Have Shoes...Will Walk

BoyWonder and I had a trip to the 'Big Smoke' this week to meet up with Grandma (my Mum) and purchase some WALKING shoes.  It was very exciting.  Firstly, can I just say that I would highly recommend the store 'Shoes and Sox' at Chermside Shopping Center for anyone who needs to have little feet fitted.  The staff were wonderful, and they know how to properly measure feet and choose shoes to accommodate and support growing twinkle toes.  They also have a really informative website - and an information freak like me finds this very reassuring.

BoyWonder presents with a catalogue of foot-related issues (including ankle-spasticity, curling toes, turning out and rolling in) and a most unfortunate genetic pre-disposition to outrageously wide and fat feet (inherited from his mother, and otherwise known as 'Nagel feet', or... 'the family curse' as I like to call it).  But does this phase the shoe-shop lady?  Not a chance foot-fearers!  She manages to find a sandal and a sneaker, both stylish and supportive - and one pair at HALF PRICE!  BoyWonder couldn't wait to wear his new 'shooshs', and had to be chased down by Grandma before he could run out the door and send me to the lock-up for petty-theft. 

After a mid-morning coffee and cake stop (for Grandma and I) and a ceremonial Vegemite smearing (for BoyWonder) he could no longer contain the urge to show off his clogs and started a stroll down the middle of the shopping center.  After five or so minutes of insisting, unsuccessfully, that he hold my hand and walk in an appropriate direction (ie. straight), Grandma said, 'Oh, just let him go.  It's his first time walking at the shops, he's so proud of himself to be able go where he wants and in his new shoes.'  So I did.  I let him go.  And we followed a short distance behind as he toddled against, around and into the flow of pedestrian traffic, casually but confidently waving to his fellow upright beings, and beaming with pride.  As he swaggered and teeter-totted around, an amazing thing happened.  People stopped. Not just because if they didn't, they'd trip over him.  People smiled.  They smiled big smiles.  People stopped what they were doing, smiled big smiles and made kind comments, asked questions, and even wanted to share stories about their own children or grandchildren.  This little fellow in his little walking shoes was somehow able to bring a little bit of cheer, and some special memories to many people.  And I don't think it was purely because of his 'cute factor', I think he was truly radiating joy - and it was rubbing off on those around him. 

Back on Track

Ok.  It has been a LONG time since I've made a post...and after a number of people dropping 'hints' that it's been a while, I'm finally getting back into it.   My main excuse is simply that we have been SO busy lately.  And then the longer it got, the more I had to write about and report on...and then it all became way too overwhelming!  So I'm going to take the easy way out and make a dot point review of the past 5 weeks- the ups and the downs. 

Week 1

- had a weekend visit from my childhood friend.  We shopped, cooked, and drank lots of coffee.

- got Tonsilitis...again

- my gorgeous cousin came to stay for 5 days.  We did all the things 12 yr old girls like to do.  Can't wait to have her back! 

- farewelled an amazing woman and friend - my mentor, Lorraine.  She lost her fight to cancer,  but her passion and joy for life will live on in the hundreds (if not thousands) of people she touched throughout her life. 

- finished up another great year at school with the coolest kids in town.  They sang their little hearts out for their parents.  I didn't even mind that I couldn't convince one cool kid that the lyrics were, '...six white boomers, snow white boomers'  NOT, '...six white boobies, snow white boobies'. If you are not an Australian reader and have no idea what I am talking about - just google it.  Rolf Harris, Six White Boomers.  You'll love it! 

Week 2

- Off to Woodgate! Time to eat, drink and be merry with family and friends.  We stayed in the same awesome cabin at the caravan park as we did in September, and enjoyed lots of swims, walks and family time.  BoyWonder picked up on 'cheers'-ing at happy hour - and I now fear he will start cheers-ing all his buddies with milk bottles when he goes back to daycare.

Theodolite Creek

A tough day...out fishing with Dad and Grandad!  BoyWonder caught a toadfish. Gross.

Week 3

- Breakfast with the 'cousins' - a yearly catch up with some very special loved ones

- Clean up in isles 3.  BoyWonder managed to cut his finger-tip inTarget, it was a total blood bath.  He, TechnoHusband and I all looked like we'd had a date with a vampire...and received more than a few disapproving (and some concerned) looks from fellow Christmas shoppers.  Needless to say, the Santa photo did not take place this year.  

- Christmas!! We had such a great day! It started with a relaxing breaky at home before meandering down to see TechnoHusband's family for nibbles and an incredibly delicious roast dinner.  BoyWonder (and us!) had a fab time with his gloriously gorgeous cousins, aunties, uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents.  A relaxing dip in the pool just topped the whole day off.  My side of the family were all visiting other parts of their family all over the place, so we had Christmas later (stay tuned!)

- Boxing Day...came down with chest infection, spent remainder of the week resting.

Presents!!

Week 4

- Happy New Year!  Watched the fireworks in bed, trying not to cough up a lung! 

- Spent lots of time with my side of the family who came and holidayed close by for the week.  

- Had a fantastic belated Christmas with my parents, siblings and completely adorable nephew...AND....NEWS OF THE YEAR....

- BoyWonder started walking!!!!! Still can't describe how happy we are, or how cool it is that this wonderful day will be forever etched in our memories. My message to friends and families went something like this, 'We are the happiest parents in the world! Our son has taken his first steps!! It's been a long road...but we made it! So very happy and proud of our little guy who has worked SO hard to get here.' 

He is 20 months old, and has a 'unique' little waddle, but has already shown that he is determined and able to overcome any challenge that cerebral palsy might throw his way. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes! 

Just off to get milk and the paper Mum, back soon!

Week 5

- Catching up with LOTS of friends.  Many of whom I don't get to see often, but when I do I am incredibly blessed and inspired by their positivity and loving natures.  

- Hot hot hot! Have the air-con cranking, and trying to catch a breeze by the beach wherever possible.  Following the bush fires on the news, and praying for the people who have lost loved-ones, homes and livestock in this heat wave.

- Physio for BoyWonder- therapist very impressed with his walking, got some more activities to work on.  Mainly continuing to work on strengthening his right leg (which he is getting rather clever at avoiding).  Need to become a bit more cunning, he is onto us! 

- My first trip to the Farmer's Markets.  Love the fresh and spray-free  produce, will be back on a weekly basis. 

- More friend and family catch ups- a constant wave of visitors and visiting - which have all been cherished.

Cooling off in the heat-wave.

 

 

Fun at Physio

I am now into 'week 6', and a busy week ahead.  Beginning to get my head (and home) back into 'work' space as the holidays draw to an end, and looking forward to a great evening on Saturday for our annual United Field and Retrieving Club awards night.  

So here I am, back on track and ready to keep recording those moments that make up 'life'. 

Tell me, what have I missed? What was the highlight of your Christmas/holidays?