mama's chair, with a big grin on his face. As soon as he sees me he holds up his orange book so I can see that he has it. I hold mine up so he can see that I am ready to go.
As I read it I tell him to turn the page. He follows along, very earnest and serious. He wants to get it right.
The orange book is our special book.
Monday, July 20, 2009
A B C
Owyn is two. While we were at the party this weekend he went inside, where it was cooler, to play. On the fridge there were the mandatory, (in a house with small children), alphabet magnets. Owyn saw those and made a bee line for them. He loves to play with magnets for some reason.
He knew every letter.
He knew every letter.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tracy
Today we all went to my neice's first birthday. It was a madhouse, of course. The boys started out shy but warmed right up and were soon raising hell. There were a lot of kids, it was like a herd of cats.
The party was outside. When the sun was out it was quite hot. When the sun was hidden by clouds it was perfect. There was plenty of food and drink. The boys liked the guacamole and the cake and ice cream best. Go figure.
Due to the heat, Kate, my sister, decided to open the presents in the house. My father and cousin and I decided to skip the presents and stay outside and talk. At one point I got up to check on the boys. I looked in the house. Tracy was standing there with something in her hands.
After ten years of marriage, she still takes my breath away.
The party was outside. When the sun was out it was quite hot. When the sun was hidden by clouds it was perfect. There was plenty of food and drink. The boys liked the guacamole and the cake and ice cream best. Go figure.
Due to the heat, Kate, my sister, decided to open the presents in the house. My father and cousin and I decided to skip the presents and stay outside and talk. At one point I got up to check on the boys. I looked in the house. Tracy was standing there with something in her hands.
After ten years of marriage, she still takes my breath away.
Ein-Steins!
Owyn loves The Little Einsteins. A month or so ago we were at Barnes & Nobles. Each boy got to pick a book. Owyn picked out a Little Einsteins book. Next to his Gee and his blanket it is his favorite thing in the whole world.
We record several shows for the boys every day. One of these is Ens-Steins! as Owyn calls it. Every time a show is over and we ask them what they want to watch, Owyn's answer is Ein-Steins!
He's smart enough for it but even Rhys is getting tired of The Little Einsteins.
We record several shows for the boys every day. One of these is Ens-Steins! as Owyn calls it. Every time a show is over and we ask them what they want to watch, Owyn's answer is Ein-Steins!
He's smart enough for it but even Rhys is getting tired of The Little Einsteins.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Swimming
Rhys has been in swim classes for several months now. About six weeks ago his teacher left and he got a new one, one who is not nearly as skilled as his old one.
For the last two weeks Rhys has had his old teacher back. Yeah us! Today he got is first ribbon. For each level that they master they get a ribbon. He not only got his rainbow ribbon but he did everything he needs for his second one except for kicking.
He can now hold his breath, put his head under water by himself and get a ring from the bottom and jump off the wall without any support. Once he can kick on the kick board he will be ready to move on up.
It is really great to see him making progress. I'm very proud.
For the last two weeks Rhys has had his old teacher back. Yeah us! Today he got is first ribbon. For each level that they master they get a ribbon. He not only got his rainbow ribbon but he did everything he needs for his second one except for kicking.
He can now hold his breath, put his head under water by himself and get a ring from the bottom and jump off the wall without any support. Once he can kick on the kick board he will be ready to move on up.
It is really great to see him making progress. I'm very proud.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Black Powder
The morning of the 4th we went to a local museum called Four Mile Historic Park. It is in Denver and is, oddly, four miles from downtown. It used to be a farm and stage stop, back when people still traveled by stage. Now it is a farm and museum.
On the fourth of July every year they have a full day of events. The local Civil War reenactors have a camp there and show their stuff. The boy's grandparents are part of that unit.
When we got there the unit was about to fire off the 12 pound mountain howitzer. This is a very small canon that makes a satisfyingly big bang. Both boys were surprised and pleased by that.
Following the canon the infantry fired off several shots each, again perking the boys right up.
After the firing demonstrations we wandered through the park. We bought some home made kettle corn and root beer, which were both a big hit. We wandered through the stilts and hoops. Owyn loved the hoops. He picked them up and put them over his head. Rhys found a stick to play with. The simple toys are still the best.
Once we had seen everything we went around and got some food. From this point on the boys were pretty much turds. I spent some time talking to some of my friends in the unit there but we had to head home sooner than we would have liked.
We managed a good two hours, no rain, some food and drink and lots of boom. Oh yeah, and Rhys found a stick.
On the fourth of July every year they have a full day of events. The local Civil War reenactors have a camp there and show their stuff. The boy's grandparents are part of that unit.
When we got there the unit was about to fire off the 12 pound mountain howitzer. This is a very small canon that makes a satisfyingly big bang. Both boys were surprised and pleased by that.
Following the canon the infantry fired off several shots each, again perking the boys right up.
After the firing demonstrations we wandered through the park. We bought some home made kettle corn and root beer, which were both a big hit. We wandered through the stilts and hoops. Owyn loved the hoops. He picked them up and put them over his head. Rhys found a stick to play with. The simple toys are still the best.
Once we had seen everything we went around and got some food. From this point on the boys were pretty much turds. I spent some time talking to some of my friends in the unit there but we had to head home sooner than we would have liked.
We managed a good two hours, no rain, some food and drink and lots of boom. Oh yeah, and Rhys found a stick.
Boom! Boom! BOOM!
The boys had a good evening of the 4th. It was raining pretty hard here right before it got dark. We were over at the neighbors house. There were a bunch of kids and the boys were having a ball with them all.
The rain let down a little bit, not a whole lot. All the kids went out to start with the fire works. Sparklers and snappers. Owyn just ran around in the rain. Rhys loved the sparklers. He waited so patiently for his turn at one. Once those were gone both boys hit the rain-play hard.
Owyn finally crashed and burned just before dark. Tracy took him up and put him in bed. His room is at the front of the house, closest to the street. He slept through everything. Not a peep all night.
