Reunited

With the last few days of our Spring Break coinciding with my niece and nephew's abbreviated break, the Cousin Crew has finally been reunited. The kids were delighted to be together again and to fill my Mom's house with chaos and noise. Timmy was happy to be in the middle of the action despite being too young to understand most of the games and activities.  

Last night after Timmy went to sleep I packed up the Crew and took them to the VR arcade. If you haven't watched kids play VR games I highly recommend it. They had a great time, but it is nearly as much fun as a spectator.

Since it's raining out I'm not sure what we are going to do, but rest assured Aunt Peggy will think of something!

#BigAppleCircus

We had a fabulous time at the Big Apple Circus yesterday!

Entering the tent Timmy was a big apprehensive. He was delighted to be with the family and in the middle of the action, but overwhelmed by the new sights, sounds and smells that inundated us as we walked through the flaps.  It didn't take long for him to adjust to the novelty. He spent time before the show jumping up and down in front of our seats happily pointing out everything that was within sight.

As soon as the show began Timmy was transfixed on the performance. I could see the awe in his eyes as he watched the acrobats and trapeze artists fly through the sky. He laughed at the clowns (especially when they spit water, a feat I'm fairly certain will now be attempted) and squealed with delight when the puppies came into the ring. 

Even though he is a tween, Robby enjoyed the show.  I even saw him laugh at the clowns (although he denies it adamantly.) I also saw both his and his Daddy's eyes pop out of their sockets when the lady contortionist performed her feats of flexibility in front of them. Robby denies being impressed, Scott proudly claims the admiration. 

Today I'm packing up the boys to visit with my Mom and the Cousin Crew for a few days. It feels like our Spring Break is finally getting back on track!

Sad Day

Yesterday was a sad one for our family.  In the morning Scott learned of the passing of his cousin. Although she had been battling cancer for years and her passing away should not have been a surprise, we were shocked to hear the news. I suppose nobody is ever prepared for the death of somebody so young (she is around Scott's age).

As we were processing the news about his cousin I learned that my cousin was undergoing emergency heart surgery to release a blockage. (My Mom hopped in her car and drove two hours to the hospital as soon as she learned the news.)  Bob is my oldest cousin, whom I viewed with adoration as I was growing up. Thankfully he made it through the surgery with flying colors and is resting comfortably.

Today we are heading on a Spring Break adventure, which I'm hoping will lighten our moods. We are going to the Big Apple Circus at National Harbor.  Robby remembers the circus fondly and is looking forward to seeing the animals perform.  (The circus only uses rescue dogs and cats, so it is an animal friendly event.)  I'm am concerned that the dogs running and jumping through hoops won't seem as magical now that he is 11 and that the fondly remembered "amazing" show will be dimmed through more mature eyes. 

Even if Robby is bored by the show, I'm sure that Timmy will be flabbergasted. I'm looking forward to seeing his reactions as the performance unfolds.  Pictures to follow!

Pee Pee Monkey

Our first official day of Spring Break did not set a positive tone for the rest of the week.  Everybody was in a bad mood and grumpy. Timmy, who did not sleep well, went into "naughty hyper mode." He was extremely high maintenance, which was not convenient considering my work projects. 

I was hopeful that the extra set of hands would help me to relax and allow me to work without feeling frazzled. Instead I found myself huddled in the bathroom, sitting between Pee Pee Monkey (training urinal) and the "I did it" talking potty, with my laptop and my phone. With the door locked, it was the only place I could find to work without somebody needing something and without being crawled over or jumped onto.

Instead of an extra set of hands, I found myself dealing with extra mouths, demands and endless chores. We are going to have to come to an agreement, or the rest of this week is going to be miserable. A bathroom is not an office. Although Pee Pee Monkey has a cute smile, he makes a lousy office mate!

Weight Loss Frustrations

In January I began to feel the physical manifestations of my excessive weight. My ankle was taking a long time to heal from a sprain because it was bearing the brunt of all of my activities. The back of my limb was sore from being squeezed into a too small socket on a regular basis. I was constantly achy and feeling worn out.

While I was not morbidly obese, I was too large for my own comfort. Looking into the faces of my boys, I knew that I need to make a change. I was struggling to keep up with Timmy.  Robby was counting on me to go on the Turtle Trek with him this summer, something I wasn't going to be able to do unless I slimmed down and became stronger. They both deserved a Mom who was as healthy and active as possible. I also realized that I was worthy of my own efforts, and that I deserved to feel strong and healthy.

Over the past few months I have shed nearly 30 pounds.  I am down almost four jean sizes, and I have discovered a renewed energy. My ankle has healed, my back no longer hurts and I am able to keep up with Timmy.  My weight loss journey isn't over, but I have definitely feeling good about my progress.  

Unfortunately, weight loss has one glaring drawback (and I'm not talking about cupcake deprivation.)  My prosthesis no longer fits correctly. My limb pistons and turns within my now too large socket. Changing pant sizes is a fun celebration.  Having to get a new socket due to weight loss is an exercise in frustration, especially with my insurance adjuster. 

I have been putting off getting a new socket until I was closer to my goal weight, but the delay is no longer a possibility. I have developed a bursa on the outside of my limb from the constant rubbing and twisting. On Friday night the marble sized knot swelled to the size of a tennis ball. I was in tears because the pain was so intense and angry that a healthy endeavor resulted in what felt like an ironic punishment.

 Thankfully the inflammation and swelling went down with ice and rest, allowing me to wear my leg throughout the weekend. With the boys on Spring break this week, I am going to take full advantage of the extra help around the house. Today I begin the process for a new leg, a frustrating but necessary step during a weight loss journey.