Joe Boxer

Hi Ho Hi Ho

We found a tick on Josie's head this morning. A big engorged tick took up residence under her beautiful red hair. I tried to get it out and it exploded (sorry, but really, it did.) Guiltily, I took her to Pulse MD and asked them to remove it. She smiled and showed the doctor where the bug was under her hair. The doctor couldn't find the right tweezers. She sat so patiently while he searched room to room. He didn't seem so confident that he was going to be able to do this. What was this? Super Tick? Josie didn't make a sound. I think she just wanted that nasty buggy off of her. I didn't expect to have to check for ticks yet. Super Tick's brothers and sisters will be back.

I brought Lucie to school a little late after dealing with Super Tick. The principal saw me signing in and asked the receptionist if I “was there to pick up my 17 kids.” Then, he said I couldn't have them because he liked them so much and that they are always smiling. As I stood there smiling and giggling, he looked at me and said they obviously must take after their mother.

It was Oreo's 100^th birthday today and I didn't have any Oreo's in the house. I told Pierre that Linus wanted an Oreo, but he wasn't buying it.

I hope my kids are always happy and smiling, but I bet they'd smile more if we had some Oreos.

The Climb

Pierre, Katie, and Evan were up bright and early this morning to meet up with Den 1 to hike part of the Appalachian trail. Last night, like a good Boy Scout, Evan made sure he and Katie both had all their supplies packed in their backpacks. He made a mental checklist...extra sweatshirt – check, water bottle – check, bandaids – check. I had no doubt that they would be well prepared if Evan was in charge.

Camping is one of Evan's favorite things to do. The only thing you need to know about Evan is that he is overly eager to help and be involved, and he has no fear. Watch him around the campfire, he has been known to get his shirt, gloves, and eyebrows singed.   

Someday, I picture Evan serving as Den Chief for Linus, teaching him how to build a fire or practicing carving a piece of soap. Which reminds me that Evan asked for soap when I go shopping this week.  I am thinking this extra soap is not going to be used in the bath.

Everyone has a mountain that they need to climb. Linus' first mountain was being born at 24 weeks. He grew stronger and overcame that obstacle. Linus' next challenge is to stretch and strengthen his neck through physical therapy and wear his helmet. Before he knows it, that will be behind him as well.

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” - Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Linus

We had a very early start to our day today. Josie woke up sometime around 2am and she quietly went downstairs. She climbed on Abigail's bed and tried to wake her up to play with her. There are a bunch of missed calls on our cell phones at 2:27am from Abigail. Unfortunately, we had left our phones in the kitchen last night so we were unaware of what was happening until Abigail finally dragged Josie upstairs, broken leg and all. At some point later on, Josie went back downstairs and started to play the piano which woke up a very confused Emilie. We never had a use for a gate at the top of stairs as Josie has never showed any interest in going down the steps. Diane, who is Josie's Physical Therapist too, has been working on stairs with Josie. I guess it is working. I have a very mobile and independent girl these days, and I love it.

By the time I got out of bed this morning, I had a bed full of kids, and a husband hanging on to the edge for dear life. Luckily, Linus slept through everything in his cradle next to our bed.

The back of Linus' head was a little red and irritated when I removed his helmet today. After a nice bath, and a little breather from his helmet, he was fine. Maybe his little noggin is growing. I will ask the Orthotist when we see him on Monday.

Today was Platypus Day, according to Disney Channel. While the kids played outside on this beautiful spring-like day, I set to work crafting Platypi/Platypuses for dessert tonight. They were a big hit, but licking the icing bowl was a close second.

 

Phineas and Ferb is a popular show in our house. The show is about two brothers who come up with amazing creations, with the help of their friends. Their older sister, Candace, tries to get them in trouble by tattling to their mom, but she never succeeds in busting her brothers. Perry the Platupus is their pet, and a secret agent, Agent P. Have I lost you yet?

Evan is very much like Phineas. Every day starts with a “What are we going to do today?” Then he spends his day crafting something amazing, while dealing with many Candaces. Now Evan has his “Ferb” in Linus. I am sure that someday they will go on great adventures together.

Oh The Places Linus Will Go

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

I spent the morning helping an excited Lucie pick out pajamas to wear to school today. She was going to a very special birthday party this afternoon. The party was for someone she had never met, but held dear to her heart. The questions excitedly poured out of her mouth. “What do green eggs and ham taste like?” “Do you think we'll wear hats?” The excitement built and built until it was time to get on the bus dressed in her most colorful pjs with her hair up in pigtails. Little did she know of the surprises in store.

After finishing up with Josie's OT, Pierre and I headed over to school to surprise her. I was greeted by a very happy girl sporting a grin from ear to ear. She jumped into my arms and couldn't get the words out fast enough. “Green eggs and ham are yummy!” “Let me show you my hat!” After coloring, and pasting, and finishing her craft, we were on our way home when a little voice was heard. “Can we have birthday cake?”

Linus' physical therapy went well today. He was a little cranky, but was easily soothed by his singing toy frog and his two big sisters who tried to keep him entertained while stretching.

Linus is in full teething mode with two fists in his mouth and lots of drool. Maybe a few familiar stories will comfort him tonight, along with a little birthday cake.

Happy 108^th birthday Dr. Seuss. May we always remember, “A person's a person, no matter how small.”

Start your engines

Dad, Can I borrow the keys?

Linus needs to wear his helmet for 23 hours a day from now on.  He seems to be doing well with it, and I think he is used to having it on.

Linus went to the Pinewood Derby today to cheer on his brother, Evan.  All the moms were happy to see Linus and there was hardly a mention of his helmet, except to tell me how cute he looked in it.  One of the boys asked what the helmet was for.  After I explained it, he told Linus how cute he was and that "he was going to be a great kid some day!"

There was a little bit of excitement this afternoon. While at the Pinewood Derby, Abigail went to the playground to hang out with her friends (who have younger siblings in Boy Scouts), fell climbing a rock, and broke her leg.  So as Linus raced around in his race car today, I had the opportunity to speed through town in an ambulance.