Change Is Good?

We were packing a few more things this morning. And then Sammy found our pile of things to wrap and tried to pick up a snow globe. It hit the table as Isaac went to grab it and broke. Nothing spells change of plans quite like a broken snow globe on the carpet...

Really glad you left that carpet cleaner here last October, Sharon!

Rant, Rant, Rant...

I KNOW when people ask how old your baby is and you tell them 18 months some (however misguided...) are going to follow that answer up with "So about time for a brother or sister, right?". What I don't know is what to say. I always find myself with that grimmace / deer in headlights look on my face while searching my brain...

"Uh, no. No it's not."

"Never going to happen."

"Only if I'm feeling suicidal?"

I'm not usually one to beat around the bush, but this question leaves me speechless. Other than the obvious why do people even ask, I simply don't know what to say and I need to come up with something (be it the nice version of the truth or a bald-faced lie) because it's coming up more and more often.

Therapy and Gifts

Today was Sammy's therapy day. Everything went really well. I am starting to see the improvement, so I'm really glad we called and did this even though nothing may be technically wrong! We've ruled out any sensory issues and the therapist, again, said she didn't think autism was a concern. He's picked up saying "oh, yeah" and "right there" in the past few weeks, so that's good. We also have "hi daddy" and "uh oh" that we think he's saying, but still aren't 100%. So, progress. That's a great thing. I've decided that it's just difficult to know what is age appropriate (both developmentally and with the toys I give him!) and I do a really bad job in that area. Who knew Playdough would be good for him at this age? It never crossed my mind...

I finally got my birthday presents in the mail this week. I ordered them late (see: stomach flu), but that's ok. Since we don't do surprises on our birthdays, I only have myself to blame! I got three CDs, all of which are excellent.

Liam Finn, which I already knew I would love, is fantastic. And not just because I'm in love with his dad (I'm still a little bitter Isaac vetoed the name Finn for Sammy...). It's just a great album on it's own.

Jack Johnson, because I love Jack Johnson. And truth be told, it's the real reason I waited to get them. I wanted it to be released before I went shopping! Jack Johnson is Sammy and my music to dance to during the day. The boy knows nothing of most kid music, but Jack Johnson? Jack Johnson he knows.

And Muse. Thanks to Sharon, I got hooked on Starlight and thought it would be a nice third choice. I'm loving it so far!

I also got Sammy the new They Might Be Giants kid's CD. I'm not loving it as much as Here Come the ABCs, but it's still good and better than most of the cheesy stuff I refuse to let Sammy listen to! If I have to listen to kid's music, I'll be picking stuff I like as well. And that's a point I just won't budge on...

I also picked up These Is My Words and I'm hoping, after hearing nothing but good about it, that it gets better after the first chapter. So far I'm not loving it. But I'm sticking it out.

Falling In Love Again

It's Valentine's week and while we don't really celebrate, I think it's only fitting that I'm indulging in one of my great loves this week. I've been watching and rewatching the Jane Austen series on PBS Masterpiece. Last night was the first part of Pride and Prejudice, which I love, but in watching I've rediscovered my love of Persuasion. I'm more certain than ever that it is my favorite Austen novel. I've always been drawn to stories about lost love and second chances and that may be the reason for my adoration, I don't know. But while the rest of Austen's heroines are overtly strong, I find myself understanding Anne Elliot's quiet strength more. She chooses safety and expectation and is willing to live with her decisions, but as she is given a second chance, she shows her growth in being able to own up to her mistakes and change her life. Or maybe I'm just jealous of that quiet strength since I identify myself more with Elizabeth Bennet’s rash judgments and outbursts...

Seven Weeks!

We've realized something this weekend in between opening up the windows and letting the 80 degree, beautiful weather in (sorry...) and trying to get Sammy over the cold he's picked up since getting over the flu (3 weeks, no church. Next week we'll all be healthy. Right?). We've realized we have seven weeks left in San Diego. Seven weeks!

I have crossed a lot off my to-do list (gave notice at our apartment, started mail delivery at our new place, submitted our new address to have our medical records sent) but there is still so much to do. I need to call and schedule the movers, to start with. That is first on the list tomorrow. However. Even with a massive list, the illnesses and packing when we can, we've managed to teach Sammy the joys of riding in a box like a car:




And taunt him with the finer things in his little life. "Sammy, where's the camera?"