The Five of Us

We are home.

And even though Henry had been home a cumulative 3 weeks before this return (2 weeks and 1 week), it never felt as meaningful and "solid" as this return does. And so i feel we are celebrating, in a way. Today, we spent the whole day "out and about" and it felt SO VERY NICE.

We started the morning by getting all of us put together and in the car by 9:15 and we headed to my Dad's Community Rummage Sale. The morning got hot FAST, in that sun, but we put Henry and Thom in the double stroller (a Godsend!) and Sam chose to ride his bike with Pop-Pop riding next to him. And we walked around, going from house to house, looking at the stuff for sale. Ron went to work, and Thom and Henry napped while I tried to get Sam to do the same. I believe Sam is growing out of his nap time. Sniffle. It was good while it lasted!




After the boys woke up, I got them all situated and packed up, sippies and snacks in hand, and went to a local park next to a pond. Sam and Thom played on the playground for about 45 min (Hank snoozed) and then the four of us walked around the pond, making observations and singing songs. And can i just say again - IT WAS HOT! Oofah. Really muggy, too. I was literally dripping sweat onto Sam's lap as i buckled him into his seat to go home ("MOOooOOoommm!").

The evening concluded with a light supper, lots of cold water to drink and fans blowing, and a sudsy red-colored bathtime. I LOVE MY KIDS right outta the bath, smelling fresh and clean, no longer sticky and stinky.



Henry is being monitored via a heart telemetry kit that was initiated the last time we got home (the time we were home for mere HOURS, a month ago). This time, i'm pretty sure it will last the full 30 days AT HOME. His heart is monitored remotely. My only job is to change the wires to his chest daily, change the monitor's battery (AA) every 3-ish days and charge the transmitter every night.


Let me conclude this post with the clear thought that LIFE IS GOOD. Henry looks great and has been actually LAUGHING along with smiling; my heart jumps for joy with his gravely giggle. Sam simply ADORES Henry and says as much: "Mom... I really love Henry... i REALLY DO, FOR REAL!" Thom was playing with Hank's toes in the double stroller, facing each other, which was cute to see. The boys will finally get to know one another as brothers, all together. And I'm learning how to be Mom to all three at the same time. It's been four months coming, but i'm definitely up for this challenge, and it is certainly a challenge at times. But it mostly just plain rocks.