Rhys settled in with us as everyone in the neighborhood set up in front of our house. Why? As soon as the fun started Rhys was right in the middle of it. I kept having to jump in and pull him away when he got too close.
The older kids (some in their 40's) got to set off all the fireworks. The biggest and loudest ones scared Rhys, but as soon as they were done he was right back in the middle of things.
Rhys finally went to bed at 10Pm. He did not sleep in Sunday morning.
The rain let down a little bit, not a whole lot. All the kids went out to start with the fire works. Sparklers and snappers. Owyn just ran around in the rain. Rhys loved the sparklers. He waited so patiently for his turn at one. Once those were gone both boys hit the rain-play hard.
Owyn finally crashed and burned just before dark. Tracy took him up and put him in bed. His room is at the front of the house, closest to the street. He slept through everything. Not a peep all night.
Rhys settled in with us as everyone in the neighborhood set up in front of our house. Why? As soon as the fun started Rhys was right in the middle of it. I kept having to jump in and pull him away when he got too close.
The older kids (some in their 40's) got to set off all the fireworks. The biggest and loudest ones scared Rhys, but as soon as they were done he was right back in the middle of things.
Rhys finally went to bed at 10Pm. He did not sleep in Sunday morning.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Santa's Little Helper
Assuming that I'm Santa and it has nothing to do with Christmas. Today was a day for working outside.
I cleared out the last of the brush and crap from the garden. I should say "we" because Rhys was there the whole time, working his narrow little butt off. He pulled weeds and gathered brush and dug dirt. Everything I did, he did. It was just on a smaller scale.
After that we dug out the sod in a ten foot box around another tree. It was not nearly as hard this time. No idea why. He was there to help with some of that. He would have been out there with me the whole time, but Mama took him bye bye, and nothing competes with bye bye. As soon as he got back though, he was right back at it.
The bottom of the garden has been flooding with all the rain we have been having. We took the sod from around the tree and used it to build up the lower part of the garden. We will be putting a small pond, with a waterfall in that part. I will raise it a bit so it is above the flood line. We will have to get an outlet wired in out there for the pump. Fortunately my father can help with that.
The garden will be a nice place to hang out in the evening once we are done. It has been a long slog and a lot of work but we are close to done now.
With Rhys to help me it will at least be fun, even if it is a lot of work.
I cleared out the last of the brush and crap from the garden. I should say "we" because Rhys was there the whole time, working his narrow little butt off. He pulled weeds and gathered brush and dug dirt. Everything I did, he did. It was just on a smaller scale.
After that we dug out the sod in a ten foot box around another tree. It was not nearly as hard this time. No idea why. He was there to help with some of that. He would have been out there with me the whole time, but Mama took him bye bye, and nothing competes with bye bye. As soon as he got back though, he was right back at it.
The bottom of the garden has been flooding with all the rain we have been having. We took the sod from around the tree and used it to build up the lower part of the garden. We will be putting a small pond, with a waterfall in that part. I will raise it a bit so it is above the flood line. We will have to get an outlet wired in out there for the pump. Fortunately my father can help with that.
The garden will be a nice place to hang out in the evening once we are done. It has been a long slog and a lot of work but we are close to done now.
With Rhys to help me it will at least be fun, even if it is a lot of work.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fangs
Rhys went to the dentist today. He was not happy to be there. It took quite a bit of effort to get him calmed down. Christie, our dental hygienist was great with him. He finally laid back and let her work.
She checked his teeth. He didn't even blink at the spikey, pokey, stabby thing she stuck in his mouth. He just let her work.
Then she polished his teeth. He liked the bubble gum flavored polish. He liked the air jet. He liked the water jet. He hated the suction thing. Strange child.
He had a clean bill of health. Twenty teeth, no cavities. He got a new car for cooperating and a gift certificate at Red Robin for a free burger for not having any cavities. Daddy took him to Target, his favorite store, and bought him a water and a new car. He loves getting water at Target.
Did I mention that he is a strange child?
She checked his teeth. He didn't even blink at the spikey, pokey, stabby thing she stuck in his mouth. He just let her work.
Then she polished his teeth. He liked the bubble gum flavored polish. He liked the air jet. He liked the water jet. He hated the suction thing. Strange child.
He had a clean bill of health. Twenty teeth, no cavities. He got a new car for cooperating and a gift certificate at Red Robin for a free burger for not having any cavities. Daddy took him to Target, his favorite store, and bought him a water and a new car. He loves getting water at Target.
Did I mention that he is a strange child?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Dry as a bone
Rhys seems to be recovered fully now. Best of all, he has almost completely stopped drooling. His chin has been dry for three days now. This will be a big boost to all of our quality of life.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Oh NO! Water!
There is a buffet here in town. Only one. It was open for a few months and went out of business. It is back open now. It has a very nice Italian feel inside, and lots of Chinese food. We took the boys there for dinner tonight.
I had gotten Owyn a plate of food, fruit mostly. He was eating away, very content. As he stood on the seat next to me he was looking around the restaurant. He realized that there was a fountain in the middle of the dining room. He looked, pointed and said, "Oh No! Water!". He said it about twenty times. Mama was over the cuteness of it by the time he was done.
Once he had spotted it nothing would do but that we had to go over and look at it. There were gold fish in the bottom bowl. It had three bowls total. Both boys were fascinated. They would have been content to spend the rest of the night there.
I had gotten Owyn a plate of food, fruit mostly. He was eating away, very content. As he stood on the seat next to me he was looking around the restaurant. He realized that there was a fountain in the middle of the dining room. He looked, pointed and said, "Oh No! Water!". He said it about twenty times. Mama was over the cuteness of it by the time he was done.
Once he had spotted it nothing would do but that we had to go over and look at it. There were gold fish in the bottom bowl. It had three bowls total. Both boys were fascinated. They would have been content to spend the rest of the night there.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Commando kid
This weekend the boys were playing in the back yard. They have a small play house. It has a door and windows on each end with shutters. The longs sides are both open. Owyn and Rhys were sitting in the house.
