Peter's brush with the law

So yesterday was one of those crazy days - things going in every direction. As I mentioned Peter is finally at that height where he can reach up and pull things off tables. He was in the family room and reached up and pulled the phone down.... I was in the kitchen when John figured out the phone was off the hook. I found Peter and the phone - without think I just shut it off and put it away. We sat down for dinner and the phone started ringing, and ringing and ringing - no messages being left. Alexandra suggested we answer - but our rule is no phone calls during family dinner. After dinner John was playing with the boys, I slipped down to get some work done, Alexandra was cooking up a Peruvian dish for dinner tonight when the door bell rung. THE POLICE..... not our favorite 80's band - but rather a true officer of the law. I guess Peter had started off his call to China with 911. The phone calls during dinner was the dispatcher trying to ensure all was OK, since no answer she sent out the police. Oh how embarrassing! I knew something was wrong when I could hear Tommy and Jack getting on Peter's case with just that extra volume and glee like he'd been caught doing something wrong. I came up to make sure all was OK as John was saying goodnight to the good man in blue. Jack and Tommy loudly saying "Peter! you called the police!!!". Peter not understanding a word but enjoying the attention. Fortunately we didn't get in trouble for false reporting or anything. Mental note - keep the phones away from Peter. One of our kids was bound to dial 911 some time..... never thought it would be Peter. Good night - HUGS

Peter... from Baby Bear to Bear Walker

I have been out of touch a bit because the last several weeks have been crazy! Shortly after coming back from Peru I was recruited into a new position at UHC.  It is the spot I wanted to land in three years ago - so a dream come true. I am totally excited!! It is no doubt a huge challenge and phenomenal opportunity. I truly believe God knew I couldn't have taken it on two or three years ago.... but here we are now.... and I am so excited. I completed 99% of my transition work last week - which in itself was emotionally draining - to leave behind people that have helped you grow and become part of your life. But, this is life I guess. So now, on to the new challenges, opportunities and joys. Please keep me in your prayers as I move into this. 

And speaking of challenges and joys - Peter has graduated from "Baby Bear" to "Bear Walker"!! I had mentioned to you that when we had Peter's PT session at The Children's Hospital in Denver - Pat Winders had told us to start working on developing walking skills. Well, late January the special walker we wanted for Peter arrived. Peter took to walking like a duck to water. So if you put your hands under his arm pits or sometimes hold his hands close to his torso he will take steps.... and can walk all around the house. You can tell the concept has clicked and he wants to do it. In addition from one day to the next he mastered the concept of turning and pushing to go down the stairs. We thought he'd never get it - and all of a sudden he just did it. So now he is mobile through all three floors of the house..... nothing is safe! Especially now that he is getting a bit taller and can reach up and pull things off of tables. We have to remember to stop clapping at all that he does because soon he will be a tornado on the loose. 

Anyway - Peter and the walker. It goes a bit fast for him and he tends to just plop. So Tommy came up with the best solution - he sits in the walker and lets Peter take him for walks..... which generally means walking straight until you hit the wall, hit the wall, hit the wall, and hit the wall if you get my drift. Here are the boys! One day he'll learn to turn the thing and then Tommy better hold on tight because I can see this becoming a wild ride some day. 

And then there is Peter's graduation to Bear Walker. As you know Peter has been master of the army crawl for about a year now. I think in his effort to figure out how to actually walk he has figured out the bear walk. So he stretches all his limbs and crawls down the hall like a bear. It is so cool to watch. Then he will push as if wanting to stand - but since he doesn't straighten up his body he just sort of keeps going and lands on this bottom. A couple of times he's pulled up to stand on furniture or the wall and will then let go as if trying to balance himself. Lasts but a split second - but hey! he's trying. His balance isn't great yet - but I think the fact he has the concept and is trying is truly amazingly phenomenal!!! Here's Bear Walker. 

That is about it from this corner of the world right now. 

