Kintropy In Action

Doesn't this family look happy?  It's Gabriel's first day of kindergarten and a Friday:  a milestone achieved and a weekend to bask in its....

completely overscheduled mayhem!

Yes, welcome to Modern Parenting.  Please grab your datebook and red pen.  Lots to plan.  Let's get started.

Friday night:  The Ice Cream Social (6:30pm - 9:00pm)

And you thought school was just for your son?  No, please join us for a family ice cream social sponsored by your local PTA.  It's tonight (sorry about the late notice, but you don't want to miss this opportunity to meet your parent-peers, do you?).

Bring your family.  Oh, and some money for PTA membership (puh-lease).  We'll supply ice cream and the comfortable networking environment of the school gym.  Bring earplugs - those darned kids scream so cute!

Saturday Morning:  The Contractor Cometh (Not) (11:00am - 12:00 pm)

Yes, I requested an 11am - 12pm window to come look at putting up railing for your new ramps.  Thanks for calling me, back.  Any chance I could come later this afternoon?  I would have called you, but I don't have your phone number.

Saturday Afternoon:  Picnic Relief & Nursing-Sponsored Social (12:00pm - 4:00pm)

"I think we're here."  Rustling of paper.  "Can you figure out where we're supposed to park."

A map falls into my hands.  I laugh.  "Really?  Me?"

I hand the map to Janette's Dad.  He is a retired Marine; I'm sure we're in good hands.  He's pretty much got it as Janette finds parking for wheelchair access nearby.  The Children's Nursing Services signage swings in the breeze about forty feet away.

We do have a great time at the picnic, meeting other families working with CNS and nurses that we, somewhat surprisingly, have never met.  It's really important for us to meet other families that experience disabilities.  Plus CNS has been a very good team with which to work.

Hannah has a good day out.  She loves the red wagon (pictured).  We and she meet lots of folks interested in where she's been and what she's doing now.  We share stories & triumphs. 

"I want to go to the playground!"  Gabriel and Janette's Dad are off to the races, only returning briefly for gratuitous pinata bashing.  Ah, he'll (they'll?) sleep well tonight!

Saturday Evening:  The Optional Event – John Denver Tribute and Sustainable Living Display (4:00pm - 8:00pm)

So not going.

Saturday Evening:  The Sports Event – TV Football

Don't remember who played.  Didn't care then or now.  Enjoyed the game with family, friends, and a bunch of differently-sauced boneless chicken wings from the Buffalo Wings place.  

"I'm a buffalo.  I'm a buffalo."  The hat, yellow buffalo horns, looks cute on Gabriel, but the mantra gets old.  The game is enjoyable, though.

Saturday Night:  Date Night for Mom and Dad (hah, hah - soooo just kidding)

8:00pm:  Dad goes to bed.  Nursing shift tonight.  Gotta rest.

8:00pm - 9:00pm:  Gabriel and Hannah double-team Mom. 

10:00pm:  Gabriel sleeps (the playground worked.  It really worked!)

2:20am:  Hannah wakes

2:30am:  Dad wakes & takes over. 

2:45am:  Gabriel wakes.   After trying to sleep with Mom, he joins the party in Hannah's room.

4:00am:  Dad and Gabriel share an Ovaltine and discuss his dreams, his nightmares, and whether or not swallowing air to burp is bad for you.

4:30am:  Gabriel brushes his teeth again & heads to bed.

4:30am:  Dad brews more coffee & waits anxiously for the Sunday paper.  Tomorrow, after all, is another day.

-- Dad