The lull before the hurricane

Here's what's happening around these parts: Snow. Snow, snow, snow snow, snow. Snow. Seriously--there is an astounding amount of snow. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I have to invest in some real snow boots (I've been getting by with these "snow mocs"), and maybe even adult snow pants, to make it through the winter. Oh, the horror. As a west coaster, I really hate dressing appropriately for winter. But it's the thing to do around here, so bring on the knee-high snowmobile boots for grocery store runs and full-body puffer suits for walks to the mailbox.

Besides the fact that we're snowed in, all our activities are on hiatus until the new year. So basically we're sitting around waiting for Christmas. And waiting for Christmas is going to make Henry's head explode. He is so excited about it this year! We sing Christmas carols and play "Santa visits Henry's house" over and over again. I'm not sure he'll make it through the next two weeks without tearing through the drywall in a frenzy of frustrated anticipation. Ho ho ho indeed.

That's the fun stuff. Unfortunately, yesterday we got some bad (but expected)news: Henry has to have another eye surgery. It's been obvious since last spring that the strabismus is back. Or that it never really was cured--I'm not sure. It's nowhere near as bad as it was, but his eyes cross when he's focusing on something close to his face, and even when they look straight, his eyes aren't working together. The good news is that his vision is otherwise perfect, and the doctor says that since he's so young, there's still a chance that a second surgical correction could take well enough for him to start seeing stereoscopically.

Sigh. This surgery is going to be very traumatic for him, and us. He's already afraid of his ophthalmologist because of the eye tests he does, and he understands that going to the hospital isn't a fun thing to do. Last week he got a vaccination and I practically had to sit on him to keep him still for the needle, and he screamed a the top of his lungs throughout. So it's going to be very unpleasant and scary for him. I really wish I could believe that it will be worth it, but there's no guarantee the surgery will fix his vision. But I feel like we have to try. If it doesn't work this time, Henry can decide for himself when he's older about having further surgeries for cosmetic purposes. In the meantime, I just feel bad for my little guy.

Okay, I can't sign off on that gloomy note. Here are some pictures of Dexter to show how strong he's getting. The bouncy chair's days are numbered: