I still don't feel like we're back to normal life yet, after returning from JTC. Part of it is that it's summer, and things are slow and lazy with people being all over the place on vacation.
Most of our team members are on summer break now too, so I've given myself permission to take some time to mull things over, like exactly what to put in the PowerPoint for Skylar's teachers, etc. That being said, we have accomplished many small things since coming home, and that feels good.
1. Made an experience book from Skylar's class pictures. She sings the songs constantly. Tonight we had a nice chat about a few of her friends with CI's - specifically, Rebekah, Briele, and London. Then she said "but Raina doesn't have a CI..." Miss you Raina!
2. Watched the videos given to us on a DVD by the folks at JTC - including an 18 minute video of Skylar being given the PLS-5 language test. Our SLP is grateful to have access to these videos as demonstrations of AVT methods. You rock, JTC.
3. Met with Annie, another parent, and talked service options, school experiences, etc...she is a wealth of knowledge and a real fireball of passion about her son. She inspired me to be BOLD in advocating for Skylar!
4. Took the girls to swimming lessons daily for 2 weeks. They got pretty comfortable playing around, but don't want to put their heads under water yet. Paige did it yesterday at a pool party when I bribed her with 2 extra times down the big water slide ;-)
5. Got the stairway wall fixed and textured, ready for paint. The dust this job created inspired the deepest cleaning our living room has ever seen - which was strangely satisfying.
6. Ordered "Rebuilt," a memoir by a guy who gets implants as an adult, recommended by Annie. Arrived today - does it count as pleasure reading?
7. On my first day back to work, secured approval to reduce hours to 32, effective immediately. Very grateful for supportive peeps in the workplace.
8. A play date here and there...ice cream, swinging, sliding, park.
9. My b-day is Saturday, and I'm looking forward to my "secret" present from Jim and whatever the girls cooked up for me, plus a fun dinner out with our dear friends Tim and Rebecca and family, then cake and ice cream on the new deck we are still paying off. :-) Night before, I'm getting a massage and Jim is taking me to King Estate for fancy wine and dinner.
10. When we venture to Tahoe in two weeks, we will camp on the way down and on the way back up, thusly getting some campout time in this summer, by the skin of our teeth!
I've been limping along taking iPhone photos for years now, since our point and shoot started eating up the battery juice in a matter of minutes. I know, I could have replaced the battery pack, but I was holding out for a digital SLR and Jim got me one for my birthday! I. LOVE. THIS.CAMERA!
Jim and me at King Estate Winery, S and P with best pals E and N, and my awesome cupcake-plate presents