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, March 29, 2019

Cherry Blossoms

While everybody else is descending upon our area to gaze at the beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees, I find myself seeking shelter inside and wanting to escape. For me, the little pink flowers only bring miserable allergies. With all of the trees in full bloom, I'm going to have a rough weekend.

The weather is supposed to be beautiful so I won't be able to hibernate from the pollen. We are dedicating the next few days to yard clean up, and I don't want to give anybody an excuse to change the plans. (If we don't do it this weekend, the chances of my gathering everybody to work again diminishes.) Instead of changing plans, I'll put lots of throat lozenges and tissues into my pocket and trudge through. The nice yard this summer will be worth the misery!

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Unwanted Celebration

Helping Hamlet ditch the diapers has been a family affair. Early in the process we enlisted the help of Robby. Where Timmy may push back against our demands, he will do just about anything to impress his big brother. With Robby's encouragement, Timmy has been successful.

Part of our routine involves cheering whenever somebody uses the toilet. It began by just cheering Timmy, but somehow we have expanded to include everybody in the house. (Even the cats are met by an enthusiastic reception whenever they are done using the litterbox.) Timmy is the head cheerleader, happily applauding everybody when they are in the bathroom. 

In an attempt to kill some time while Robby was at the gym, we took Timmy to Chick-fil-A to play on their playground. After an hour of running and climbing with new buddies, I encouraged him to visit the bathroom before we left. He obliged without complaint and successfully "made bubbles in the potty." (On a side note, I am amazed at the phrases that have become common vernacular while raising boys!)

As we were washing his hands another customer entered the bathroom and closed the stall door. I was trying to encourage Timmy to leave but he was deeply engrossed in making sure his hands were clean. As it turns out, the lure of an automatic sink and soap dispenser proved too powerful to abandon. 

Just as I managed to pull his hands away from faucet we heard a familiar splash coming from behind the closed stall door.  Without hesitation, Timmy erupted into a thunderous round of applause.  Cheering enthusiastically, he exclaimed, "Yippe! Lady went poo-poo in the potty" all while stomping his feet and clapping his hands. The celebration echoed throughout the bathroom.

Not knowing if I should join him or apologize, I opted to take his hand and head towards the car. I figured that slipping away as quietly as possible would be the best approach for everybody involved. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Deserve Better

I think it is safe to say that my little Hamlet is completely recovered. By midafternoon he had resumed front rolling across the living room floor and performing trampoline flips while watching Grinch. This morning he is a bundle of energy, and I suspect that he is going to play harder than I would prefer today.

Despite a few days to rest and heal, my leg continues to be troublesome. The bruising that developed because of using an all-too-small liner will persist until I receive a new liner. I am hoping that it arrives soon because the constant tweaks, discomfort and bruising are draining both physically and emotionally. 

I've managed to create a patchwork solution, but getting by is not good enough. It is incredibly frustrating that the source of my pain is easily identified and quick to remedy, yet it is being held hostage by the red tape of my insurer.  I deserve better. We all deserve better.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Resting and Recovering

As predicted, yesterday was spent taking care of my sick little Timmy. With his fever hovering around 103 throughout the day, he felt downright miserable. Sometime during the night the antibiotics began to work their magic and his fever began to decrease. This morning his fever is hovering around 101, and his energy levels are higher.

Although 101 is still high, compared to where we were yesterday it is a drastic improvement. Timmy's demeanor is lighter and he is actually smiling again. Today we are going to calmly play at home, allowing his body more time to fight off the infection. Hopefully by the end of the week he will be completely recovered, and my little mischief maker will be energetic and fully engaged.

I hate when Timmy is sick, but the timing is convenient considering my current mobility issues. I am still struggling with an inadequate liner, and my modifications are taking a toll. My limb is angry and bruised from being squeezed into a liner that is inappropriate and too small. I am grateful for the opportunity to stay on the couch with Hamlet. He is able to rest and I am allowing my leg to heal. 

Hopefully, in a few days, Timmy will be completely recovered. By the time he is feeling better, my leg should be healed and a new liner (one obtained through a friend instead of insurance because that battle is going to take some time) will have arrived. 

Monday, March 25, 2019

Sick Again

After spending four hours on Saturday running and playing at the playground, Hamlet woke up with a high fever in the wee hours Sunday morning. His fever worsened throughout the day despite constant rest and a steady stream of medication. Not wanting the situation to snowball out of control, I finally made the decision to pack him up to visit a doc in a box. 

Three hours later we had our diagnosis. My little guy has both strep throat and ear infections. No wonder he felt so lousy!  We are hoping that the antibiotics will work their magic quickly and that he will feel better soon. In the meantime, it is going to be a Polar Express/ Grinch day on the couch.

Because he had a high fever, I slept in his room last night. Since we installed the new bunk bed slide, my air mattress no longer fits in his room. Determined to stay with him, I set up camp on the floor. Under his bunk, I laid out his crib mattress and a large dog bed (that is used for human lounging only.) Comfort was secondary to my being within reach of Timmy should he need me when sick.

My makeshift bed was comfortable for about five minutes. After that time I became acutely aware that I am too old to be sleeping on a dog bed on the floor.  Every muscle hurts in my body this morning!  

I've asked Scott to pick up a smaller air mattress today on his way home from work. Until Timmy's fever breaks I plan to stay with him, but I don't think I can handle another night on the floor.