Poor Jon. In keeping with the constant pain and challenges that have marked his first ten years, his birthday was underwhelming, thanks to last Friday’s dental appointment. His tongue and lips are still swollen, and we’re pretty sure he had a cold as well, so it’s been too painful to swallow. But since he’s barely been eating, we had him checked out by his regular pediatric dentist today. She was relieved to tell us that he’s past the worst of it. Late this afternoon, he’s starting to swallow, both saliva and the occasional snack, bit of dinner and a quarter of the massive peanut butter cup mailed to Jon by Midori, Tamiko, Eduardo and Tamo.

We’re taking him out for a nice birthday dinner and proper presents when he’s recovered.