Love to all, 

catherine

Peru pictures... finally!

About 2am and we are leaving the airport. Our flight to Lima was delayed and we are tired!

Good morning Lima!!

Monday we slept in and then went out walking through Miraflores for over 5 hours....it was great to see all my old spots. 

...and new spots - here is Peter at Starbucks with my mom! He can play with a green straw for hours!!

Outside my old school - San Silvestre. It's changed from the big old wooden doors I used to walk through. I hope next time I can go inside and find those spots with so many fond memories. 

Tuesday we loaded up and headed down to the beach house in the afternoon.....

Introducing Peter to the Pacific Ocean..... I forgot how loud it is for someone seeing it for the first time. I was like music to my ears that washed every last ounce of stress away. I even slept with the window open - so that I could fall asleep to it and wake up to it. I didn't realize just how much I missed the crashing waves. 

  

Wednesday morning was beautiful!! You can see it islands right off the coast that look like a stone whale.

... had breakfast with Grandaddy and then headed down for the morning at the beach

 

Then we headed down to the hot spot of "Asia" beach so that I could have my most yummy chicken in the world at the "Granja Azul"

We got home late to just enjoyed cheese, crackers and a glass of wine while watching the night waves roll in

Thursday we enjoyed our last day at the beach.... Peter enjoyed digging the sand and putting shells in and out of the tub.  Then we headed back to Lima where I got together with some friends. 

     

Friday.... Granny's big birthday!! We started off with lunch at Punta y Sal restaurant - oh yummy yummy cebiche. 

  

The birthday party at the Phoenix club! Granny looked great - she was serenaded by Mariachis that she loves - but of course having Peter there was the best gift...

  

Saturday we did my tourist shopping - the enjoyed another of my favorite dishes for dinner - anticuchos with an Inca Kola, with picarones for dessert.

  

The we took a bus tour of down town Lima at night, and visited the biggest water fountain park in the world....

  

  

 Sunday did a bit more shopping before catching the midnight flight back to Colorado Springs

Good night Lima......  good morning Colorado!!

Catching up with January

Where did the last 3 weeks go?? My goodness.... unbelievable that Peter and I got home three weeks ago this upcoming Monday. Things have been non-stop go since then!! And suffice to say the proof is in the laundry. If I don't do at least a load a day I am messed up - and I have not done a load a day.... so right now I am battling Mt. of Dirty Clothes!!

So to catch up for January.....

a) PERU - I miss it so much!! The food, my friends, my parents, the beach, the sound of the ocean, the warmth....home! Peter and I both had a great time and really could have used a few more days there. My last day there - the day of my planned launch off the side of a cliff attached to a parachute did not happen, there was no wind. So we shall save that for next time.  I am going to attach photos tonight even if I am up till midnight!

b) Michael's birthday - our man is double digits of one - I can't believe he is 11, and to me a spitting image of John in every way. I was glad to be home to celebrate, even if still worn out from the trip. Michael picked Carraba's for dinner - a family favorite. Of course, we left with a collection of pizza dough creatures. 

c) Ice Fishing - the weekend of MLK, John went on his annual ice fishing trip to the Gunnison area. John has been doing this pretty much since we moved to Colorado - but this was the first year Michael went with him. They headed out on Friday afternoon and fished Saturday and Sunday. While John was skunked (did NOT catch a thing!) Michael was more successful actually catching the biggest fish one day - way to go Michael!! They did stay up an extra day this year, and on Monday went skiing - first time for the season. I think Michael came back with a bruised behind, but enjoyed every minute of his weekend with John. 

I stayed in the Springs with Alexandra, Jack, Tommy and Peter. They were wonderful. My relax came when I met my friend Anne for Starbucks and we spent hours walking through the shops checking out all the sale items.... it was glorious!! The kids and I worked on some projects around this house, had too many trips to Wal-Mart, but ended the weekend with a fun afternoon at the zoo.... it was HOT!!

d) Michael - basketball season has started. Michael really enjoys the sport and it really gives him an opportunity to bond with some of his classmates. The first game was even attended by three of the girls as impromptu cheerleaders..... the boys won't admit it, but I think they liked the attention. 

