When a song resononates … let it ride

Every now and then, a song filters through the radio at just the right time. On Saturday, I was taking my favorite scenic detour/short cut hugging the Humber Valley when K’naan’s “Take a Minute” song played. The opening of this song is powerful:

And any man who knows a thing knows
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
And every time I felt the hurt
And I felt the givin’ gettin’ me up off the wall

I’m just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I’m just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
I’m just gonna take a minute and let it ride
I’m just gonna take a minute and let it breeze

The lyrics hit hard. I stopped short of home and reflected.  The past month has been nothing short of intense and humbling.  I’ve taken a position with a global leader in surgical devices (my 10 year professional goal which I am thrilled about).  The training is comphrehensive, challenging and demanding - and  justifiably so.  Recently I spent a week at Penn Medicine’s Clinical Simulation Center and over at the main hospital in Philadelphia.  Truly an outstanding place.  I always leave these types of experiences feeling thankful for my health and reminded that I don’t know a damn thing at all.

Despite all this amazing progress professionally, I feel as though I have been watching freight trains speed past me, it’s been a blur.  I need to take a minute and let it ride.   While I don’t plan to take on ”train spotting” (which means to do nothing), I’m slowing down my pace, so that I can see the bigger picture.  This song will be on replay for a while I suspect.

This week one of my trainers joked that sometimes he takes a song and make about that for a week.  References gets woven into the fabric of the training in a variety of ways. While his taste in music is likely more refined than my admittedly awful taste in music, I think this is yet another lesson I was away from my week in Philly with.

Clubfoot ‘Big Boy’ Bed – DIY Project!

While I am totally inspired by Anna White and her phenomenal DIY furniture projects, none were quite right for what W needed when his crib wouldn’t cut it. Other Clubfoot moms warned me about cribs stripped bare from braces bashing into the slats and later holes in plaster walls.  But before W could totally destroy his crib (he was on his way), he ran out of room to roll over.  He was 10 months old when I felt that he needed a better sleeping arrangement.

In my best effort to channel Ana White, I quickly created W’s sleeping nook with materials on hand and a budget friendly Costco mattress.  Several Clubfoot moms have reached out regarding bed options and I shared my set up. 

Heather, a Clubfoot mom from Arizona built this amazing Clubfoot bed for her son C.

 Everything about this cozy, comfy and safe sleeping place is great. I love how she extended the headboard and sideboard portions. Her little guy has transitioned into his big bed without issue.  He has space to roll in his braces and rest comfortably.  There is likely a gate on the door, so that night wandering isn’t an issue. It looks like the family dog is very pleased as well.

W loves to walk into his room and easily sit on his bed to rest or play.  His big sister also enjoys curling up on it to read and cuddle.  While I dream of the day when W can sleep in a cool, trendy captain’s bed, I know that his cozy nook could suit him beyond braces. It may seem like forever until then, but it’s just 2 more years!

The Tale of Stinky Children’s Place PJs

There was one thing my daughter specifically asked for at Christmas: cozy fleece PJs. My daughter, likes most kids, loves polar fleece anything.  This year, her Grandma K gave her a super cute pink set from The Children’s Place, where for the past few years PJs have come from. W received a lovely pair of blue ones.

 

However, the pink PJs came with something that the blue ones didn’t – a stink! The tags were on, they were new and had been wrapped for some time (Grandma K is organized!).  The first night she wore them, we thought there was a gas leak in the house. My husband’s stealth nose identified the offending item: her PJs. We washed them 3 times with Tide Febreeze and dryer sheets. They still smell.

A review of the item from The Children’s Place shows that I am not alone.  People across North America are reporting the same issue – they smell. I can’t help but think of W’s old Pottery Barn Rug with toxic off gassing taking place.  My guess is that  TCP have used a new type of dye. It’s simply not acceptable.  These are garments designed for children to sleep in. Safety is paramount.   I’ve noticed that this garment is no longer on their web site .. curious.

