A Busy Day, A Happy Day

We just got home from a very busy day. Max had his monthly appointment. It was actually supposed to be last week, but I had double booked him for an appointment with Dr. Ebb and also with his pediatrician, and believe it or not, it is harder to get an appointment with his pediatrician, so I changed the Clinic visit. This is a pretty big deal for me as usually I am very anxious for his blood test. I have to admit that I got anxious coming up to this day, especially because he has a cold, but it was a great appointment. We started the day with a trip to the Museum of Science. I had these grand plans of parking at MGH and walking over to the Museum, but it was bitterly cold, so we just drove to both. It was a great combination. The kids love the museum and so do I. It is so nice to be able to go there. We managed to time it really well, too. Dr. Ebb said Max looked great, despite his cold. He said that in a couple more months, we can move to every two months. We left right after the blood draw, which Max tolerated much better than last month. He didn't exactly jump with joy, but he didn't kick and scream this time. I think a few more times and he will be accustomed to the draw in his arm again. We went to the caf to buy pizza on our way out the door and as we were getting into the elevator, Dr. Ebb ran up and handed me the results. I am pretty sure he came to find us before we left as that was all he had in his hands. The results were better than I could have ever imagined. I actually expected to see a dip because of the cold, but his platelets were 176, a number I never expected to see. All of his counts were in the normal range. I am so happy.

WBC: 7.9
HCT:35.5
HGB:13.1
PLT: 176
ANC: 4100

They ran a retic count, but I don't have the results for that yet. It is possible that Dr. Ebb will call me with that tonight, but I didnt' specifically ask him to, so I am not going to expect it.

We go back at the end of Feb. I am going to try to combine the museum and hospital again. I am really worn out, but it was fun, plus it was nice for it to be something other than just a trip to get a blood draw. It made it something to look forward to.

Max's First Day of School

Or maybe I should say Max's 5th day of school. For me, this was a huge deal. He finally got to go back to school after all this time. For Max, it was more of a "well, it's about time" thing. I forgot the camera, so I couldn't get a picture, but honestly, there would have been nothing to take except for a picture of his back and he trotted off to the classroom. It was like he had never left. As we were driving in, he asked if I had remembered his lunch box. I told him that I hadn't signed him up for Lunch Bunch yet because I wanted him to have some time to get used to going. He told me he had already done that. The only bad point was when we were heading home. He told me that he hadn't done everything that he wanted to do yet. I tried to convince him that he was going back tomorrow, but I think he doesn't quite believe me. His teacher said that he had a great first day.

The weather is beautiful today, sunny and in the high 50s. They played outside a lot more than they normally would. I like that The Red Balloon is flexible like that. While he was there, Lauren and I met a friend and her younger daughter for coffee (her older daughter was also at preschool). It all felt so normal. I probably should have gotten so work done instead, but it was a really nice break.

I thought I would have issues with him being gone, but I think this is going to be a very good thing. We still have two days a week to go to the museum etc. It seems like a great balance.

I still can't believe he finally gets to go back.

Max and Mom's Special Day Out

Today, we did something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. Max and I took the train into Boston. He has been asking to ride the train for quite a while, especially whenever I have gone off to ride it without him. For the longest time, we just were not going to risk having him on the train. The last couple of months, I felt comfortable having him ride it, but I don't think I could handle being alone on the train with him and Lauren (or, for that matter, with just Lauren), so we haven't done it. However, our favorite sitter is home for vacation, so she watched Lauren for us. Grandma was coming into the city (Grampa Rich stayed home sick :( ) so we took the train in and met her. Then we walked through frigid Boston (it was in the single digits and the wind had it well below zero) to the North End and went out for lunch. Max had pizza, I had pasta, and Grandma had a lovely sandwich. After lunch, we made our way to Maria's for dessert. We love Marias. Max got to pick out a couple of cookies, just like I remember doing as a child. I used to love the green and pink and yellow cookies in the Italian shops. Max enjoyed them as much as I did. He also insisted that he bring some home for Lauren. Grandma and I had espresso and canolli. We walked rapidly back to the train station (into the wind this time. Even Grandma stopped trying to tell us it wasn't really all that cold.), and rode the train home. Max had a lovely time and said he would like to go again, next time with Grampa Richard. He also said he missed Lauren, but was "glad we didn't bring her because she would have gotten into a lot of trouble on this train." Smart boy, our Max.

Happy Holidays

What a lovely time of year this has been for us this year. The kids are loving the snow, especially Max, Christmas meant that Grandma and Grampa Rich and Uncle Greg and his friend Jenni came to visit. Max loves Uncle Greg and Grampa Rich. Grandma rates, too, but not as highly as those two. Poor Grandma. Max was really into Santa this year and lights and the tree and of course presents. He was so excited about the presents under the tree that he could barely contain himself Christmas morning. When the dust settled, what were the favorite gifts? A cool parachute toy from Aunt Kristin, and a box of Spiderman Bandaids that Santa left in his stocking. They are much more fun than the ones that Mom buys. He is also pretty fond of the Firefighter Rainjacket that he can wear with his Firehat that he got at the hospital the last time we were there.

It was such a relaxing holiday period this year and we are looking forward to a healthy and happy 2008. Max starts school on the 8th. He can't wait. He got a new backpack and lunch box for the occasion. I am a bit nervous, but I am sure I will get over it. Another new phase in our lives.

Happy New Year everyone.