Our Life in a Nutshell

Last night Chris and my sister were making fun of me for "losing" me for a span of about 2 hours while I got caught up on my blog reading (and I didn't even get to finish!). I was trying to read as fast as I could to get it all in. These days, that's how I feel with everything...rushing to stay afloat with all of the things that I am trying to get done in a day. They're not important to list, but it's the way life goes I guess. I think once we finally move permanently, things will start to feel a little less overwhelming (at least I'll have my own computer back so updating the blog doesn't feel like a chore!).

Anyway, these are some tidbits of our life...

I received a phone call and an email from Shoprite regarding my experience where I overheard one of the workers using the R word. The woman who called left a message that was several minutes long where she apologized for my experience. She said that it was not the way she wanted her employees to portray their business and since Shoprite was owned by different companies, she was forwarding my email on to the company of the store that I visited. A few days later, I received an email from the customer service department of that company. Here are a few excerpts...

"We were very concerned to read about the associate conversation you overhead while shopping. Please accept our deepest apologies. Such remarks are insensitive and unacceptable and we want to assure you that they do not reflect the values of the store or the ShopRite/Wakefern organization."

"As you suggested, we will strive to use your experience as a training tool to help our associates have a better understanding of the impact of their words and actions on customers and their fellow associates."


"We know how difficult it was for you to share your experience with us, Mrs. Tobin. It’s our hope that your feedback will serve as lesson for all of our associates to strive to treat customers and each other with caring and respect."

I was happy they took the time to respond to my email but I also hope they are true to their words and will use my experience as an educational tool for their employees.

Colin's pediatrician called the other day and informed us that Colin's blood work results showed an increase in the thyroid enzymes circulating in the blood. This is common in children with Down Syndrome, so she is referring us to a pediatric endocrinologist so that they can check his thyroid and determine if medication is needed at this time. She said that the enzymes shouldn't be above a 5, but Colin's were a 6. We'll check it out and go from there.

Colin continues to work hard with physical therapy. We are happy because he is finally starting to bear some weight on his legs either holding on to the seat of the couch, the back of the couch, and most especially, where he can "pull up" on something where he can grip better. I say "pull up" lightly because he is starting to make some effort, but with assistance.



I have now run in two 5 mile races over the past 2 weeks and have accomplished some big goals (Colin is such a great motivation!). The 1st race I ran with our friend Simon and was able to run under 8 minute miles for a personal best in many years. Colin and Chris were such great supporters!

Yesterday, I ran the 2nd race with Simon, my brother Pat, sister Kim, and Dad. If you remember from last year, my goal was to be able to finish the race after having had Colin 2 months prior. This year, I wanted to run WITH Colin and still be competitive.

I was happy with myself because while my time wasn't as fast as it was the week prior, I accomplished a large goal by running with Colin. I'm so lucky to have such a supportive husband...he tells me how proud he is of me and it makes me feel like a million bucks! Chris, my mom and Leslie were great cheerleaders!

Yesterday was the official start of our summer!! These are the days where we spend most of them on the beach...there is such a different feel about summer for me than any other time of year. Despite everything else going on in my life, I can relax at the beach! Colin was ready to go up for the 1st time in his wagon...

He is really enjoying the sand and the sun (and as always, laughing with Daddy!)!

This warm weather makes for one sleepy baby!We are trying to enjoy as much family time as possible...that makes anything better!