Hamlet hasn't been feeling well, but the doctors assured me that his fever is a symptom of his immune system overreacting and is not an indication of an out-of-control infection. I hate seeing him feeling sick and hot with a fever, but I'm grateful that a more sinister cause isn't lurking. His immune system is wacky and continues to misfire, but slowly we are learning to read his cues to give him what he needs. Nothing with my little guy is easy, but he is most definitely worth the worry!
Yesterday was quiet. Other than going to the doctor we stayed home and didn't do anything of consequence. Timmy quietly played on ABCMouse while Robby worked on his schoolwork and while I tried to catch up on some reports. When we were done with our computer time, we snuggled on the couch to watch cartoons until Scott came home from work. I think that doing nothing was exactly what we all needed.
Today I'm packing up the boys and going to visit my Mom. I'm looking forward to hanging out and relaxing for a few days. Robby is excited to see his cousins on Sunday and is already planning activities for an overdo all-nighter. Since school is closed for President's Day on Monday, the Crew is planning to take full advantage of their time together. They haven't seen each other since Thanksgiving, and I know that Robby has sorely missed seeing his best friends.
On a completely unrelated note, I had a discussion last week with a marketing firm conducting research into the amputee's use of prosthetic liners. They are offering $75 as compensation for filling out the following survey. I wanted to pass along this opportunity!
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day.
In the hierarchy of holidays, this one ranks among one of the worst. On February 14th, there are rarely any winners. When you are in a relationship there is pressure to profess a perfect love. When you are single you are often left feeling alone and unworthy. In reality, Valentine's Day is simply an opportunity to push pink hearts, cheap boxed chocolates and warped flowers at absurdly inflated prices. Scott and I decided a long time ago to wish each other a Happy Valentine's Day but to forgo the obligatory gifts and doting. The pressure to profess was just too great.
Although Scott and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, I did have fun preparing the boys for the holiday. Every day since the first week in January I have been leaving a new colorful heart taped on each of their bedroom doors. The heart noted something that I appreciated, admired or loved about each child. I was surprised by how much both boys loved discovering their new heart each day. Timmy has proudly shown everybody who has visited our home his decorated door. Robby, who is at an age where little overtly excites him, seems to enjoy reading his affirmation each day.
My youngest Valentine woke up in the middle of the night, coughing and with a fever. Today will be even more low-key than normal. Instead of going to a playground or doing something special, we will stay at home. I'll try to bake some pink cupcakes, I'll put up the final heart on their doors and then we will call Valentine's Day complete.
In the hierarchy of holidays, this one ranks among one of the worst. On February 14th, there are rarely any winners. When you are in a relationship there is pressure to profess a perfect love. When you are single you are often left feeling alone and unworthy. In reality, Valentine's Day is simply an opportunity to push pink hearts, cheap boxed chocolates and warped flowers at absurdly inflated prices. Scott and I decided a long time ago to wish each other a Happy Valentine's Day but to forgo the obligatory gifts and doting. The pressure to profess was just too great.
Although Scott and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, I did have fun preparing the boys for the holiday. Every day since the first week in January I have been leaving a new colorful heart taped on each of their bedroom doors. The heart noted something that I appreciated, admired or loved about each child. I was surprised by how much both boys loved discovering their new heart each day. Timmy has proudly shown everybody who has visited our home his decorated door. Robby, who is at an age where little overtly excites him, seems to enjoy reading his affirmation each day.
My youngest Valentine woke up in the middle of the night, coughing and with a fever. Today will be even more low-key than normal. Instead of going to a playground or doing something special, we will stay at home. I'll try to bake some pink cupcakes, I'll put up the final heart on their doors and then we will call Valentine's Day complete.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Trick Gone Too Far
I spent the majority of my day chauffering the family to and from appointments. Between Robby's classes and Scott's dental appointment, I spent hours driving the same roads through town. The cold rain made the day drag, which may explain why I played a pretty mean trick on Robby.
I didn't intend to play a trick on him, it just sort of happened organically. After dropping Robby off for his math tutor, I went to pick up Scott from the dentist. We decided to go directly to Chick-Fil-A to allow Timmy to run and play for an hour or so while we waited for Robby to finish his class. When Robby texted me that he was finished and ready to be picked up, Timmy was busy having fun with a new group of buddies. Instead of pulling him away from his fun, Scott opted to stay at the restaurant while I went to pick up Robby.