All of a sudden, out of no where, Owyn jumps up, yells, runs to the window, throws open the shutters and jumps through the window. He is only two, but it is a small house.
Both boys thought this was great fun and did it several more times. Each time they ended up in a pile of arms and legs under the window.
All of a sudden, out of no where, Owyn jumps up, yells, runs to the window, throws open the shutters and jumps through the window. He is only two, but it is a small house.
Both boys thought this was great fun and did it several more times. Each time they ended up in a pile of arms and legs under the window.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Rhys
Rhys is finally getting back to normal. Today was the best day since the surgery. There have been some rough ones.
He is in summer school for eight days this summer. Two days last week, two days this week. He has a two week break, then two and two next month. It is for kids they were afraid would regress over the summer. Good and bad news there, I guess.
Rhys loves going to "two schools". He was disappointed when his "two school" was different than the one he was in all year. He has the speech therapist from his normal pre-school there with him so that has helped him to settle in. He had a great day today.
Swim lessons were not so great. He was tired, for starters. He has gotten used to having a nap again so going without on "two school" days is rough on the little guy. He was not listening and not doing what he was supposed to. His new teacher seems to like him though. She is especially supportive of him when he does something well.
Both boys were pleasant tonight. Owyn has really opened up a lot in the last couple of weeks. Rhys was speaking better and listening. He also, and this is huge, barely drooled all day. Normally his shirt is a mess. Tonight he wanted to wear his tee shirt to bed and it was clean enough that he could.
I'm very glad that the pain seems to be worth it.
He is in summer school for eight days this summer. Two days last week, two days this week. He has a two week break, then two and two next month. It is for kids they were afraid would regress over the summer. Good and bad news there, I guess.
Rhys loves going to "two schools". He was disappointed when his "two school" was different than the one he was in all year. He has the speech therapist from his normal pre-school there with him so that has helped him to settle in. He had a great day today.
Swim lessons were not so great. He was tired, for starters. He has gotten used to having a nap again so going without on "two school" days is rough on the little guy. He was not listening and not doing what he was supposed to. His new teacher seems to like him though. She is especially supportive of him when he does something well.
Both boys were pleasant tonight. Owyn has really opened up a lot in the last couple of weeks. Rhys was speaking better and listening. He also, and this is huge, barely drooled all day. Normally his shirt is a mess. Tonight he wanted to wear his tee shirt to bed and it was clean enough that he could.
I'm very glad that the pain seems to be worth it.
Owyn Speaks
The surgery has made a huge change for the better with Owyn. He is speaking a lot more often and using a lot more words. The words he says are more clear. He likes to repeat the things we say. He is interested in the words that he hears.
He is also sleeping better. He is not nearly as restless and he doesn't seem to be waking up to play in the middle of the night any more.
I'm chalking this one up as a Win.
He is also sleeping better. He is not nearly as restless and he doesn't seem to be waking up to play in the middle of the night any more.
I'm chalking this one up as a Win.
Falling Behind
I have not been keeping up to date very well this month. I started a new job. The boys' schedules have been keeping us hopping and I have just been tired.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Doctors, Dentists and McDonald's
Today was NOT a fun day. I worked for seven hours, meaning I will have three hours to make up tomorrow, after two days leaving early to pick up Rhys from summer school. I picked the boys up early, they were both still napping and had to be awakened. We went to the Dr for their three week follow up on their surgery's.
There was NO parking at the hospital. I had to use valet. It is free but I didn't have any cash on me. Oh well. I got the boys out and inside. Rhys loves the elevator but the woman riding with us pushed the buttons. How can someone do that? Weird.
We got to the office exactly at 1415, the time of their appointment. It turns out I could have taken a nap in the parking lot while I waited for a spot to open up. The waiting room was full. Completely full.
We checked in and the receptionist gave the boys each a graham cracker. That was very helpful and kept them content for ten minutes or so. Too bad we had to wait half an hour.
Finally, the Dr called us in. We did not see his nurse or assistants. He saw us directly. Owyn was crying and unhappy. Rhys was looting the tongue depressors out of all the drawers. The Dr checked them both, ears, nose and throat. Everything looked great. He gave us referrals to get their hearing tests.
It is NEVER a good idea to take both boys to the Dr with only one parent.
There was NO parking at the hospital. I had to use valet. It is free but I didn't have any cash on me. Oh well. I got the boys out and inside. Rhys loves the elevator but the woman riding with us pushed the buttons. How can someone do that? Weird.
We got to the office exactly at 1415, the time of their appointment. It turns out I could have taken a nap in the parking lot while I waited for a spot to open up. The waiting room was full. Completely full.
We checked in and the receptionist gave the boys each a graham cracker. That was very helpful and kept them content for ten minutes or so. Too bad we had to wait half an hour.
Finally, the Dr called us in. We did not see his nurse or assistants. He saw us directly. Owyn was crying and unhappy. Rhys was looting the tongue depressors out of all the drawers. The Dr checked them both, ears, nose and throat. Everything looked great. He gave us referrals to get their hearing tests.
It is NEVER a good idea to take both boys to the Dr with only one parent.
Digital Drawing
Rhys has three things he can do on his computer. He has two games and he has MS Paint. Last night he walked into my office, turned on his computer, turned on the monitor, selected Paint, selected draw and started drawing. All on his own. He was changing colors and he even saved his drawing. When he was done he turned it all off and went to play cars.
I'm very proud.
I'm very proud.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Rhys' computer
We gave Rhys his own computer. It was his great-grandpa's, who recently passed away. The background is a picture of Rhys and Owyn and Mama about a year ago.
Rhys saw the picture and said "Look, Mama, Owie, Eese". He was very excited.
Owyn saw the picture and said "Mama, Rhys, Gee!" He was very excited.
Rhys saw the picture and said "Look, Mama, Owie, Eese". He was very excited.
Owyn saw the picture and said "Mama, Rhys, Gee!" He was very excited.
