Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Bittersweet News

We're sorry to report that Phoebe's pt from Harford County Infants and Toddlers program, Teresa DiPietro, passed away Sunday night shortly after delivering a healthy little boy, Rocco William. He weighs in at 8lbs, 12oz. Teresa was like an angel before she left us; I imagine she's already in Heaven watching over us, especially her loving family.
She was always patient, gentle, playful, quick to smile. I remember how excited she was the day she hinted to us that she was pregnant. We had the pleasure of meeting Dave at Phoebe's 2nd birthday party, and she just delighted our relatives. Phoebe adores Teresa: they had at least a dozen tea parties at the play kitchen over the months. Phoebe actually looked forward to her therapy sessions with Teresa-it breaks my heart to know that the next time we meet will be for a final goodbye. We didn't take any pictures of Teresa, much to our regret, so we're blessed to see the memorial at the funeral home's website. A pose we saw every week for 15 months-a beautiful smile.
She became a part of our family, and we will miss her terribly.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Early Thanksgiving

Some pics are from dinner here with some of the Schaum clan. Chris used a turkey fryer for our first Thanksgiving dinner, and made 2 pumpkin pies from scratch. I just picked out the pumpkin seeds. They roasted (and popped) in the oven. Everyone else brought the side dishes. HMM Mmm...

Weekend

Friend Barb and I took the kids to APGFire Department for their open house. It was great for the kids-lots of craft projects, letters mailed to Santa, and they saw Spongebob, Dora and Santa. As for my semi-diet, it came to a screeching halt. Cookies, fruit punch, hot chocolate, more cookies. It was so worth it, though:()

New breakthrough











We're thrilled to share these new pics, showing how far Phoebe's come...and some cute ones of Paul, Aunt Donna, Cousin Calib and buddy Jacob.



Thursday, September 25, 2008

Two updates for previous blog

1. Dad is making progress w/rehab. Standing seems to be getting easier for him. Just had the last staples out of left knee. Anyone know where to find a bedboard?
2. Paul getting kudos for school. Working well with all the kids. The families are very nice and encouraging. BTW, anyone an expert knitter, expert enough to offer some starter tips?
3. Phoebe's turning into a parrot. Just watch what you say around her...
4. So I can't count-here's a 4th update! Not much new for me and Chris...a member on amcsupport.org is launching a new site all about a documentary. The address: amcdocumentary.org.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Phoebe's spurt

The orthotist just adjusted her kafos as long as they will go. He of course suggested that they reapply the pelvic band to correct external rotation. With Reenee's sewing elastic suggestion, she should be able to do it by that cue. The walker is wide, but the toy train is narrow enough to force her legs closer than a cowgirl's stance. Either way, she cries when I even suggest she use the walker to go down the hall. My lack of patience is spoiling this child;)

Paul is about to complete his second week of preschool. He's having a blast! He's sending home lots of artwork to tape to the bare living room walls. Phoebe likes to contribute as well! We girls are bonding but saving our energy for a trip to the mall, lol. Don't worry Chris, it'll be mostly window shopping!

Keep my dad in your prayers. He's recovering from double knee replacement and it's gonna be rough going for a few weeks. My mom needs some too, running back and forth. She took a fall at the hospital parking lot last weekend, but says she's okay.