By the time I picked up Robby, I was worn out from driving all day. When he got into the car, he immediately asked about Timmy. Without thinking, I told him that he was playing at Chick-Fil-A and that we needed to go pick him up. "What do you mean he is at Chick-Fil-A? You just left my little brother there?" I could tell by his reaction that he was upset, and instead of alleviating his worries by informing him that his Daddy was at the restaurant, I decided to keep the ruse going. I probably should have told him, but for some reason, I decided to turn the whole misunderstanding into a joke.
Before I knew it, Robby had worked himself into a tizzy of panic and worry over his little brother. I suppose part of me was relieved to witness his strong reaction because it was a true indication of his love and concern for Timmy. By the time I was ready to tell him about the joke, we had arrived at the restaurant. Robby bolted out of the car and ran at full sprint into the play area. When he saw Scott standing next to Timmy, my sweet and concerned little Koopa almost burst into tears of relief.
I honestly didn't think that he would become panicked. I really thought that he knew I would not have left Timmy unattended at a restaurant and that he was playing along with the joke. It turns out that I was wrong, and his big brother protective instincts were kicked into high gear. Talk about a mom joke gone bad!
I didn't intend to play a trick on him, it just sort of happened organically. After dropping Robby off for his math tutor, I went to pick up Scott from the dentist. We decided to go directly to Chick-Fil-A to allow Timmy to run and play for an hour or so while we waited for Robby to finish his class. When Robby texted me that he was finished and ready to be picked up, Timmy was busy having fun with a new group of buddies. Instead of pulling him away from his fun, Scott opted to stay at the restaurant while I went to pick up Robby.
By the time I picked up Robby, I was worn out from driving all day. When he got into the car, he immediately asked about Timmy. Without thinking, I told him that he was playing at Chick-Fil-A and that we needed to go pick him up. "What do you mean he is at Chick-Fil-A? You just left my little brother there?" I could tell by his reaction that he was upset, and instead of alleviating his worries by informing him that his Daddy was at the restaurant, I decided to keep the ruse going. I probably should have told him, but for some reason, I decided to turn the whole misunderstanding into a joke.
Before I knew it, Robby had worked himself into a tizzy of panic and worry over his little brother. I suppose part of me was relieved to witness his strong reaction because it was a true indication of his love and concern for Timmy. By the time I was ready to tell him about the joke, we had arrived at the restaurant. Robby bolted out of the car and ran at full sprint into the play area. When he saw Scott standing next to Timmy, my sweet and concerned little Koopa almost burst into tears of relief.
I honestly didn't think that he would become panicked. I really thought that he knew I would not have left Timmy unattended at a restaurant and that he was playing along with the joke. It turns out that I was wrong, and his big brother protective instincts were kicked into high gear. Talk about a mom joke gone bad!
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Demons
The roads are icy today but I am optimistic that the temperatures will warm up through the morning. I have a full calendar of chauffering in front of me. It has dawned on me that I am doing considerably more driving Robby to and fro classes, clubs, and hangouts than I did when he was in a conventional school. Every day he has something, sometimes two or three, activities scheduled. Even though I find it overwhelming at times, I know that he is happier than ever in the new setting.
Scott is off school today, an anticipated absence due to a dental appointment. I feel bad because his dental phobia is in full swing. I know that he is anxious and scared and there is nothing that I can do to help. Reminding him that he is going to be okay is perceived as dismissive, and doing any more than acknowledging his anxiety will feed into the cycle.
Whatever I do to try to help him, it is wrong. I suppose this is how he must feel when I am in the middle of a panic attack. When I am feeling anxious and panicked, nothing he can say or do can minimize the feelings. I never before realized how helpless he must feel when I am struggling. Unfortunately, some demons must be battled alone.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Ice
Another week begins with school cancelations. Our driveway and yard are shimmering under a thick coat of ice. I don't know how much ice has accumulated, and I have no intention of venturing outside to find out. I abhor ice and avoid walking in those conditions whenever possible. Today will be spent inside, enjoying the glistening from my windows and playing with the boys.
Saturday was cold but clear, allowing us the opportunity to take Timmy to one of his favorite playgrounds. My little buddy ran, climbed, played and jumped for nearly five hours. He made "buddies" with a revolving flow of kids who arrived for and left after other parties. I wish making friends was as easy for me as it is for him!
