Friday!

Sipping on my coffee, gearing up for the day ahead. Robby will continue trudging through his work in the morning while I try to keep occupied. This afternoon his classes resume and I know that he is looking forward to being reunited with his friends and teachers. Vacations are always nice, but there is something to be said for routines.  

Robby's classes have been paused for nearly three weeks. Because he was sick, he has missed his friends for a month. Thankfully he has been able to stay connected and "hang out" through Skype, computer games and in a VR chat room. (I realized that his technology skills have officially surpassed mine when I found him chatting with his friends while sitting alone on his bunk bed wearing VR goggles.) 

While Robby is at class, Timmy will go to one of his favorite play zones. He loves running and climbing with new buddies, and I appreciate the free wi-fi which allows me to get some work done. All in all, this is going to be a great way to end our week!

Changing Hats

And just like that, our spring weather has disappeared and winter has arrived. Today we will be curled up by the fireplace, keeping warm and waiting for the flakes to begin to fall. It is hard to believe that just two days ago we were at the park, running and playing without coats. I know that I will be singing a different tune in a few months, but I'm glad that winter has finally come to Virginia.

Today I'm looking forward to baking cookies, relaxing by the fire and hibernating from society. I have spent the entire week at various playgrounds and bounce arenas. I need a break, and I think Timmy does as well. While my little guy loves to run and play, he still doesn't know how to regulate his off switch. 

Hopefully, Timmy will be content to play with his toys at home and watch Polar Express. Robby has done a great job working completely independently on his work, but he has reached a point where he needs some guidance. Today I'm going to take off my fun coordinator/ taxi driver hat and jump into teacher mode. If we get Robby caught up, I think we will all be able to play in the snow this weekend!

Socket Woes

With my primary socket being repaired in San Francisco, I've been relegated to using my back-up. Although it fits, it is not nearly as comfortable as the one that broke. Of course, the comfortable one broke and my conventional has never failed, so I suppose there is always a trade-off.  

The comfort from adjustment comes with the risk of failure, which can be both scary and dangerous. I don't like falling!  I don't know how I will be able to overcome my insecurities and fully develop socket trust after the tumble. I miss the comfort though, so I'm going to give it another try when it is returned.

My back-up socket is comprised of only carbon fiber. While the design is rigid and unyielding, it is nearly indestructible. I have never worried about the socket breaking and failing, but its constant use has created a number of skin issues in the past. Since I am relying on it every day, I find that I am more aware of my prosthesis because of the cramping and discomfort that arises when I walk longer distances.  

My limb aches more in the evening, which I know is attributed to the socket. But I realize that I am still able to walk and keep up with Timmy's activities, so I am fortunate. At least I have a prosthesis to use! Too many amputees in this country are still struggling to come up with the funds to buy their first device so that they can experience ambulation again.  

Duck Pond

With spring still in the air (despite it being January), we spent several hours playing outside. Timmy is particularly fond of riding his little push bike and loves nothing more than either me or his brother to join him. Usually, I ride with him. As it turns out, Robby has recently discovered the joys of my electric bike and has been eager to take it for a spin whenever possible. He was more than willing to go for a bike ride with his baby brother, and Timmy was ecstatic for the adventure with Robby.

As both boys departed down the street on their bikes, I walked behind them. (The irony that I had somehow lost my Christmas present to my 12-year-old wasn't lost on me!) The boys had a blast riding and quickly rode out of my line of sight. I was nervous not being able to see Timmy, but I knew that he was safe with his big brother. Letting go of the reigns, or allowing somebody else to hold them, is definitely not easy for me!

Robby is a wonderful big brother and did a great job supervising their first bike ride. The pair rode to the duck pond (about 1/2 mile away) and back without an issue. I was sure that Timmy was going to be tired when he got home, but he was chomping at the bit to go again. It's a good thing that Robby likes my electric bike because I'm pretty sure his little brother is going to keep him pedaling for a long time.

Introductions

This weekend was dedicated to potty training. We didn't stray too far from home out of the fear of getting Timmy away from his developing skill. Instead, we played outside where he discovered the thrill that comes from peeing on a tree. (I must thank his brother for enlightening him to this new possibility.) 

So far, all of the predictions of a colder than normal winter have yet to materialize. I know that most people are delighted with the unseasonably warm temperatures, but I miss the cold bite of January.  I know that the boys would find just as much delight playing in the snow as they do riding their bikes through the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, we don't have snow so Timmy spent the afternoon running around the yard after the ball and riding his bike. We were able to finally meet the new neighbor. He is young and seems very nice. I'm not sure that we made the best impression though. Timmy wished him a "Yabaddee Christmas" and then said, "Watch this." I barked, "Don’t pull down your pants,” but it was too late. 

Hamlet had pulled his Thomas the Train big boy underwear and pants all the way to his ankles and began to pee on the tiny tree at the edge of the road.  The look on our new neighbor's face was one of shock and perplexion.  Let me tell you, it's hard to recover from that type of introduction!

I suppose I'll just focus on the positive.  At least he remembered to pull down his pants this time!