Catch Up

How did it get to be the end of October already?  Feels like yesterday we were finishing up summer!  What's been going on, in particular order...

Toby turned 7 earlier this month.  My baby boy is getting older and growing up.  This year he is in first grade, and is doing well with math and reading.  He gets homework done quickly without any fuss, which is a huge blessing because I do not have much patience for that!

His cast did indeed come off on October 7, but the bone had not completely regrown, usually taking about 3 months to do that.  Therefore he has been on "restrictions" from anything that could lead to a fall.  Of course, a 7-yo boy is not one to avoid the action, so there's been some moments of hair-raising for me, but so far so good!

Emma is doing well.  We have been continuing her post-surgery therapies, working on scar reduction and having to stretch her mouth - who knew the surgery would make her mouth not want to open!  That involves trips to the hospital weekly, to see the therapist as well as daily stretches and massage.

The left side of her new smile has increased in movement.  It's not at the level of the strong right side, but it is noticeable.  Part of her exercises is to smile at herself in the mirror so her brain makes the connection between the muscle movement and the visible movement - creating new neural pathways.  The surgery feels like it was forever ago, but in reality only 3 months from the second procedure, so there's still a way to go.

School is going well for Emma too.  She's doing great academically, but we are definitely entering in to a new phase socially.  We've encountered some rude and ignorant comments, as well as navigating the tricky female social world.  Emma is a smart, social girl, but she does not like sport and activity.  So it can be a challenge to find like-minded girls!  

Her birthday is coming up fast too.  At 9 yo she will be considered a "pre-teen"!  While she still enjoys Disney Junior and listens to the same Christian music as us, the kids around her are exposed to many other things, especially when they have older siblings.  We pray that we have done enough to help the kids make the right choices in life.

Scott's about to move on from the building he's been working on since last November, to a new site.  He's excited to move on but there will be an adjustment period.  Over-time is a financial blessing but a physical and family strain.  We make the best of it and look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas!

I'm working hard to keep everyone moving along and has what they need.  Somehow though I got strep throat, so a couple of days and I'll be back at it!