I can't believe that summer is ending :( I'm in denial that Stephen is going back to a real schedule and all the fun we have had on Fridays is over for the next nine months :(. Stephen has been working over the summer but his hours have been super flexible and he's been off Fridays which has been so fun!!
We squished quite if bit of fun in the few weeks we did have though! We celebrated the fourth down at my parents - complete with fireworks, sparklers and a good old fashion American cookout, along with plenty of time in the pool of course!
Then came 7/11 which might be my new favorite day of the year! We enjoyed free slurpees at seven-11 and then all dressed up like cows (yes we looked totally ridiculous) to celebrate cow appreciation day and enjoy free dinner at chick-f-la! The things we will do for free food!
I celebrated my birthday on the 17th by being spoiled which included flowers and dinner from my better half along with a promise to redo my table (which is a project that has been on my to do list and one that I'm super excited about! I promise there will be before and after pictures!!) I also got to enjoy some other birthday treasures and some delicious cake with my inlaws. Then the real fun began with a garage sale that was totally out of control!! Sarah (my sister in law who recently moved back to Jacksonville with her fam and is living right down the street) and I joined forces along with a few other contributors and put on the largest crap I mean treasure sale I think I have ever seen!! Seriously there was SOOO much stuff!! We made a ton of money, sweat off a couple of pounds, did some heavy lifting and still took 4 SUVs and a trailer worth to Goodwill!! It was INSANE!!
Last weekend we headed a little north and spent a few hours at the St Mary's Aquatic Center. (If you live in north Florida/southern GA - totally worth it!) We had so much fun! We took a picnic lunch and our neighbors and of we went! They had a lazy river, a pool and a huge splash park area. So fun and a perfect summer adventure!!
And finally this weekend. (Told you we've been busy!!) we headed down south again this weekend to enjoy some more quality time with grandma and papa Dogan and their pool. First of all let me tell you I have two fish and a minnow!! The boys swam all weekend with no swimmies!! Daddy was throwing them into the deep end, they were going down the slide, swimming all the way across the pool and even diving for rings!! Here's a bragging mommy video of their big accomplishment
Then there is Easton who is quite the little water baby! By the end of the weekend he was scooting his way off the edge (his version of jumping in) and "swimming" back and forth to whomever was in the pool!! Adorable! And definitely his happy place!!
We also enjoyed dinner at the beach and then some time playing in the sand and went bowling which the boys totally loved! It was a fun weekend and so nice to get away from the everyday routine and just enjoy family!! (Lots of new pictures up too)
So, like I said summers been a super fun whirlwind and I'm so sad to see it end!! At some point, I've lost track now, Easton got his new braces - which are adorable!! I'll make sure to post a pic of him sporting them :) Easton had some appointments with urology a few weeks back that went very well! That boy continues to amaze me!! He was such a trooper, missed his morning nap for literally an entire morning of appointments and I don't think he fussed a single time!! Urology is probably the specialist that I know the least about but here's what I managed to get out of the appointments.....
-his bladder is either a little small or a little over active or possibly a little of both....I don't really understand why they don't know about the size since they looked at it during an ultrasound but whatever.....
Drs response to this was at this point it doesn't matter since he's in a diaper. Said it was absolutely not something to worry about. Said that his bladder will likely grow with him as he gets bigger and their are relatively mild medications that can help with the over activity when he gets a little older and we are ready to potty train.
Actually the doctor said at this point he had NO CONCERNS at all!! Said that he was thrilled that Easton is not retaining urine (a common problem for people with Spina Bifida) and that he doesn't need us back FOR A WHOLE YEAR!! WHOOP WHOOP!! Dr Erhard even said at our next appt we could start having the conversation about potty training if we were ready!
God is good and again is doing a good work in this little man of ours!! I think every person we came in contact with that morning commented on how cute and happy he was! And this mommy was doing a happy dance walking out knowing we wouldn't be back for a year! (I'm sure my supervisor was also doing a happy dance!! God bless them at Wolfsons rehab! They have been so good to me, so understanding and so supportive from the day little man was diagnosed!! Never a question about needing time off....never! What a blessing to work with and for people that understand better than most what we are dealing with!)
Then, as if a great doctors appointment wasn't enough, this boy continues to amaze us, and most of my co-workers for that matter, constantly figuring out new skills. He's mastered the stairs....and here I'll prove it....sorry it's kind of dark :(
(For those of you keeping track, first of all that is right at age appropriate and second, that uses a TON of hip and butt muscles, both of which are super important for walking, and both of which we thought might not be working and if they were we figured they were very very weak!) God is good! But.....He's not done yet!!
So just days after we've masted climbing an entire flight of stairs, Easton decides it's time to learn something else....he's got to keep it interesting right!? So I swear over night this boy learned to cruise along furniture, in both directions! Seriously??!! I know you all aren't pediatric physical therapists so just take my word on this one!! Hello!! For a kid with Spina Bifida, that's a HARD skill and one I'm pretty darn proud he figured out ( unfortunately I can take absolutely no credit for this one! I had not even worked on it with him, he just up and did it like it was no big deal) here's my proof :)
So we have some things you can pray for :)
-Easton has an Early Steps evaluation on Tuesday. Early Steps is Florida's early intervention program. At this point if it was based purely on abilities I don't think he would even qualify (which makes me smile) BUT because he has a diagnosis he automatically qualifies, we don't really need the therapy right now but they can help with the cost of equipment, which is the primary reason for the eval. So the prayer request is more for me to go in with an open mind and a shut mouth.....I'm a little worried that I might be on the defensive a little when I'm watching other professionals who share my credentials pick apart his development. Also prayers that he cooperates and really shows them what he is capable of!
-the boys are getting ready to start school - they don't actually start until September 2nd but I figured praying a little early can't hurt!! (for the record....my kids in school cannot be possible!! I'm not old enough for my kids to be in school) it's just VPK and only 1/2 days but it's still their first time and so momma's nervous! They are going to LOVE it, I'm am confident of that,,,,,once they get used to the new routine! So prayers as we work out all the details and logistics....we will just say that VPK was not designed for working moms :(
-Stephens starting school next week and it's looking like it's going to be a doozy of a schedule. Prayers for him....he's going to need them!
Thank you all for the constant prayers! We feel them everyday!! Now, if mommy could just find the secret to having enough energy to work full time and be a mommy to three crazies we would be set!!
Love and Hugs!!