It's been a few weeks, ok months, but at least give me credit for being in the same calendar year. It was a wednesday night, the spring weather made for a night outside with myself and your brother. We were playing hockey I am sure. I watched you and mom drive away, off to your horseback riding lesson.
I got the call around 8pm, you and mom were at the hospital. You had a fall from the horse, and this one hurt. They suspected your arm to be broken. Sure enough, after hours of wating, the x-rays confrms that you had a break just above your elbow. At 5am, I was awoken by the sound of you and mom coming home. You had this poor innocent little look on your face while sporting this huge cast. I wanted to cry, but I was too tired. We realized we had to go to Sick Kids hospital for surgery. We had to be there by 8am.
Since your mom hadn't slept, most likely, you never really sleppt either, we packed up you and yur brother in the van, and off to Toronto we went. We beat rush hour and arrived in plenty of time. We checked into Emerg, were sent to Orthopedics, then back to Emerg. Everyone there was wonderful. After a few hours, we checked into your room. Since we weren't sure what time you would go into surgery, we knew you would be there at least for the night.
After lunch, your brother and I left. You were such a trooper, that you had your IV put in by that time and didn't even flinch. You laid in bed most of the afternoon, watched a movie or two with your mom. I was disappointed becasue I knew what you were about to go through would set back your plans for the summer. Powerskating lessons, done. Soccer, next year. Horse back Riding lessons...maybe in the fall. Recovery, rehabilitation, weeks, most likely, months.
The day went by, and te doctor's were unable to fit you in. Matthew and I had a boys night. McDonalds and bath and bed. The next morning, I heard you might be in surgery by 9am. Matt and I took bosco for a walk, and after that, I called and your mom thought it would be mid afternoon. We waited anxiously. Finally, around supper time, you went in for surgery. All was a success. Aparently you were quite the character in recovery eating a dozen or so freezies since it had been almost 48hrs since you had a true meal.
The next day, Matt and I headed for Toronto. We arrived mid morning and had a few things to wait for before you were dismissed. We got home, and you laid low for the rest of the day. I truly wish I did not get caught in the moment when I got home that night because you were quite the character under the influence of morphine. Your hair in a bun, those silly glasses without lenses and your squeaky voice. I viral video was there somewhere. Oh well, opportunity lost.
Three weeks went by and you never complained once. I have no idea how you did it, but you just did. Your brother and I went back to have your pins removed, by the way, there were three pins. Watching the nurse remove them, you were such a strong girl. I wouldn't have believed my eyes if I didn't see it first hand. The last one gave you a bit of an ouch. Regardless, you were very brave. Most people would cringe at the thought of it.
The nurse put on a bandaid and gave us specific instructions for the next few days. You were real good about following those instructions. Most importantly, within a few days, you were able to have a shower for the first time in what was alomost a month. As time went by, you slowly got more movement in your arm. A little bit day by day. It is now the second week in July, and you can almost straighten it and bend it.
All in all, I am sorry you had to go through it. It is almost like a right if passage for children in general. You couldn't have been a better patient. We were so luck that it was only your arm. Hopefully, like chicken pox, the bone break skips your brother.
Love you,
Dad
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
I'm so 2000 and Late
Wow, I'm sorry. I went the entire calendar year of 2011 without updating your blog. For that, I am sorry. I guess there was too much to do and not enough time. Ok, that excuse won't work. Since I am your father, I can't give you an excuse that you cnot use on me.
So, let me summarize the year in review for you.
2011, the year that was. For the majority of the year, you were 6. Grade one was a success. However, I am pretty sure they don't fail people anymore, so you made it to grade two witout any problems. You began the year, illiterate. By the end of school, you were reading quite nicely. When December cam around, you were probbaly reading closer to a grade 4 level.
Life with your brother moved along fine. You were a good little helper, helping when necessary, taking care, realizing that he was still a baby. Although he learned to walk in the spring, slowly but surely, he became a little playmate for you.
From being an almost total pylon in the fall of 2010, by the end of the skatng season, learn to skate paid it's dividends. You bacome one of the 'faster' skaters out ther on the ice. Turning and stopping were an other issue, however your natural athletic prowess began to pay off.
Gymnastics continued, you enjoyed that for the most part. So much, that you wanted to go again in the fall. Soccer again, was a summertime favorite. The 'pack' mentality is slowly fading as the age group gets older, soccer begins to look like more of a sport instead of a bunch of little girls running round together in pursuit of a ball.
During the summer we laid low. It was not overly hot, not very wet, just a typical summer. Horseback riding continued. I think there may have been a horse camp involded somewhere in there too. I don't remember with all due respect. One day you'll understand.
