School Fun

Today was a pretty great day at school. To start of the morning, I got my grade for upper extremity orthotics, and its an A. This week we started upper extremity prosthetics, and this morning we had a below-elbow amputee come to our class. We each casted his residual limb (stump) and will each make him a complete prosthesis by next Monday morning. After we had each casted his arm, we took the mock prostheses that we had made for each other yesterday, and we went to see a upper extremity occupational therapist. There, we learned about the challenges faces by bilateral arm amputees. We then practiced a few basic tasks (i.e. changing a diaper on a stuffed bear, making a sandwich, buttoning a shirt, signing our name, etc.). It was really fun, and it helped us have a better understanding, and gain empathy for our future patients. Overall, I would say it was a great day.

Fathers, Grandfathers and Fun

I know, I know... I was supposed to blog on Sunday, and I know I promised to be better. I would like to blame my not doing this sooner on my final this last week, but I know I could have found the time. It has been a great 12 days since my last post, and a lot has happened. Last Saturday night, Emily's father came to visit us. Now, I say he came to visit us, but we all know who he came to visit... Himaya (thought I would spell it out for any slow readers). It is always great to have family visit, and it was particularly great to introduce Bob to his newest granddaughter. She had him wrapped around her tiny finger almost as fast as she had me. While here, we experienced the farmers market, one of the best BBQ places in the country (according to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grilling) and many other places. Bob taught us a fun card game, and though I won 2 of the 3 games, he won the last one "for all the glory".

Bob's timing couldn't have been better for Himaya. In the week preceding his arrival, Maya started sleeping 6-7 hours at a stretch (about freekin time), she also started to goo and ga a lot. There were still a few times when she was really unhappy, and required a lot of bouncing; so Bob made us take him to Toys R Us where he bought a swing to placate Himaya. So, I want to take the time to thank Bob for coming to visit, for the food, the advice and the swing.

Father's Day: I had experienced 25 Father's days before this year, but this one was really special (being my first as a father). Emily and Himaya got me a matching shirt and hat, identifying me as family property 24/7/365; they gave me a new wallet; and an apron. For those who don't know, I love to cook, so Em thought that would be a great thing to get me. I have always wanted to get to the "family man" part of life, and I have to say that it is better than I had ever thought it would be.

Other things going on around here: As mentioned earlier, I had some finals this week for upper-extremity orthotics (bracing). Rather than taking arm orthotics and prosthetic concurrently, we had 6 weeks of one class (24 class hours per week) and next week we start 6 weeks of arm prosthetics (same 24 hours per week). I have to say, I really liked upper-extremity orthotics... the different orthoses (braces) we made were fun and interesting; and Mike is a great teacher, which helps a lot. The first year here flew by so fast my head almost spun, and the first 6 weeks into my 2nd year only seem to be picking up speed. We will be closer to home again in no time. Speaking of "closer to home", Emily will be making an impromptu visit to Wyoming and Utah late Jul through early Aug, so hopefully you will get to see Himaya while she is there. Alright...Maya is finally asleep, so I am going to post this so we can both get some sleep. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope things are well with you and your families.

Branch

Toying Around

This last week has really made me feel old (not actually old, I know Im not old.....just go along with me here). My littlest brother, Regan, just began a 2 year mission on Wednesday when he went into the Missionary Training Center (MTC). Once he leaves there, he will be heading to Torreon, Mexico for about 22 months. I remember the day I went into the MTC (about 7 years ago... YIKES!), Regan came with me and he was only 12 years old. It's hard to believe time can fly by so fast sometimes. I wish I could have gone with him Wednesday. I will miss him, but I am proud of him, and I know he will be a better man for the experience. If you ever want to see how he is doing, read letters or see pictures; there is a link down and to the right to his mission web site.

Yesterday we were playing with Maya and noticed that her ability to grasp (and hold on to) objects has drastically improved. So we dug in her cupboard and pulled out a rattle for her. I had always thought that rattles must be the most boring stupid toy ever invented. However, I think I am more excited about it than Himaya is. She will shake it a little, but she isn't really into it yet. I know it's only a matter of time 'til she clocks herself in the head with it. We have been trying really hard to get a video of her sneezing, cause it's the cutest thing ever when she goes to sneeze, but doesn't at the last second.

I wish I had more to report this week, but since I just blogged the other day Im pretty much tapped out. Emily's Dad is coming next Saturday though, so I may have more for you next time. Until then, here's a video of the first rattle experience.

Cutie Pie

In the event you have not yet noticed, our little girl is a real cutie; undoubtedly the cutest kid I've ever seen... thought I guess I may be biased in my opinion. A few months back I had a conversation with some of my family and I told them my concerns regarding cute babies. Ever since a hilarious episode of Seinfeld, I have been afraid that we would have an ugly baby, but we wouldn't know it because we would be blinded by love. Even worse, I was afraid that nobody would tell us. My cousin Lynette, however, promised that she would tell us the truth... thanks Lynette. Not that it changes anything, but I am happy to say that Himaya is fully cute. We take a lot of pictures of her, but mostly with cell phone cameras since they are quickly handy. So with this week’s blog, I wanted to share some pictures we have taken on the fly. I would like to point out that I followed through with my promise to post... Yeah! I decided to change templates and reset the old hit counter today too. I hope you like it.

Chilling at Quiznos

In Deep Thought

Smiles

Maya Likes Tummy Time

'Ello Govner!

Turns Out Thumb Sucking Is Fun

Promises Promises...

I know it has been 16 days since my last blog... I have been reminded many times that I need to update. I will, I promise. I find that the #1 thing that holds me back is a lack of handy new pictures/video of Himaya. #2 on the list is my forgetful nature, followed closely by my being busy with school. I do have a mid-term on Thursday that I will be studying most of tomorrow for, but if I reach a comfort-feeling (as far as the test material goes) I will blog tomorrow. Otherwise I will do a better-than-average job of it on Thursday after I get home. Either way, I promise to get one out there. Hope to have you back to read up on new developments!

Branch