Smelling Roses

It amazes me, at times, how quickly the days slip away and a month goes by without feeling it could be possible. It compounds exponentially when my professional and personal life are both much busier than usual. This month has been one of those months, but it has been a good month as well. 

On October 3rd, Emma had an appointment with her eye doctor where we decided to proceed with surgery. She has been showing improvement from her patching treatment which is so encouraging, as it makes me feel that she has a good chance at gaining more ground with the surgery that is scheduled on November 6th.

Next was my birthday which I celebrated by taking the day off work and going to a pumpkin patch on a family farm with Emma. There was a petting zoo and hayride as well, and it made for a fantastic morning. While Emma wasn't big on petting the animals that day, she has finally started to touch Peter Pan during hippotherapy. She has continued to gain strength and improve her stamina with Peter Pan during this month. She had a week where sessions were cancelled due to weather, but still has become much more willing to touch the riding equipment and even began participating in the process of getting him ready for her therapy by helping brush him.

Pumpkin patch after the hay ride and petting zoo - about to pick our pumpkins

On the 10th, I went to Emma's first transition meeting for her to start school next February when she turns three. It is interesting to me that she will be going to the same elementary school I attended. In a way, the idea that there will be some familiarity, since I'm certain it will be hard for me emotionally to have her go, is reassuring.

That weekend, my niece turned three and we went to her birthday party. We also had a play date with a couple of other children with hydrocephalus from the support group. The next week was packed at work as we had our quarterly senior managers' meeting on Thursday followed by our annual charity shoot on Friday that I'm responsible for coordinating. It is one of my favorite parts of my job because it is in memory of my late Aunt Pam and I love seeing the veterans out shooting at the event where we raise funds for different military charities. Saturday was our company fish fry where everyone at the corporate office and their families gather at my grandparents farm. Then, on Sunday evening, Emma and I joined my parents at the Denton CASA's Evening of Elegance. 

Evening of Elegance - Emma was the most beautiful one there!

Needless to say, the month has flown by and I can't believe Halloween is just a few days away. This week, we have Emma's pre-op appointment, my grandfather's 80th birthday, and a cute bat costume to dress her up in. It is months like this one that I have to remember to take time to slow down, when I have the opportunity, to catch my breath so that the things that are normally on our schedule (therapies, doctor appointments, etc.) don't get overlooked or become overwhelming. I still have room for improvement when it comes to taking breaks and time out for myself, but I've kept up my weekly volleyball games and even managed to work in a manicure and pedicure this month to treat myself.

Today, we had a few errands to run (groceries and pharmacy) and laundry to do, but I made sure to keep the rest of our day more relaxed for my little munchkin and me. We watched some things on my DVR cause it was close to full and I was behind on F1, Top Gear, and The Voice. Emma really loves music and the cars so she doesn't seem to mind if they're on during play time or meal time.

On an episode of The Voice, I heard a line that inspired me: "It encourages me to dream with my eyes open." It reminded me how important it can be to take the time to smell the roses and recognize those in my life that encourage me to dream with my eyes open. I'm grateful I have people in my life that make me feel that way. Obviously, Emma is one of them, and the one that has had the most profound effect on me. But I wouldn't be who I am today without the support my family and friends. 

Next month, I plan to make sure they each hear from me how much I appreciate them and am grateful for their love and support. It is, after all, the month to be thankful.