Something new...

Today, I got Max in his wheelchair for a while, where he played with his pinwheel for a good 15 minutes! He continuously made a purposeful movement to make the pinwheel turn with his left hand! We were so impressed!

He sat in his wheelchair for an hour, which was very tolerant of him. We are trying to get him in it more and more, to try to get him to tolerate it for longer periods of time.

Later in the afternoon, I got him in his stander for a little bowling. We were working on his standing, and his fine motor skills at the same time.

I got him warmed up to play by draping his mylar blanket over his tray for him to play with. He loves that he can make sound with it by barely touching it.



Then it was time for Wii Bowling.



I was helping him through the whole game, so I placed the camera on the mantle in order to try to get a video. I took a photo at the end of the game to capture the score.



He got a spare and a strike...or as I told him, two strikes! He was just thrilled to knock the pins down!

Tomorrow, I think we'll try to use his wedges for some new positioning. Maybe on his side. And use his large therapy ball to stand against and BOUNCE!!!

(If you followed from TherExtras...please also check out Max's blog, by clicking here, and thanks for visiting!!)

Sunny boy...

A half of a second after I took this photo, hot-shot PURPOSEFULLY made his pin-wheel spin with his hand!



It was a record breaking warm spring day today, so we took advantage of the warmth and changed things up with occupational therapy on the front porch today.

With Max's growth, he's changing in what keeps his interest. He's wanting to be more independent...and is getting bored with the same old therapy. So, I'm really having to come up with new ways to keep his attention.

We got new playdough for him to smoosh his fingers in today. And a bubble gun, which he thought was unimpressive until the bubbles flew into my face! And the pin-wheel...which was his favorite toy today.

He was in the shade, or so I thought...he came inside with pink shins! Oops!! We'll have to make sure next time he's all the way covered!

This evening we took our regular long walk, and he was doing his best to get his legs out of his trailer/stroller. He's making up for a winter of being cooped up, and is trying to soak up all of the sunshine he can!

Picture perfect...

This evening, as I was looking through the photos from the week, and planning on what to update my blog with, I came across this lovely photo Steve captured.



Man...what a doozy of a day that was. I was holding Max because he was refusing to sit in any of his chairs without getting out of them. Our living-room looked like a durable medical equipment show-room. We had his wheelchair, wedge chair, beanbag seat, and chill-out chair all in there for his positioning needs, and he wasn't tolerating any of them.

So, after the hundredth time of pulling him up in one of his chairs, I got him up in the chair with me so I could feed him without him going all over the place.

I'll be the first to admit this is not the most flattering photo of myself...but an important capture all the same. It's an honest shot of what it's like sometimes around here. That same day was also filled with laughter, and playing, and having fun. But life with Max isn't a non-stop inspirational story.

Sometimes life with Max is just downright hard. There are moments of absolute exhaustion. And feeling completely inadequate for what he needs. And just needing to hold onto him for a few minutes to calm his ever-growing bursting at the seams self.

There has been a lot of regrouping going on in my head the past couple of weeks. I've been a bit more quiet online, because we're going through a growth developmentally, and, physically with Max. And when that happens...that means all my energy needs to be focused on him.

I'm hoping the week ahead has a lot less clutter in my mind, and a lot more clarity on how to move ahead with all the things that I need to do to get Max to the next level he's trying to get to.

A mini catch-up...

The coughing has slowed. It's now just a rare annoyance. One of the cruddiest colds I've had in a long time!

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary this past week. 10 years. It wasn't what we dreamed it would be...but it was all the same very important and worth celebrating.

We had Abbey with us for part of her Spring Break. Lots of emotions swirling around still with that.

Max is feeling better, and his cold is pretty well gone. The lovely weather has kicked up his allergies though, so the coughing and sneezing is still there.

We've got therapies, and phone calls to dr's, and insurance companies, and pharmacies tomorrow. I think we have finally got our medications back in check. But we're being charged for medicines that should be covered...and haven't been.

My job goes on...and since I'm finally coming out of my haze of cold drugs, it's time for Momma to get to work.

The last of London...

On Wednesday, we got up and had no real agenda. We wanted to visit the Orangerie and have Fish and Chips, and maybe hit a few more shops. This kind of turned into a girlfriend's shopping trip, although, we didn't buy a ton. It's just that I can't go into all the little shops with Max, and our husbands aren't exactly hoping we shop the whole time we're on vacation when they're with us! It was a lot of fun!

