Two weeks ago Kirsten had her first day of school. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Pugh. So far she hasn't had any homework, which I have greatly appreciated. Kirsten seems to be adjusting well to her new school and new class. She's made a couple of friends and feels comfortable walking into class by herself now. Something kind of funny happened on the first day. I assumed the first day was a half day because it has been a half day the last couple of years, and I'm fairly certain it was every year when I was growing up. Well, it turned out that when I went to pick her up, school was still going strong. It wasn't a half day after all. I felt so bad and worried that it might have been tough on Kirsten to be expecting to come home after three hours, but not get to. When school finally did get out, she was fine, but not altogether impressed by the school lunch she had to eat. I was relieved that she still had a good day.
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| Kirsten on her first day of school |
Reagan, Madelyn, and I spent a lot of time playing outside during Kirsten's first week of school. We lowered Kirsten's old three-wheel scooter for Madelyn to pretend to ride. I think it was pretty cute. Reagan had me blow tons and tons of bubbles. She was so enthusiastic about popping them!
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| Maddie on a scooter |
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| Maddie on the scooter. Reagan blowing bubbles. |
Matt had his birthday on Thursday, and we went out to eat at Zupas, which has yummy sandwiches, soups, and salads. It wasn't the most exciting birthday he's ever had, I don't think. When you have to work, you have to work, I guess.
My birthday was on Saturday. We hiked to the Timpanogos Caves in American Fork Canyon. The hike was only 1.5 miles to the caves, but it was steep. The caves themselves were fascinating and beautiful. I've been wanting to see them for years and finally did this year. Of course, not every member of the family was quite so enthusiastic. When we were done with the one hour cave tour, Reagan said, "I hated that. It was definitely not worth it!" Everyone else told her to keep it to herself. Then we hiked down, and it was very steep on the way back down, too.
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| My family on the hike |
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| My family |
Earlier that week I went to the doctor to get my knees looked at. They started hurting every time after I went running, and I wanted to get them checked out. My primary care physician referred me to an orthopedic doctor. I had x-rays done, and it turns out I have arthritis under my knee cap. He referred me to a physical therapist, but he told me that I could still run. However, I should listen to my pain. Well, Friday before my birthday I went running. My knees felt tired, but no worse than usual. Then on Saturday we went on the hike, which was by no means a stretch for me. However, by Sunday evening I was limping around my house in wretched pain. I've been in pain ever since. Apparently, by the time I got to the doctor, I was right on the verge of having my knees rebel. I'm glad I went when I did. I started physical therapy on Tuesday, and the therapist predicts that it may take me a couple of months to be walking normally. In six months I should be able to run again, but I don't think I will. There are lots of ways to exercise that don't involve risking my ability to walk.
It's been tough to find out I have arthritis right before my thirty-fourth birthday. I feel like I'm too young to have arthritis, but it's genetic, I guess. My grandma had both of her knees replaced. My doctor said that I was probably born with a misshaped knee cap, and it was bound to happen sooner or later. Still, it makes me feel old to be hobbling around, and now I'm kind of with Reagan: I don't know if that hike was worth it! No--in all seriousness, stuff happens. I'm going to get better, and I'm going to be able to walk like normal again. This whole experience is making me more grateful for the miracle that my body is. God made it with hundreds of working parts that function together to keep me alive and moving. I've always taken mobility for granted, and this blip is giving me more appreciation for my body and the many, many years of easy mobility with which I have been blessed and will be blessed. Just remind me of my gratitude when I'm frustrated and impatient with my inability to walk down four stairs normally. It's really hard to maintain a positive attitude sometimes, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Reagan started Kindergarten on Tuesday. She loved her first day of school! Daddy took her to and from school on the motorcycle, which was quite a treat. I'm glad she's adjusting well, and I look forward to all of her growth during the next year.
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| Reagan's first day of school |
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| Hanging out with Madelyn on the steps after school |
