Jessica and I spent the better part of our day in a waiting room in Kalamazoo while my mom also waited and then received Lasik eye surgery.
The waiting room was really nice, there was a tv, comfortable seating, even a bit of a snack bar - and there were movies playing on the tv.
Jessica settled in right next to a little boy, probably 8 or so, and he ended up pinching her. And her glared at her. She was taking up precious couch space, on the couch that he was occupying, ALONE. We got the message.
Surprisingly I kept my mouth shut after I witnessed and then listened to Jessica explain, loudly, that this boy had just pinched her. He was sitting next to his parents and I assumed they would have taken charge and done the scolding that was needed. When that didn’t happen I was dumbfounded and mute. 10 minutes later he left with someone else - he was sitting unattended and unsupervised in the waiting room. Those nice people I was about to give my mind to were actually nice people, who fell in love with Jessica by the end of the day.
There was another guy in the waiting room - he came about half way through our day and took up residence in a chair by the tv. By this time Jessica had made friends with everyone in the office, not only patients but the staff too - so naturally she tried to talk him. Except he forgot to wear the T-Shirt that explains to everyone in his immediate surroundings that he’s allergic to children and frightened of human contact.
At one point I was about to jump in front of him and yell BOO. I don’t think he would have known what to do with me, so I stayed put and corralled Jessica into a new activity. One that didn’t involve so many conversations with complete strangers. With ugly goatees.
The surgery itself went well for my mom. The entire process, including driving time, took a little less than 8 hours. Needless to say Jessica went to bed at 7 tonight, and I followed for a short nap.
posted on December 28, 2006| 9:33 PM EST
Right now I’m working on getting my set of photos together for the local hot spot - JP’s Coffee gallery wall. I have 8 photos ready to be hung and I’m kinda nervous.
This is the first time anyone other than my friends and family are seeing my photos in my community - yes I have flickr but this feels different. It’ll be JUST my photos on display.
They’re all of Jessica in one way or another - and the set title is “Innocence”. Stop by anytime after the first of the year to check it out. I’m pricing them as well, so maybe one or two will sell ??? We’ll see.
posted on December 26, 2006| 8:04 PM EST
Another video up at YouTube - this one is of Jessica and I on a “wok” outside. Taking her stroller and baby sheep for a stroll.
posted on December 24, 2006| 2:48 PM EST
Christmas has been great so far this year. Jessica is finally “into” opening presents. Last night we had my dad and step mom over for a party with my sister’s family and us. Jessica has been eying the presents for a few days and when we weren’t looking she opened one without us knowing it.
Fortunately she chose one of her own presents to open, how she knew - I have no idea, they’re all wrapped in the same paper.
Then today we opened most of the other presents for each other because we just couldn’t wait any longer. Jessica got a bike! Which she loves and also a Mrs. Potato Head and some books and music. The rouge present last night was a puzzle.
Tonight we’re off to my mom’s house with my sister’s family again and my grandma to celebrate Christmas over there.
I was pleasantly surprised with a massage chair - or one of those Homedics things you put in a chair - and a gift card to Barne’s and Noble. Aaron was pleased with his new jeans, a sweater, pajama pants for guys, socks, a scarf and some techy things.
All in all this has been one of my favorite Christmas’ - we bought for everyone this year which normally we don’t do and it’s just been exciting to see their faces when they open the gifts. It is truly better to give than to receive.
Merry Christmas All!
posted on | 2:14 PM EST
Yesterday Jessica informed me that her name was Freddie. When I asked her this morning whether or not her name was again Freddie for the day, she looked at me like - “Mom, that was so yesterday, my NAME is Jessica.”
She also has a way of looking up at us with her head tilted to one side - and this look in her eye willing us to give her the answer she wants - this look usually acompanies a question she’s asking - but has already answered for herself … example:
“Mom, Candy?” … “Yes.” and then the look.
Since she’s been sick she’s gotten used to grunting for things instead of using her words, or anything more civil than the sound of a dieing cow in heat. It’s worse than nails on a chalk board. I now know what my mom is talking about when she talks about how I developed my vocabulary.
Apparently I didn’t need one until I was about 3 because my older sibblings jumped when I opened my mouth - got me everything I pointed at or grunted for. Gave me no reason to have words - I had pawns. We’ve become Jessica’s pawns in her moment of weakness.
posted on December 22, 2006| 3:17 PM EST