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, February 07, 2020

Sick Day for Mom

I'm not feeling fantastic this morning. I am not sick, but I definitely don't feel great. If I had my druthers I would probably curl up under the covers all day, napping and nursing my growing cold. Of course that isn't an option, so instead I'm hoping for an easy day and an early bedtime.

Today is Friday, which means I assume my position as Koopa's taxi driver. I will spend the majority of my day driving him to and from activities. Taking cold medicine isn't an option until we are home from all of his classes. Therefore, I am in "suck it up" mode until we are all home for the night. 


Thursday, February 06, 2020

No Etiquette

We are only in the second month of the election year and I'm already weary of politics. When I was younger I relished election years. I soaked up all of the news and electoral energy, excited by the process and eager to participate. Now I find myself turning the television to the Food Network just so I don't have to deal with the constant political banter. 

My conscious is in a constant battle between the guilt I feel for avoiding the dialog and my need to preserve my sanity. Turning off the banter doesn't make the issues disappear, and I feel guilty for not being more politically involved. At the same time, the absence of noise allows me to live in blissful ignorance. 

It isn't actually the politics that is grating me, but rather the nasty rhetoric from all sides. It seems that we, as a society, can no longer have an intelligent conversation with two opposing viewpoints. All of the etiquette that I learned in speech class and in debate club is now, seemingly, nonexistent. Courtesy and patience have been replaced with vitriol and name calling. It frustrates me to the point of feeling ill.

Right now I'm striving to find a balance between remaining informed while maintaining my own mental health. It isn't easy, but I know that I have to find the balance. If I don't, 2020 is going to be an incredibly long year!

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Worn Out

Monday we had a fabulous time running and playing at the park. Yesterday Timmy was on the couch, feeling feverish and cranky. So much for my happy, feel good little boy. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again- autoimmune disorders stink!

I'm fairly certain that Timmy was not sick but was simply worn out. When he becomes tired or overexerts himself, his little body tends to rebel through fevers and aches. I feel so bad for him when he feels worn out. My heart aches because I want to take it away for him but there is nothing I can do.  

Instead of playing, we spent the majority of the day on the couch. He watched cartoons (and the Polar Express) while I worked on my computer. Our day was quiet, but he needed the calm to recover. I'm hoping that he feels better today.  I miss my little mischief maker!

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

Stunt Flyer

We were treated to unseasonably warm temperatures yesterday. Knowing that the weather was supposed to be gorgeous, I woke up early and tackled my work projects before lunchtime. After lunch, Hamlet and I grabbed his little red plane and headed to the park.

I wasn't the only one who had planned to spend the day playing outside. The park was busier than I have seen it in years. Kiddos were running all over the place, climbing and laughing with unbridled excitement. I think everybody has been cooped up too long!  

Even though Timmy is under modified quarantine, he received permission to play outside with buddies. He was delighted to run and explore with new friends. It was wonderful seeing him so enthusiastic and happy. I kept a watchful eye from a distance, thoroughly enjoying the fresh air and listening to the squeals coming from all corners of the playground.  

As we had hoped, Timmy's red plane was the hit of the playground. All of the kids flocked around him, eager to have a turn flying the Styrofoam stunt plane. Sharing isn't always easy, but Timmy did a great job. He was patient and allowed everybody to have a turn playing with his toy. I was so proud of him!

We spent nearly four hours at the park, and he would have stayed longer if I didn't need to go home to start dinner. Hopefully we will have another break in the weather soon. Socializing and playing without limits did him (and me) a world of good.




Monday, February 03, 2020

Bored

Although it was chilly, the sun was shining most of the weekend. Timmy and I were able to bundle up and head outside to play for a few hours each day. I think the fresh air did us both a world of good!

Being on modified quarantine is definitely taking its toll on both of us. Timmy has become increasingly mischievous and needy. I know that much of his behavior stems from boredom and his frustration with not being able to play with his buddies. I'm trying to fill the role as much as I can, but I just don't have the same energy reserves as him. 

I also have to admit that I become bored playing his games. Jumping on stomp rockets, throwing planes and catching imaginary ghosts provides him with hours of amusement, but I just don't find the activities as riveting and stimulating. I feel guilty feeling bored and I try to push through, but sometimes I just need a break!