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Once Christmas was over, we focused on the rest of the Winter Vacation. We only had 6 more days left for this 2014, which can’t be remembered as a banner year for sure. We were more than happy to see it go, but we still tried to make the most of the last few days.

Keegan went to the zoo for the last day of camp on December 26, and I tried to take care of some of the errands I left unfinished. Matt and I took a nice walk around the neighborhood and I cleaned the house a bit.By dinner time, my sister arrived from Italy. It was so nice to have her here, and a big relief, since I was now the main health provider for Matt. Yes, we had a nurse that came every few days, but still… Even though Cinzia is a child psychiatrists, she was trained as a doctor, so she could help in a medical emergency. It was also nice to have someone else to share these transitional days with, and, if I have to be a little selfish, someone who could take care of me a bit. Furthermore, Keegan was home till January 5th, so I would have needed help in that area as well. And I am sure wouldn’t hurt to have her professional assessment and advice.

We spent a wonderful vacation together. She was great, and not only played with Keegan and entertained him non-stop, but she also cooked and cleaned, and we had plenty of chances to talk and catch up, like we have not had in a long time. I felt like I was really on vacation…or almost!

We went to the bay for a beautiful walk in the sun, and then to Pacific Beach. Matt enjoyed these brief outings, and so did I. I have not walked this much in years. (-:

 goofy picture for Keegan and mom…but not Matt

 

Someone built some Minions out of sand. How cool is that?

We also did lots and lots of playing with Keegan’s new stuff, mainly Lego. Keegan and I built two full models together and Keegan did a lot this time. We decided to take pictures of them, since they usually do not last past 1 day.

The picture also shows that Keegan finally lost his top tooth, on December 30th. It has been very wiggly forever, but this time, Keegan did not seem to be in big rush. Maybe because it was hurting and bleeding a little, or maybe just because the dentist told him to take it off, as the permanent teeth were more than ready. In fact, as soon as it fell off, the permanent was already poking out. Now, we only have to get rid of the other wiggly tooth…

Matt was doing a little better, even if his mood, obviously, was not at an all time high. We all know we are in for the long haul. It is a very slow healing disease, but we are grateful for any improvement. On December 31, I took Matt back to the hospital for a tube check. We stopped by his floor, Tower 6 West, to bring some flowers and chocolate and a thank you card to all his nurses and staff. Melanie and Rennell, two of our favorite nurses, were there, and it was so great to see them and showed them how much better he was doing…and how he looked like in real clothes and not a flimsy hospital gown. They were very warm and friendly, and once again they helped us get some orders sorted out.

The tube check went well, and they removed it. Yeah! One more to go. I loved the decor in the waiting area, with large canvases wrapped as gifts.

It was finally time to say Goodbye and Good Riddance to 2014. It has not been the best year for Cinzia as well, so we were both in the same mood. I decorated the house for the new year, and got ready.

Cinzia took Keegan to the movie theater that afternoon. He asked to watch Annie, which really surprised me. A musical, about a little orphan adopted by a millionaire? It does not sound like Keegan, but he asked, and he seems that he really enjoyed it. Maybe it is not too late for him after all.

After dinner, Matt and I got a turn to go to the movies, a mini-date! We watched, Big Eyes, the latest Tim Burton’s movie. ” The film focuses on American artist Margaret Keane, whose work was fraudulently claimed in the 1950s and 1960s by her then-husband, Walter Keane “(wikipedia). I remember a similar painting when I was growing up, so I was intrigued. It was not a masterpiece, but it was nice to get out.

We got home around 10pm, just in time to watch Marrakesh Express with my sister. I have not seen it in a long time, but it is still fun. As the movie was over, we tuned in to check the time…almost there.

37 seconds to go

We got our glasses ready: a champagne glass for Cinzia and I, and a mug filled with ice for Matt.

5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year!!!!!

For added good luck, Matt and I cheered from identical, “positive thinking mugs”. My mom would be proud.

We were all so happy to welcome a brand new year that we must have been a little loud. Keegan woke up, not too happy, but at least we got the chance to celebrate with him too. We all went to bed right after, but we made it to 12.30am!

Happy New Year everyone!

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