Lynn and I are spending eight days getting to know our month-old grandson Theo. Who knew that the eat-sleep-poop routine could be so fun! Becca and Mike are managing impressively. As Lynn observed, "They support each other really well. They’re great parents." Despite the interrupted sleep cycle, Becca and Mike seem to be very much their regular selves. Ah, to be young! 

Lynn has enjoyed cradling Theo, and her tender side comes out when he cries and needs comforting. If he needs care beyond rocking, she hands him over. Between us, we’ve been able to give Becca and Mike some breaks. And I can tell from how much they get done in their “time off” that they’ve been going over their to-do lists in their heads as they sit and rock Theo. Lynn and I have been trying on a variety of grandparent names and have landed on Pappi (pronounced Pah-Pee) and Nana. I think these will stick, but check back with us in a month.

After four-and-a-half years of bouncing back from her brain injury, Lynn has plateaued. Since last fall, there have been no big changes or ups or downs. When asked about what she wants, she still says she wants to get better. At the same time, she is not motivated to work toward becoming more capable or self-reliant. Nevertheless, she still walks her ¾-mile neighborhood loop, works out at the gym twice a week, and does everything she’s asked without resisting or complaining. And thanks to modern drugs that can target cancer cells, Lynn’s cancer, which re-appeared last April after five clear years, is in remission.

Beyond meeting Theo, the trip is a bit of an experiment—is travel still a possibility for us? If the destinations are low-key, multi-day visits rather than sightseeing adventures, the answer is yes. Hanging out in one spot and doing an uncomplicated outing or two makes for the perfect day. Helping watch Theo is just our speed.

The return of the warmer weather and longer days has lifted my spirits, and I think Lynn’s outlook, engagement, and activity level will be seeing a boost as well. See you ‘round the ‘hood!