Right now, the PJs are sitting in the trunk of my wagon waiting to be returned. Yes, they have been worn and washed, but I simply will not have my daughter sleeping a garment so foul that her entire bedroom smells.  And yes, my car smells from the PJs.

 I feel sad that S can’t keep her warm cozy PJs. However, I think that a trip to local Snug As A Bug store, where the PJs are made on site,  should make sure she stays extra warm and stink free.

Looking ahead to 2012

Happy NewYear!! It’s official – 2012 is here. Looking back at 2011, I can’t say that it will be missed. There were many amazing moments, almost all of which related to family. Our children really are the centre and focus of our lives. I hope to look back at this blog, having forever frozen moments in time, that may have otherwise been forgotten.

Right now, we are in the midst of sorting out ear problems/infections with both kids. Nice I catch my breath, I hope to post my goals and new directions for 2012. Hopefully, the kids bounce back soon.

Clubfoot Foot Wrinkles Almost Gone

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Tonight, while watching a movie in my daughter’s room with the kids, I couldn’t help notice W’s feet. His Clubfloot seems to have grown into his “foot wrinkles.” The wrinkles are the result of his Ponseti treatment. The serial casting left him with loose skin on the outer side of his right foot. The skin on the inside of his foot was stretched and the foot was shifted into place.  He used to look like a puppy waiting to grow into his big dog coat.  It’s one of those dead give aways when trying to guess what foot was treated (medical residents take note!).

Something so insignificant is yet another reminder that W is growing quickly. In looking at the photos, I also noticed that his toes still have a tendency to overlap and rest in odd positions. At times, they lay perfectly flat.  His nails remain funky, growing upwards - yet another Clubfoot hallmark I gather.

Perhaps the hallmark of being a Clubfoot mama is the endless fascination that such otherwise dull matters have over me.  That being the case, I am endlessly thankful for the Sick Kids team and family support, that have resulted W is the busy, happy, walking, running, jumping, playing boy he is.

 

 

Birthday Boy and Santa Updates

December 27th – ahhh … I can breathe again! The whirlwind of the holidays is easing, though there seems to be lots more eating and entertaining to be done still. Nonetheless, I am feeling healthy and relaxed (for the moment). 

Mr. W turned 2 recently and is progressing in all the big boy ways. His language skills continue to develop, making me laugh almost daily with his insights.  Physically, he is thriving, going almost non-stop. However, he’s starting to find a focus – trains, trains and more trains.  Thomas and James, toy trains, join him almost everywhere. I am so thankful for the generous complete Thomas the Tank hand me down collection from my nephew.  

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Big sister S thrived on stage at the Winter Concert. She loved being in the front row singing and bopping along in her Santa hat to the festive songs. She wore her grandest dress and did very well, despite being under the weather.  

And of course, Mr. Santa came to visit recently. Big sister S was 100% into Christmas this year. We tried to steer a focus on philanthropy and giving back. Next year, I hope to involve her in more elements, an important balance such an intense time of wants.  The message resonated and she learned the lesson of how good it feels to give.

Overall, a great holiday season filled with friends and family. To everyone who follows this blog, happy holidays and all the best for 2012. to you and yours as well.

Christine

Toddler Word of the Day: “Huggle”

Since W has ongoing ear issues, we have kept close tabs on his language development.  The words are coming, and like most little ones his age, the “baby talk” a bit cute and creative.  Overall, he’s right on track.

One of W’s favorite new words is one he came up with on his own: “huggle”. A huggle is now a special thing at home – a cuddle and hug (arms around my neck), in a favorite place (in bed or in the big squishy chair), ideally with his “Baa an Banket” and always a cup of milk.  He’ll ask to huggle every morning and usually in the evening, talking time to slow down, snuggle up and recharge.  It’s just wonderful.

Can you imagine my surprise when I found an Urban Dictionary listing for it. Everyone is along the same lines as little W.  The big difference is that he came up with it all on his own, no internet interventions or pop cultural infiltration of his vocabulary! And really, it’s impossible to say no to any huggle requests.