Aside from that, we have been running around like crazy. Work is hectic, school is hectic, and schedules are hectic. Last night we enjoyed dinner with a family who received a pre-natal diagnosis - just like we did with Peter. I think we've made new friends! I really enjoyed their company, and looking forward to meeting their little girl when she comes into the world about a month or so from now. Tomorrow I start back up with the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association - and back into figuring out how to improve the opportunities for our kids. Our "Fostering Hope" group from church just got a new family to support - so I must brush off my casserole recipes and start mass producing meals again. I hope they enjoy them as much as the last family did. So, I can see 2009 will continue to fly into full swing. This being Alexandra's last year at Corpus Christi also presents new experiences for us. 

I hear the dryer beeping.... another load should be ready! I am going to cut this off for now and attach pictures shortly. 

God bless, 

Catherine

ps. My friends in Peru talked me into Facebook....so if you are out there look me up! I could always use a new friend!!  John is also out there - in case you prefer to be his friend :-) 

Quickie update

I have been completely delinquent - so much for regular updates huh??!! I've just been having way too much fun in Peru - and Peter is the most amazing kid ever! He has just rolled with it like a pro, and is obviously having a great time. I have close to 500 pictures taken, so I do need to weed them out and post a bunch. Peter and I leave around midnight tomorrow to head back to Colorado, and will get there mid day Monday. I promise to post a full update and pictures once I get settled in. Quick synopsis of the trip -
Monday - walked the district of Miraflores within Lima and enjoyed a relaxing evening at home
Tuesday - slept in! we were tired!! then headed down to "Pulpos" where my parents have a beach house. We enjoyed a little time by the water, and then a dinner on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Late that night my Uncle Peter arrived from England to enjoy the summer here.
Wednesday - enjoyed the beach in the morning - took my first dip in the Pacific Ocean and tried body surfing again! Tumbled in the waves and enjoyed the sand between my toes. Then headed down to "Asia" beach where there is an incredible little shopping/dining area - and had my favorite chicken in the world at the Granja Azul restaurant. Got home late, so had wine with cheese and crackers as we watched the waves break.
Thursday - came back to Lima and had a wonderful evening with some of my old friends from school - San Silvestre - British girl's school I attended. I swear my friends never age because they look like they did when we graduated twenty years ago!
Friday - yes, I'm spoiled.... manicure and pedicure day! Amazing "cebiche" lunch at a fish restaurant. Then helping get things taken care of for my mom's special party. In the evening we had the party at the local "Phoenix Club" and it was fabulous! I saw people I hadn't seen in 20 years. My mother was the belle of the ball, followed closely by Peter who was the special guest of honor. These wonderful folks have prayed and hoped for Peter's good health - and seeing him brought so much joy to them. My Tia Janet (Aunt Janet) was even on the floor chasing after people as he crawled around. It could not have gone better!
Saturday (today) - had another gorgeous run along the beach.... oh it was beautiful!! Then we visited with Nilda - my mother's reflexologist who had a young daughter with DS. She was the pillar of strength my mother needed here after our pre-natal diagnosis and the health challenges after Peter's birth. Unfortunately her daughter died unexpectedly from an infection - so holding Peter was bitter-sweet for her. Peter took to her instantly and gave her the hug she needed. Fit in a little shopping and more great food!! Including one of my favorite desserts - "picarones". A deep fried donut made of squash and sweet potato batter and drizzled with a peruvian syrup made from crushed brown sugar cane. Yummy!! Then we took an almost 4 hour bus tour of historic Lima and a local park with amazing water fountains.

