June Sure Came and Went

It took a few days to get settled after being away. First and foremost, we were missing our fearless leader who was still in New Orleans. The girls and I were tired from our drive, the time change and two sleep (less) nights slumber-partying it in Mom's room. Court's flight home was delayed, cancelled, postponed BUT finally arrived 10 hours later than expected. As I was planning on picking him up from the airport, I cancelled the girls piano lesson. After receiving word that his plane was delayed, I tried to get piano lessons re-instated but it was too late. We went to the playground instead where I caught these two sharing a moment.

Nothing like a sister. 

I wish them a lifetime of these moments. 

The next day was t-ball. She's still a fan and was very, very excited to have Mana and Boppa in the crowd cheering her on!

Today also marked the day of living in our house for one year! Funny because it feels like we've lived at this address for much longer.

Nothing kicks off the harvest season like a trip to Bill's Berry Farm. Most people go to pick the fruit that is in season. 

We go for the donuts. 

Fresh. Still warm. SO good!

 

Finally got a baby gift finished and sent off! Good because the baby is due today or really soon!

Realized that some of our chickens are being bullied. So much so that a few are losing feathers. So I slathered on some anti-pecking lotion on a few of them. You know how pink and purple tips are pretty in right now (yes that is pink and purple hair…at the tips)? Well, these two are rocking' it hard!

Grace discovered jump roping about two weeks ago. Tonight, she jumped 30-something in a row!! She  jumps rope all. day. long. Which is great! Great exercise and all. But she wants us to watch AND COUNT every. single. attempt. Not ideal when trying to get anything done!

Sunday Funday! The girls got to watch a movie while Court and I cheered on Mexico in the World Cup. 

Even Grace and Charlotte got to be fancy!

Too bad Mexico lost to the Netherlands. 

Which leads me to today. My first time back in spin class in a loooong time. The girls first time in the gym daycare. We all survived.

Is tomorrow really July 1? Am I ever going to feel like time is on my side?

Recovery for Grace AND Charlotte

After Grace's surgery, we were visited by Court's brother's family.

Balloons (and chocolate) make everything better!

We have been amazed at how well Grace has done with her recovery. She has been so bubbly and happy. You know, preparing for surgery - especially surgery on your child - really weighs heavy on your heart. You worry. You hear horrible stories. You think about the what-ifs. And then you kiss them goodbye and they are wheeled into the operating room...everything in motion...but you. You are helpless. Dependent on whatever is to come. Dependent on the unknown.

You rarely think about the benefits of surgery. The reasons you are making this leap of faith and surrendering all control. Most likely because you don't want to jinx yourself. You don't want to assume an outcome and like my dad always says, "Hope for the best; prepare for the worst."

We were so worried about how she would feel waking up with casts. How she'd feel different from others. Her pain. Her immobility for six weeks. And while we are not out of the woods yet....we still have five and half weeks to go - Grace's overall happiness leads us to believe that this surgery has been a relief! A relief from being "different." A relief from being constantly challenged by gravity. A relief from "keeping up." It may have even relieved pain or exhaustion that would likely go hand-in-hand with walking on your toes - all day, everyday, for years, that we didn't know about or understand because how can a four year old explain pain when it is her "normal." Think about it! Try walking on your toes for five minutes and you'll know what I am talking about.

 "Like a rainbow after the rain, there's always a good thing after the pain." 

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Regardless, we are beyond grateful that this experience has gone as well as it has and thankful that we took a leap of faith.

Changing the subject...Grace was given a chance to take some pictures with my phone...

I don't think Charlotte wears her emotions on her sleeve at all! hahah

Grace's recovery has been the hardest for Charlotte. Attention and gifts being showered on Grace. Her playmate unable to play. Getting in trouble anytime she gets too rough or gets too close to Grace's legs and big girl cups of liquid (around Grace) are out of the question.

In spite of all that, she has done a fantastic job of helping.

She jumps out of bed (about 30 times a night) to fetch whatever Grace needs to fall asleep. 

Charlotte, will you get me a new book? 

Charlotte, will you bring me that doll?

Charlotte, I dropped my blankie on the floor, will you get it for me?

Charlotte, without grimace or gripe, dutifully jumps at Grace's call. 

Two nights ago, I was listening to them in their room as Grace asked Charlotte to do a favor for the  umpteenth time.

Finally, Charlotte had had it and in a tone similar to one I use a lot and mimicking words I use a lot, Charlotte said, "Grace, this is the last time I am doing this for you. I'm tired and want to go to sleep!"

Made me laugh.

So glad they have each other. 

Last night, Charlotte dodged the bullet of being Grace's servant by falling asleep at six! She even skipped dinner in order to get some uninterrupted shut eye.

Like I said, I think that all this has been hardest on Charlotte!