Wow- 2009 is half way over. And we’re having a GREAT summer!!
Aaron’s back at work (big giant WOOHOO!) and our childcare plan is fabulous. The most wonderful Tia is watching Trent and Sophie in the mornings and the ultimate is that Charles comes over almost every day, which completely makes Trent’s day.
Christina – a nursing student, who watched them when they were babies while she was in high school, covers the afternoons. Christina- though is never one to sit still and everyday comes with an activity. The children’s discovery museum, the zoo, and the beach- it never ends. A great summer is definitely in front of us.
In early June we did our annual Shasta trip at the Tsadi resort and which this year included Aaron’s folks. It was such a great trip! We rented a boat and the water was up a bit from last year (just a hair) but made for an easier trek down to the dock. And with the kids being 4- it was a whole new world Much more independence- but self-entertainment was easier-sort of.
The resort we go to has an incredible pool, which Trent loved. Sophie is going through a “ TOTALLY afraid of the WATER” phase so she was just a spectator. She did the same with the Lake Shasta. Lots of great hanging out, chasing lizards, deer watching, and soccer games and of course- loving being with Grandpa and Mamaw Keene. We feel so fortunate that our little ones get to spend time with their grandparents on vacation. Trent also got to fish with his Papa. Such a high for him. It was so special to watch them together.
And of course no vacation with toddlers is without drama. They were so BUSY in the cabin. Sunscreen is a funny thing- very foamy and very attractive to 4 year olds. And Trent just had a festival. All the adults were out on the deck and our toddlers got too quiet. Sure enough- Trent just went to town. Sun screen on Sophie (head to toe- she’ll never get sunburn), the TV, all the walks, the bedding you name it- covered in foaming sunscreen. Aaron just about had an attack while Grandma Judy and I could hardly contain ourselves with laughter. Needless to say, Grandma, Grand pa and I took Trent down to the pool to help defuse the drama.
And then there is Sophie. All was good until I screamed with panic while Grandpa Bobby was pulling the boat and Aaron was trying to see if his shoulder was up to water skiing. I thought something had flown out of the boat and Grandpa Bobby took a quick turn. So poor Aaron flipped in the water and our little Sophie rolled across the boat before I could grab her life vest. She rolled right into the interior of the boat and smacked her nose- big time! After everything she’s gone through – a possible broken nose seemed minimal. With her nose swelling I started to call our pediatrician from Shasta but it turned out to be quite involved – going through their answering service and all- in a place where it was hard to get a cell signal. So when in doubt- call in the big guns and reach out to a friend. Prior to our vacation our very awesome friends Kelly, Mark, Jaimeson, and Grayson had come to visit us- and were still in town. Kelly is one of my 5 close (old f girlfriends from high school and an awesome doctor. And she knows our Sophie girl. I called her from Shasta and she immediately went into doctor mode and talked me through what to look for (pupils equal and reactive) and Sophie’s medical issues. Thank goodness for friends and Kelly’s “ Katie you will know if you have a major issue”. We totally expected a broken nose given Sophie’s swollen nose but sure enough- just a little bruising and NO broken nose. What would be a family trip without a possible visit to the ER?
Our great summer has continued with the annual Willow Glen street dance (the kids danced their butts off), father’s day with both grandfathers, neighborhood barbeques, playing in the evening with the neighbors and lots of fun with Tia and Christina.
But there is the heat. Once again I’ve been reminded that I am responsible for global warming. I will never live down my “ I’m not paying $6,000 for 4 days a year” when we considered installing air when we did our remodel in 2004. And here we are with a daughter whose body can’t do heat and a world that is unfortunately getting warmer every year. Poor Sophie struggles so. She just can’t manage her internal thermostat and makes it so difficult for her. She just screams and cries. Nothing I can do to sooth her. I know Aaron and I need to buck up and get air but for now we are fortunate to have the neighbors who do have air and are always happy to see our toddlers.
Next week we’re headed to Mammoth for the Keene family reunion. We’re looking at about 60 Keene’s and a ton of fun. Our only concern is Sophie. Her hydrocephalus causes physiological issues that make it difficult for her to do attitude. Aaron’s dad has the same issue- just different physiological reasons (Bobby’s is his heart). I had heard that there were meds that we could give her to help with altitude sickness but after a great phone tag festival trying to discuss it- the neurosurgeon nurse practioner finally left a message on my phone saying Sophie’s condition prevented her from taking any meds that may mask a shunt issue and to make sure we had their phone number in case of issues. All this is so hard. I really want her to be able to see and enjoy the mountains (and of course the great family event) but not at the cost of making her uncomfortable. We’re definitely going but my plan “B” is to drive her down and call aunt Lizzy to come pick her up- since for a little weekend retreat.
Fingers crossed for an AWESOME and UNEVENTFUL family reunion where our very special toddlers can finally meet all their Keene relatives.
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