Diving
Today was Rhys' swim day again. More of the same, mostly. He is improving slowly. His teacher was a little bit more on the ball today as well.
The last thing they do is jump off the edge of the pool. The teacher is there to catch them. They all started out, weeks ago, needing her to hold their hands before they would jump. Today for the first time, Rhys jumped on his own.
The first two tries were the same old thing, with one extra factor thrown in, for comedic effect. Rhys was standing on the edge of the pool. His legs were bent, to get him closer to the water, don't ya know. He was standing there with his arms out in front of his head, like he was going to dive, then he bent over at the waste and put his arms waaaaay out behind him. It looked for all the world like he was about to swing them forward to get more momentum in his fantastic leap half way across the pool.
He made it about four inches, but there was no hand holding involved at all.
The last thing they do is jump off the edge of the pool. The teacher is there to catch them. They all started out, weeks ago, needing her to hold their hands before they would jump. Today for the first time, Rhys jumped on his own.
The first two tries were the same old thing, with one extra factor thrown in, for comedic effect. Rhys was standing on the edge of the pool. His legs were bent, to get him closer to the water, don't ya know. He was standing there with his arms out in front of his head, like he was going to dive, then he bent over at the waste and put his arms waaaaay out behind him. It looked for all the world like he was about to swing them forward to get more momentum in his fantastic leap half way across the pool.
He made it about four inches, but there was no hand holding involved at all.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Great Escape
Owyn got out of his crib today. It is his first time getting out. Tracy took him up and put him in bed, for his nap. She went to grab him a bottle and when she came back he was standing in the middle of his floor.
He was standing there with his hands on his hips, half turned away from the door. He had a huge, proud, grin on his face. His right foot was off to the side on his heel with his toes up in the air.
You could almost hear the "Ta-da!"
He was standing there with his hands on his hips, half turned away from the door. He had a huge, proud, grin on his face. His right foot was off to the side on his heel with his toes up in the air.
You could almost hear the "Ta-da!"
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Speech, speech and more speech
Today was a big day for Speech for both boys. This morning Rhys had his long awaited second speech evaluation. This afternoon Owyn had his first real session of Speech Therapy.
Two years ago Rhys got evaluated for speech. He was two and a half. He spent three hours in a room with his Mama and the therapist. She decided his problem was articulation. Insurance doesn't cover Artic and we don't cover $250.00 a session therapy on our own.
Since then two Dr's and his OT therapist all said that there was no way his problem was artic. This was enough to get Rhys another appointment. We made a point of asking for a more experienced therapist to do this one. Rhys and Mama went this morning.
This eval was an hour long. The therapist worked with Rhys to get through as many tests as possible, though many were left undone. At the end of the day, she said that his problem is a medical problem and that he will need therapy. Now to get insurance to pay for it.
This afternoon I picked up Owyn, after work, and rushed him home. We had half an hour to wind down and then his speech therapist showed up. Last week she came but it was more of a sensing session then therapy. Today was the real deal.
Owyn shined. He started out a little rough but by the time we were done he was actively participating, repeating words and asking for things with words rather than points and grunts. His words were still mostly only intelligible by association, meaning we knew what he was saying because we had just said it or were pointing at the duck when he said duck. On the other hand he was trying.
It was a struggle to get his Gee away. We were waiting until post-op to try to wean him off it. Sadly, it is now post-op and we have to do it. We are going to start by not letting him have it until after dinner. If we can get that far it is a short step to just at bed time. He already doesn't get it during the day.
Did anyone know that the latest recommendation is that small children hear between 17,000 and 30,000 words every DAY? I don't say that many words in a freaking year.
Two years ago Rhys got evaluated for speech. He was two and a half. He spent three hours in a room with his Mama and the therapist. She decided his problem was articulation. Insurance doesn't cover Artic and we don't cover $250.00 a session therapy on our own.
Since then two Dr's and his OT therapist all said that there was no way his problem was artic. This was enough to get Rhys another appointment. We made a point of asking for a more experienced therapist to do this one. Rhys and Mama went this morning.
This eval was an hour long. The therapist worked with Rhys to get through as many tests as possible, though many were left undone. At the end of the day, she said that his problem is a medical problem and that he will need therapy. Now to get insurance to pay for it.
This afternoon I picked up Owyn, after work, and rushed him home. We had half an hour to wind down and then his speech therapist showed up. Last week she came but it was more of a sensing session then therapy. Today was the real deal.
Owyn shined. He started out a little rough but by the time we were done he was actively participating, repeating words and asking for things with words rather than points and grunts. His words were still mostly only intelligible by association, meaning we knew what he was saying because we had just said it or were pointing at the duck when he said duck. On the other hand he was trying.
It was a struggle to get his Gee away. We were waiting until post-op to try to wean him off it. Sadly, it is now post-op and we have to do it. We are going to start by not letting him have it until after dinner. If we can get that far it is a short step to just at bed time. He already doesn't get it during the day.
Did anyone know that the latest recommendation is that small children hear between 17,000 and 30,000 words every DAY? I don't say that many words in a freaking year.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Occupational Therapy
Rhys had OT again today. It went very well. We started out in the gym instead of his little interrogation room. He got to swing on a bungee swing. he loved that. His therapist sang to him and he got to swing and bounce.
Ever since his surgery he has been holding his spit in his mouth until it is full, then drooling all over himself. he used to just drool as he went. I'm not sure what the deal is there. The therapist wrapped a rag around his wrist so he could wipe his mouth. She still ended up putting a sheet on the mats to soak it all up. We usually put a hair doodle (I don't know the real name, it is female hair gear and, therefore, outside the realm of manly knowledge), on his wrist so he can wipe his chin. We have forgotten in the last two weeks.
After the "big gym" we went to the interrogation room. I call it this because it is a small room with a two way mirror in one wall. There is another room on the other side of the mirror. This room has head phones so you can listen in on what is being said while you watch through the two way mirror.
Today was the first day that Rhys spent the entire session by himself, just him and the therapist. He only asked for me once, then he did what she asked him to do, mostly.
