Longest Week

Wow wee!  What a VACATION! After a rough start (sick kid, Medicaid screw-ups, under-the-weather Dad), we had a great, weird, relaxing time. At first, our days were filled with visits and projects - two tons of sand, two tons of rocks, and a new trampoline for you-know-who - all helped along by Grandpa and our big huge nephew. You should have seen him unfold himself from the car, and he's the younger brother (this family is TALL).  We had a great visit from old friends who brought their little guy.  We were apprehensive: Would James ignore him? Be frightened

that he could speak?  Play with him? No worries.  James actually initiated play!  They went into the bay with tubes.  James held on!  It was simply a perfect day.  Then Grandma and Pa babysat overnight.  We had lunch, went "antiquing" (what a bust! all our old haunts are closing or given over to reproductions and crafts.  the economy is tanking big time), and we went on a little dinner cruise.  A reproduction river boat gives guided tours on the local river, turning around near our house where the river hits the bay.  A bit boring with crappy food and "event" wine (you know what I mean! you've had it!) BUT it made us sit and relax for over two hours.  I don't think we've sat still in years - unless we were driving somewhere and that doesn't count!  

For the rest of the week, we hung close to home, perfecting our little summer haven.  Pools on the front porch, awning down with lanterns on the table.  Back yard party tent set up with paths to the huge sand-filled play area, the grill, and the new trampoline (which James LOVES!  he even had to jump early Monday morning before we headed back to New York for school).  James was curious about the outdoor shower, wanting to go in to "play" (okay, he wanted to stim).  Figures, a pipe burst and it doesn't work!  We have been trying to get him in 

there for years!  So we're not done with our projects yet but we did a lot and it felt nice to enjoy our home. It's hard to get around when everyone descends on the shore.  It is great that James is enjoying being home.  The more activities available, he doesn't get easily bored and frustrated and want to GO as much. That said, James still wanted to go driving a few times. For some reason, he would go and get his yellow rain boots. There's my guys, above, on one of these runs.  Not only is James in his signature shorts and galoshes ensemble, he has a super short hair cut!  It took a few days, but David slowly chopped it all off.  Between the new 'do and another missing tooth - I know I am biased but - James is simply adorable!  And we got the tooth.  It fell out over night (hmm, James did wake up screaming that night, I wonder. . .) and David found it in the sheets.  How did he ever eat with that tiny thing??  

Anyway, enough said, we are back.  James' Medicaid is still unresolved, but now the proper paperwork has been submitted. We have to wait another week for a response (will it be okay or do we need an impartial hearing to have his case re-evaluated? Prayers please! that meeting is long, hellish, nerve-wracking AND in Manhattan).  David is still under-the-weather but undergoing testing to get to the root of the problem.  We are okay, back and ready for what the summer session will bring us!