Happy Ampuversary- 12 Years.

Today is my Ampuversary.  It has now been twelve years since that emotionally ridden day when I drove to Baltimore to begin a new life. The terror and uncertainty I felt on that morning were overwhelmingly strong and I can still feel those emotions today as I reflect.

I remember staring at my foot as Scott drove, trying to soak in every last moment of it still being attached to my body. It was broken and deformed, but it was still mine.  After 5 years of pain and surgery, I was ready to rid myself of the disability of my injured biological foot. Although I knew that it was the most logical decision, I was petrified of life as an amputee.

I remember being wheeled back on the gurney into the operating room. I remember the last time I wiggled my mangled toes and rotated my swollen ankle. I remember the pain when I woke up in the recovery room as I cried out for my Mom.  Twelve years have passed, yet my memories remain vivid. I doubt that I will ever forget the sights, sounds, smells, emotions and pain that surrounded that day.


This morning I am not waking up mourning what was removed. Instead I am celebrating the beginning of my new life. As I watch Timmy happily rolling on the floor this morning I am reminded that if I hadn't made the decision to amputate twelve years ago, I would not be a Mom. I am no longer in pain, and I walk and move without thinking.

If you ask me, my left foot and ankle were small sacrifices for the pain-free, active and wonderful life I am living today.  Today is definitely worthy of celebration.  Happy Ampuversary to me!

Antibiotics- Again

Yesterday started as I anticipated, with my tackling the enormous mountain of laundry sitting next to our suitcase. By the time the boys woke up I had two loads washed, dried and folded and the pile was beginning to appear surmountable. Have I mentioned how much I detest doing laundry?

After everybody had breakfast, we headed to the farm to pick up our CSA box and to pick blueberries.  Robby was so happy in the car, chatting and singing songs to his brother. He quieted by the time we arrived, and halfway through the blueberry field he complained of a headache. 

He was white as a ghost, clammy and obviously not feeling well. We abandoned our picking and headed home. I gave him some Tylenol and tucked him into our bed so that he could rest and watch cartoons.

I checked on him an hour later and was alarmed that his temperature was over 103 degrees. Without pausing, I asked Scott to watch Timmy and we headed to the doctor.  It turns out that my little Koopa has ear infections.  I know he'll feel better in a day or two, but in the meantime our home has been transformed to the house of pestilence with both boys on antibiotics.

Hopefully everybody will feel better soon, because we have some fun adventures scheduled for the Fourth of July!

HOME

In terms of travel difficulties, yesterday was happily calm. Timmy slept the entire flight, sparing the crowded plane from his vocal protests about being restrained. Robby was content playing on my iPad while Scott helped him strategize the best ways for the plants to kill the zombies in the game. The biggest inconvenience was the burning in my arm from holding a resting Hamlet, but I didn't dare move for fear of waking him up. 

After a long six days away, we arrived home in the early afternoon. Robby immediately took off to check the status of his tomato and bean garden while Timmy felt compelled to systematically activate every toy within reach. I could tell that they were both happy to be home.

Watching Hamlet toddle around and play throughout the rest of the afternoon, I was astonished with his recovery. He went from battling a fever so high it caused an elevated heart rate to his normal curious, active and giggling self within a few days. I am so glad to have my happy little Hamlet back!

Today will be spent with laundry, a trip to the farm to pick up our CSA, and just resting. After this "vacation," I think I have earned a little down time!

Penthouse

Although our flight isn't until this afternoon, yesterday morning we packed up and left Scott's mother's house a day early. Timmy was showing signs of improving, and I felt safe traveling with him. We headed to Cincinnati where Scott's college friend manages a hotel.  Mick has been inviting us to visit and stay in his hotel for years, but we have never taken him up on the offer primarily because Scott felt torn about not staying with his Mom.

Mick met us in the lobby when we arrived. After the difficult few days that we have had, it was nice to see Scott smiling and relaxed with his friend. He escorted us to our room and the friends talked and reminisced the whole way. As the elevator rose I became acutely aware that we were going to a place we have never been: a penthouse suite. 

Robby was awestruck when the doors to our suite were opened. He immediately took off exploring, returning with his arms overflowing with little shampoos and soaps. "Look at all of these soaps we scored Momom.  Dad, where is the suitcase? We have to take these home!"  I kind of wish that he had waited until Mick left before ransacking his establishment. 

This multi-level suite has three full bedrooms, three and 1/2 bathrooms and a full kitchen. We have two private balconies overlooking the Cincinnati skyline. Even though he was still feeling punky, Timmy thoroughly enjoyed practicing his mountaineering skills by crawling up the spiral staircase. (I certainly got my exercise following him up and carrying him down multiple times.) 

Wow, am I glad that Scott finally accepted the offer of a room. I could definitely get used to penthouse living!