I would love if we were making progress there because OT can be very difficult sometimes.
Ever since his surgery he has been holding his spit in his mouth until it is full, then drooling all over himself. he used to just drool as he went. I'm not sure what the deal is there. The therapist wrapped a rag around his wrist so he could wipe his mouth. She still ended up putting a sheet on the mats to soak it all up. We usually put a hair doodle (I don't know the real name, it is female hair gear and, therefore, outside the realm of manly knowledge), on his wrist so he can wipe his chin. We have forgotten in the last two weeks.
After the "big gym" we went to the interrogation room. I call it this because it is a small room with a two way mirror in one wall. There is another room on the other side of the mirror. This room has head phones so you can listen in on what is being said while you watch through the two way mirror.
Today was the first day that Rhys spent the entire session by himself, just him and the therapist. He only asked for me once, then he did what she asked him to do, mostly.
I would love if we were making progress there because OT can be very difficult sometimes.
Swimming
Rhys was back at swimming again yesterday. It was his first day back after the surgery. His old teacher, who was a pro, has a new job now. His new teacher is still getting the hang of things. She spent about half of the thirty minute class adjusting kid gear.
Rhys' name is pronounced "reese". The most common mis-pronunciation is "rice". Yesterday I heard a new one. "Rie-ess". When asked if that was how his name was pronounced he just nodded and went on playing in the water.
He loves swimming and doesn't care how you say his name.
Rhys' name is pronounced "reese". The most common mis-pronunciation is "rice". Yesterday I heard a new one. "Rie-ess". When asked if that was how his name was pronounced he just nodded and went on playing in the water.
He loves swimming and doesn't care how you say his name.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Breakfast of (small) champions
The boys are still not eating all that well, post-surgery. I'm pretty sure they have both figured out how to metabolize air into nutrients. It should help immensely when they are teenagers. My hippie parents signed the papers for me to join the Marine Corps when I was seventeen so that your tax dollars could pay to feed me. We'll come out way ahead with the boys living on air.
This morning I made Owyn a piece of toast. It is always fun to watch Owyn eat toast. He picks it up and starts chewing on the center. He eats his way out from there. I could just cut the crusts off, like I do for his brother. This is much more entertaining though.
This morning I made Owyn a piece of toast. It is always fun to watch Owyn eat toast. He picks it up and starts chewing on the center. He eats his way out from there. I could just cut the crusts off, like I do for his brother. This is much more entertaining though.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Pre-Father's Day
My folks will be out of town on Father's day. They had the family over today for a BBQ. We also, incidentally, got to move their play structure from one side of the yard to the other. There was plenty of food, of course. It's the way of my people.
The boys were wild. Four of their cousins were there. Five little kids running all over the back yard. The play structure was a hit, but Rhys was also doing his best Barney Rubble impression. Nana and Grandad have a little car. The bottom is empty so the kid can use his feet to push it, exactly like the Flintstones. He was pushing that car all over the yard. At times he had to stand up and drag it behind him, while he was inside it.
He drove the car into Nana's garden. Grandad saw this and told Rhys to get his car out of the garden and drive it somewhere else. Rhys stood up, put his fists on his hips, and scowled menacingly at Grandad. I hope Grandad learned his lesson.
Owyn had great fun with the slide. He would grab my hands and pull me over to it. I would help him walk up the slide. He would slide down face first, braking with his shoes. When he got to the bottom he would realize that he would have to put a hand in the dirt to get up. He would put one hand down, grimace in disgust, pull it up and put the other one down to push up. At that point, of course, he had two muddy hands. He would come back to me and start the whole thing over. I think he was at it for an hour.
All of the kids played well together but they are not yet at the point where we can let them go and just enjoy adult company. The dream lives. Some day.
The boys were wild. Four of their cousins were there. Five little kids running all over the back yard. The play structure was a hit, but Rhys was also doing his best Barney Rubble impression. Nana and Grandad have a little car. The bottom is empty so the kid can use his feet to push it, exactly like the Flintstones. He was pushing that car all over the yard. At times he had to stand up and drag it behind him, while he was inside it.
He drove the car into Nana's garden. Grandad saw this and told Rhys to get his car out of the garden and drive it somewhere else. Rhys stood up, put his fists on his hips, and scowled menacingly at Grandad. I hope Grandad learned his lesson.
Owyn had great fun with the slide. He would grab my hands and pull me over to it. I would help him walk up the slide. He would slide down face first, braking with his shoes. When he got to the bottom he would realize that he would have to put a hand in the dirt to get up. He would put one hand down, grimace in disgust, pull it up and put the other one down to push up. At that point, of course, he had two muddy hands. He would come back to me and start the whole thing over. I think he was at it for an hour.
All of the kids played well together but they are not yet at the point where we can let them go and just enjoy adult company. The dream lives. Some day.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Speech Therapy
Owyn started speech therapy today. He gets six months of it through the school district. After that they will evaluate him and see if he needs more. They think that he will be all caught up by then and he will not.
Owyn has had ear infections pretty much his whole life. He has probably been suffering hearing loss the whole time too. Now that he has tubes in his ears they are hoping the speech therapy will get him caught up to where he should be.
The lady, Miss Vicky, will come to our house once a week for an hour each time. Today the little monster would not participate at all. We used the time to get to know each other and figure out how we want to go forward. Towards the end Owyn was playing a little bit and trying some words and sounds.
Miss Vicky comes at 1630. Owyn is tired and grumpy then, so we will have to hope for the best.
Owyn has had ear infections pretty much his whole life. He has probably been suffering hearing loss the whole time too. Now that he has tubes in his ears they are hoping the speech therapy will get him caught up to where he should be.
The lady, Miss Vicky, will come to our house once a week for an hour each time. Today the little monster would not participate at all. We used the time to get to know each other and figure out how we want to go forward. Towards the end Owyn was playing a little bit and trying some words and sounds.
