February, what happened?!

February is almost over, so it seemed like a good time to review what it was like. Thinking it was going to be a less busy month with the bills dealt with from Christmas and birthdays finished, I had filled the calendar with two elective surgeries, medical appointments and swimming lessons twice a week. (To make me feel less guilty that the last lessons were in the summer...) Due to the uncertainties of life the month has now been crazy, and I am now keeping as much of March open as possible! (And the Olympics? Missed that...)

 Feb. 2nd, for the church directory. I didn't get my act together to
colour-coordinate us. James has been attending church elsewhere lately
 with his friends, so I'll have to Photoshop him in.

Nora's recent preschool highlight was the visit from the dental hygenist, and especially the "goody" bag that was sent home. We have stars from the brushing chart stuck all over the place, and floss used for many interesting functions. The mask and gloves were the favourite item however!

Such medical equipment was helpful in real life as we taught Nora about what surgery is about. Rosie had two fat lumpectomies done successfully and needed a lot of  care post-operatively with her drain and medications. Nora had a lot of concern for her, reminding us often of what we needed to do for Rosie. Visits to the vet together happened a few times, so Nora had endless questions and also did "surgery" on her doll at some point.

Feb. 3rd ~ A compliant "patient" but not impressed overall with her private nurse.

Feb. 7th was the day of my Dad's accident, referenced earlier in this blog and now the topic of his very own. "Uncle" Rob, Margarita and Charles were helpful in taking Grandpa's car back home for Grandma, and then Margarita joined us for a late dinner once we got home from hospital.

 Nora is quick to say, "I love you, Margarita!"

 So do we...

In the end, we went forward with our plans to celebrate Chinese New Year with the Ma family despite Dad waiting for surgery in the ER. It was a great visit, helped to keep our minds distracted from our bad news and we knew that that Darlene and Edward could relate to how we were feeling. (They've had many "episodes" of  hospital visits with ill parents over the past year.) Take-out at home was an even better idea to really visit, and play a few games, too.

 Grandma had helped Nora make a special card for Auntie Darlene. :)

 Rosie was in better spirits with her "cone of shame" removed from her head.

 Nora sees the world differently than most!

So, Feb.7th right now is the dividing line of "life-was-busy" versus "Stop the train, I want to get off!" mode. (as I write this almost 3 weeks later.) Like a co-worker told me last night... "One day you'll look back on this part of your life as just a bad dream." Hope so, more like my parent's worst nightmare... Anyway, we all try to be positive, and in no way do I resent taking time out of my life for spending time with my parents. It just takes a toll... like I can even complain.

 Feb. 9th, Nora learns more about surgery on people. Now her dolls are getting holes repaired in their legs...

Nana and Papa swing by for some early Valentine's treats for Nora. That was super sweet. :)

 Feb. 10th

 Papa had to make sure Rosie was doing okay, too. :)

Valentine's Day passed in a blur, with my request to just stay home for a quiet night with the family. Too many shifts and daily hospital visits a week later were exhausting. A thoughtful husband made it a nice evening.

This brought us a laugh one evening, checking on Nora around midnight. She'd been to the hospital earlier that day, however this is her dental mask. (We insisted she throw away the hospital one much to her distress!)

 Feb. 18th ~Wonder what she's dreaming of?

Lewis snuck up after 8 pm with me to visit Grandpa... was cute to see them talking together. Lewis has been making a zip-line from his second-story classroom window across the length of the playing field. He formed a K-nex cage to travel on it, which can hold an iphone. So far he's recorded on video the four "trips", including the crash-landing of the encased iphone on the other end. It's great that his teacher gives him such leeway for his inventiveness.

Feb. 20th ~ Grandpa's apprentice.

Feb. 21st, Charles and I departed very early for his wisdom teeth surgery, with all four removed without complications. He is recovering well, much quicker than James did with even having a date night that same day. Okay, well maybe we all watched a movie together but he was still pretty chipper. 

 Charles' creative way of securing ice packs to his jaws.

Snow enveloped Greater Vancouver on Feb. 23rd, which was enjoyed by the younger members of the family.

 Nice to have a big brother!

 I think it's safe to say that Rosie has fully recovered.

 Lewis always likes to make forts~

 So many snowflakes to catch, what a challenge!

 Nora enjoyed throwing snowballs at the van.

So overall in terms of family activity and excitement, things have been understandably low-key. But we work together, pulling together to work as a family unit which is an important skill to learn when a crisis happens. We will get through this hard time with my Dad, and I'm so thankful for my husband's support practically and emotionally. If only the kids would stop messing up the house and eating so much food, and getting their clothes dirty and, and, and...  :) Thanks for following along. Susan