It's weird, 2007 felt like it lasted about thirty minutes.
You know, this time last year, I had a pretty good idea what I'd be doing a year in the future. Turns out, I'd be doing exactly what I was doing then: waiting for the book to come out.
(Forty-nine days, yikes.)
Today, as we get ready for 2008, we have less of an idea what the next year will bring than we have in years. The last time this family's future was so uncertain, maybe five years ago or so, it was because Schuyler's monster was still unidentified and romping through her world with impunity. Back then, we would watch the new year roll over with something akin to dread, with no idea how or even if Schuyler would find her way. We'd sit watching the celebrations on TV, silently pushing down the fear at what the new year might have in store for Schuyler.
On the whole, I like this kind of uncertainty much better. Happy new year, everyone, and thanks for sticking with me this long.
Thank YOU for sharing Schuyler's story with us. Happy New Year to all 3 of you!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is within days of Schuyler's book coming out. Guess what I am asking for?! :D
Happy New Year! How exciting! I hope your year is full of success and happiness, and that the book brings countless unexpected blessings your way!
ReplyDeleteHappy New year Rob, Julie & Schuyler!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what fun & exciting things 2008 brings for you guys.
Happy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you all! I hope that it is a rich and prosperous one for your family.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the book to come out. I think I'm going to order a second copy to donate to our local library as well :)
Have a great night!
Happy New Year! I'm still hoping for a California book tour!
ReplyDeleterob - i remember february 2008 sounding like it was a long long long way out when you made your big announcements back a ways... and now it is right before us.
ReplyDeletemay 2008 be joyous. my best to you, to julie, and to the tough girl.
And a very Happy New Year to you and Julie and Schuyler too!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! My god. In December, thinking about your book coming out in FEBRUARY seems like a long time off, but just with the change of the clock (and the calendar), all of a sudden your book is coming out NEXT MONTH. Holy shit! That is some kind of awesome!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year. Love to you and your beautiful family. Can't wait to read your book.
ReplyDeleteOne of the perks of the Internet is getting a glimpse into someone's life and having that person be generous enough to keep providing those glimpses. I've never met you, I probably never will meet you, yet it feels as if you, Julie and Schuyler are part of my family.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Rob. Can't wait to get my hands on the book!
Happy New Year to all of you!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Rob and all.
ReplyDeleteRob,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that this is a much better kind of uncertainty you are facing this year.
I for one can't wait for your book.
I have to say that I am anxious to discover if the "promotional" focus (in the promos for your book) on her ped's comments at her 18 mos check up were relly the first time you and Julie felt the uncertainty and worry. Having been in a situation with a child that did not talk I find that very hard to believe!
Having been in a situation with a child that did not talk I find that very hard to believe!
ReplyDeleteWith an 18 month-old, and with no other children, no experience with babies and no other baby relatives to have ever observed? We had no practical, real-world experience to draw on, so no, we were taken by surprise. My only experience with one year-olds was from being one, and my memory from 1969 is a bit fuzzy.
Wow Rob. I guess I am suprised. I was a big reader and knew from that that we had an issue with not talking pretty early on, plus I could observe other kids in playgroups etc..
ReplyDeleteThat must have been so shocking. In any event, I have to say that Schuyler just seems like such a special child. So smart and aware of the world around her, I could see how if you weren't tuned into the verbalizing thing, you wouldn't suspect anything was even slightly amiss.
We knew she was a late talker, we just didn't have a clue how badly or how serious it was until we had that conversation with her pediatrician. It was a milestone she missed, but we were still blissfully unaware of the bigger issues governing the mechanics of what sounds she was making and why they didn't really qualify as any real early speech development. If that makes any sense.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, our pediatrician wasn't concerned about Schuyler's lack of speech so much as her lack of the tell-tale vocal indications that she was at least capable of speech and on the right track.
Happy New Year, Rob, looking forward to the book like crazy. Prepare to be stalked at one of your February B&N appearances. We'll be the couple with the enormous 2-year-old linebacker.
ReplyDeleteRob,
ReplyDeleteI really want to pre-order the book but want it in time for a trip I am taking on the 27th of February and Amazon wouldn't ship it in time. Any idea when it would be in stores? Would it be on the publication date.
It should be in the stores by the 19th, although sometimes books sneak into stores early. I certainly wouldn't think it would be LATER. (I hope not, anyway; I have an event in New York on the 20th and a signing on the 22nd.)
ReplyDeleteRob, thanks for sharing your family with us on your blog (and now in your book...can't wait til it's out!). You described it so perfectly about the uncertainty of what the next year would bring...that's where we are right now. But Schuyler's story —well, your family's story —gives me a beacon of hope that we will be able to experience a new, better (?) kind of uncertainty, too. Thanks. Wishing you all the best in 2008.
ReplyDeleteRob, thanks for the info (about books in store date).You are a wonderful writer. I plan to go to a store on the 19th to get a copy.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for the Happiest of years for you, Julie and your beautiful daughter!