Capture, savor, and celebrate right now.
After a few weeks of having all three of us here together Chris is back to meetings (the new legislative session begins next week) and Simon has one more day off school today (it's a "professional development/planning day"). I am ready for a bit of "alone" time around here to get some more work done before the baby actually arrives.
I finished cleaning up, clearing out, and reorganizing Simon's room yesterday. One of the things that was most fun was having him rediscover toys he has not played with for awhile that still bring him entertainment and joy. I am glad to have that entire project completed and can move on to my list for the baby room (thanks for all those kind words on the sneak peek).
One of my favorite things over the past couple of weeks is that Simon has really gotten into reading. REAL reading on his own.
Our normal routine is to read a book to him each evening before going to sleep of his choice (we intervene or make suggestions depending on how late or early it is). One night last week he picked Green Eggs & Ham, climbed up on his bed, sat criss-cross, and told Chris he wanted to read it that night.
It took over an hour for Simon to read Green Eggs & Ham the first evening.
After the excitement (and a bit of fatigue all around) Chris had the brilliant idea to come up with a simple way to track the books he reads all by himself: each time he finishes a book he can add it to a list we are keeping on a bulletin board in his bedroom. That in and of itself was enough of a motivator for him to get down to business and it has been working like a charm for the last week.
The next night he read Robert the Rose Horse.
Tonight he fell asleep while Chris was reading to him. He had spent part of his afternoon reading Green Eggs & Ham (on his own on the couch) and starting on Horton Hears A Who.
I so hope this is just the beginning of a lifetime love of reading.
In addition, I would like to ask for your prayers and positive thoughts. Many of you know that I have had a bunch of moles removed over the last year and a half (actually more than 20 since August 2007). This past week I received some results indicating that the most recent one I had removed from my upper chest area is stage one melanoma (this is more serious on the spectrum than the melanoma I had removed in the past which was only on the surface of the skin). I should be getting more information this week as to what the next steps are in this situation.
Consider this your friendly reminder to have your own skin checked by a dermatologist if you have any suspicions or conerns.
Hugs and prayers to you Ali. My Brother in law is also battling Melanoma and unfortunately it's in his lymph nodes. He hasn't been given a very good prognosis :(
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I'm thinking of you and your family Ali. I am sure that your amazing spirit and outlook on life will help you through these unknowns. I am hoping for the best for you.
I too am going to have a mole consultation in two weeks, for a very large mole that I've had since birth, also in the upper chest area, that I'm a little worried about. I'd rather have it removed now, for peace of mind, even if it's nothing much to worry about. It's SO important to keep on top of these things, so thank you for the reminder.
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Green eggs and ham was my favorite book as a child! I remember it was sold out every where and I wanted it so much for my birthday! Luckily I think my mom managed to find a copy! The bright orange and lime green are it!
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My thoughts are with you Ali. My husband will have a BCC removed later this month so I understand what you are going through.
Anthea
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if only Dr. Seuss could be a cure all for everything, our thoughts are with you too!
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Dearest Ali, it's Tiffiny from oz here, I am saddened to hear of your test result news and so happy to hear of sweet Simon's progress with his reading. Billy first ever book he read was Where's The Green Sheep? It's an award winner here but not sure if out over there? Billy loves the colour theme. There are just so many gorgeous childrens books, I have become a kid myself all over again. Please know that you are constantly in my thoughts anyway, but am doing extra prayers for you at this time, warmest regards, Tiffiny xx.
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Prayers and positive energy coming your way!
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Good luck with the news from the doc.
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Ali, prayers are coming your way. I've been there. I was diagnosed with a Stage I melanoma in Nov 1999. Had to have surgery and follow up care with an oncologist, but luckily no chemo or radiation was necessary as there was no spread to my lymph nodes. Melanoma is really scary but if caught in the early stages, very curable. After almost 10 years there's been no return and I have a lovely scar on my leg as a constant reminder! :)
Take care!
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loving thoughts from me, too.
Susi xo, Canada
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sending prayers and hope for all good things ali.
blessings,
liz
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Hi Ali,
I don't know if you'll read this as you have something like 360 comments already!!
Just a thought about Simon's reading ... you can also do "shared reading" where you read a page, and he reads a page. That will help speed things up and give him a little rest in between.
And of course, prayers for you and your family!
Juliet
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I'm so sorry to read you are worried, Ali. You are such a lovely person and have such a positive attitude, I'm sure everything will be OK. I will keep you in my thoughts.
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Thinking of you, my friend. xoxo
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I said a prayer for you after I read your blog post---I know this is a stressful time anyway---rest in the Father knowing that He has your best in mind--hugs
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A!
Here's a trick form a teacher....take turns reading pages or even paragraphs. It helps to keep momentum and comprehension..
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My prayers are with you. Seek ways to relieve your stress and reduce any anxiety you're feeling. The journey will unfold and the tide will carry you where it will. Don't fight the tide, rather drift with it and save energy for later if it's needed. You have much on your plate at this time. Remain centered and focused and in the "Zen place" as much as possible. If the power of prayer can work, you have so many people praying for you, you are sure to be swept gently to shore. God bless!
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All the best to you, Ali! And thank you for sharing your story with us. After reading your post, I booked an appointment with my dr to get a spot on my right arm checked out next week. I've had it for quite awhile & have been "meaning to" get it looked at. It hasn't grown, but it doesn't look quite like the other moles on my arm. I know from reading the previous comments that I'm not the only one prompted to do this, so thank you again!
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Dear Ali, you already have LOTS of well wishes but I wanted to send my own anyway. As a breast cancer survivor over five years now, I know how scary this period of time can be but hang in there, we are holding you up with our love and support and this too, shall pass. So grateful this has been found early....it's the very best "treatment" there is for any kind of cancer. Love and hugs going to you and your beautiful family and thanks so much for sharing your wisdom, your creativity and your life with us. Congrats on the new little sweetie you will be bringing into the world soon....can't wait to see her! Love your stories about Simon, he's just an adorable little boy and your layouts about him are some of my favorites, always high on the inspiration meter!
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Ali,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, absolutely. Here's wishing you well.
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hi Ali,
my thoughts and prayers and wishes for fabulous health are certainly with you. A mantra I've been using recently is: "I can deal with this". Whatever happens, I know you'll find the strength and support to get through this.
peace and love to you, Kathryn x
AND, it's great news that Simon is reading and enjoying it. My 5 year old daughter (Ruby) also LOVES to sit up in bed and read Dr Seuss books by herself. It's a big step though. Thankfully she still loves having books read to her as well, because I don't want that to end.
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thoughts and prayers, early detection is the best treatment as i read earlier. Keep positive as you will soon have the most precious gift of all, until then HUGS & prayers
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Wishing you lots of love and strength Ali. I will keep everything crossed that it will all be okay for you.
I have an appointment with a dermatologist to check out some of my moles but it is a 6 month wait but I am on the waiting list just in case there are any cancellations.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the New Year.
Congrats on the reading alone Simon!
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I am a couple of days behind on my Blogs and just read this post and wanted to reach out and extend my thoughts and prayers to you.
Also as a librarian I loved hearing about Simon's reading! :)
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