Hanging In There

Actually more than hanging in there.  Jeff's doing great with his arm.  He's not been in any pain at all and hasn't even complained of it itching him.  The cast allows him to have a little more use of his hand than the splint did so he can even do most everything on his own (get dressed, play his Star Wars Wii, suck his fingers).

He was very brave when getting the cast on. As we were walking in he got a little afraid.  He asked me if it was going to hurt and would he get his cast.  I didn't know any exact answers so I explained that it might hurt to get the cast on, but that would keep it from continuing to hurt.   The orthopedist is at the Children's Rehab center associated with the University Hospital so the building was pretty inviting and had a play area right near the registration desk.  We were quickly taken back for the cast.  The Dr. gave Jeff a choice of colors and used a water resistant (but not waterproof) under layer.  So he shouldn't get it soaked, but can get it a little wet.  That was great news with field day coming up.  Jeff chose a soccer ball pattern for his cast and sat super still while they put it on for him.  No fussing, no tears.  Just my big boy.

Splint off before cast put on

A Nice Clean Soccer Ball Cast

I brought a Sharpie so I could sign his cast as soon as it hardened.  He was very cute about letting me sign it.  The next day he brought the marker to school so all his friends could sign it.  It's not a very big cast and it came home absolutely covered in notes written in red marker.  Just too cute.  His teachers even signed it.

Lots of Love From His Friends

For the first day or so he was still not really willing to use the hand, but he's gotten very good with it now.  As far as activities go, the rule is "both feet on the ground".  We were given permission for rides at King's Dominion, but no water park yet.  He went on a field trip to a playground with all the Kindergarten classes.  I went along to make sure he played safely, and he did.

At The Playground With Owen

 

OK - yeah both feet are NOT on the ground but this was about as high as he got.

So my little guy is back to playing the Wii as usual (but holding his DS is still difficult), building his Leggo spaceships, and tormenting his sister.  We go back to the Ortho in about 2 weeks from now to get the cast off.  Until then it looks like we may be back to business as usual.

Broken Wrist

Poor little guy.  Less than 2 full weeks from the end of school and he breaks his wrist.  He's pretty devastated -- inside and out.

While getting off the bus yesterday he made his usual run to momma.  It's happened almost every day.  I wait by the car and he runs to me along the side of our little road.  Yesterday he simply tripped, caught his toe and went face first onto the pavement.  Caught his arm under him.  Screamed bloody murder.  I gently set him up and checked him out.  Knees a little scraped.  Cut on his finger.  Abrasion at his wrist.

When we got home we got the boo boo ice packs and let him rest his wrist on that.  He'd calm down but any little movement would send him sobbing again.  Sister found some Star Wars band-aids for the scrapes.  I could tell pretty quickly there was more than just a bump.  I called the Pediatrician and they said if I got him there before 5:00 they could get the X-rays done there without having to head to the ER.  So we hopped into the car and quickly drove the 40 minutes to the Dr.  Jeff was so exhausted he fell asleep after about 5 minutes in the car.

When we got the Dr. daddy was there to carry him in.  He'd calmed down quite a bit and was able to move around for the doctor.  We rushed over to get the X-rays done and he was such a trooper.  So quiet and calm as the tech had him move his hand/wrist into several different positions.  We finished with the X-rays and went back to the Dr's office.

Jeff was pretty convinced he was OK. Then the doctor came in and said "looks like there's a fracture".  His face just melted.  All the tears came back.  He got so scared.  So afraid he was going to have to miss all the fun at the end of the year.  We talked about getting a cast and maybe even one that is waterproof.  He held very still as the doctor put a hard splint around his wrist.  Clearly he was hurting, but wouldn't show it.  Such a big boy.

Daddy drove him home from the doctor while mommy and Erin stopped to pick up some more Tylenol and some ice cream for dessert.  So far we've discovered that it's still possible to play the Wii (Mario Party at least) but we need some help getting dressed and undressed.  He's at school today, has an orthopedics appointment tomorrow to talk about a cast and get it looked at.  Hopefully, by the time all the fun events happen next week he'll be in a cast and able to participate in some of it.

It took 8 years, but the Wallace South clan has their first big boo-boo. At least we avoided the ER.  Love you so much buddy.

More Birthday Celebrating!!

Erin's birthday was also spent at rehearsal for the evening.  Didn't bother her one bit though.  She LOVES being with her extended family and having them celebrate with her was important to her.

Erin's biggest surprise was waiting for her when she woke up.  She discovered a cute, cuddly kitten waiting for her when she woke up.  She fell in love with this kitten at a sleepover a few weeks ago so we adopted her as a new family pet.  Erin was immediately in love.  Kitten arrived at the house named Emmy, but has since been re-named Emma.

Erin also got to open her presents early in the morning before school.  She got a new doll and some doll clothes from grandma.  Mom and dad got her several kitten toys.  Tom wanted to get Erin some new juggling balls since they have been working on jugging together.  We found a woman online who hand-makes juggling balls with a carrying bag.  Erin absolutely loves them and is looking forward to Seussical ending so she and daddy will have some time to juggle together some more.

