We're Ba-ack!

Dear Madigan,

It took two weeks after the illness began, but we're finally back to 'normal!' During that time I also got gastrointestinal distress (I won't elaborate, as I'm sure whatever you're imagining is spot on) and you became dehydrated enough to present blood in your urine. It was scary and awful, but thankfully everyone we spoke to and came in contact with from Main Street Peds was extremely understanding and compassionate. They put me at ease reassuring me that we just needed to push fluids and you'd bounce back. In the meantime, we'd do a clean-catch pee in a cup for them to run a culture on and you'd begin antibiotics just in case. Happily, you have no infection, and did not need to complete your course of meds. You just needed to drink! Since then, you have resumed your normal eating habits and especially enjoyed a hearty helping of spaghetti (see photo above!).

Also new since last post are our skiing adventures. While you are eager to ski down the 'big mountain' with me, you are less than thrilled about your ski lessons. You had a successful first lesson, but then missed a week due to your illness. Returning to your lesson this past week was challenging. We arrived early, so you had 15 minutes of direct instruction before any other kids were there. You are working on your wedge, but it's not coming that easily. Daddy thinks it doesn't help that we were standing there in your line of sight, so next week, we will be otherwise occupied- Daddy working in the ski shop, and me on the mountain honing my (lack of) skills. You started crying and gave up pretty easily, but I think you were also still on the mend at that point, and tired easily- sidestepping up the hill numerous times only lasts so long! You're game to give it another shot, and have been practicing your pizza pie inside sans skis...let's hope you can finally move over to the Magic Carpet- we'd all be happier!

As for school- big doings this week. You and I attended the second meeting for Ready, Set, Kindergarten and you got to do fun activities with the occupational therapist and a few of your future classmates. Parachute play was fun, as well as 'climbing' in the mitten (aka cooperation blanket!) pretending to be one of Jan Brett's animal illustrations. You also had the chance to go to the primary library and pick out a bag of books to borrow. And I went to a parent-teacher conference at Pooh's Corner with Mrs. Infante (Daddy misses all this because he's teaching his 5th graders). She said she has no concerns about you, but there are a few areas we should be working on: the alphabet song, as your middle letters are: J, J, Kel, M, N, O, P -the rest of the letters make it unscathed! We also need to teach you our phone number...we have worked on 9-1-1, but apparently you should also know how to call home. And consistency with writing your name...we've moved from Madan, to Madgan, and sometimes Madigan, but not consistently. Socially, she says you're very polite and have many friends. We're proud of you, because it's hard being the child of two teachers ...and knowing it all (ha!). Thankfully, you don't seem to 'know it all' in school, and for that we're grateful.

Things have been busy, but not so busy that we've haven't noticed that you're growing up and into a very thoughtful little man. You are sensitive, caring, and bright, and we hope you always remain that way. I love you.

Love, Mom

Gastrointestinal Distress

Dear Madigan,

It is now a Sunday afternoon- instead of running around shooting your dart gun, you are laying limply at my side watching Stuart Little. Since Wednesday night, you've had gastrointestinal distress. It began with vomiting, shifting to the southern regions. Since then, you have not moved other than to vomit or use the facilities. You didn't even speak until today, as it simply took too much energy. It is very sad to watch- especially being able to do nothing except hold the pot while you puke and apply cold compresses to your head. Even now, your attempts at conversation fall short, as you forget your train of thought. Thankfully, I have seen slight improvements since yesterday AND the day before that. But you still have intestinal issues and have lost weight off your already slight frame. I am simply waiting for you to feel better. You have never had any ailment for very long and at this intensity, and it's hard for us all. Even now, though, you reach for my hand. "I just want you," you said to me. You are a sweet little boy and shouldn't have to feel this way, but I believe it will make your body stronger in the end. I love you and look forward to tomorrow.

My First Post Ever

Dear Madigan,

What an adventure this has been. I wish I'd been chronicling your life since the beginning, as there have been so many anecdotes that would thoroughly detail who you are! At 4.5, you are full of tenacity although I'm not sure if that's a product of your age or your personality. You have a difficult time taking no for an answer, but rally quickly when things go your way. You enjoy going to preschool (Pooh's Corner) especially because your buddy Sam is there. And for a short time, you had a girlfriend although you didn't even know her name! You did say she was like me, which we later found out meant she had earrings. We met her at Open House and learned her name was Emily. She has flaming red hair and the personality to match! Happily, she is now simply your friend, as we agreed kissing is for family only. (Imagine the conversation: Madigan: Emily kissed me today. Me: What?! What do you mean? Where did she kiss you? Madigan: On the cheek. And sometimes on the head. Me: You mean this has happened before? Madigan: Yeah, she kisses me every day.) I really thought I had much more time before I had to worry about girls. Thankfully, it appears I do, but I admit to freaking out and calling Sarah (Daniel's mother) to see if she'd seen anything transpire between the two of you. She had not. Whew. And we've come to learn Emily's much more of a mother hen than siren. Double whew. Now you simply get hugs from her...when you're not hanging out with the boys (including Jayden).

I am looking forward to hearing what your teachers have to say at the upcoming conferences, as I wonder what you're like when out of our clutches! The first time you went to Pooh's was for a pre-open house for newcomers. Mrs. VanDeWater spoke to you when you were playing on the jungle gym. A few minutes later she was speaking with you but called you something other than your name. I asked her what she called you and she said, "Buzz. Isn't that his name- that's what he told me!" At the time, you were in your Toy Story phase. It was pretty funny- especially since you were pretty shy and timid, and you didn't speak much at all to anyone else! How times have changed! Now you're a Kanga with Mrs. Infante (Mrs. Tuttle has the Owls and Mrs. Knight has the Pooh Bears) and have many jobs including passing out napkins and holding the flag for the pledge of allegiance. You really enjoy when you get to bring the show and tell bag home. So far you've had it three times. The first time you brought in your circus sword and some pictures, as we'd just been to Barnum & Bailey's at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The sword lights up and has a spinner inside. The second time you brought your skateboard that we won first time out at a water shooting game at the Washington County Fair. The third time, you brought your batman hovercraft. Not only do you get to show your friends your toys, you also get to sit on Mrs. Infante's lap, which seems to be another highlight!

I can only imagine what the second half of the year will bring...