Miss Vicky comes at 1630. Owyn is tired and grumpy then, so we will have to hope for the best.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Post surgery blues
Rhys is not healing very fast. It has now been a week since his surgery. We had him in day care yesterday but he was hurting too much and they can't give him the good pain killers. We have taken him out for the next two days. Hopefully he will be ready for prime time by Thursday. Fortunately Nana has been willing to come down and watch him. We are very grateful to Nana.
Owyn is doing much better than his brother. He has not had pain killers today and is doing fine. He is his normal self. He is still sleeping more than usual, but other than that he is back to normal.
Rhys has not be sleeping very well. He has woken up every night, crying. We dose him when he does and he gets back to sleep, but it would be great if he could sleep through the night again. He gets very whiny when his six hours is nearly over.
I wish I could take his pain for him. He is very brave but it is a lot to put on him.
Owyn is doing much better than his brother. He has not had pain killers today and is doing fine. He is his normal self. He is still sleeping more than usual, but other than that he is back to normal.
Rhys has not be sleeping very well. He has woken up every night, crying. We dose him when he does and he gets back to sleep, but it would be great if he could sleep through the night again. He gets very whiny when his six hours is nearly over.
I wish I could take his pain for him. He is very brave but it is a lot to put on him.
Landscaping
We worked on the yard this weekend. Back breaking labor. We got weed cloth and mulch put in all around the garden. It looks great.
We also got the grass pulled up around one tree and cloth and mulch down there as well. We are hoping that the tree will do better if it is not competing with the grass for water. It worked for our neighbors at any rate.
We started on mulch around our pine trees. We ran out of cloth and mulch, but what we got done looks good. I'll get pictures taken when the rain stops.
Rhys helped the whole time. He is a very had little worker. He carried mulch and helped dig up grass. He even pulled clay off the bottom of the sod and put it back in the holes. He is feeling better, but not well.
We also got the grass pulled up around one tree and cloth and mulch down there as well. We are hoping that the tree will do better if it is not competing with the grass for water. It worked for our neighbors at any rate.
We started on mulch around our pine trees. We ran out of cloth and mulch, but what we got done looks good. I'll get pictures taken when the rain stops.
Rhys helped the whole time. He is a very had little worker. He carried mulch and helped dig up grass. He even pulled clay off the bottom of the sod and put it back in the holes. He is feeling better, but not well.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Things are looking up
Rhys is feeling much better. Owyn is pretty much back to normal. Yesterday we worked on the garden. Rhys was out there helping us the whole time. He was able to move his head and was actually eating and drinking.
Owyn seems to be his normal self, other than the fact that he is sleeping more than usual. Both boys slept until 0700'is Saturday and Sunday. Rhys is normally up at 0500 so that is a big difference. Very nice for Mama and Daddy too.
Owyn seems to be his normal self, other than the fact that he is sleeping more than usual. Both boys slept until 0700'is Saturday and Sunday. Rhys is normally up at 0500 so that is a big difference. Very nice for Mama and Daddy too.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Days three and four
It turns out that days three and four are the two worst days for feeling icky after the surgeries. I sure hope that is true because today is day four and Rhys has been miserable. Owyn is doing pretty well.
Nana watched the boys Thursday and Friday. Thursday she had their cousin Malia with her. This would have been OK except that Malia had a fever. It turns out she had hoof and mouth disease. Mouth, hand and foot? Something like that.
We are really hoping the boys don't catch it. It will give them a fever followed by sores in their mouths on their hands and feet. They will not be able to walk or hold things. It will be hell.
Rhys is in a lot of pain, even with his meds. He is holding his head very straight. He is whiny and needy. He is drooling like a waterfall. He does not really want to eat or drink. I have been giving him water from a syringe to keep him hydrated. He is trying but it is too much for him.
We really hope day five is better and that there is not going to be any hoof and mouth disease. We should know in three to six days. It lasts a week. Yeah us.
Nana watched the boys Thursday and Friday. Thursday she had their cousin Malia with her. This would have been OK except that Malia had a fever. It turns out she had hoof and mouth disease. Mouth, hand and foot? Something like that.
We are really hoping the boys don't catch it. It will give them a fever followed by sores in their mouths on their hands and feet. They will not be able to walk or hold things. It will be hell.
Rhys is in a lot of pain, even with his meds. He is holding his head very straight. He is whiny and needy. He is drooling like a waterfall. He does not really want to eat or drink. I have been giving him water from a syringe to keep him hydrated. He is trying but it is too much for him.
We really hope day five is better and that there is not going to be any hoof and mouth disease. We should know in three to six days. It lasts a week. Yeah us.
Hotel Children's Hospital
That is a nice hospital. Rhys had his own room. A large flat screen TV, wall mounted and tilted so it was easy for him to see. There was a big pull out bed with the thinnest mattress in history. They had a nice coffee machine along with the usual snacks for kids in a little kitchen.
Rhys was out of it when we got to the room. It was about 1000. I turned on the TV and found some cartoons for him. Then I pulled the rocking chair up next to his bed. He woke up and wanted comforting. He calmed down and watched some TV. He started to look like he was with it again.
He looked at me, pointed out the door and said "Daddy, Out of my room!" I smiled. "Are you mad at Daddy?" "Yes, Daddy leave!". "Do you really want Daddy to leave?". He thought about it. "No, Daddy stay." It made me laugh then and it still does.
We spent most of the day just like that. Him in bed, me in the chair. He had an IV in his left hand and a sensor on his left index finger. He was throwing up from the anaesthesia. The first two times we had to change his bed and his gown. After that the nurse showed me where the bedding was and let me do it myself. I stopped putting his left arm in the gown so we would not have to disconnect the sensors and the IV every time he threw up. I also got good enough at spotting the barf signs that I only had to change the chuck pad under him twice more.
He started out eating ice chips. We moved up, over the course of the day, to a Popsicle, ice cream and finally some real food, fruit and juice. He was eating, drinking and peeing. He even had a poop. All good signs. There was no blood in the throw up, except the first couple, when he swallowed some during the surgery.
