Ahhh, let's see... what's happened lately? Oh, I know - snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and the reality of winter in Pittsburgh. How's it different from home? My car is covered in dirty salt from the roads. I can't walk out the door without a scarf and gloves. Driving thru the city, you can tell who pays higher taxes by which townships' roads are drivable. Table salt works as well as road salt, when you're desperate to get your car up the driveway.
Our week of snow has been fun, providing a little excitement to take the edge off the biting temperatures. Of course, I'm trying to think long-term and accept that this weather is not a passing amusement, but rather a way of life for the next 5 months.

I am fully into the swing of working full-time again. I do miss several things: my free time with Gavin; hanging out with other moms during "business hours"; updating this blog! But I find that we are getting into a routine. Each evening when I get home, Gavin and I sit together on the couch for at least an hour, snuggling and watching TV.

Gavin is doing well in school. He gets to ride the bus now, which he enjoys a lot. He and his nurse are the only riders, on the 2-mile trip to school. He's doing well in school. He brings home his art work and notes from the teacher, all indicating that he is making progress. Last week he was so excited to arrive at school, he led the students and teachers, practically running up the staircase to the classroom. This week, he went with Mrs. Michelle (his nurse) to the book fair. He's also been acquiring all the school germs, as this whole week he's been sick. Yesterday, we finally called the doctor and we've started an antibiotic that seems to be working.

Gavin riding the school bus.

Gavin waving bye to his bus driver.

Gavin's Thanksgiving artwork.

Burrrrrrr!

Celebrate Fall

We have had a good week. Gavin had his "Fall" Party on Thursday. We've had three playdates. I packed in as much as possible in this last week before I start work.

Gavin's teachers really put together a nice party, more than what I was expecting when I was told about the Fall party. But, this is my first school party, so I didn't know what to expect. There were lots of goodies to eat, provided by the parents. (I took a veggie tray and strawberries.) The kids were paraded in by the teachers to perform the Fall song they practiced. Much to my amusement, the "role-model" kids gravitated together, and the performance was so cute. The role models were singing and motioning appropriately to the tune, and Gavin & Company were in their own little world, jumping around, staring absently, spinning heads, etc., completely oblivious to the activity at hand. (Pardon my amusement, but these kids are quite endearing.) The party was great, complete with games and pictures with the teacher. Gavin is really enjoying his class, and I'm so pleased with the staff and quality of education he's receiving.

This week starts a new era for our family - or perhaps just a reversion to the old era. I go back to work full time, so a few things will change. Aside from increased dirty laundry and fewer home-cooked meals, Gavin will be riding the bus to school and we won't be able to visit with our new friends during the weekdays. I am looking forward to the routine, however. Gavin will be staying at home and going to school with the nurses who have been with him for the past few weeks. His Grandpap will be visiting with him each Wednesday afternoon to watch him. And I'll be sure to enjoy every second I'm with him in the evenings and on weekends.

Gavin and Teacher, Ms. Loretta

Gavin & Friends, performing the Fall song

Oh, did I mention he was grouchy that day?

Gavin & good buddy, Claire - Grams & Grandpap's neighbor

Happy Halloween

Gavin and I traveled to my friend Karen's (Fairfax, VA), to spend Halloween evening with her and her two beautiful children, Jackson and Jenna.

This Halloween was definitely the most fun I've had with Gavin.
He "got it"! He said "Trick or Treat"!
Dressed as a Dalmation, he was quite a determined Trick-or-Treater, insisting on pushing his pumpkin in a baby stroller (courtesy of Jenna). The stroller kept him on track, as he moved from house to house, never crossing the grass, insisting on the sidewalk. He was very focused on getting the pumpkin stroller up the steps to the door and then back down, requiring that the treat-giver be quick, or risk seeing only his puppy rear. A couple of times, when the people were especially nice, Gavin would just walk into the house. As you may imagine, I spent a lot of time running up to the door, prompting him with "trick or treat" and "thank you" or redirecting him from their home with profuse apologies. Next year we'll work on teaching him to eat his treats, as I've compensated for his food aversions by personally cleaning out is pumkin bucket.

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008


Little Mermaid (Jenna, 4), Dalmation (Gavin), & IronMan (Jackson, 8)

Mommy & Gavin, Halloween 2008