Saturday, November 22, 2008

Cast off

Nate got his cast off the other day. as we were going to the doctor, he was going through all the options of colors that he would choose for his new cast. I kept telling him it would be better if he didn't have to have one anymore. he was awesome. minimal freaking out from the saw (we have been talking about the very loud saw for about a week). he did great with the x-ray.

it was really interesting to see how he did not know what to do with his hand after the cast came off. he had gotten so used to not using it, or only using it in particular situations, that he didn't use it for a while. then he slowly picked things up. the bath changed things a lot. he finally got to sit in the tub rather than a bag on his hand and a quick shower. the best was that he got to go to his new class for the first time without a cast on friday. he did great and got to do a lot of stuff he couldn't do in the past.

although he doesn't get the attention he got with the cast, and now has to completely dress himself without any help, he seems content to have it off. he's excited about shooting baskets with two hands and throwing a frisbee again. his dad is excited, too.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

transitions

there have been many changes in the smith household over the past couple of weeks. nate's plunge from the crib mandated toddler beds. i'm pleasantly surprised that the beds have gone very well. they (mostly) stay in their beds and comply to nap and bedtime. nap is a bigger issue, but manageable.

the biggest transition is to a new school. for many reasons, we felt it was a good idea for the boys to be in a more established school that they could grow in. but the changing of schools has resulted in a lot of stress on the boys. their are a number of changes having to do with school. but the major changes are they go five days a week instead of three, they are the youngest in the class instead of the oldest, they are in separate classes, and nate's cast doesn't allow him much freedom to participate in the classroom work. we have had a number of meltdowns in the morning in the hallway outside their door. it has been getting better. the biggest concern for me is noah's sudden stammering. for the last 4-5 days he can't get his words out of his mouth. ultimately, i assume all will be fine, but it is a daily prayer that they will adapt and it will be a positive thing. your prayers are greatly appreciated.