Owyn was in the room right next door. He and Tracy did not get up there until 1330. The plan had been to send Owyn home but his O2 levels were too low so they kept him. He had a crib, but otherwise his room was just like Owyns'.
I had grabbed some breakfast when they were working on Rhys, but Tracy didn't get any when Owyn went in. I had an omelet with all the fixings, buried in green chili with potatoes and orange juice and it was less than six dollars. Tasty too. When lunch rolled around the nurse told me that I could order room service.
They have a sweet deal there. You order an entree, two sides, a drink and desert and it is seven dollars, delivered to your room. The food was good and it meant that I did not have to leave Rhys. When Tracy called to tell me they were coming up I ordered her some lunch too.
Once both boys were settled it was just a matter of getting through the day. Every time their O2 would drop the sensor would go off. Both boys had oxygen hoses running onto their beds but they were not wearing masks. I taught Rhys to take some deep breaths when he heard the sensor, but no luck with Owyn.
Before I knew it the day was done, dinner was down and it was time for the boys to sleep. Both Tracy and I were woken repeatedly by the O2 sensors. Then there were the nurse checks and the med doses. Rhys was up at 0600. It was a LONG night.
Both boys were feeling better in the morning and wanted out of the bed, now! Rhys was doing laps around his bed, playing with the elevation, which he had figured out the day before, and hitting the nurse call button.
We finally go out of there at 1130. Owyn fell asleep on the way home. He went straight to bed once we got there. Rhys was up for a few minutes then followed. Owyn slept for five hours. Rhys slept for three. After their naps they were chasing each other around the kitchen screaming.
Rhys was out of it when we got to the room. It was about 1000. I turned on the TV and found some cartoons for him. Then I pulled the rocking chair up next to his bed. He woke up and wanted comforting. He calmed down and watched some TV. He started to look like he was with it again.
He looked at me, pointed out the door and said "Daddy, Out of my room!" I smiled. "Are you mad at Daddy?" "Yes, Daddy leave!". "Do you really want Daddy to leave?". He thought about it. "No, Daddy stay." It made me laugh then and it still does.
We spent most of the day just like that. Him in bed, me in the chair. He had an IV in his left hand and a sensor on his left index finger. He was throwing up from the anaesthesia. The first two times we had to change his bed and his gown. After that the nurse showed me where the bedding was and let me do it myself. I stopped putting his left arm in the gown so we would not have to disconnect the sensors and the IV every time he threw up. I also got good enough at spotting the barf signs that I only had to change the chuck pad under him twice more.
He started out eating ice chips. We moved up, over the course of the day, to a Popsicle, ice cream and finally some real food, fruit and juice. He was eating, drinking and peeing. He even had a poop. All good signs. There was no blood in the throw up, except the first couple, when he swallowed some during the surgery.
Owyn was in the room right next door. He and Tracy did not get up there until 1330. The plan had been to send Owyn home but his O2 levels were too low so they kept him. He had a crib, but otherwise his room was just like Owyns'.
I had grabbed some breakfast when they were working on Rhys, but Tracy didn't get any when Owyn went in. I had an omelet with all the fixings, buried in green chili with potatoes and orange juice and it was less than six dollars. Tasty too. When lunch rolled around the nurse told me that I could order room service.
They have a sweet deal there. You order an entree, two sides, a drink and desert and it is seven dollars, delivered to your room. The food was good and it meant that I did not have to leave Rhys. When Tracy called to tell me they were coming up I ordered her some lunch too.
Once both boys were settled it was just a matter of getting through the day. Every time their O2 would drop the sensor would go off. Both boys had oxygen hoses running onto their beds but they were not wearing masks. I taught Rhys to take some deep breaths when he heard the sensor, but no luck with Owyn.
Before I knew it the day was done, dinner was down and it was time for the boys to sleep. Both Tracy and I were woken repeatedly by the O2 sensors. Then there were the nurse checks and the med doses. Rhys was up at 0600. It was a LONG night.
Both boys were feeling better in the morning and wanted out of the bed, now! Rhys was doing laps around his bed, playing with the elevation, which he had figured out the day before, and hitting the nurse call button.
We finally go out of there at 1130. Owyn fell asleep on the way home. He went straight to bed once we got there. Rhys was up for a few minutes then followed. Owyn slept for five hours. Rhys slept for three. After their naps they were chasing each other around the kitchen screaming.
Surgery
We were exhausted on Monday from the long road trip. Tuesday we got up at 0500 and bundled the boys off to Children's Hospital for their surgery's. I'm pretty sure we are stupid.
Owyn was scheduled to go in at 0830, so of course we had to be there at 0630. We got checked into the hospital and headed up to the surgery center. The boy were, literally, doing laps around the room.
The waiting room for the surgery center, which is strictly for kids, was not well thought out. There were no kids movies playing. There were a few toys and a few books. The one TV had the news on. There was a fish tank though. There was also a model of the hospital made out of Lego's. I think I was more entertained than they were by it.
We finally got called back. Nurses ran vitals, asked questions. Owyn lost his mind. Rhys did laps around the stretcher. The anastesi-whatever-I'm-not-even-trying-to-spell-that-crap came in to ask questions and explain things. Owyn was so upset that they decided to give him something to calm him down and do Rhys first.
Rhys and I went down the hall, through the doors, turned, went down another hall, through more doors, another hall, more doors, then into the OR, which I'm pretty sure, at that point, was back in Missouri.
I sat on the operating bed, gowned up and with a hair net on. The gas passer offered Rhys several small sticks that looked like chap stick. Rhys chose the green one. The Dr rubbed it on the inside of the mask, then he let Rhys smell it. He put it over my face. Then he put it over Rhys' face. Once Rhys was comfortable with it, he turned and hooked up the gas hose to it. Then he put it back over Rhys' face. The little dude was completely cooperative, the fool. The first thing was laughing gas, followed by the knock-out gas. When he was under I laid him out on the bed. It was one of the saddest things I've ever done.
