Big Steps

In the time that has passed since his surgery, Thane has grown in so many ways.  He can actually hear and is quickly catching up on the sounds of the alphabet.  As a result his speech is clear, and we can understand him- even on the phone.  He's only had a few minor colds and, for better or worse, Thane has more stamina than the Energizer Bunny since he is finally getting enough oxygen.

 

Jordan and I have quietly rejoiced in these changes, and tonight we are more than happy to share that he read a whole Little Bear book by himself.  That's huge for a kid who couldn't distinguish some consonant and most vowel sounds 5 months ago.  He's gaining confidence, too.

Great job Bud - keep up the good work!

The Despicable Mr. Punxsutawney Phil

I blame it on that mischievous groundhog.  He taunted us with his fiendish decree that the end of winter is nigh!  Dirty little varmint - he's probably at the local rodent watering hole, mocking us gullible humans.  SIGH - winter is back, at least it is here in Maine.  Not that we're bitter about it (much!)

The kids, at least, don't seem too upset over all of this frozen precipitation.  They spent a glorious snow day at home last Friday, determined to make some of the biggest snow balls that Machias has ever seen.  Two of the balls can be seen in the pic below - one to the left and one to the right.  It's hard to tell from the photo, but these balls of hard packed snow and ice are taller than my lanky 6 year old.

Hauling these behemoths around was exhausting, but toward the end of the day the kids came up with a nifty solution.  They dragged one snow ball down to the trees and shook snow off the branches.  Lazy, but clever!

 

Despite our complaints, the snow does have its beauty.  We experienced high winds with Friday's storm, and it created some cool patterns with the snow drifts.  (Yes, that is bare ground to the left of the snow drift below).

 

Alas, we are currently "enjoying" a second storm with bitter cold winds and blizzard-like conditions. Bring it on, we say.  Who'll have the last laugh now, Mr. Punxsutawney!