Hello Out There!

Dearest Friends and Family,
Well it would appear that we just dropped off of the face of the earth but rest assured that we have not! As I'm always saying, life takes over. I returned to working full time and am just getting the hang of managing my time. It's been a long time off. I'll start out by saying right away that all is as well as we can possibly make it.

Parker is doing very, very well in his class. His separation anxiety has been put under control (by him!) and he's just matured and thrived this year. He is reading and sounding out words, no matter where he is or what he's doing! He will be in the bathroom (with a book) and you can hear him sounding out words. He picks up a pencil and writes whatever he can think of.....a note, words, his spelling words. This is a MAJOR breakthrough for our boy! It's been amazing how the light just decided to go on! I love watching the progress! Him and COOKIE sit for long periods of time reading together. How cool is that?

COOKIE is out of school again. Her weight dropped to 64 pounds and they put what's called an NG tube in. It's a little tube that goes into one nostril, down into her tummy. she gets liquid "feeds" three times a day. She can also eat, if she wants to. She has gained back about 5-6 pounds which is good but her appetite still is very finnicky. If we fix her favorite dinners, she will try her very best to eat. She doesn't take in nearly enough calories to sustain her. I don't know how long they will keep the tube in. She's had it in now for 8 weeks. They just changed it and put a new one on the other side last week.

We took her off of the antidepressant as of last week in hopes that her appetite would increase. So far, no change.

The most difficult task, at this time, is keeping her moods and emotions on an even keel. Her school work is doing pretty good. Our dear friend, KT, is the courier between her classes at school and home. She picks up the homework and hand delivers it to school and then hand delivers the new batch to COOKIE at home. She's such a sweetheart, but don't tell her that! hahaha

COOKIE's home teacher, Ms. Dena, comes three times a week and tutors her, mainly on the math.

Nothing else has really been going on. Just keeping everyone healthy and happy is a full time and half job. With all of us working and going to school, it's a busy household. Even Aunt Shannon has been staying home for longer periods of time. I think she's saving up her time for the holidays!!!

Speaking of which, from our house to yours, we wish you all a very, very Happy Thanksgiving! Stay safe and eat up! WE certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year. (I say that every year, but it's so true. It's good that we have a day that we're forced to be grateful. Otherwise, as I always say, life takes over.

Much love to you and yours,
Cookie, The Grandma