Sunday I continued my organizing efforts by tackling a few more cabinets and drawers in my kitchen. I continue to be amazed by the amount of junk, trash, and donatable goods I have accumulated. I find the decluttering to be both satisfying and overwhelming. When I look at the entirety of the project it feels insurmountable. Instead, I'm trying to just focus on mini goals. One cabinet at a time on a consistent basis, and hopefully the house will be purged by the end of the year.
I'm hoping to finish the kitchen today. Because we have ice and not snow, Timmy will have to entertain himself inside. Hopefully he will be happy building a train, allowing me the opportunity to focus on my own project.
Saturday was cold but clear, allowing us the opportunity to take Timmy to one of his favorite playgrounds. My little buddy ran, climbed, played and jumped for nearly five hours. He made "buddies" with a revolving flow of kids who arrived for and left after other parties. I wish making friends was as easy for me as it is for him!
Sunday I continued my organizing efforts by tackling a few more cabinets and drawers in my kitchen. I continue to be amazed by the amount of junk, trash, and donatable goods I have accumulated. I find the decluttering to be both satisfying and overwhelming. When I look at the entirety of the project it feels insurmountable. Instead, I'm trying to just focus on mini goals. One cabinet at a time on a consistent basis, and hopefully the house will be purged by the end of the year.
I'm hoping to finish the kitchen today. Because we have ice and not snow, Timmy will have to entertain himself inside. Hopefully he will be happy building a train, allowing me the opportunity to focus on my own project.
Friday, February 08, 2019
Play and Rest
In an effort to find an activity that would both entertain Timmy and allow me to rest, I packed him up yesterday and took him to the Animal Park. He squealed with delight as we drove into the parking lot. If I didn't know better, I would have thought that it was a young Robby strapped into his car seat! The enthusiasm and love for the Animal Park are shared between the brothers.
Timmy took off running into the climbing structure as soon as we arrived. Thankfully he located some buddies, aka children about his age, and I was able to assume my position on the bench. While he ran, climbed, squealed with delight and played until he was a sweaty little mess, I was able to rest. I think we both got exactly what we needed out of the adventure for the day.
I'm feeling better today. Hopefully by the weekend, the last remnants of the cold will lift and I will be able to resume organizing my house. With me being on the injured reserve list for a few days, it feels like all of my tidying efforts from the past weekend were erased.
Timmy took off running into the climbing structure as soon as we arrived. Thankfully he located some buddies, aka children about his age, and I was able to assume my position on the bench. While he ran, climbed, squealed with delight and played until he was a sweaty little mess, I was able to rest. I think we both got exactly what we needed out of the adventure for the day.
I'm feeling better today. Hopefully by the weekend, the last remnants of the cold will lift and I will be able to resume organizing my house. With me being on the injured reserve list for a few days, it feels like all of my tidying efforts from the past weekend were erased.
Thursday, February 07, 2019
Bleh Part 2
Yesterday I was strictly in Momom survival mode. Feeling lethargic from the virus and annoyed with the constant sniffles and coughs, I struggled to keep up with Timmy. My hopes of him playing quietly (and without destruction) waned as the day wore on. By late afternoon he was in full-blown Timmy the Terrible mode, jumping off furniture and showcasing his rolling skills wherever possible.
Even though I would like nothing more than staying in my pajamas while sipping on a mug of lemon tea all day, I need to get dressed and venture into society to save my sanity (and perhaps my possessions.) Timmy has an abundance of energy and he needs to run and play. If I don't want my little Tornado of Destruction to start spiraling, I will need to do something to tucker him out.
Since Scott has back-to-school night meetings through the evening, I am on my own with the boys today. Because I don't have the energy to keep up with him, I'm going to opt for a playland with a comfortable couch. Hopefully, he will find buddies and run and play for hours, allowing me to relax in my role as spectator.
Even though I would like nothing more than staying in my pajamas while sipping on a mug of lemon tea all day, I need to get dressed and venture into society to save my sanity (and perhaps my possessions.) Timmy has an abundance of energy and he needs to run and play. If I don't want my little Tornado of Destruction to start spiraling, I will need to do something to tucker him out.
Since Scott has back-to-school night meetings through the evening, I am on my own with the boys today. Because I don't have the energy to keep up with him, I'm going to opt for a playland with a comfortable couch. Hopefully, he will find buddies and run and play for hours, allowing me to relax in my role as spectator.
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