Moving On X

The physical work finally starting on the housing upgrade had a profound impact on last night's tones over the household. We have managed well enough here in this dilapidated little ranch house, but the crowded conditions and the ongoing maintenance headaches of plying new bandaids on top of old bandaids are an on-going stress point we can live without. The fact that the children picked out the house with us gives them a badly needed connection to their new environment. This farm has been their favorite (only) vacation spot for their entire lives, but there's a significant diff between a camp site and home. Today marks the 3 month anniversary of their arrival here as "foster kids." I believe the transition from vacation spot to home is still underway. The new house will most definitely be a milestone in that transition. Perhaps a permanent one, if the lawyer lovers down south permit.

No daycare for Little Sis today. Doctor's advice yesterday was to keep her out of school until she has gone 24 hours without vomiting. The doctor said there would be about a week of diahrea after the vomiting stage, but that it shouldn't be a show stopper. As flu bugs go, it is far from the gnastiest I have ever nursed. If there is no vomiting today, she will be back at school tomorrow. Little Sis isnae much of a cuddler. She is affectionate, but far more interested in discovering the world than resting on familiar laps. Watching her through this bout of flu has shown us a focus that is able to get the job done. She spent most of yesterday in bed, by her own choice, nursing her own discomfort. I have that tendency, myself. Leaning into the illness instead of fighting ^it^ makes for a speedier recovery. When she finally asked to get out of bed, she was the most cuddly I have seen out of her yet. Not that I got to cuddle with her. Gampy has much more padding to sink in to. Cuddling with me is rather like cuddling a bag of sticks. Pokes a-plenty.

Big Bro got his second purple (best behavior) in a row yesterday. If the ifs continue to fall into alignment, he will have his playstation back Monday evening, if he still wants it. He has discovered muscles outside of his thumbs and seems to be taking great interest in developing them, as well as social activities that donae include shooting down your opponent.

My episode song is coming together in comforting ways. "Sometimes when I am doing simple things around the house, I want to think of you and smile." For now thoughts of my departed son are still bringing more tears than smiles, but the smiles are getting easier and more sincere. YS had a divine sense of humor. I have zero doubt he wants us to smile when we think of him. Works in progress, Beloved Son. . .

Think I'll leave today's mood emoticon on "Okay." I am committing stupersticious gesticulations as I type, but I believe we really are okay for now. Moving on to whatever's next. . .