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, June 26, 2020

Free Berries

It seems that every summer I have a similar lesson. I vow to learn from the experience and to never let it happen again. This year, despite quarantine, has been no different. I forgot (again) that there is no such thing as a free berry. 

I always become excited when the blackberry bushes begin to fruit. Going for bike rides with Robby, it is so easy to just pull over to the side of the road and grab a few handfuls of ripe, juicy berries. Every single year I end up with a mouthful of delicious berries and limbs covered with poison ivy.  

Last night I began to itch. By the middle of the night it felt like my elbows and my knees were under attack. This morning the joints are hot, itchy and covered with large red welts.  Those berries were delicious, but they were definitely not worth the cost.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Team Pool

Yesterday was more laid back, which was a welcome relief. I was able to work through the morning but logged off in the afternoon. Timmy splished and splashed in his little pool while I just sat and relaxed. The humidity finally broke and it felt fantastic to be outside. 

Watching Timmy play and enjoy his pool has reignited my desire to get a pool at home. Our last attempt was a disaster and I swore I would never try again. The stage is still in pieces in our driveway, waiting to be hauled away. It's ironic that the junk hauler is coming today to remove the remaining pieces of our failed pool attempt while I am lobbying to try again.

This time I think we need to do it right. Bring somebody in to level the land before constructing a sturdy and sensibly sized above ground pool. The boys are all on board with our plan. At this point we just need to convince Scott. Hopefully, watching Timmy playing all summer in a little pool in our driveway will motivate him to jump to Team Pool!

The highlight of our day came during the evening, when Robby finally attended in-person band practice. He was thrilled to be back with his friends. I have to give props to his music school for keeping the program afloat, but I know that everybody was happy to return to their jam sessions.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Busy

Between working on reports and marathon meetings, yesterday was both long and draining. Thank goodness Scott was home to watch the boys because I was in front of my keyboard most of the day. By the time the sun was beginning to set I was exhausted and had finally logged off for the day. What a long day!

I love working from home because I'm able to stagger my hours to fit my family. Every once in awhile I have to conform to the normal work world, and yesterday was one of those days. The experience reminded me how much I love the flexibility of working from home. I know that I will have days with marathon meetings, but those occurrences are rare. I would be miserable if every day were like yesterday.  

Today will be more relaxed. I'm hoping to enjoy some time with the boys, and maybe even go for a bike ride with Robby. The weather was muggy and miserable yesterday so the boys stayed inside for most of the day. Hopefully today we can soak up some sunshine!

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Pool Side

Yesterday was busy with work in the morning and playing with Timmy in the afternoon. It was hot and humid which provided the perfect excuse to hang out in the pool with my littlest guy. Even though our pool is small, he still loves it and spends hours splishing and splashing each day. 

Because we are still actively social distancing, our recreation opportunities are limited. We are a water loving family, so having our public pools close has been difficult. (Although, in all honesty, we would not have gone this year anyway because of Covid.) Like so many other things, this summer will be different. But, different doesn't mean bad! I am determined to have an amazing summer with my family, even if I have to become more creative in my efforts.

I'm so glad that we decided to get the little pool this year. We were on the fence (well, Scott was on the fence) about having a blow up pool in the middle of our driveway, but it has provided the ideal summer activity for Timmy. He plays for hours and seems oblivious that his little oasis is relatively small. I guess it is small for adults, but for him it is perfect.

When the temperature is hot enough outside I join him in the pool to play and to cool off. He delights every time he sees me grab my swimsuit. I know that he won't always want to spend this much time with me, so I'm trying to soak in every moment of his adoration!  

Yesterday I spent a few hours playing volleyball and floating in the pool. Scott assumed the role of Cabana Boy, bringing cold drinks every 30-40 minutes and offering snacks and shade. Even though we were in our driveway, Timmy and I had as much fun as if we were in a tropical location.  

Monday, June 22, 2020

Bingo

In order to break up the monotony that has grown out of social distancing, I have started to sign Timmy up for fun little internet classes. He has had a virtual playdate with a pirate and he has participated in learn-to-read story hours. On Friday I found an ABC bingo class and knew that he would have a blast. He loves playing bingo, so I didn't hesitate to sign him up.

When it was time for his class to begin he came running to the table. He had his ABC bingo card in front of him and he happily covered his letters when they were called. The teacher took turns calling on different kids during the game, inviting them to say words that start with the called letter. Timmy was eager to participate and excitedly waved his arm in the air at each opportunity.

Halfway through the second game, the teacher finally called on Timmy. He was unmuted and asked to name a word that starts with the letter P. Without missing a beat, my sweet little cherub happily chirped his response. "Penis starts with P. Butthole and ballsack start with a B."

I almost spit my coffee across the table. His teacher quickly called the next letter, although I did notice that she didn't call on Timmy again. Perhaps the next class I sign him up for should involve finding and using a personal filter?