Ringette was the sport you enjoyed most. You started in September. I finally discovered the dreaded Sunday morning 7am practise from a parent's perspective. We attended all your games, and most of the practises. You quickly figured out the rules, and became a team player. We learned a little later on that you were probably one of the oldest on the team. I don't know if that is why you looked better than most, but your giving attitude was evident amongst your teammates. Just a little note for the future as the level of competetiveness rises. When you afre open in front of the net with the ring....SHOOT!. No need to pass off to the other teammate.
Horseback riding trickled off. Not sure why, perhaps it was behaviour, maybe financial, but definitely because of time. There are only so many hours in a day, and you are definitely a busy girl. Gymnastics continued in the fall, after schools on Wednesday's. Unfortunately, I feel you were deprived in this. Your mom could never attend due to work. I droped you off, then scrambled home to make supper, only to rush back to pick you up. We gave you the option to continue in the winter, but with ringette, and Mario Kart, you declined.
Your social circle was still alive and well. Sydney, Autumn, Alex and others dominated. Whenever Sydney came by, Dylan wa snot far behind. This year, invite's to the Finley's pool started to happen. Once everyone realized that you were actually a good little swimmer. Jordan started showing his age, and the new girl on the street took him away from you for just a little while. For the most part, sports, and outside kept you busy.
You had another horseback riding birthday party. That makes two now, and yes I am keeping track. School was going along well. You said goodbye to Stephanie as a babysitter, and hello to Angela. Vanessa was by twice a week to look after you and your brother. Alex sometimes had to remind you that he is an 11 year old boy who actually like to do just boy things. He did it a way where you were not hurt.
As the winter that never was set in, we didn't really do too much. Christmas came and went. Mario Kart Wii and Nintendo 3DS invaded your life. You started off as a Mario 3ds girl, but then quickly became a Mario Kart Girl. Games from the past were no longer as intriguing. I thought you might be able to finally find your rhythm with Just Dance 3, unfortunately, it may have been a fad. Monster High dolls were all the rage. You were more intrigued by owning them all instead of playing them. Unfortunately, I was the only one that felt that way, and others kept buying them for you.
I think we got your shoe count down to 13 pair at the front door, only down from 15 pairs the year before. Regardless, it's a step in the right direction. Speaking of outerwear, we seemed to have less fights about clothing this year. You finally understand the difference between the seasons.
The year of the iPod touch probably best summarizes this year. That was a gift for you mother the Christmas of 2010. Surprisingly, you seem to navigate it best amongst all members of the family. Then agan you use it the most. You figured out Skype, and now facetime. Texting...who needs a cell phone when you have WiFi right? Your hair grew long. You still have a mean streak I can't figure out. For the most part, you had a pretty good year. A couple of oops with electronics, but other than that no major injuries. There was that week at Christmas where we all go pretty sick. That wasn't much fun.
Your baby teeth continued to come out. The tooth fairy was busy for a while, but then you seemed to forget about her. Your orthodontic journey began in the fall. You were a trooper for wearing it as often as you did. I wasn't too impressed about replacing it after finding it under the rear wheel of the van, but hey, it's just money right? Well, if I remember correctly, you bought the second one. :)
In summary, you were a typical social, highly energetic, smart, beautiful, well balanced youg girl. You love to keep your mind busy. For a while, I thought you were going on 13...not 7.
You are bcoming a wonderful friend and helper to your brother. I don't know what else to say. I will upload the year in pictures one of these days. I promise. I think I just figured out, it is easier to do this more often the every 16 months. Too much to write, too much to remember.
One thing I will remember for a long time is that one morning, playing Mario Kart Wii before school. Don't ask me why, maybe just because it was not too long ago. I was having a coffer, hanging with Matt. You hald completed all of your gold medals in all levels, I don't think I helped with any. Let's be honest, you kick my butt anyways. All I remember is watching you whip off a triple gold star performance on the shell course. I stil can't believe it happened in front of my eyes. You did it like a boss. Anyways, I love you, and will write more soon.
Dad
So, let me summarize the year in review for you.
2011, the year that was. For the majority of the year, you were 6. Grade one was a success. However, I am pretty sure they don't fail people anymore, so you made it to grade two witout any problems. You began the year, illiterate. By the end of school, you were reading quite nicely. When December cam around, you were probbaly reading closer to a grade 4 level.
Life with your brother moved along fine. You were a good little helper, helping when necessary, taking care, realizing that he was still a baby. Although he learned to walk in the spring, slowly but surely, he became a little playmate for you.
