Brains AND Beauty

First, and foremost, let me type a LOUD shout out to the birthday girl, my seester, Aunt Pip, Sarah Bauer!! Bring on Sunday 🙂

Now, back to the matter at hand – recognizing the hard work, self-determination, and courage of the most beautiful sister in the world. Have you ever had the opportunity to watch someone acheive a goal – as in right before your eyes, in live time? On June 14th I was lucky enough to attend Sarah’s first Fitness America competition. The funny thing is that some might wonder where in the hell Sarah came up with this goal, but I distinctly remember her talking about “figure competitions” 4-5 years ago. So her journey has been more than just a few months in the making. So that whole goal acheivement part? Even sweeter.

Over the years my sister and I have grown incredibly close – things have happened, LIFE I suppose, and we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we can always, always, count on each other. So naturally, when she asked me to come to her show, and spread some good vibes, I knew that not only would I be there, but that I’d be laying the good shit on THICK. And an added bonus? Spending some quality time with her bf Justin – like 17 hours of it… 🙂

Most individuals don’t have the self discipline to stay on a diet for a week, and fewer for a month. Fewer still have the self-discipline to dilligently carry out a prescribed “diet” (and I’m using that word lightly because she ate real food all the time!) for 3 months. Add on daily, or twice daily workouts, and you have a rockstar of a woman on your hands. And I am so so proud to know said rockstar:)

While competition day had it’s ups, and it’s downs, I had a front row seat (and was on the edge of it) each time athlete #46 walked out. I shed a few tears of pride that morning, and I could cry again when I think about how beautiful, strong, and fierce Sarah was. I love you Sarah – you have no idea how much I am in awe of you!!

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Perhaps one of the best times – a post competition treat in Five Points!
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Closing a chapter, or four

Last week, we concluded Joey’s therapy as we prepare to move to Indiana. Even though we will remain in DE until early July, we wanted our last few weeks to be free of interruption, and thus able to schedule dates with family and friends at will. Ending therapy a bit early extends the gap until we are able to contact and coordinate, and eventually begin services in West Lafayette, so I’m going to be more conscious about putting on my “therapist” hat each day.em>

As we say goodbye to each therapist I’ve reflected on this chapter of our journey, and certainly of Joey’s life. I remember all too well how overwhelmed I was when I was told that Joey would have a rep that works for the birth-3 state program – she would be our go to person as we got set up – yep, you can say that again. Sue was beyond helpful, and even better – we knew her from running local 5k races! Sue retired about a year ago, but Conee was just as exceptional. Both women helped me navigate the scary world of Medicaid, and they did so with genuine kindness.

Lisa came into Joey’s life first. In fact, she started physical therapy with Joey when he was less than 2 months old. I remember during one of his first sessions, watching the two of them together. Joey was weak and barely moved. To me, it just seemed like he was lying on a blanket on the ground while Lisa turned his head back and forth to loosen his neck. Lisa was building his strength from day 1. Together, for over 2 years they developed a bond that no one can understand.

After Joey was a year old I told Sue that I’d like to consider speech therapy. Sue let me know that DE only employs a certain number of speech therapists and currently all were booked, and would be for a while. So, we should consider Early Childhood Education. Such therapy would be a beneficial place holder until a speech therapist was available. Thus, Rebecca entered our lives! She taught Joey his body parts, to love reading, recognition of animals, cause and effect, and so much more. I know from watching them together that he loved most when Rebecca would sing to him. She was beneficial indeed and we kept her even after speech therapy began.

Last August speech was ready, and at the recommendation of Joey’s specialist we also added occupational therapy.

I have seen few people focus so intensely on a task at hand as when I would watch Kate work with Joey. Now mind you, Joey was silent with Kate for at least a month, maybe 6 weeks, but Kate never wavered – she had a fierce determination about her. She also helped me work on self-feeding and other oral stimulation approaches. Today, Joey babbles, sings, shouts, produces a wide range of consonants and vowel sounds, and executes around 10 sign language gestures. Kate gave Joey a way to communicate and she was a catalyst on his continued road to speaking. When Joey does speak, it will be because she laid the foundation.

And finally, Colleen. Colleen was über cool. And Joey was in LOVE with her. She brought over all the fun toys…and used them to almost completely bring Joey up to speed with his fine motor skills. Colleen had a way about her that always left us feeling like Joey was a rock star. Sure, he is, but she was consistently impressed with his progress and she always made sure to brag before she left. Visits from Colleen were like visits with an old friend, for all of us.

These women have been absolutely critical in Joey’s development, and accordingly, in his success. Without them, he would not be the kick-ass 26 month old that’s snoozing next to me on the bed as I type. On some days I’m still coming to grips fully with the fact that my son has needs which require him to receive therapy…weekly…from multiple angles. But all I needed to do was see and hear Joey’s shrieks of joy upon seeing Lisa, Rebecca, Kate, or Colleen arrive, and all of my worry faded.

You’ve got big shoes to fill Indiana…big shoes..

Hidden Talent

em>Recently, Pappa heard about open mic night Friday at Gracie’s Cafe in good ‘ol Elkton, MD. Now, when you think of Elkton, “musical talent”, is most certainly not your next logical association. But let me tell you friends, you are wrong! I was wrong! Knowing that JPK is music’s #1 fan, we decided to take him and check out the scene. Cover was only $3, and the best part was that you “earned” $3 in “gracie’s money” which you could redeem for coffee, tea, pastries, etc. – so basically, it felt like free food – win/win. The vibe inside Gracie’s was perfect – quaint, friendly, relaxed, and most of all, inclusive. As each act finished our jaws had dropped another notch to the floor – damn, where are these people coming from? talent in Elkton? in our small home town? Like, legitimate talent that I am genuinely enjoying. What a community we’ve been missing out on! Just as you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, I guess you can’t judge a town by it’s townies…

The coveted Gracie’s money!
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The crowd was treated to a performance by the Lyrical Magician! And magic he was! He dedicated his first rap to JPK! Lucky bean!
Shout out to Little Joey

Even crazier…Pappa’s old high school teacher was there to perform, and so was a local tattoo artist…TOGETHER. CRAY CRAY.

Rob and Sam

One of my favorite performances from the evening
Getting Lost

A fun one – Boxturtle Bob!
Boxturtle Bob

We dined on music for almost 3 hours. For the duration of the car ride home we shared how impressed we were, discussed our favorite performances, and started counting down until it was time to go back. What perfect memories to be creating during our last few weeks in DE/MD. See you soon Gracie’s!

4 months young

Emil Franklin…4 months old today – 26 inches, 17.9 pounds!

Now when I ate fast food I was more of a Big Mac girl…but I certainly know a whopper when I see one!

Belated celebrations

Happy Birthday Anna! 5 years old looks good on you girl! Although her actual birthday was in April, Anna wanted to wait until prime pool party season – smart girl.

The Williams had double the pools and double the fun. Plus a bounce house. Joey experienced his first bh last week, and I really thought he was in heaven today. Boy probably thinks every weekend will bring a bh! He had a blast. As usual he played his own way, and refused to miss out on the fun. He’s so damn cool. Little bro chilled out under a tree, his smile almost as bright as the sun.

Good friends, good times, a really good day.