Finally Flowers!

Finally I found a day that I had time and it wasn't raining to plant some flowers!

I am sucker for Dahlias.

Apparently I am not the only one.

Isn't this verbena pretty?

My Mother's Day parsley still needs to go outside.

Looking forward to Mojitos this summer with fresh mint!

Can't believe the radishes are almost ready!

Looking forward to some sunshine and some HEAT!

Picture of a Pitcher

Matthew got to pitch his first inning this week in little league (They only pitch one inning a game).  He did a great job!  First batter got on after two strikes.  Next three batters were struck out!

  Check it out here.

Not bad for a kid with clubfoot, nerve damage, numerous surgeries, leg length discrepancy and an AFO.

Coach says Matthew will be pitching in every game for the rest of the season! 

Mama's Got A New Pair Of Shoes!... Wait, That's Not Right

Check it out!

 

Yup, shoes fits... but I am not going to be wearing it.  This is Matthew's newest sandal complete with lift courtesy of my man Tony.

When did this kid grow so fast?

An Overdue Update

I realized that last year's posts were filled with sick kid updates.  Thought I would update.

Matthew saw an ENT in September.  I knew his tonsils needed to go but had heard that most doctors these days do not want to remove them.  I was ready for the battle with a list of illnesses and medications.  The doctor took one look at Matthew's tonsils and said "how does Dec 6 work for you?"  No argument, no battle.  Only a compassionate doctor.

So, in December, Matthew had his tonsils and adenoids removed.  It was a tough few weeks, but since then he has been healthier then he has been in 18 months.  Best decision ever.  Even Ryan has been healthier.

Some days I think as a parent you need to have a medical degree.  For years, Matthew has not been able to fly well.  His ears NEVER equalize while flying.  I've tried everything.  Gum, drinks, medication.  Nothing works.  Until now.  Adenoid removal.  Now his ears are clear flying.  Turns out, if you research adenoids, when swollen, they block the Eustachian tube and you can not clear them for flying.

If only I had know.  All those flights to St. Louis. 

Poor kid.

But that is the past.  As always, we look forward.  No sense in looking back.

Another Day, Another Toe Strap

I know I wasn't blogging but believe me, this happened about 2 or 3 months ago.

Another blown toe strap.  I like it when we blow an ankle strap.  I have a bunch of those in my drawer.  Just remove the old one, replace with the new one.  Problem with the toe strap is it needed more anchoring then the other straps.  It is anchored with two rivets.  Why?  Because of this.  When we blow a toe strap, it means I need to take it to the orthotist, leave it a day, then go and get it again.

Yet another reason why I am so thankful I am not working.  Guess where I am going tomorrow.

The Shoe Never Lies

Was cleaning out the hall closet and found Matthew's running shoes from last year.  What an eye opener.

Do you see it?  The shoes NEVER lie.  On the left are Matthew's shoes from this year, on the right, from last year.  Do you see the wear marks on that green left shoe?  That was how much he was walking on the side of his foot.

 Here is another view.

For the first time in years and years, Matthew's foot finally seems to be stabilizing.  Finally, we have progress without the steps back.  The end of June marks one full year without a cast and no cast in the immediate future.  That little foot is getting stronger, starting to hold correction.  That little boy (not so little anymore) is working hard to walk straight, to keep his heel down, to try and walk heel toe.

 Funny how an old shoe can bring such joy.

Baseball Season

How do you know when it is baseball season?  Just look in the laundry basket!

That reminds me, I need more Oxyclean.