Spring Break

Well it wasn't much of Spring. We went to Massachusetts for 8 days. I wondered what possessed me to agree to going to MA in what would be a 20 to 30 degree week? Why did I even think of going North? Had I lost my mind!?!

Actually I do know what gave me the notion of going to MA. I focused on the wonderful world of New England! I imagined American History (a love I've had since the the 5th grade)... Boston a big city, being able to connect to the ocean, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard. I just wasn't connecting with the notion that it really isn't the time of the year to fully enjoy those things.

The good news: No Crowds!!! Plenty of indoor things to do! It didn't actually get as cold as we thought it would. We visited with two sets of friends. Doughnuts are plentiful there! (or is that bad news... they have Dunkin Doughnuts every half mile!) Boston is wonderful! The accents of some of the people just thrilled me to no end... I wasn't disappointed! Pahkin ya cah is wicked hahd! Giggle!!!! We got to thoroughly enjoy some Thai food which I hadn't had in almost 2 years since we haven't found a place in PA that specializes in it yet (MA is multicultural)! The last day we were there they opened Plimouth Plantation and we were able to go there and enjoy... it was warm that day! I learned to read maps (I'm usually so challenged to figure out roads and highways but I actually did it!)

The not so good news: Many areas of Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard don't open until April (It worked out since we were able to spend more time doing other things and we got the lay of the land for future crowded summer visits to CC and MV. It was still disappointing though.). It was in fact cold for the most part and the beach was pretty hard to enjoy. It rained two days so we were not only cold but wet a few times.

The Highlights: Boston Aquarium, Woodshole Aquarium, Boston Kid's Museum, Easton Kids Museum, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Thai Food, Plimouth Plantation and the Mayflower II, Falmouth Shopping Area, Visiting with Chris and Paul. Visiting with Dorothy and Marty. Sleeping in a warm cabin and enjoying time as a family.

Mind you we had 4 kids with us on this trip. The two oldest got their fill since many of the things we did were geared to them. They were open to learning, shopping, eating fun food and running around Plimouth Plantation. The boys ages 2 and 3 were challenged by the limitations of having to stick close to the big people. They had trouble with the limitations of being 2 and not being able to just cross those railings, touch that glass object and vocally expressing themselves how and when they wanted to. Andrew did delight us and have a few good days of going potty in the potty and his key phrase was "poopy come out!" He would giggle and strain to make this occur. He at one point told me as he pointed to his belly button "mommy push my belly there!" Our little foster son was overjoyed to see the ocean and ran up and down the beaches that we stopped at. He loved his sleeping bag and he took great pride in being with "daddy". The boys love "daddy" and this was a spectacular experience for them to get so much time with Tim.

We look forward to future trips away from our new home. We are carving out new niches in our experience since the east coast is not familiar to us as of yet. This was a positive move forward for us to know we can venture out and explore. It was also exciting to know with our larger family base we are able to handle and enjoy as we explore.

Random Thoughts

My little boy was sick this week. Took him to the docs office Tuesday and they were able to get him turned around. He likely has bronchitis but this little boy is challenged with Asthma type symptoms (has not been diagnosed as of yet) whenever he gets sick. He was having a very hard time breathing. His lungs were tight and coughing was painful to watch and listen to. He strained so hard he was using his whole body to cough. He is on an antibiotic that I believe has helped and we had to increase the number of albuterol treatments we do for him. We also use Prendisone in his nebulizer daily. Usually these treatments are frustrating for both of us. He doesn't like to sit through them and if he sits well at all for this treatment I have to have something entertaining on the DVD so he can focus on it. These are times where he is well and not showing any symptoms. We are supposed to do the Prendisolone daily and the albuterol as needed (I prefer the inhaler when we just need it once or twice in a day). Well Tuesday he not only sat the whole time w/o anything on the DVD but he would fall asleep. He slept most of the day. The only plus side was I was able to hold him for long periods of time and just look at him almost like when he was newborn. He is just the most precious boy. Sweet wisps of strawberry blonde hair, beautiful brown eyes, sweet rosy lips and a chubby little round face. He was a little snuggle bunny. So sweet! I was glad when he found his energy and vibrancy again but I do miss the sweet armful of baby boy that was willing to lay there for a duration of time. He is doing much better now but at times he will still let me hold him for few minutes while he sips out of his cup. Childhood woooshes by so fast and I thrill at the moments when I can slow down a bit and watch it more closely and marvel at it.