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