Yay, January is over. Even though it actually felt pretty fast to me this time around, it definitely still had its moments of feeling eternally long. Probably because we had 10 straight days of high temperatures at 20 degrees or less, and we picked up a lot of snow over that time. Monday was actually the first day that temperatures got into the 20s. We might hit 30 this week, but then it's back into the deep freeze for a bit. That snow isn't going anywhere. It's been...a lot. I miss my outdoor walks (even cold ones), and they won't be possible for a long time yet. Then again, I guess we could be down south where areas got hit with horrible ice storms and significant snow in spots that don't normally get any. At least we're used to it. But I would love a day in the 40s right now, let alone the people that are escaping here for warmer spots. Although, even Orlando got so cold this weekend that the fountains at Disney were freezing, so I guess I'm glad I wasn't one of the people who planned a trip there right now. Can you imagine wanting to escape the cold and ending up needing your winter coat at Disney? No thanks. My parents are heading out soon for Florida and a cruise, so hopefully they have better luck. But even 20s felt balmy the other day! At least very cold weather typically comes from fewer clouds, so the sun has been helpful.
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| This was our patio after the initial snowfall, before we got another six inches over the course of the week. I also think that indentation might be from a deer taking a break, but maybe they were just digging for food? |
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| Some of that sun we've been getting, with an ice pillar/sundog happening to the right. |
We've been getting through thanks to basketball, mostly. Having a game every few days keeps the calendar moving. I can't believe we're down to the last handful of games already. It's been an interesting season, for sure, and within three weeks we should know just how good Jacob's team actually is, when playoffs hit. I'm hoping for a strong rest of the season for him. Even though he's played well, I feel like he still isn't quite where he wants to be. Last week they played at his old school, which was oddly bittersweet. It was weird being back over on the visitors' side after two years, but nice to see a couple familiar faces. We pretty much dominated, which was fun--especially Jacob's three threes--but it was also hard to watch his old teammates struggle like that. It was definitely a surreal experience.
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| Jacob's current school and his old school share a football team, so Jacob joined in a jersey swap with the football players after the game. |
Lately we've been back on the prep school subject. Jacob's old coach (from travel and his first year at RACS) is starting up a prep program at a school about two hours away. He'd like Jacob to be part of it. But of course, that means a hefty (although discounted) tuition, Jacob needing to move away and change schools (yet again), and likely do a post-grad year the following year before heading to college. However, that extra year could be what secures him a nice college scholarship, too. It's a lot to consider. Of course, we'd still need to take a trip there and see the school, because I feel like that could be a deal-breaker for him. I'm worried about his food options, and I don't think he realizes what dorm life might look like. God knows he still hasn't shown me that he's prepared to run his own life in any meaningful way, whether we're talking about picking up after himself, feeding himself at proper times, or doing his homework without prompting. Maybe he's one of those people that steps up when they need to, but I can't say I'm confident. Nor do I love the idea of managing his health, diet, schoolwork, and life in general from afar. On the other hand, maybe it's just what he needs, but I'm going to need to see a lot of excitement on his part before I give it my blessing, because there's really no getting out of this one if he doesn't like it. I'm hoping we can get that tour done during February break coming up, just so we have a better idea of what we're working with.
In other news, Craig bought a new car. His van, which had over 180,000 miles on it, was starting to have issues (like random stalling, for example). So once he had finances figured out for a down payment, he made it his mission a couple Saturdays ago (a rare weekend off) to get it done. He pretty much focused on a Subaru Forester (two steps up from my Crosstrek), which (thank goodness) had 0% financing. I wish they had that when I was car shopping! He ended up getting a hybrid, which is great for how much he drives. He got it all done in a day, which was weird but efficient. It was sort of a sudden, sad end for our van era, though. It was fun while it lasted. Now to hope the new one has enough cargo space for travel baseball. If we could do Christmas in mine (barely), hopefully we'll be okay in his. I think he's enjoying all the fancy features--and the better gas mileage. I'm enjoying a less cramped garage.
On the Carter front, he's plugging along. He's still dealing with constant cold-like congestion, so I'm going to start banging down doors to get an answer on that. I'm guessing he might have a viral sinus infection that's just sort of stuck in there, which I've had happen before. I've had ones that either needed full-on suction or steroids to improve. I'm checking with his GI on whether steroids could complicate anything, and we already have an appointment with the pediatrician next week for his ADHD med check, so hopefully between the two we can figure out a solution. Right now we're going to start Flonase and see if that helps, but we need to get him a solution. But he's doing well otherwise. We're getting back into baseball practices, and we've been mildly amused by the fact that all of his baseball pants are suddenly too small--I guess 30 pounds will do that!
I can't quite wrap my brain around the fact that Carter will be a teenager in less than two weeks (or that we'll have TWO teenagers in the house). I just looked back at the blog from those last couple weeks before he was born, and man, that was ROUGH. I was barely functioning as my body prepared itself for labor weeks too early. I barely snuck in all the baby prep, including getting the room painted (by someone else), washing baby clothes, getting last-minute supplies, and surviving Jacob's stomach bug, a double road trip for Craig, and a snowstorm all within the last week or two. Yikes. Makes now seem almost easy! This morning when I went to wake Carter up and I sat on the bed, it really hit me that what used to be a tiny little body that I'd go in to cuddle is now just about as big as me. It's so crazy. I came across a couple old videos of him from the early talking phase, and oh man, I miss that little guy. The big version is a cool kid, too, but that little boy just warmed my heart so much! And now he's got this deeper voice and can look me straight in the eyes. The changes from even just this summer are amazing. Puberty is not for the weak--being in it or watching it!
As for me, my back is doing better. It still has some soreness when I have to stand a lot, but no more of that crazy seizing it did the one night. Sometimes I wonder if I just need to work out my core, or if there's a chance it had something to do with constipation or my internal lady parts, as there have been some crampy components to the aches. But maybe that's a "shared nerves" thing, or just muscles trying to overcompensate for the weaknesses. I have an ortho appointment next week and my annual OB/GYN appointment in a month, so if it's still hanging in there, hopefully between those two I should get answers. I just sort of hate how that, plus my shoulder impingement, sore right elbow, and soreness between my hip and thigh, makes me feel like I'm about 70 years old some days. I get up from my chair and feel every creak and ache for the first 10 seconds of the walk. Reaching behind me with my right arm really hurts from the impingement, and I miss being able to lift weights and feel capable of being more active. At least walking gave me the illusion, but right now I feel pretty stuck. Add in some mental challenges--what I think is late-onset ADHD (we might know tomorrow!) plus the general weight of the world with all that's happening out there--and I'm pretty tired right now. Hence why the return of sun and (relative) warmth would be helpful. And, as mentioned before, having anything exciting to look forward to would be a big help, too.
One day at a time, right? Spring will get here...43 days and counting...
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