Goodbye Deferred Maintenance and Summer

Being a single parent and working full time, it's often hard to get everything done. Many of you know that I've wanted a new kitchen for several years, but just haven't found the right designer and contractor for the project. So this spring, I decided we needed to work on a few projects outside, so we can enjoy our outdoor space. The good news is the "calico," "multi tone,"  or "staining in process" fence as some have called it is getting ready to be replaced with a new tan vinyl fence -- as you can see in the photo, the fence is literally falling over.

Bless my neighbor Mike who built the support system on the north side. He came home one day after a Muncie monsoon and found the fence leaning severely - to the point the nails had actually pulled out of the posts.

I found a great contractor crew and they've already replaced several rotted boards on two sides of the house.

And I was able to add a new shed to free up some space in the garage. It's actually constructed nicer than the house we live in -- it has "real" soffits, a ridge vent for ventilation, and the contractor wrapped the tall parts so I just need to paint real trim and boards to look like the house. I've still got caulking and painting to do, but I think it already is an improvement!

Somewhere in all of it, David had a great summer. We did not take a summer vacation this year, as all of the vacation time was used for surgeries. But we did go to the Children's Museum a few times.

David started preschool full time in late July. The curriculum begins August 17, and it's packed with days of talking about letters and numbers. Lately he has been asking about the meaning of words...it's all about strategy when you give him an answer too. If you define the word, but include a new word that he doesn't know, look out!

I sewed a preschool tote bag for him out of fabric that's his favorite color. His name is embroidered on the pocket on the inside with lime green thread, and I lined it with leftover Sesame Street fabric from his room valences. Goodbye summer!

Tricks Class

The Three Ms just finished another dog training class -- now Holly is a "novice" tricks dog! David had fun this time getting Holly to do lots of fun and funny things, although I suspect it was more about giving her treats. My favorite trick is tossing a treat up and Holly can catch it in her mouth mid-air.

The second surgery is done -- we're still going to check in appointments at the plastic surgeons office in Indy. I think both of us are still tired from everything. We ended up staying an extra night at Riley North, as someone refused to drink or eat while an IV was in his arm. This week we're working on getting everyone back in their own beds all night.

David has started four-year-old preschool two days a week until August and then he'll go five days a week. They have a "curriculum" that I never imagined was possible for someone young, but he's still learning new things. He counted to 100 a few weeks ago, and is asking how to spell words. He's been learning how to tie -- it's good to have a Mom who has lots of fabric and ribbons in the stash. We've cut up a few lengths so he can practice -- it's easier and cheaper than finding a little boys pair of shoes with laces...that he probably will wear once or twice.

Funny conversations

On Monday, David was playing with Silly Putty that comes in little egg shaped holders. He thought it was funny to "sit" on the eggs and then find that they "hatch." Then we started talking about types of animals that make eggs, like chickens and ducks. Next he asked if a rooster could make an egg, and I said no, roosters are boys, and boys don't make eggs. I could see the wheels turning in his mind. Hopefully he hasn't shared his new knowledge with his friends at school. :-)

Last night, David counted to 99! Then he asked is the next number ten-zero?

Yep, he's growing up too fast!

Back to normal, kinda...

It's been a busy week - on Tuesday, we all went back to work and daycare. David is beginning to feel better and can stretch his pain meds to 6-8 hours, which is better. He still complains about a sore throat, so mornings start with ice cream or a popsicle. He's allowed to eat whatever he wants, except for chips and pretzels as they can have sharp edges. We're not sleeping through the nights, and I'm pretty convinced he is having night terrors. So we're up about every three hours at our house every night. I feel like I have a newborn and am starting to drag a little, but each day is a little better.

He'll go back for the second procedure later in May. Now that the tonsils and adenoids are out of the way, the plastic surgeon can work his magic. They don't want to wait to do the second procedure, as to get better and improved pressure sounds (P, B, D, etc.), David can't get used to what he has now.

I think we'll all be glad when this is done...Dog included.

No more tonsils

On Tuesday David had his tonsils and adenoids removed, along with replacing an ear tube. Before the procedure, St. Vincent has a dog therapy program so he met Bailee, a 13-week old puppy that was rescued from a puppy mill.

David's doing okay -- today's been a rough day so we're praying for a speedy recovery.

More Easter Photos

Here's David's St. Patrick's Day look.

David had a great time at the Easter egg hunt at church on Saturday. He even won a book as a door prize that I donated!  We also had a mystery visit from the Easter Bunny on Friday night.  One of our trees in the front yard was decorated with Easter eggs when we came home! We don't know who blessed us, but we sure appreciate it!

Easter morning egg hunt at home before church.

David with his Easter basket and dressed up for church. We went to church and then out to Pizza King for lunch!

Hoppy Easter

David wanted to see the Easter Bunny at the mall last night! Isn't that a big grin! We're excited for the Easter Bunny to visit our house, and on Saturday our church is hosting an egg hunt.

David had a great time on St. Patrick's Day. I think he wished he was Irish, as much as he talked about it and was excited to wear his new Lucky Guy green t-shirt that was on clearance at the OshKosh store. He keeps asking about the next holiday and I tell him it's going to be Peace and Quiet Day!

For new things David can do, he can zip his coat by himself. This summer at daycare he will learn how to tie shoes, as that's something you need to do before Kindergarten. He's also starting to recognize words and trying to read. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that he knew how to spell the word Walk and also recognized the word You in a story book. I debated if this was the right thing to do and decided that if he knows more than is expected to start Kindergarten, then I'll figure out the alternative. Muncie does have two accelerated programs for children, so when the time comes, I'll do what's best for him.

Have a blessed Easter!