With a new calendar comes new goals. Actually, the new year has nothing to do with my new dedication to potty training. When I turned the calendar to January I realized that I have no places that we have to be for the next six days. Knowing that we could stay home and dedicate time and energy to mastering the potty (and the ensuring laundry) has spurred me to tackle potty training this week.
Yesterday morning we ditched the pull-ups and introduced big boy underwear. I was initially optimistic because he stayed dry for a few hours and peed in the potty like a seasoned pro. As the day wore on my enthusiasm waned and the mountain of laundry grew. He seems to have absolutely no bladder control and unleashes urine on a whim.
As I was following my little urinator around the house, mopping up accidents and changing underwear constantly, I couldn't help but feel discouraged. I really stink at potty training kids. (On another note, I would not want to take a black light to my living room right now!)
Timmy seems to be unphased by his accidents, and would happily run around the house dripping wet. I don't really know how to toilet train a kid who doesn't care. I know that consistency is key, so we are not giving up. Last night we caught up on the laundry and we have a new stack of big boy underwear and sweatpants for the day. Wish us luck!
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, January 04, 2019
Thursday, January 03, 2019
Prosthetic Failures Stink!
We spent yesterday morning undecorating our tree and house. Although Timmy was initially devastated with the removal of our beautiful Christmas tree, we were able to soothe his emotions by explaining that the tree was being rehomed into our woods. The bunnies and squirrels will thoroughly enjoy their new hiding spot, and now he has more room to roam and play in the living room. Eventually, he accepted our reasoning and began to help gather up the decorations throughout the house.
After everything was boxed and ready to be stowed, Scott and I began making the multiple trips to the basement. During my second trip down the stairs, while carrying a large box of lights, I heard a loud pop from my socket. I immediately knew that something was wrong and tried to slow my momentum.
As soon as my prosthetic side landed onto the next step I knew that I had lost complete control over my socket. The back popped open, providing me no support for control. I ended up tumbling down the remaining three steps, landing on the box of Christmas lights I had so carefully packed up. (Thank goodness I wasn't carrying the box of glass ornaments!)
I was shaken but unharmed by the fall. The tension cord on my socket had completely snapped in half, releasing the back of my socket and causing my suspension to fail. Thankfully Scott was home and was able to locate my other socket quickly. He and Robby calmly worked on attaching the foot while I sat, panicked and scared by the event.
Nothing makes me feel as physically vulnerable as a prosthetic failure. Knowing that the device can fail at any time is a terrifying reality I prefer to ignore. If I focused on the "what ifs" I don't think I would ever feel comfortable walking!
After everything was boxed and ready to be stowed, Scott and I began making the multiple trips to the basement. During my second trip down the stairs, while carrying a large box of lights, I heard a loud pop from my socket. I immediately knew that something was wrong and tried to slow my momentum.
As soon as my prosthetic side landed onto the next step I knew that I had lost complete control over my socket. The back popped open, providing me no support for control. I ended up tumbling down the remaining three steps, landing on the box of Christmas lights I had so carefully packed up. (Thank goodness I wasn't carrying the box of glass ornaments!)
I was shaken but unharmed by the fall. The tension cord on my socket had completely snapped in half, releasing the back of my socket and causing my suspension to fail. Thankfully Scott was home and was able to locate my other socket quickly. He and Robby calmly worked on attaching the foot while I sat, panicked and scared by the event.
Nothing makes me feel as physically vulnerable as a prosthetic failure. Knowing that the device can fail at any time is a terrifying reality I prefer to ignore. If I focused on the "what ifs" I don't think I would ever feel comfortable walking!
Wednesday, January 02, 2019
Last Day
Today is the last day of winter vacation. Tomorrow Scott will return to work and Robby will resume his schoolwork. Although it was nice having everybody home, I'm looking forward to returning to our schedule. My house has been chaotic for the past two weeks and I feel like it might take another two weeks to undo the damage of our vacation.