We spent the morning shopping, where I found scarves and a hat. Then we had fish and chips at a pub. Then over to Kensington Gardens to the Orangery.







It was a fancy little dessert! I had the chocolate hazelnut cake, and Kris had orange cake!




After our cake, we made our way to St. Paul's Cathedral...


Then across the Millennium Bridge...




And then a walk along the South Bank to get to the tube to take us to Chelsea for this shot...


Not exact...but a pretty close replica of this...


We ended our evening back in Covent Garden, with tea, then dinner at Masala Zone...yummmmy!


We got back to the hotel to pack, because we had a pretty early start in the morning. Our perfect trip was coming to an end. And I was happy, and full, and content. But so so so ready to get back to my guys.

It was an amazing trip. Possibly a once in a lifetime...but maybe not. Certainly, my first time away from my guys for such a long time. I could not have had a better tour guide and friend with me for this trip. Kris was so much fun, and we really squeezed a lot out of our time!

I was happy to get home though...happy to be with Steve, and Max, and not walking for a few days to let my poor feet heal up! And to celebrate my birthday together.

Thanks for cheering me on along the way, and being so interested in the story. We'll be back to regular posts from here on out...until the next adventure...

London...it's the place for me...

We got up Tuesday morning and went down for our complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Then planned our meet-up with some of my dearest friends, Sam and Rachel, and their little one, Eloise.

We went to Covent Garden, and had a little sit down with hot chocolate and coffee...


We picked up right where we left off two years ago...like no time had passed. Of course, spending the day with them made me wish we were still there. And wondered why we weren't...couldn't...didn't...but I had to let those feelings pass, and just enjoy the time we did have together. And remember, maybe some day...we'll be able to come back.

Eloise was an absolute doll. And tolerated us popping in and out of shops all afternoon! Sam too...he was a pretty good sport! At least he had his iphone to report all of our shopping escapades on facebook for my husband to keep informed!

We got to go to Rachel's favorite store, Cath Kidston, which we've planned on going to together since my first trip there. She always had told me about it, and I told her she would have to take me. It is a pretty fab store! Lots of fun little bags and household items. I walked out of there with some good finds!

After we shopped a bit, we made our way to Nando's...one of my favorite places to eat there! On the way we walked by Chinatown!


Here's lunch...


No I did not eat that all...my eyes were bigger than my stomach! It was so so so good! We also met up with Rachel's friend Rhiannon at lunch. It was a great time of visiting, and relaxing a bit more before getting out for more shopping and walking.

We walked Regent Street and went into Hamley's...the HUGE toy store! This place is just insane! If you ever think Toys R Us at Christmas is crowded, make one trip to Hamley's, any time of the year! It was fun looking at all the toys though, and Eloise was fun to watch in there!

Once we finished shopping on Regent Street, we made our way by tube to Harrod's. We didn't feel the need to shop all of Harrod's, just the lower level to get a few things, and poke around in the food halls. I can't even imagine actually shopping for your food things at Harrod's. It's insanely expensive! But fun to look at! And great shopping bags and tea tins!

Kris caught this photo of me and Rachel walking in front of Harrod's. I love this shot...


We took the long way round to get back towards our hotel. And dreamed along the way of what it might be like to live in the fancy homes we passed by. We found our way to Whole Foods, Kensington, and went in to give Eloise her tea, and get a bite to eat ourselves.



I was still full from lunch, so I just shared some pizza with Kris. But, still more visiting, and feeling a bit sad knowing that I'd have to be saying goodbye to Sam and Rachel soon! We finally did have to bid adieu, and headed back to our hotel. I called Steve and chatted for a bit, and we decided to get back out since the rain had cleared. I had never seen London by night, so we saw a few of the familiar sites in the dark. I wish we wouldn't have been so tired to have done the same in Paris...cities are so different at night.

This was a perfect evening for a stroll. Lots of good conversation, and clean air to breathe it all in. This was why I came. I felt alive, and refreshed, and so happy that Steve sent me on my merry way.

We rode the tube to the palace,


The Queen was home, but not entertaining guests...at least, not us...

We walked along the park all the way to Trafalger Square, then up to Big Ben/Parliament before catching the tube back to the hotel...and saw these sites along the way...












I love London Town.

Our last day in Paris...

Monday, we had the whole morning and early afternoon to putter around Paris catching a few last things before we left. We got packed up the night before, and left our bags with the hotel after we checked out.

We went to a few last shops, and saw a couple more areas. I got Max a Where The Wild Things Are book in French! And picked up some specialty tea for Steve.

