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.
Sending positive vibes to you Ali. My prayers will be with you for what will be next for you. I hope all goes well. Thank you for the friendly reminder, one is never too sure.
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prayers to you!
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Oh Ali, I will seriously be praying for you. I added you to my list, which is a small bright yellow post-it note so I can stick it on my clipboard for the day!
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Ali,
it will all be good, I just know it and saying a little prayer for you today.
love you,
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Ali, cried while reading your post. Definitely, prayers and happy thoughts for
you. Take Care :-)
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Many prayers coming your way.
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You're in my prayers Ali
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you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. this is very close to home for me. hugs- michelle
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Ali, Prayers headed your way. I just had my one-year anniversary of having 3 melanoma surgeries above my right eyebrow - actually had a hole in my head for a while. It's scary, but faith and prayers and support got me through it. You have so many people pulling for you - keep that in mind as you face the surgery. I love your work and blog and stories about Simon. We have Ryan in our life who has accomplished so much - far beyond what was predicted. All my best to you.
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That is great that Simon is reading on his own, how cool! My 11 year old never picked up the reading bug. My 7 year old luckily enjoys it more.
You are in my thoughts. Sending good vibes your way!!!
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You're on my mind Ali as you go through this. There is certainly a lot on your mind right now. Sending positive thoughts to you and strength to you and Chris when you get the rest of the information. I had a mole taken off of my chest and another one fell off of my back :-(. Good wishes, lots of hugs.
It's wonderful to see Simon reading on his own. I've followed his progress since the start of his school days and he has come such a long way. What a great boy you have. You must be very proud of him.
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Lots of prayers and hugs coming your way Ali. Everything will be okay...you're a super strong person.
How cool that Simon is so excited about reading! I'm sure with parents that enjoy reading so much, it's only the start for him.
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Definitely sending prayers your way that all will go well and, most especially, that you will be comforted.
Congrats to Simon! It is always exciting to start down that path of discovering books all on your own :)
Hugs!
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Ali,
Have you tried The Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems with Simon? They have less text per page than other early readers like Green Eggs and Ham and are very funny so they might work well with Simon right now.
Good luck with everything!
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Positive energy is coming your way! We are also dealing with skin issues in my house... so I feel your pain. Remember how much progress the medical community has made in detection and treatment - stay positive!
Simon is completely adorable and there is nothing cuter than a little guy reading a book... Smiles
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Prayers and good wishes are sent to you.
Your blogs is an inspiration for many of us!
Seona x
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My thoughts are with you!
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sending all the prayers and positive thoughts I've got your way Ali! I am sure your dillegence in getting these things taken care of will benefit you!
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you are in my prayers.
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Our kids are more willing to stop reading for supper or sleepiness since I made them some cool bookmarks with their names on them. Now they know their place is saved and they can continue from where they stopped easily. I don't know if this would work for Simon or not, but it is worth a try. He might even be able to make his own.
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Simon does a wonderful job with this reading!
I'm sending a positive vibes your way, Ali!
((hugs))!
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(((HUGS))) and of course prayers. You're so good to get them checked regularly, I really need to do that.
Dr Suess! perfect books to select for beginner readers. Lots of repeatition that makes it easy for them. My daughter loves them still and she's 9 now.
Thinking only good thoughts for you
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Oh Ali, I'll be thinking about you and hoping for a positive outcome. Hooray for Simon and his love of books! It must fill your heart with joy to hear him reading.
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I just started to read your blog, but I would like to let you know that I can feel and relate to your fear. But I can also tell you that it doesn't have to be scary -- that cancer is tough and painful and confusing and all the rest, but it can also be just a blip on the screen of your life.
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Ali,
I hope things turn out well. I have medium toned skin and everyone in my family is "moley". I had myself checked a few years ago, but should really do it again. Thanks for the reminder and keep us updated!
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