Tomorrow we have a lot of little things to do - a little shopping, washing and packing - but, if the weather is good hope to go para-gliding right off the cliff in front of my parents apartment. A bit scared of jumping off a cliff - but hoping the weather will be right to do so.

Anyway - there is a quickie update. Can't wait to share the pics with you and more details on Peter's experiences. I just have to say - Peter is the perfect traveller!!

Love -
catherine

We are in Peru!

Yesterday was a very long day! We got up early, early, early to leave the house at 5 something a.m. There was about 4 inches of snow - so I was afraid our flight would be delayed. John took Peter and I down to the airport. Our flight was not delayed, but we spent about 45 minutes in line on the runway waiting to be de-iced. We had a long lay over in Houston, so was not worried. We made up time and landed in Houston at about 11:30 am local time. We strolled around, ate lunch, and strolled some more. Our much anticipated flight to Lima ended up being delayed, and delayed again, and then again. I was trying to keep Peter awake until we boarded, but he passed out in his stroller. We finally took off about 2 hours late. They made up a bit of time on the flight down, but we were still late. Peter was the perfect passenger! We sat in a row on our own and he was easily entertained. We walked the aisle a few times for a break, and he slobbered all over the TV screen in the seat in front of us. I was exhausted, but Peter really was an angel. When we landed I loaded him up in the stroller and headed to battle the line of immigrations. Next thing I knew I was getting whisked down a fast lane by the people who would no doubt be in line for hours. I got checked out , stamped, suitcase and was not even selected for customs check. We were out in no time at all, and at my parents place little before 3am. The door was decorated, the apartment perfect - with priceless views of Lima and the Pacific Ocean at night. And I got to settle in eating a "mousy mousy". When my brother Roger and I were kids, my parents would take us to a local bakery. Roger and I would always pick the pastries that were decorated to look like little mice, and we thus dubbed the bakery "The Mousy Mousy Place".

Yesterday Peter and I slept in. We much needed it. In about 20 minutes Peter warmed up to the new setting and set off to explore the home. Nothing is safe! But he has been gentle with Silver the cat. After lunch I decided I wanted to walk Miraflores - the district of Lima I grew up in. We loaded Peter up in the stroller as my dad and I headed out. We walked along the coast, through shopping sections, parks, and finally to the meeting location with my mom - Starbucks! :-) We had a drink, got a little groceries and then headed out for the last leg of our trip. We walked through my old neighboorhood and I saw homes of old friends, the park I learned to climb tress in and my old home. We then walked a few blocks to my old school which we walked around. Hard to believe it has been over 20 years since I would put on the ugliest school uniform in the world and walk to that same school and through those same gates. That was my home for 12 years - so many memories, wonderful friends, quirky teachers and moments that make up who I am today. We finally made it back to the apartment after 7pm and settled down for more amazing views of the ocean, the sound of the breeze and the sea salt in the air. Truly magical!

Last night was a late night as Peter is on an eating strike, and decided to get a second wind late at night. Finally we shut all the lights off and he got the hint. This morning I decided to go out for a little walk/run.... it turned into almost an hour and a half of exilirating exercise. I ran along the top cliffs of Lima, then down these very long stairs to the beach area and then I ran for what seemed like miles. I ran on the beach, past some old favorite restaurants, watching the surfers head out to catch some waves, and the whole time breathing in the ocean breeze. Then it was time to climb what seemed like a mile of stairs back up - that was a challenge. By then I was a few miles away from my parents place. After catching my breath ran the whole way back. I was red and sweaty and felt GREAT! It is so nice to have so much oxygen and the difference in energy levels is amazing.

Sorry no pics yet - need to dig out some cords from my dad to attach the camara. We are headed out for a couple of days at the beach house - so it will likely be Thursday before I get the pictures all posted. Thursday night I'm having dinner with some old class mates, Friday night is my mother's birthday soiree at a club, and then the weekend before I head home.

Better run so that we can get on the road -

love you all!!
catherine