From being an almost total pylon in the fall of 2010, by the end of the skatng season, learn to skate paid it's dividends. You bacome one of the 'faster' skaters out ther on the ice. Turning and stopping were an other issue, however your natural athletic prowess began to pay off.
Gymnastics continued, you enjoyed that for the most part. So much, that you wanted to go again in the fall. Soccer again, was a summertime favorite. The 'pack' mentality is slowly fading as the age group gets older, soccer begins to look like more of a sport instead of a bunch of little girls running round together in pursuit of a ball.
During the summer we laid low. It was not overly hot, not very wet, just a typical summer. Horseback riding continued. I think there may have been a horse camp involded somewhere in there too. I don't remember with all due respect. One day you'll understand.
Ringette was the sport you enjoyed most. You started in September. I finally discovered the dreaded Sunday morning 7am practise from a parent's perspective. We attended all your games, and most of the practises. You quickly figured out the rules, and became a team player. We learned a little later on that you were probably one of the oldest on the team. I don't know if that is why you looked better than most, but your giving attitude was evident amongst your teammates. Just a little note for the future as the level of competetiveness rises. When you afre open in front of the net with the ring....SHOOT!. No need to pass off to the other teammate.
Horseback riding trickled off. Not sure why, perhaps it was behaviour, maybe financial, but definitely because of time. There are only so many hours in a day, and you are definitely a busy girl. Gymnastics continued in the fall, after schools on Wednesday's. Unfortunately, I feel you were deprived in this. Your mom could never attend due to work. I droped you off, then scrambled home to make supper, only to rush back to pick you up. We gave you the option to continue in the winter, but with ringette, and Mario Kart, you declined.
Your social circle was still alive and well. Sydney, Autumn, Alex and others dominated. Whenever Sydney came by, Dylan wa snot far behind. This year, invite's to the Finley's pool started to happen. Once everyone realized that you were actually a good little swimmer. Jordan started showing his age, and the new girl on the street took him away from you for just a little while. For the most part, sports, and outside kept you busy.
You had another horseback riding birthday party. That makes two now, and yes I am keeping track. School was going along well. You said goodbye to Stephanie as a babysitter, and hello to Angela. Vanessa was by twice a week to look after you and your brother. Alex sometimes had to remind you that he is an 11 year old boy who actually like to do just boy things. He did it a way where you were not hurt.
As the winter that never was set in, we didn't really do too much. Christmas came and went. Mario Kart Wii and Nintendo 3DS invaded your life. You started off as a Mario 3ds girl, but then quickly became a Mario Kart Girl. Games from the past were no longer as intriguing. I thought you might be able to finally find your rhythm with Just Dance 3, unfortunately, it may have been a fad. Monster High dolls were all the rage. You were more intrigued by owning them all instead of playing them. Unfortunately, I was the only one that felt that way, and others kept buying them for you.
I think we got your shoe count down to 13 pair at the front door, only down from 15 pairs the year before. Regardless, it's a step in the right direction. Speaking of outerwear, we seemed to have less fights about clothing this year. You finally understand the difference between the seasons.
The year of the iPod touch probably best summarizes this year. That was a gift for you mother the Christmas of 2010. Surprisingly, you seem to navigate it best amongst all members of the family. Then agan you use it the most. You figured out Skype, and now facetime. Texting...who needs a cell phone when you have WiFi right? Your hair grew long. You still have a mean streak I can't figure out. For the most part, you had a pretty good year. A couple of oops with electronics, but other than that no major injuries. There was that week at Christmas where we all go pretty sick. That wasn't much fun.
Your baby teeth continued to come out. The tooth fairy was busy for a while, but then you seemed to forget about her. Your orthodontic journey began in the fall. You were a trooper for wearing it as often as you did. I wasn't too impressed about replacing it after finding it under the rear wheel of the van, but hey, it's just money right? Well, if I remember correctly, you bought the second one. :)
In summary, you were a typical social, highly energetic, smart, beautiful, well balanced youg girl. You love to keep your mind busy. For a while, I thought you were going on 13...not 7.
You are bcoming a wonderful friend and helper to your brother. I don't know what else to say. I will upload the year in pictures one of these days. I promise. I think I just figured out, it is easier to do this more often the every 16 months. Too much to write, too much to remember.
One thing I will remember for a long time is that one morning, playing Mario Kart Wii before school. Don't ask me why, maybe just because it was not too long ago. I was having a coffer, hanging with Matt. You hald completed all of your gold medals in all levels, I don't think I helped with any. Let's be honest, you kick my butt anyways. All I remember is watching you whip off a triple gold star performance on the shell course. I stil can't believe it happened in front of my eyes. You did it like a boss. Anyways, I love you, and will write more soon.
Dad
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