Personal time off...

We took some time off this week to remember Rowan and  recharge.  Mostly we just puttered around the house.  And it was good.

Wednesday and Thursday we took care of some personal business, most importantly we started a fund in our local community foundation to honor Rowan.  Our plans are to make distributions from this fund in her name, to benefit organizations that made such an important impact on her life and ours -  remember all the therapists, and support groups?  All those groups are non-profit organizations.  It feels so good to do this in her memory.  Perhaps I am idealistic, but it would be such an honor to help another family in the same fashion that we received assistance.

Other not so rewarding items on list last week: vet appointments,  dental work, chiropractor, updating our wills, cleaning off my desk and preparing for taxes.  All good to get done, but not as fun as lying on a beach somewhere with a margarita in hand. We did do some fun things - quilting (Colleen), computers (Bryan worked on our home network - its quite complex), the family museum, and a trip to the library. 

We also worked on the dog-cat situation. It is much improved.  Rukia is mostly curious, and Jezebel is just plain unfriendly -  not surprising for a 14 year old cat. Each day, Jezebel comes out more and more, and now she is back to napping in all her favorite spots.  Rukia is settling in nicely.  She has some puppy habits, and a terminal case of playing fetch. Her vet chuckled when I described to her that she is obsessed with playing catch, and she said "That would be the Retriever in her."    If you have five or six hours to spare, she'd love to play with you.  Today she dug some bark - landscaping bark that is - out of a plant and chewed on it until I took it away.  Did I mention she likes to chew, too? We have a large supply of chewies, kongs and other indestructible chew toys. 

Laurel went to school Tuesday to Thursday, as she normally would, and she really likes it there.  They take great care of her and she is excelling at everything she attempts.  They've been working on tracing letters and sounding out words - a good start on reading.  She learns by doing, audio directions are not enough.  I enjoy listening to the politics of the three-year-old classroom.  Its enlightening.




 Finally, our sincerest thanks to all who remembered Rowan,  this week. We received lots of cards, calls, emails, and facebook messages.  I know that there are many out there who were just thinking of us and remembering Rowan.  Thank you.

Remembering Rowan

Beloved Rowan Margaret,

Its been 2 years since you gained your wings. Oh, how we miss you.

Thank you for the many, many wonderful memories. Those happy times carry us through the days. 

I remember the vacations we packed you up, and all your gear, and you happily let us drag you around. You were just happy to be with us. To the cottage, to see Grandpa in Virginia, and Grammy in Pennsylvania. Aunt Connie's house (our first big excursion with you). Cincinnati.   All happy times.

I remember the way your feet and hands were perpetually in motion when you were excited.

I remember the happy songs you sang to yourself in the wee hours of the night.

I remember how your watched your baby sister with curiosity and fondness.

I remember how your could get your Daddy to dance to any song with you.  Especially ABBA.

I remember all the crazy therapy sessions we had, and how you patiently let us roll you around, spin you, prop you.  You never liked doing it, and rarely complained.

I remember bathtime.  And how much you loved it, my little taco.

I remember the secret life you had at school.  The best eater in the class?  Hello?  Rowan Sibthorp?

I remember swinging on the swingset. Going higher and higher.  The wind in your hair. It was exhilarating.

I remember the endless photos sessions.  You let me take hundreds of photos of you without a complaint.


I remember how you would reward me for my hard work with an appreciative smile, touch or coo.

I remember you smile, your eyes, your hair, your hands, feet.  Everything.
 I will never forget any of it.

Meet Rukia...

Meet Rukia.

She's new to our household. She's an 11 month old lab/golden retriever mix. And boy, does she like to retrieve. Tennis balls and tree limbs. Right now she weights in a 63 lbs, but Bryan thinks she's got another 20lbs. to gain before she's full grown. Its hard to tell. She is very strong.

But she's very sweet. And loving.

She's almost housebroken. She thinks she can fit on your lap. Likes to give kisses. Barks at every new noise, and they are all new to her right now. But she likes to cuddle. This morning, while Laurel was playing in her doll house, she laid her head across Laurel's lap. Did I mention she thinks she's a lap dog?

She loves snow, and sticks. And right now we have lots in our yard. But she chews her collar some still and I'm not sure how much training she's received so far. But she's very motivated for food. Which is good for us right now.

I'll keep you posted on how she does with Jezebel, our 14 year-old-queen-of-the-house, cat. They are still getting to know each other. But Rukia has lived with a cat before, and Jez lived with Molly. But Jezebel just barely tolerated Miss Molly. We'll see how she feels about a not quite-an-adult new dog.

Its been a rough week overall for the Sibthorps. We ALL had the stomach flu, at some point, since last Saturday. Laurel bounced back the quickest, and I was forced to "deal with it" fairly quickly because of work deadlines. But it lingered for Bryan. I think we are all finally feeling better now. But for how long...its a serious drawback to re-develop your immune system when your child goes to preschool.

Don't get me wrong, we love her preschool.  This week she started learning to write her letters.  It seems early to me, but it stuck.  She got it.  I guess she's ready.

Until I post again, here's some photos from Christmas & January (thus far).