Had to include my favorite photo from vacation which I like to call "fun time's over."

As Eli discusses the reason for the “duck” in duct dape, I have a free minute to catch up with our week. I am not writing anything this week on contract, so you will have to put up with my frequent entries. This is a means of finding my sanity with Tom’s chaotic schedule. Heat advisories create a lot of broken equipment. With 16 hour days, our kids have not seen him for more than 5 min since Monday. They are both looking forward to the weekend and uninterrupted time with Dad. Mom is looking forward to having another adult around, as well as find a couple of hours ALONE! My good friend and neighbor is celebrating her birthday with the girls and has a couple of bottles of Moscato chilling.


Our hand therapist Kelly feels that we have been aggressive enough with ultrasound. From now on, we will do a combination of treating the scar with vitamin E oil three times daily and wearing a smaller splint. It differs from the other splint, because it wraps around the palm with the objective of keeping a plastic wrap over the scaring between two of her three existing fingers. A sticky substance works to reduce the scarring. She indicated scarring can develop for the next two years. Throughout this period, or beyond, we will work with Kelly to revise the splint.

Despite all of this, we are amazed at her ability to adapt from a developmental standpoint. She has been writing with a pen since she came home last July. This might be oversimplifying her ability, but she can do everything with her three fingers, on each hand, as a five fingered person can do. My dad taught her how to draw circles, and she continues to do so. Her favorite phrase is “I draw” or “write? “Everyday, we are hearing new words. We have yet to see any areas in which she is limited. An onlooker probably thinks she is a baby, given her size, but we know she is quite the opposite. She will definitely be ready for 3 year old preschool a year from this fall.

Eli is relishing in his summer break. He loves not being rushed, and I try not to overschedule him during summer. Being busy is great, but I want my kids to be kids. Not rushing between 50 activities, simply enjoying life as a kid. I am so proud of Eli. I am always a pround mom, but lately, a new side has emerged. He is so protective of his sister’s hands. When she goes to bed, and I come back downstairs, he always asks me if I remembered to put on her splint. He loves his sister, and I think growing up with a sister who requires additional medical care will only deepen his compassion as an adult.

On Monday, by coincidence, we have three doctors’ appointments at the university hospital. More on that note over the weekend. Time to find my kitchen.