I took a few photos of the street we stayed on, Rue Cler...




and our Hotel...


Got a picturesque shot...very Parisian...


and had our parting meal of Crepes!




We eventually made our way to the train station, to catch the Eurostar to London.


Hey look...it's us...both in the photo!


We stopped at Paul Patisserie at the train station.

It was everything I remembered it to be. I love Paul Patisserie.

We made our way through the outskirts of Paris, and Kris snoozed for a bit. I was too nervous...because we were about to go UNDER THE OCEAN! I put on a podcast and relaxed for the ride before too long. Halfway through my episode of This American Life, I realized we were under the chunnel...


Totally uneventful. Almost missed it. Really worked myself up over nothing.

We made it to London in a couple of hours and change, and got off the train at St. Pancres Station.



Home.



I can not ever find the right words to describe my love for this city. I've only found one person, besides my husband, who understands the love for another place like this. I was glad to share the trip with her. It is like my heart was born there, and feels at peace when I've brought it back.

I hadn't been in St. Pancres since they had renovated it...next time I'm there I'll have to do a bit more shopping! But we had a show to catch, so off we went to catch a black taxi to our hotel. I've never been in a cab in London. It was a fun treat!

We waited for our cab, and I saw this sign...


We got to our hotel, and checked in...not a bad view!


Then booked it to the underground to make it to Billy Elliot!!!


I loved loved loved it! I can't wait for it to be on tour here in the States! I'll see it again for sure!

After our night at the theatre, we got back to our hotel room so I could try to get a hold of Steve. The whole time in Paris, I had a really difficult time getting online. Our planned way of keeping in touch was through Skype.

In London, we had free internet, so I called as soon as we got back. He was in a tizzy! He had been trying to get me since the night before because we never connected after being at Aurelie's that afternoon, evening. Then he didn't know if we'd made it to London. It was good I got him on the phone/skype when I did...he was getting worried. But we got all caught up, and I was ready to hit the hay! We were meeting up with Sam and Rachel in the morning!!

We slept with the window cracked open that night...and I got to hear London passing by. My favorite way to sleep. :)

Sunday in Paris...

If you ever find yourself in Paris on a Sunday, be prepared to go to only one are of the city to find anything open. The Jewish Quarter, le Marais. I have to say, of all the areas we visited...this was my favorite. We wound ourselves up and down all the little streets. Into funky little shops. Through an amazing courtyard. This was the Paris I could imagine living in.

It was cold and a bit drizzly that day, so I didn't take a lot of photos. But here are a few.

The streets of Marais...


I saw this outside a building and had to snap a photo for my guys...this is Max's favorite kind of motorcycle...because it roars!


We liked this cool sculpture outside the Jewish Deli...


Our lunch...it was an experience all in itself. It seems we were putting the waiter out of his way with everything we requested. Ah well...the food was good...


We did some shopping, and window shopping too! It was a great area! Then we made our way back to our hotel to drop of our spoils and to make our way to the train to catch a ride to Kris's former foreign exchange student, Aurelie, and her whole family!

It was such a great time! I got a peek into a French family's life...a walk through the forest...a traditional dinner of raclette...and a surprise birthday cake! Aurelie and her whole family were wonderful hosts, and it will be a special memory from this trip!

We spent most of the afternoon and evening with Aurelie and her family, then she brought us back into Paris that night. We saw the Eiffel tower flashing as we were driving in, and when we got back towards our hotel, walked over to see if we might catch the light show again. But, we realized it was only going to do it on the hour...and we were cold...at least I was cold...so we headed back to the hotel.

But not before getting this photo...


Not a bad way to end a great Sunday in Paris.

We interrupt...

We interrupt the Paris/London posts to share with you some very exciting news in the Watson house.

After over a month of a loose tooth, Mr, Max lost his first baby tooth today. I was looking inside his mouth to see how it was doing and there was blood, he had popped it out! I stuck his little cloth in there to get the blood, and the tooth came out on the cloth!

We tried to get some good photos, but I think the video will show his new look! He wasn't too keen on showing his new gap though...













(If you're reading this on FB, you'll have to visit my blog to see the video.


He already got one lollipop from his Susan as a treat! He saw on one of his cartoons that when you lose a tooth, you get a lollipop, and he's hung on to that idea! But the tooth-fairy won't be holding on to his tooth for long. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) will be taking care of it to slice it and dice it and see what it's made of. They'll probably find snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails! :)