Spring is Here...Maybe?

We are looking forward to Spring...which I don't think we'll ever actually have this year. So Summer it is!

Nolan started soccer two weeks ago. He was so excited when he got there, but once all 128 kids crammed on to four fields, it became more like a people-watching event for him and less a soccer practice and game. He didn't really want to practice the drills or play in the game. It was a horrible muddy mess. We were in mud past our ankles. Last week we were off, but we have a game this coming Saturday. Hopefully, he'll be a little more interested in participating this time.

Last weekend, we took Nolan to Ann Arbor to get his Go Glider. After over two years of trying to ride a tricycle with not much luck, we have changed gears. After we picked up the bike and Thomas the Train goodies from Grandma Pietchak at an adorable store called Mudpuddles, we walked to a local Italian restaurant for some delicious pizza. We headed home and then to the park. Nolan was hesitant to get on the bike at home. I had an idea...I'd put him on it inside the house in front of a mirror. That did the trick! He was thrilled! We went to the park and put him on it. He is on the smaller side for this bike, but he'll have it for a long time and grow in to it. He walked the glider standing over it, then he walked it sitting on the seat. Finally, he put his feet on the foot bars and Jeff pushed him a little bit. I could tell he was sooooo proud and very interested. We hope that bike gets a lot of use this summer.

This coming weekend is Nolan's 4th birthday. I'll never forget the day he was born, so precious and little. Sometimes, I like to put my nose to his skin and just take in a deep breath. He is such a joy to be around and makes us laugh constantly. Our house is full life and love because of him. He said today that he's not three anymore, he's four and won't be 3 again. So true, Nolan, we'll never see 3 again. What a wonderful year we've had. We thank God for you everyday.

You'll notice I've stopped posting photos in the blog and just put them on flickr. You can click to the right and it will take you there. You will see our everday adventures.

Where's Spring?

Well, I thought Spring was coming. The Groundhog even said so. Blah... Even though the weather isn't showing signs of Spring, we are planning lots of fun things.

Nolan is officially a member of the Royal Oak Youth Soccer Association Lil' Renegades. We've been talking to Nolan about playing soccer and he really loves it. I hope he gets the concept of a team. When we played last week at the park, he told me to get away from the ball because I was too slow. We'll have to work on our sportsmanship and team skills. He understands that he'll be at a park with friends and a coach and that we'll be watching nearby. I can't wait for his first day. I hope that the shin guards on top of his AFOs don't restrict him too much.

We got tickets tonight for the Thomas show at the Palace. I will be out of town so Jeff is going to surprise Nolan and take him. I think he will really enjoy the show...and a big bowl of palomitas, his new favorite snack.

In April, I will be going to a scrapbook retreat with a coworker and my sister. I am beyond excited. Also, my sister and I may be going to the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne that same week as well. Too much excitement!

I've picked back up on my sewing. I dearly love it and have not been able to do it in years. I made a vintage apron for my sister and myself and then I made a purse for myself. I hope to be able to keep doing creative things that I love.

We're Back!

I know, that's what I said last time. Shortly after my last post, our computer was infected with a virus and we didn't get it fixed. We bought a new computer and I never got around to updating much. I need to catch up with flickr and the blog. Well I doubt I'll catch up, but I'll start again.

We are really looking forward to Spring at our house. I have been sick since December it seems like. I know that Nolan is dying to go to the park and go on the slides.

We have been outside in the snow. Actually, this is Nolan's first year in the snow. He couldn't stand to be in a snowsuit before. This year, we just got him a parka and hiking boots. That seemed to work better for him. He loves to dig and shovel which usually consists of him taking snow off the piles and putting it back on to the sidewalk we just shoveled. I am just so happy that he enjoys the outdoors year round.

Nolan is in two different preschools right now. He has been discharged from PT, OT and recently graduated from ST two years to the day almost from when he started. He was originally diagnosed with five communication disorders, three labeled severe. He currently tests at and above his age level in language. We couldn't be happier for him. This is definitely a victory for Nolan! He tries so hard.

Nolan was casted again this winter. He had great success and he is currently doing a home stretching program three days a week.

We are waiting to return to OT in the next few months to brush up on some skills and learn some everyday living skills. We are starting to work on this at home while we wait.

We're getting all of our summer plans together for projects around the house and what we're going to grow. If we can get it together, we want to get a garden started. Nolan loves gardens, seeds, watering, digging and of course, fruits and vegetables. It will be a good project for all of us.