2018 has been something of a roller coaster ride.
The disruptions began in January when we renovated the master bathroom. Sawing, sanding, and tiling took its toll on us. Not to mention, the piles of construction materials in the garage, sawhorses, and tools scattered about.
Little Frankie stood and took his first tentative steps.
Then in February, my wife uttered another surprise. “My boobs hurt. I think I’m pregnant.”
By March, we were ready to tackle the guest bath. Back to the aura of pandemonium that comes with construction.
My wife mentioned the problems of renovating the kitchen with two children. Better to get it done before number two arrives. We spent April and May planning yet another project. Kitchens are much more difficult than bathrooms. Cabinets are unforgiving if you’ve measured something…anything incorrectly. Also, these were the months for doctor visits and ultrasounds; which of course, meant many trips to Boise.
Frankie was walking, but only on level surfaces. We took him to the park where he learned about different surfaces.
Also in May, I feel as if I’ve worked the manuscript for my fantasy novel as far as I can.
Throughout the year, I dedicated as much time as possible talking to mom. I was getting news second-hand and worrying.
On June 1st, the old cabinets were torn out. Of course the contents of those cabinets were in boxes around the house. You’d be amazed about how much foodstuff and gadgets are in your kitchen. There is nothing more disruptive to your home life than kitchen construction. Yes, the project spilled into July. Therefore, for almost two months, we stepped over and around boxes, ate frozen food or take out.
For the rest of July we set up the new kitchen, and emptied the contents of all those boxes into the new cabinets. I enjoyed cooking my first meal in a functional kitchen. Naturally, I started off with two of our favorites, chicken cutlet parmigiana with penne alla vodka, and Costeletta di maiale picante (pork medallions with hot cherry peppers).
During the first week of August, the news that I had been dreading came. Mom passed away. I’m not going to dwell upon this subject.
Off to New York City with Frankie and a very pregnant Ruth. She was carrying low and large. Most people didn’t believe her due date was two months away, because she looked like she was ready to pop.
In the final weeks of August, I submitted a short story “Road Kill” for a horror anthology.
Mixed emotions ruled for the rest of the year stating with the birth of Patrick Hunter in September. Joy intermingled with despair and regret. I will never see mom holding him. Little Patrick was born three-and-a-half weeks early and weighed only five pounds three ounces.
By October, I sent my novel out to beta readers. I’m still editing according to their feedback, and the reading out loud process has begun. My short story “Road Kill” was published for the Halloween release of Dark Visions. The anthology has garnered some enthusiastic reviews.
Little Patrick is gaining weight at a proper pace.
November is for #NaNoWriMo. With a new baby, I knew I couldn’t partake in the festivities. Although I wished my fellow wordsmiths luck on their journey. I did manage some editing and rewriting of Book II.
On Christmas Eve, Patrick gave me a smile.
Now December is almost gone, along with 2018. We celebrated Christmas as a family. Frankie understands the concept of opening a gift. As usual, I purchased three presents for my wife; something practical, something goofy, and one romantic gift.
I can’t help but reflect upon past holidays. The clamor of twenty to thirty people at mom’s for two days of festivities. Like ghosts, the voices of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends refuse to grow dim over time. With so many others gone, I cling tight to my wife and children.
Christmas is not about the food, or presents; stay focused on the company you keep.
Every Time You Reply – Little Frankie Doesn’t Cry 🙂
Normally baptisms are done around the three months after birth. However, that meant subjecting family to holiday air fare rates and the possibility of driving to the Boise Airport in a blizzard. Therefore, we waited for Spring to approach and noticed that St. Patrick’s Day came into play.
Let the March Madness continue. Little Frankie celebrated his second birthday. We had a pizza party with cupcakes, and of course, plenty of presents. Instead of doing this at home, we reserved a party room at an indoor playground.
Little Frankie was quite “tuckered out” by evening. Who wouldn’t be?