When I got back to the room Owyn was laying on the stretcher stoned out of his gourd. He had a rattle/kaleidoscope toy which he was kind of playing with while he watched Handy Manny. We waited for Rhys to be done.
They came and got me and took me to his recover room. He was calm, and cleaned up, just a little blood in his ears. He was very happy to see me. Tracy took Owyn in while I was with Rhys. They then brought her to see him. They checked him over for ten minutes, put him on some O2 as his levels were low, and we moved him up to his room. Tracy stayed behind to be with Owyn.
Apparently, when Owyn came out of the anaesthesia he was enraged. It took some effort to calm him down.
Both surgeries went well.
Owyn was scheduled to go in at 0830, so of course we had to be there at 0630. We got checked into the hospital and headed up to the surgery center. The boy were, literally, doing laps around the room.
The waiting room for the surgery center, which is strictly for kids, was not well thought out. There were no kids movies playing. There were a few toys and a few books. The one TV had the news on. There was a fish tank though. There was also a model of the hospital made out of Lego's. I think I was more entertained than they were by it.
We finally got called back. Nurses ran vitals, asked questions. Owyn lost his mind. Rhys did laps around the stretcher. The anastesi-whatever-I'm-not-even-trying-to-spell-that-crap came in to ask questions and explain things. Owyn was so upset that they decided to give him something to calm him down and do Rhys first.
Rhys and I went down the hall, through the doors, turned, went down another hall, through more doors, another hall, more doors, then into the OR, which I'm pretty sure, at that point, was back in Missouri.
I sat on the operating bed, gowned up and with a hair net on. The gas passer offered Rhys several small sticks that looked like chap stick. Rhys chose the green one. The Dr rubbed it on the inside of the mask, then he let Rhys smell it. He put it over my face. Then he put it over Rhys' face. Once Rhys was comfortable with it, he turned and hooked up the gas hose to it. Then he put it back over Rhys' face. The little dude was completely cooperative, the fool. The first thing was laughing gas, followed by the knock-out gas. When he was under I laid him out on the bed. It was one of the saddest things I've ever done.
When I got back to the room Owyn was laying on the stretcher stoned out of his gourd. He had a rattle/kaleidoscope toy which he was kind of playing with while he watched Handy Manny. We waited for Rhys to be done.
They came and got me and took me to his recover room. He was calm, and cleaned up, just a little blood in his ears. He was very happy to see me. Tracy took Owyn in while I was with Rhys. They then brought her to see him. They checked him over for ten minutes, put him on some O2 as his levels were low, and we moved him up to his room. Tracy stayed behind to be with Owyn.
Apparently, when Owyn came out of the anaesthesia he was enraged. It took some effort to calm him down.
Both surgeries went well.
Memorial days weekend
We had a long weekend for the holiday. Tracy and Rhys had gone out to Missouri the beginning of last week. Owyn and I followed on Friday. I dropped him off at day care and went to work. At 1030 I left work and picked him up and we drove twelve hours to southern MO. He was really good on the trip. I had his movies set up, his blankets, four Gee's and a sack of snacks. We stopped a couple of times to let him run, and to let me stretch. We got in very late and very tired.
Saturday was mostly relaxing. The little house that they had found for Grandma, which Tracy's Mom and step dad are moving into, is very nice. The boys got to run rough shod over Grandma and Grandpa. There was a big back yard. We had some awesome rain. Tracy and Grandma (her mom, not her grandma) went out and got their hair done and a pedi.
It's strange how the names we are called change over our lives by our relationship to children. Tracy has become Mama now. Her mom became Grandma, but she was Mom and before that she was Karen.
Sunday was the memorial for Granny and Grampy. It was at their church in Mountain Grove, which they had attended for 37 years. The preacher, Jack, was also a good friend of both of them. A fishing buddy of Grandpa. It was very difficult for him.
The church had put together a potluck lunch for the family. It was very nice. Good food, nice people, lots of friends and family.
We had a whole bunch of pictures to play in the background. The church software only worked with power point. I frantically dropped pictures from the memory stick into power point slides while Tracy and the boys ate. We got them pretty much set up, then they only ran the pictures while people were coming in.
I did get some food though, so not a total loss. There was a baby sitter during the service. Thank goodness.
The service was very nice. Lots of pretty flowers. A few stories about Granny and Grampy. It is still hard to believe they are gone, but the service made it more real.
Monday we drove home. Another long day, but we got up early so we got in at a reasonable time. Everyone very glad to be home.
I had plenty of time on the drive to think about all the people we have lost, military and civilian. It is good to think on this, even when it makes me sad.
Saturday was mostly relaxing. The little house that they had found for Grandma, which Tracy's Mom and step dad are moving into, is very nice. The boys got to run rough shod over Grandma and Grandpa. There was a big back yard. We had some awesome rain. Tracy and Grandma (her mom, not her grandma) went out and got their hair done and a pedi.
It's strange how the names we are called change over our lives by our relationship to children. Tracy has become Mama now. Her mom became Grandma, but she was Mom and before that she was Karen.
Sunday was the memorial for Granny and Grampy. It was at their church in Mountain Grove, which they had attended for 37 years. The preacher, Jack, was also a good friend of both of them. A fishing buddy of Grandpa. It was very difficult for him.
The church had put together a potluck lunch for the family. It was very nice. Good food, nice people, lots of friends and family.
We had a whole bunch of pictures to play in the background. The church software only worked with power point. I frantically dropped pictures from the memory stick into power point slides while Tracy and the boys ate. We got them pretty much set up, then they only ran the pictures while people were coming in.
I did get some food though, so not a total loss. There was a baby sitter during the service. Thank goodness.
The service was very nice. Lots of pretty flowers. A few stories about Granny and Grampy. It is still hard to believe they are gone, but the service made it more real.
Monday we drove home. Another long day, but we got up early so we got in at a reasonable time. Everyone very glad to be home.
I had plenty of time on the drive to think about all the people we have lost, military and civilian. It is good to think on this, even when it makes me sad.
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