The Space Between...

is what's driving me insane! Well, not literally, but almost.

Today is only the second of four days that Keith is on a business trip. Knox, thankfully, attends "school" for four hours, four days a week. If I didn't have this time to get work done, grocery shop and just regain mental strength, I don't know what I'd do.  It's not that Knox is terrible, though he can throw a pretty mean tantrum, it's just the mental stress of being a temporary single-mom.  All you single moms out there get some major props--you are all very strong women and must have amazing support groups around you to raise a child on your own.  It's just so hard when ALL of your family is four to four and a half hours away, and your friends that live the closest are 30 minutes away, others being an hour or more away. On top of that, the only people we trust with Knox (to babysit) are our amazing next door neighbors who won't let us pay them, so we don't want to take advantage of them by asking too much from them. We've visited churches in search of a Christian community were we feel we belong, but the only one that we felt welcomed at is 30 minutes away--even 45 minutes during the weekday due to commuter traffic. It gets frustrating when you know a place of worship is were you want to be, but don't feel totally welcome when you're there. And if you don't feel welcome there, you don't feel comfortable exploring groups where you could potentially meet new friends--especially if you can't even find if and when the small groups meet...

So basically, it's just been Knox and I for almost 48 hours (he, luckily gets a reprieve from me by seeing "school" mates and teachers.) Only about 48 more to go...

Maybe Molly will come tomorrow, to at least break up my monotony. Oh! Noah Clark Moss, one of the tickers on the right hand side, made his debut today. From what I hear, he was breach at Cacey's appointment yesterday, so they scheduled a C-section for today at noon! He weighs a healthy 7lbs 10oz! Congrats to my SATL!

Great Weekend in Flo-town

We had a most fantastic weekend back in Flo-town.  The main purpose of the trip home was for me to be a part of wedding nuptials for Cook, one of my BFFs from high school.  While home for that purpose, my brother came home and his fab girlfriend, Lindsey came to visit too.  Much fun was had, and helped me overcome my previously posted disappointment.  ;)

The Groom & Bride at Rehearsal

Keith & Me at the Reception

All of the "babies"--Molly will be here within the month!

Tiff & Norah, Jayma & Molly-In-The-Belly, Knox & me

Me, Cook (The Bride, obv) & Jay before the wedding

Water-time fun at Ma Jack & Big Daddy's

This must be a time-honored tradition--Daddy used to throw me down the waterslide when I was a wee little girl.  Knox loved it so much that he would jump right up after the slide down, and RUN back to Big Daddy to do it again!

He figured out how to push the gas on the car, but doesn't know to steer.  He gases it, and looks every which way but forward.  We had to run beside him and steer it for him every so often.  He even was looking under the hood--which he's never seen anyone do!  Must me born into boys.

Brother couldn't let Knox have all the fun.  Pool was a pirate ship, hence his feeble attempt at a pirate hook with his finger with a pirate grin.

Update on the "plan"

After talking with Michelle, Knox's pediatrician, our current plan regarding Knox's lack of verbalization is to wait.

When talking with her about the extra tests the ENT "prescribed," Michelle was not familiar with the ABR test, and said that the sedation would be a bit extreme.  (Thank goodness!)  She said that she could send us to the autism early prevention center to have him tested, but again stated that she DOES NOT think that Knox has autism.  So she said she felt comfortable revisiting the situation at his 18 month checkup.

Several of my sweet readers, one being a sorority sister 

that works with delayed children, assured me that Knox's situation is quite normal--so my nerves are a little more at peace.  Thank you to everyone, including Ma Jacks and Grammys, for all of your help/assurance/input.  We love you all.  We are so glad to know that Knox is so cared for and loved.  And of course, now I think, since he has found a new love in Blue's Clues, I could swear he tries to say "Blue's Clues" when I go to put it on--but I could just be delusional at this point!  :)

Wonderful Friday Surprise

I had a wonderful surprise this morning.  As I was getting Knox and myself ready to walk out the door at 7:30am for his second round flu shot, I received a text message.  The text was from one of my college best friends, and freshman year roommate, Ingrid, of who(m) I have mentioned in a previous post.  (The genius who informed me that expired coupons were still accepted at most stores!)  She asked if I wanted company, and if so, to call.  Well, I couldn't dial quick enough!  She came over with her two youngest children.  The oldest, Noah, is already in kindergarten.  I can't believe he's that big!!!

It was a crazy fun!  The kids were everywhere, but playing together.  Knox loved being around both Eli and Libby.  On top of that craziness, I was putting up groceries (from a last minute trip to Publix as we were out for Knox's shot) AND talking to Ingrid.  We had a fabulous lunch of Scooby Doo mac & cheese (50¢ Kraft boxes at Publix!) with a side of applesauce (also on sale at Pubix!)  We even served it out of the pot!  I love that Ingrid and I go back to the days of college microwave meals made in our dorm room.  She also knows that I'm not the best housekeeper, and a baby just adds to the mess I already make.  I only had to apologize once, for the lack of clean house.  Picked up, but not clean.  Anywho, the kids decided to make a quick venture outside, in between rain showers.  No real mud puddles to deal with, so we let them run loose.  Below are the few pictures I managed to snap between pots of macaroni and diaper changes!  I loved getting to see our kids run around together!  I also can't get over how much Eli looks like Scott, and Libby definitely has her Mommy's pretty eyes!

Random side note--Tiffany and Baby Norah are doing wonderfully.  The Daily family should be back at home tomorrow.  I'll post pictures of the happy new family over the weekend!

Ingrid's youngest, sweet Libby

The middle child, and all boy, Eli

Eli didn't quite know what to think of the practice deer--he thought it was real at first!

The only chance and shot I managed to get of all three kiddos--Knox is almost as tall as Libby!