Improvement

Ryan's recovery from his surgery is going much better. We talk openly about what the doctors did, why they did it, and how it's helping him. He tells me he can hear so much better: "I can even hear myself!"

His speech is improving, too. He can hear words better, and therefore, he can pronounce them better. Ryan is also happily coming home from preschool to sing the latest song they've learned. Now I can understand the words much better. It's wonderful!

It's also quieter in his room at night. When he slept before the surgery, he would snore loud enough to be heard two rooms away. Now he's so quiet! It's taken some time to get used to. Before, I never worried about waking him because I knew he couldn't hear me for the snoring. Now he's so quiet, I instantly think he's awake.

The result of sleeping quietly means he's happier during the day, has fewer meltdowns, and can manage a little bit later bedtime.

This is all such a relief. Of course, there's still a chance that the fluid build-up will return within his ears and we'll have to reconsider tubes. But right now, we're thrilled with the results we're seeing.

Guppy Bowl

Brendan attended his first and only swim meet of the winter, the 8 & Under Guppy Bowl in Lake Orion. Ken and I thought it would be a good introductory meet to USA Swimming, which is far different than the summer league he's accustomed to.

We were all in for surprises! The first was having Brendan whisked away by the coaches and being reminded that parents are often not welcome on the pool deck. We hadn't prepared Brendan for any of this, so he was uncertain at first. Next was the coach's insistence that Brendan wear a cap. Neither of us has forced this issue, primarily because Brendan is a boy and he has such a sensitive head. Why introduce a battle with the cap. Still, Brendan went along with the coach, and though he reported not liking it, he wore it for every race.

Brendan swam the 25 free, back and breast. Unfortunately, he had been sick the entire week leading up to the meet. He still swam well, with a best time in the 25 free and matching his best in the back. The breaststroke race was his debut, and he was promptly DQ'd for bringing his arms too far back. That said, his time was good and he has a good learning experience under his belt, er, suit.

The team had a no-show, so Brendan was asked to swim the free relay. I'm glad he did, but as a family, that meant sitting in the stands another 90 minutes or so before he swam. Thankfully, Kelsey and Ryan were incredibly good. They are getting the hang of this wait-around-while-brother-does-his-thing.

Brendan really does enjoy swimming, which is good because after spending 6 hours at the pool for small age-group meet, I'm beginning to wonder what we're thinking.