Thursday, June 21, 2012

Week Two Of Summer Vacation

Home with all the boys for 2 full weeks---- what a hoot!

When I said I was really looking forward to this summer most people looked at me like I was nuts---Ummmm... We did not travel half way around the world and invest thousands of dollars only to ship our new kids off to day camp--- This is going to be a great time to work on skills and to settle in and get to know each other! Family time!!

The bad news is that little Deyan had to go back to the hospital as the "nails" used to hold his broken femur in place (they do this now rather than the huge spica cast) have popped through his skin and become infected--another surgery tomorrow...booo

Huge thanks to Emily, James and Marie for stepping up to help while mom is with the little guy---

So--- what does a summer day look like with 5 boys (ages 6-22) with down syndrome?

6:30am Rise and Shine! Changed, dressed and down to the living room for free-time while dad makes breakfast (Jake and Marty need special attention as they are both self-aggressive)

7:15am  Breakfast-- Cream of Wheat with eggs added for extra protein. toss in a can of peaches and puree!

7:45am  Jake and Papa take big brother James to swim team practice (Jake is now big enough to sit in the front seat and LOVES to ride home up front)

8:25am  Leave with the crew for Daily Mass

9:00am  Mass at St Lawrence in Price Hill---- it is amazing to watch the boys at Mass--- attentive, prayerful and so calm.

9:30am  Drive home---- maybe hit McDrive if we were not able to get the big kids fed before we departed Plus Jake LOVES his "moomie"-- strawberry banana smoothie.

9:50am Pick up James from swim team and head home

10:00am  Jake is ready for his morning nap--- Marty is ready for a swing.. This is where we want to add an activity time--- but that has not worked out yet

11:30am  Lunch! peanut butter and banana sandwich (pureed) for the little guys-- Sandwich or salad for the big fellows

12:30pm  Pool Time--- Everyone's favorite time of day--- I never thought Marty would like the pool--- he is so afraid of everything. It does take him longer to be willing to try things, but after a couple of weeks he is jumping in to us without holding on, going under, and floating on his belly (with some help)

2pm or so  back home for chill time (or maybe nap time for the little guys)-- this is another slot we have pegged for skill development--- hopefully next week

4pm  Dinner for little guys--- soup or stew pureed

4:30 Dinner for Big Kids

5:00 Chill time/Walks/free play

6:00  Little guys are about ready for bed--- change diapers, evening snack

6:30-7 bedtime--songs,prayers, stories

7:00  Hopefully dinner for grownups-- Wheel and Jeopardy for all who are awake

8:00  Quiet time for big kids--- Books, music, video

9:00 Bedtime for Big guys


Both Mary and I are lucky to work from home---- I have to be in the studio from 11:45a-12:25 M-F and back to work at 8pm--- Mary has had a tougher time locking in her work hours with all the medical stuff going on--- but I'm sure by the end of summer we will finally get it nailed down :-)

We will try to get pool pictures to post (weather permitting) tomorrow!


Stay well and happy Summer!



Best,


Papa!


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