Athena is growing like crazy! Mom and I have been taking her to puppy training. We are teaching her different things using a clicker and pairing it with a treat. She is good at sitting and laying down. She still pees a lot in the house and has to be let out often so we don't get to devote as much time to training her.
I got to go back to school! I was so excited to actually go into the middle school for the first time. I went to tour the building with Mom and it was confusing. I was really nervous the first day. Dad drove me and I did great once I was there. I had to sit far away from kids in the cafeteria and those close to me were people I don't know. I had an appointment after school the first day, so dad picked me up. The next day, I rode the bus after school to mom's school. The bus driver asked for the address and I didn't know it. They took me off the bus but the assistant principal put me back on. When we passed Mom's school (where I was supposed to go), I told the bus driver to let me off. I was let off in the middle of the neighborhood and had to walk about a mile in the rain to get back to the school. It got straightened out the next time I rode the bus, but I sure was nervous and didn't want to go back. I was switched to a bus that went straight to Cedar Ridge and I knew the bus driver from EEE last year! What a relief! I still am not sure if I like in person learning or virtual learning better.
Dad took me to Springfield for my second volleyball tournament. Our team took first in pool play! It was really cool how well we worked together. The second day, we beat Club CoMo (the team that Camryn and Lillian now play on.) The next game, I went to dive for a ball, but my teammate Lanie crashed into my knee on the way down. I tried to get up but couldn't. The coaches carried me off the court. Luckily, Lila's mom was able to check out my knee and knew that it wasn't too injured but with the swelling, I couldn't play in the rest of the tournament. We ended up losing the game and the next one. We won against that team the day before. It was so hard to watch.
Mom took me to a sports medicine clinic the next morning. They did an Xray and confirmed that nothing was broken but wanted to make sure my ligaments were intact. Good news-my growth plates are wide open, which means I still have a lot of growing to do! I was put on crutches and decided to go to school. We had school pictures and I didn't want to miss out on any learning. By the end of day two on crutches, I was tired and my hands hurt, but I was getting faster! It was tricky getting off the bus though. Good thing Mr. Chambers was there to help! I had an MRI on Thursday and determined nothing was torn so I was able to return to play once I felt comfortable moving normally! I was so glad to get back on the court. I felt like a couch potato!
Our family watched the Super Bowl, at least the first part. Dad got too mad at the Chiefs losing that he left the room. Papa Rodney bought us all Shakespeare's Pizza again. I have also watched my mom do a lot of things for us instead of for herself. I made the comment, "I don't know how you put others' needs before your own." I have also done a lot more campouts with Emily on the floor of her room.
It has been really cold lately and we had a snow day on one of my in seat days. I only went to school one day that week. We didn't have school today (my birthday) for Presidents' Day, and I heard we are cancelled tomorrow as well. No in seat days this week either!
This was definitely a weird birthday. I missed having a family birthday party and a friend birthday party. I just didn't really feel like celebrating. Emily made a Harry Potter party for me. She decorated, made snacks, dressed up as Harry, and had me watch the movie. Papa Ron visit for a short while but only stayed about 10 minutes because it was too cold in the garage. We had an awkward Zoom with Dad's family since I didn't know how to act. On my birthday (today), we did family presents, donuts, FaceTime with Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Tom, HyVee cake (it was supposed to be marble but they gave us a white cake, Fazoli's lasagna, and an orthodontist appointment. Dr. Francis said my teeth look really good and I asked if he could take off my braces. After looking for a little bit, he said he could! I couldn't believe it! I was so surprised! What a great way to end my weird birthday!
12 Years Old
Post-injury in the hotel
Birthday Zoom with Dad's family
Twist getting some attention
Mountain picture for my room
A manicure with a friend (once it is safe!)
Funny card from Aunt Lisa (12 years ago, two dorks had a kid...)
Jewelry box from Nana Arden and Papa Rodney
Emily's card
My cake (it was supposed to be marble, but it was white) :(
Happy birthday to me!
Braces on
Braces off!
Snow day fun!
Wrestling with Dad (and Emily cheering)
Athena snuggles
Molly gets attention too!
Opening the mountain painting
Emily's pinkie promise picture to me
Harry Potter party from Emily
Athena wanted to sled too!
Wiggly puppy!