After school we played around the house with Emma some more before rehearsal.  We left early enough to stop off and get some ice cream.  Then Erin picked McDonald's for dinner.  At rehearsal she got a special lollipop from a new friend and had lots of time to run and play with all her friends.

What a great way for a special girl to spend her birthday!!!  She'll get her big birthday party at the end of the month when Seussical is over.

Celebrating Birthdays

Good Morning Birthday Boy!!

The Birthday Pile

We celebrated Jeffrey's birthday the way it seems we often celebrate birthdays this year.  With a very busy day. We had rehearsal for Seussical that evening so had to start the morning early with opening presents.  He'd already gotten his big present, his bike.  Still, he was very excited to find plenty to open birthday morning.  He got some Star Wars room decals to put on his walls when we re-do his room over the summer.  There were also the requisite leggos and Star Wars guys as well.  Grandma got him some Pokemon cards that he'd been asking for as well as a DS game he's really been wanting.


After school we headed into rehearsal early.  We stopped off and got some ice cream (Jeffrey picked out birthday cake flavor) and since it was really nice we played at a park for a while too.  It was a great relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Time for a swing

Angry Cupcakes

Jeffrey's birthday party was on Friday the 6th.  He had been begging for an Angry Birds party so mommy did her best to put together a great one for him.  He had about 10 friends from school come and we played some target games, beanbag tossing, and just rolled down the hill -- what more could a bunch of 6-year old boys (and 3 girls) ask for.  Everyone seemed to have a really great time, and my efforts at some Angry Birds decorations even worked out pretty well.

Boys and 1 girl on the hill.

Daddy Distraction

All in all it was a great birthday spent with family and friends.
 Happy Birthday Big Man!!!

8 Wonderful Years!!!

So Alert in May 2003

My Beautiful Easter Belle

I can't believe it's been 8 wonderful and amazing years that I've called you daughter.  You are growing up every day right before our eyes.  It's beautiful, and a little scary sometimes.

Physical stats:
Weight -- 41 pounds (Woohoo we broke 40!!)
Height -- 48 inches
Pants -- 6, sometimes even a 7!!
Shoe size -- almost a 12!!
If you wear your big sneakers you're just tall enough to ride most of the awesome, frightening, rides at King's Dominion!!!

Today you are 8.  You are reading chapter books and having tons of fun writing stories about sharks, girls, and of course princesses and princes.  You absolutely LOVE science and want to do all kinds of science experiments at home.

When you were tiny I'd hold you in my arms and sing to you.  Now we sing together.  Silly Seuss songs.  Adam songs.  Hannah Montana songs.  You LOVE being on stage, especially when you get to share the stage with your special friend Natalie.  The two of you giggle like the adorable silly little girls you are and you always make everyone smile.  I don't have to carry you on stage any more, or even walk you into rehearsal.  You're just fine without me.

You have grown up so much this year.  You have taken on new responsibilities at the house.  You'll help with the dishes and the trash and taking care of Drake.  You know when to get your homework done, and when to play (most of the time).  You get your own breakfast and even pour the lemonade without spilling too much.  We've said goodbye to Thumbkin (even if it still sneaks in when you're sleeping sometimes).

You want so much to be a big girl.  You want to ride the scariest rides at King's Dominion.  You want to help read to Jeffrey.  You love sparkling lip gloss and nail polish.  You're having a big girl birthday party at the salon.

But just remember it's OK to be a little girl too.  To snuggle your mommy and daddy.  To play with your dolls and Petshops.  To sing silly songs and run outside.  Don't grow up too fast on me.  I'm not sure I can take that.

OK, time for the tissues. Here it is. Happy Birthday Beautiful.

Hello 6 Years Old!!

May 2005 Such A Little Sprout

April 2011, a few more teeth and definitely more personality.

Jeffrey Anderson Wallace

Physical Stats:

Height -- just about 50 inches

Weight -- Just about 48 lbs

Shoe Size -- 13, yep I said it.  13

Shirt Size -- 7

Pants Size -- 6

Number of jeans ruined by wearing holes in the knees -- 5

Your first year in "all day" school has been wonderful.  You're reading to me now.  I can't believe it.  The last report card your teacher sent home the 1st grade wall words because you've mastered the Kindergarten wall words.  It took you over a week, but you read all of Horton Hears A Who to me just last month.  When you write your numbers for homework we don't start with 1, but with 100 and write all the way to 200!!

You lost your first tooth on February 21st.  At school.  I wasn't there to help you work it out.  You did it all on your own.  Such a big boy.

Your favorite things to do are play your DS or play the Wii.  You've mastered several games I can't even come close to understanding.  You and daddy spend a lot of time working together on your games, and that's great.  You also love to build with your leggos and to set up battles between all your Star Wars guys.

