I got up early on Monday, August 23rd, and sent an email to Theo's school informing them of our COVID exposure and our negative rapid test. Even though our rapid test were negative, they still needed a PCR test for Theo on "Day 6" (Tuesday) and if that was negative he could return to school on "Day 7" (Wednesday). I immediately called Theo's Pediatrician and had them set up a PCR test for him on Tuesday. Until he has a negative test we have to quarantine, which means Theo can't go to school or therapy. Bummer.
Do you know how hard it is to find diapers once your kid out grows baby diapers? It's very hard and very expensive. On the left side of the picture is a size 7 Kirkland diaper and the ones next to it are XS diapers (two different brands). See how big the jump is?! The next size up is HUGE! I asked a few of my Special Needs FB groups and it seems like this is a common problem.
Speaking of Special Needs, the Second Annual International Virtual VOGM Walkathon will be October 24th to October 31st this year. If you would like to join "People for Theo" click here!
Theo and I spent the rest of Monday and Tuesday in quarantine until it was time for us to head to Ottawa for Theo's PCR test.
This was Theo's fourth COVID test. It's not fun. He gets really upset every time, BUT I love when they do the drive-thru, so it's quick and we can get back on the road quickly (Theo loves to ride in the car).
Theo got the test at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 24th, and we were told it would be 24-48 hours before we got the results back. That night we played a few games on Theo's iPad for homework and then watched the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympic Games. It was beautiful!
I assumed that Theo would miss school on Wednesday, August 25th, too, so I called the bus driver to let her know. That morning we did more homework on my big iPad (Josh got it for me for my birthday). Theo loved it! And then we did some food play.
While Theo was down for his nap I went downstairs to run. Half way through my run I got a message from the clinic that said Theo's PCR test was negative! I hopped off my treadmill, ran up stairs, and called the school. They said he was cleared to come to school that day! YAY! I told them I would bring him (since I already told the bus driver he wasn't coming 🙊), but he could still ride home on the bus. Phew! We are all good here and Theo only had to miss two days of school.
[I kinda wish the Crumbl wasn't so close to my allergist]
[This is me 100%]
[Get ready Star Wars fans for 2022!]
Josh got new tires on his Jeep. He was very excited about them! He is also taking the Jeep in for a front end inspection next week. I have a feeling that is not going to be cheap 😬
One thing I loved about picking Theo up from school every day was that I could talk to his aid and find out how his day was. Since Theo is riding the bus I won't get my daily talks with Ms. Tammy. So, they've been sending these little daily reports home to us in his backpack. I love them!
Josh and I applied for Global Entry and the closest place to go for an interview is downtown Chicago. I scheduled my interview for 3:00 PM on Friday, August 27th. Half joking, I told Josh that I was just going to stay in Chicago for the night instead of driving back during rush hour. And he said I should! I also found out that one of my old college friends, Beth, was going to be in town and she could meet up for lunch on Saturday. I then decided to make a "Momcation" out of the weekend!
On Friday I packed up a small bag and headed to Chicago. My interview was quick and easy and when I finished my room at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Marriott was ready. I headed to the hotel, gave the valet my Traverse, and headed upstairs. My room had a great view of the river and the "rooftop" bar.
Since it was still early, I put on my walking shoes and headed to Millennium Park.
After my afternoon stroll, I went back to the hotel and ordered dinner from Fisk & Co. I got the lobster roll, Parmesan fries, a crab cake, and a slice of vanilla cheesecake.
Can't complain!
The next morning, August 28th, I slept in a bit and then headed to Corey's NYC Bagel Deli for a salmon bagel.
[Salmon, cream cheese, cucumbers, and tomatoes on a pretzel bagel]
After breakfast I went on a walk to Navy Pier. I hung out on the pier for a while and enjoyed the beautiful views while I waited for Beth to show up.
It was HOT outside, so I was happy when we decided to grab a burger inside at Harry Caray's. After our quick lunch (Beth had to get back to her conference) I decided to make the long walk Buckingham Fountain.
I decided that since I had already walked 7 miles that day I should treat myself to some Nutella gelato, but the line was way too long and it was too hot to wait outside.
Instead, I went back to my hotel room, took a long shower, read my book, and waited for it to cool down before venturing out again.
I saw that there was a Garrett Popcorn just two blocks from the hotel, so I went and got a small cheese! YUM!
At dinner time I headed to the Nutella cafe to get my gelato. There was still a line outside, but it wasn't too bad.
[Totally worth it!]
I then went back to the hotel and ordered ramen and potstickers from Ramen-San. It was the best ramen I have ever had!
Josh and Theo called me at night-night time, so I could say good night to Theo. He HATES it when I say "bye" if I'm on the phone. He cried every time. It's so strange. So this time I said "cheerio" instead and hung up. Josh sent me this picture immediately after I hung up. Apparently Theo still got upset 🤷♀️
While I was on my Momcation, Josh's family came to visit from Wisconsin. We decided to give them our Raptor, so Grammy Suzi, Joel, and Grandpa Joe drove down on Friday, stayed for the weekend, and then hauled the Raptor back to Wisconsin.
Josh said they had a fun weekend full of good food and good company!
On Sunday, August 29th, I got up and headed to Firecakes Donuts for a doughnut. While I was walking there it started POURING rain and I had to run from building to building for cover. I was successful in my doughnut quest and made it back to the hotel in one piece (a little wet though). After Josh's family hooked up the Raptor and headed to back to Wisconsin, Josh and Theo headed to Chicago to spend the afternoon with me in the city. Unfortunately, it rained on and off all day, so we didn't leave the hotel much (no worries, I got a late check out).
I was a little sad to get rid of the Raptor even though we knew we would never live in it again. We had a lot of great memories in that thing: Josh and I got engaged in the Raptor, we lived in two different states, we endured the Polar Vortex AND extreme heat, and we brought our son home from the hospital to the Raptor. I won't miss the lack of space, the mice, or the AC going out, BUT it was our first home and I won't forget it. I know Josh's family is very excited that we are passing it onto them and I'm sure they will take good care of it!
We lost 20 brave soldiers this week to an ISIS-K suicide bomber in Kabul. My heart hurts so badly and I want to thank them for their service ❤️❤️
