Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Holiday Book Drive

Scott and I feel like we have been the recipients of so much kindness and generosity during the last few years and we have been trying to think of something we could do to "give back" this Christmas.  We decided we'd like to deliver some holiday books to the kids at the hospital where Nate spent four months as a toddler.  Then we thought, why not give the rest of you a chance to donate a book or two so that all the kids there will be able to get a book?  So, we're starting a holiday book drive!
 
 
We never had to spend Christmas at the hospital, but we did spend a couple of other holidays there and those were particularly hard days.  These children in the hospital are going through so much and their families' lives have been turned completely upside down.  Many of them don't know if their kids are going to live or die.  Imagine being stuck in the hospital during the holiday season when everyone in the "outside world" is enjoying lights and parties and picking out a tree and all of the other wonderful things that come with the holiday season.  Sounds pretty crushing to me.
 

We were given a few nice gifts from random donors while Nate was in the hospital and I can say honestly that they made a difference in the hospital experience for us.  So, I want to make sure every kid at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center can get a book from us this year to make their Christmas a tiny bit brighter.
 
I'll be accepting donation of new holiday books until December 1st.  They can be for any age from 1-12, although they tend to have more toddler and young school children admitted.  I'm focusing on mostly Christmas books, but it would be nice to have some "wintery" books too, if there are children who don't celebrate Christmas.
 
You can give books to me anytime before December 1st.  Or, if you prefer, you can order online and have them shipped to me.  Email me at smardypantsnate@gmail.com to get the address.
 
If we get enough books, which I hope we will, I'd like to take some to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital as well.  Happy Book Shopping!

Friday, November 1, 2013

ON PRESCHOOL - Tiny Tots, Friend or Foe

Well, a lot of things have happened since the last time we last chatted.  The biggest is Nathaniel started school.  That's right, we're hoping the age-old childhood temptation to eat glue will get Nate to start eating again.  We weren't really sure how it would go but knew we needed to get Nate more out in the world. 


Thankfully, he loves going to Tiny Tots for the most part.  He loves to feed the pet turtle, ride his wheelchair in a circle with the kids on their bikes, participate in Zoophonics (which is a thing apparently) and provide a useful podium for kids to rest on during circle time.  His vent is the perfect height for a weary child to rest on whilst sitting.


He's had a little bit of a hard time with school lately though.  He got a cold about 3 weeks ago and that means weeks of no sleep for any of us, which dramatically affects his mood and desire to leave the house. 

Snack time has been a good opportunity for Nate to feel enough social pressure to try foods.  He gets the snacks everyone else does and will try them frequently....then spit them out.  Well, Nate's version of spitting which is opening his mouth and hoping the food will hop out or the stream of drool will carry the crumbs out. 

Since school has started he has been much more talkative, imaginative and outgoing.  We're happy we have such a great preschool so close to us.

From your friendly neighborhood Nate:



You'll have to speak up, I'm on my car phone.