This spring you are playing with the bigger kids in soccer and holding your own.  You run hard, but have difficulty staying on your feet.  That happens to mommy sometimes too.  You've made big strides in your swimming lessons.  At your last lesson Mr. James had you swim 100 meters in 3 different strokes, and you didn't look back.  Flew through it.  I was watching your every stroke from poolside.  So proud of you.

You and your sister are best friends.  Sure there's that sibling rivalry.  There are arguments and disagreements.  There are tears.  There are silly games.  Special story times.  Hugs and loves.  You know it, you love her.

Mr. Silly has not gone away.  Toots and burps are particularly funny.  Sometimes Mr. Silly gets in trouble.  He doesn't like to listen very much.  But we put Mr. Silly "in a box" and give Jeffrey a big hug.

I can't wait to see all our adventures we will come across in the next year.  

And now....let's look back at our Big Man.

Spring Break Week

We decided to do more of a "stay-cation" than a vacation for Spring Break.  One might think that would be nice and relaxing, but man am I exhausted!!  The kids and I had a great week together though.  Daddy even came along to play one day.

The break started by supporting mommy in her 5K race.  Mommy had been excited about running her first race in a long while, and of course the weather was not ideal.  That might be the biggest understatement ever.  The weather was horrible.  Horrible, wet rain.  But Tom and the kids came along to cheer me on.  And once the race started, it was a fun run.  I even posted an awesome time!!

The rains continued throughout the day and we watched the stream behind the house evolve into a raging torrent.  Wow.  It was pretty impressive.  A bit before dusk the rains broke for a while and the kids and I went down to investigate the waters.

On Monday, Tom took the day off and we took our first trip with our new King's Dominion season passes.  Some good friends joined us, and we spent the day dashing from ride to ride.  Erin just barely hit the 48" mark so was able to ride most of those rides she's always asked me to ride.  Her first foray into daredevil rides -- an upside-down boat ride.  What was I thinking letting her get on that.  But she loved it, and begged to ride it again before we left.  She and her friend also tried out one of the older steel roller coasters that had 2 loop-d-loops.  I believe the number of trips on that one totaled 4.  Jeffrey doesn't quite have Erin's desire to fly and flip upside-down so he stuck to some calmer rides (even though he could ride everything she does).  He has a favorite ride that is a bobsled coaster.  It's a very cool ride too.  It was an awesome, and exhausting day!!  Can't wait to go back.

That's Tom and Jeff in the Last Car

Mom!  You Are Nuts!!

Tuesday, Jeffrey got to spend the day with a good friend from pre-school.  We've been trying to get the boys together for a while and Spring Break worked out.  Erin and I got her hair cut, did some birthday shopping for Jeffrey, had lunch out and hit the grocery store.  She was a big helper and we had a great time together.

Wednesday we decided to go to the gym and use the swimming pool.  Both kids had an awesome time splashing around and practicing their dives (and a few swim strokes).  On the way home we stopped off for a special ice cream treat.

Thursday morning, mom had soccer and the kids came along.  I packed the bikes so they could ride around the parking lot.  Then we joined some friends for a picnic by the river.  There's a great bike path by the river and the kids LOVE to ride there.  Unfortunately, the recent storms have washed an amazing amount of sand onto the path making it impossible for young riders to navigate.  We still got to play on the playground and sit by the river.

Friday turned out to be rainy and cool, so we headed back to the gym and then out to catch a movie.  We caught the new Rio movie (in 3D of course).  It was definitely cute, but I'm not sure if it was quite $50 cute.  I mean seriously, that's the price of one day's ticket to King's Dominion for 1 person.  Still, hearing their giggles and laughter are definitely worth it.

Saturday was pretty low key.  Erin came with mom to a make-up soccer game.  She made a new friend and planned out a fort in the woods.  Tom and Jeffrey stayed home and played Wii, baked cookie-pops and hung out.

Today is the last day of break.  I'm thinking that I'm really glad it is.  Because I need a break from their break.

Flower Power

I Love My Sister

It was in the 80's yesterday so I took advantage and snapped a few photos of the kids with the daffodils.  My tulips aren't blooming yet, but I'm afraid that by the time they do, the daffodils will be done.  So here are some shots of the kids sitting with the daffodils.  They've grown over the years huh?

The Sun Is Too Bright So I'm Only Going To Look At The Flowers

Our First Year of Daffodils -- 2006

Smiling Eyes

Goofy Boy

OK, I'll Smile For One Shot

The Shark

Erin wrote a story about "The Shark" for her word study homework last week.  It was just so cute, I had to post it.  Not only that, but her handwriting is starting to get neater when she takes her time.  She had to use her word study words which focused on "R" sounds in words (fair, fare, shark).

The Shark

Once upon a time there was a shark.  The shark has very sharp teeth.  He wants to go to the fair in the square.  What will he wear?  On the way to the fair he met a bear covered in dark hair.  The bear said if you want to get past you have to pay a fare.  The shark was bare and had no fare.  The shark has a trick!  When the bear fell asleep in his chair the shark would sneak past the bear.  Then he can run to the fair.