Unlike other winter vacations, we didn't embark on any adventures over the past few weeks. I visited my Mom once, but other than that we stayed home. With my employment in flux we just didn't feel like it was the right time to go away. Even though we didn't travel, our staycation has left us feeling relaxed and rested. The kids didn't seem to mind our lack of activity because they were able to play with their new Christmas treasures.
The plan is to remove the Christmas tree today so that I can reclaim my living room. I know that Timmy will be sad to see it leave, but hopefully he will be content to know that it will be repurposed as animal habitat in our woods. Once the tree is gone I will be able to tackle the clutter from our vacation. It might take me until Spring Break, but I'm determined to reclaim my house!
Unlike other winter vacations, we didn't embark on any adventures over the past few weeks. I visited my Mom once, but other than that we stayed home. With my employment in flux we just didn't feel like it was the right time to go away. Even though we didn't travel, our staycation has left us feeling relaxed and rested. The kids didn't seem to mind our lack of activity because they were able to play with their new Christmas treasures.
The plan is to remove the Christmas tree today so that I can reclaim my living room. I know that Timmy will be sad to see it leave, but hopefully he will be content to know that it will be repurposed as animal habitat in our woods. Once the tree is gone I will be able to tackle the clutter from our vacation. It might take me until Spring Break, but I'm determined to reclaim my house!
Tuesday, January 01, 2019
2019
Happy 2019!
As predicted, the new year crept in despite me being sound asleep under the electric blanket. Our celebration was low key and peaked at the toddler party at noon. Even though we aren't exactly party animals, we are entering 2019 with the optimism and excitement that comes with a clean calendar.
This year I'm abstaining from resolutions. I have enough on my plate right now, and adding a great life change will only increase my stress and frustrations. Instead of trying to change, this year I am gifting myself forgiveness and patience.
Happy New Year!
As predicted, the new year crept in despite me being sound asleep under the electric blanket. Our celebration was low key and peaked at the toddler party at noon. Even though we aren't exactly party animals, we are entering 2019 with the optimism and excitement that comes with a clean calendar.
This year I'm abstaining from resolutions. I have enough on my plate right now, and adding a great life change will only increase my stress and frustrations. Instead of trying to change, this year I am gifting myself forgiveness and patience.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2018
New Year's Eve
It seems fitting that 2018 is ending with rain and fog. The past 365 days were marred by frustrations, heartaches, and illness. I am looking forward to setting up my new calendar and moving forward!
I have never been a fan of New Year's Eve, and this year is no different. Robby had planned on hanging out with the Cousin Crew and ringing in 2019 in true tween style. For weeks he has been looking forward to the revelry and the reunion, but plans have changed and his cousins are no longer available. Robby has been bummed out since the plans have canceled and he has shown no interest in a replacement activity. He will probably ring in the New Year playing a video game.
I probably won't even make it up until midnight. Tucked under my electric blanket and sound asleep, I will trust that the seconds ticked away and I'll watch the ball drop on the replay tomorrow morning. I really have no desire to enter 2019 feeling more sleep deprived than normal.
In reality, Timmy is the only member of our family who will celebrate the New Year in style. We are heading to Kid Junction this morning for their "Noon Year's Eve" celebration. At noon balloons will drop from the ceiling and a toddler party will commence. I know that he is going to have a blast, and watching him have so much fun will be all the celebration I need.
I have never been a fan of New Year's Eve, and this year is no different. Robby had planned on hanging out with the Cousin Crew and ringing in 2019 in true tween style. For weeks he has been looking forward to the revelry and the reunion, but plans have changed and his cousins are no longer available. Robby has been bummed out since the plans have canceled and he has shown no interest in a replacement activity. He will probably ring in the New Year playing a video game.
I probably won't even make it up until midnight. Tucked under my electric blanket and sound asleep, I will trust that the seconds ticked away and I'll watch the ball drop on the replay tomorrow morning. I really have no desire to enter 2019 feeling more sleep deprived than normal.
In reality, Timmy is the only member of our family who will celebrate the New Year in style. We are heading to Kid Junction this morning for their "Noon Year's Eve" celebration. At noon balloons will drop from the ceiling and a toddler party will commence. I know that he is going to have a blast, and watching him have so much fun will be all the celebration I need.
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