Alesia got her first bicycle today. Even though her birthday is not until Saturday, I wanted Bruce to go buy it - I had no childcare arranged for today so he was going to have her all day anyway. He was very careful, talked to the guys in the little shop in Tucker, adjusted the seat personally, went over safety stuff with her, etc. etc. He reminds me a lot of Papa Hasty [my maternal grandfather]. He got her a really nice BMX bike [used, but looks new] for about $150, which was a great deal. Plus he got a state of the art helmet. I reimbursed him, of course.
He gave Alesia several pairs of earrings for her birthday. She now has a nice collection of earrings.
He then personally jogged along by her for her first few rides this afternoon. He said he sweated through 2 sets of gym clothes. I told him next time he can bring his own bike and ride with her. He loves the sport.
Alesia’s thin little legs have no musculature. I watched her ride tonight when we got home, and she couldn’t make it up even a small hill without getting off the bike. I tried to explain how she will need to build up muscles to ride the bike. I am sure she will do it. It’s so good for her to be outside, getting some exercise.
Mom told me tonight when I was visiting her that she is going crazy and is ready to leave, NOW. I reiterated our agreement about her having certain basic functioning abilities before she can come home. She agreed to give me a few days to get everything arranged.
Ironically, I had just gotten childcare squared away for next week. I assumed Mom wouldn’t be coming home anytime soon, since she was so sick the other day. I guess I shouldn’t have assumed anything.
I am hoping the babysitters will agree to be there if Mom needs them, too. I don’t want Alesia alone with Mom until Mom is better recovered – right now she’s on too much pain medication to be responsible. I also can’t pay 2 people, 1 watching Mom, 1 watching Alesia. Mom said she can handle bathroom functions on her own, but I am doubtful of that. We shall see. Maybe if she knows she won’t get help there, it will motivate her to try harder.
I sort of hate the thought of Mom going home before Alesia’s birthday, because it will complicate things. I had planned to spend the day Saturday doing fun things with Alesia and Elena. However, I may just have to hire a caretaker to be with Mom that day if necessary. I certainly don’t want her sitting around at the Manor Care place miserable, and resentful of me.
Life is so complicated.
