About Me

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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, April 27, 2018

Playgrounds and Work

This week was certainly better compared to last week. Filled with a birthday and lots of adventures, the days passed quickly. With Timmy healthier and again able to play with other kids, we now spend more time at indoor playgrounds and climbing/bouncing centers. My wallet is stuffed with punch cards and membership passes for just about every play area within a 20 mile radius.

 At this time in our lives, our daily adventures are absolutely perfect for us. My little social butterfly enjoys playing with new playmates, allowing me more of an opportunity to work. I have discovered that I am able to work uninterrupted when he is running around a play structure with new friends. At this age, he would prefer to play with kids than with me.

While still keeping my eye on him, I'm able to tap into the free wireless internet to work. I'm so fortunate that I am able to work from home (or, in the case of this week, from playgrounds.) Until Scott is home for summer vacation, I suspect that we will continue to spend a lot of  time at playgrounds and jump centers.




Thursday, April 26, 2018

/s/wimsuit

Tired of being teased by his peers, Robby has been working on improving his articulation. We started private speech therapy, and he has been diligent about his "homework." It has been a few weeks since we have double downed on our efforts, and we are all agreed that we are hearing improvement. Robby can also gauge his improvement, which has spurred him on to work even harder.  

Going over his articulation exercises each day I am brought back to my own experiences in speech therapy. I absolutely hated everything about being in speech, from being pulled out of class to having to complete the extra worksheets each night. He is handling much better than I did at his age. I know that it isn't easy or fun, but he hasn't become discouraged. I'm so proud of him!

Yesterday he situated himself in the dining room for his weekly Skype speech session. Timmy and I were playing with trains in the living room while he worked with the therapist. He was working on the /s/ sound, which is particularly problematic for him. During this particular exercise the therapist was holding up a card featuring a different /s/ word. Robby's task was to say each word with correct articulation. This is what I heard:

"soup. scissors. stamps. sailboat. sun. snow. singer. boobies." 

There was a pause and the therapist was obviously talking to Robby through the headphones. He turned flush and said, "oh, okay. swimsuit."  

I had to leave the room before I burst out laughing. 

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Modified Plans

My little Hamlet had a wonderful birthday. Filled with happiness, fun activities, balloons and blowing out candles on his very own cake, Scott and I tried to make his birthday special. I know that he won't remember his fourth birthday, but I will never forget his smiles and giggles of wonder.  

To kick off our celebration, Timmy and I went to the Toddler Time jump at our local trampoline park. He loves jumping and his adoration (and enthusiasm) only grow when I am permitted to jump with him. Almost as soon as we slipped on our jump socks Timmy was pulling me towards the trampolines. Together we jumped, sang and played for two hours.

Two hours of jumping didn't tire him out, but my goodness I was ready for a nap. Trampolining is quite a work-out! Unfortunately the constant impact and pistoning within my socket wreaks havoc on my limb. By the time Toddler Time was over, my limb was sore and my skin was bright with rub sores.  

I tried to stay off my feet as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Timmy was just as happy playing in the Chick-Fil-A indoor playground with new friends while I sat at our booth and watched through the window. My little four year old is a burgeoning social butterfly.

Because I managed my activities after the jump, I was able to contain the damage caused by our trampoline fun. I hate that Timmy's birthday plans were modified because of my prosthetic, but logically I know that the changes did not impact him. He had a great day, so I am going to concentrate on what I could do instead of what was changed.  






Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Happy Birthday to my 4 Year old

Dear Timmy,

From the moment you entered into our lives you have lived on your own terms. 

You came into this world early, tiny but mighty. You were my little snuggle bug, sleeping on my chest so that you could stay warm and healthy. From the moment I met you I fell hopelessly in love, and the feeling has only grown deeper every day. 

It is hard to believe that you are now four. I look into your sweet face and bright blue eyes and I still see that tiny little baby who spent so many hours warming on my chest.  You don't cuddle as much anymore because you are in constant motion. You prefer to jump, run, and roll to sitting and curling up. 

Timmy, you definitely keep me on my toes. Everyday being your Mom is an adventure. I am so very lucky to be able to spend my days watching you play, grow, learn and explore. You are keeping me young.

Happy Birthday to my sweet, wonderful, curious, mischievous, active, joyful Timmy. 

I love you,
Momom


Monday, April 23, 2018

Weekend De-Stressing

After a roller coaster week, Scott and I were both relieved when the weekend finally arrived. I continue to feel both angry and downtrodden when I think of the school rejecting Robby as a student, but I am beginning to gain some perspective.  If the Montessori school on the side of the mountain doesn't want Robby, then obviously my initial impressions of the program were woefully incorrect. I have faith that a new educational opportunity is awaiting him and it is now my job to find it.

Friday afternoon, while Timmy was happily playing trains with a babysitter, the rest of the family headed to go see the Cirque show in town. As I anticipated, Robby was mesmerized by the performance. I didn't arrive at the show in a good frame of mind, but I left feeling uplifted and happy. Spending a few hours immersed in a performance and completely forgetting all of the stresses from the week was a fantastic way to start the weekend.

The weather was gorgeous on Saturday so we decided it would be the perfect day for a family trip to the farm. Timmy was giddy having his brother and daddy accompany us to his happy place. He eagerly showed them all of the new features and was quite the little showman on the obstacles. Despite his complaints about not wanting to go, Robby even ended up having a good time. With such a difference in age and ability levels, finding family activities is becoming increasingly difficult.  

On Sunday I spent several hours on the internet, locating and contacting schools in the area. Hopefully today I will receive replies and we can begin the process of uncovering Robby's new school. Wish us luck, because I don't think my heart can handle more rejection!