Back to Pain

My back has been tender for nearly a week. I am functional but cautious in my movements. Bending or twisting too quickly or at the wrong angle sends twinges of pain through my lower back and down my leg. I've tried ibuprofen, heat, ice and various rubs to little avail. 

Yesterday I was texting my prosthetist and I mentioned my back issues. After going back and forth, we are hypothesizing that my limb has shrunk and that I am sitting deeper into the socket, causing a height difference between my legs. I slipped an insert into the shoe on my prosthetic side to try to even the height and I immediately felt the difference. 

My back is still sore this morning, but the pain feels like the remnant of an issue instead of a nagging problem. I am crossing my fingers that I located the issue and that the twinges will continue to wane. Back pain is miserable!

3D Printer

 Yesterday was a day for assembly and setup.  Assembly day is always stressful. We have so many talents, but assembling little parts into a working machine are not among them. 21 years together has taught us that we will inevitably scrap and fight, but that all frustrations and transgressions are forgiven as soon as the task is done. Before beginning any assembly project we agree to harbor no hard feelings after the job is done.

We've assembled a lot of toys and items over the years, but putting together a 3D printer ranks among the most frustrating. The directions were lousy, with unclear drawings and minimal words. After working for nearly 40 minutes to put on the first piece, we finally brought out the computer and searched YouTube for assembly videos. 

After searching for a few minutes we found a video that walked us through the assembly slowly and with clear instructions. What an absolute godsend! At the end of the afternoon a task that was estimated (by the company) to take one hour ended up taking us three. But thanks to YouTube, we have a fully assembled 3D printer on the kitchen table. 

Today Robby and Scott will figure out how to use it, which will hopefully not be nearly as stressful as piecing it all together.  Wish them luck!

I Hate New Years

 The week between Christmas and the New Year always feels uncomfortable. I feel like the holiday decorations should be cleared because Christmas is over, but I also want to enjoy them through New Years Eve. Part of me is done celebrating and is ready to shutter in for the winter, but the social convention to be jubilant on December 31 is being pushed down my throat. I have always hated New Years!

There is so much pressure around the New Year to "better yourself." Lose weight. Drink more water. Drink less wine. Take these vitamins. Work out. Meditate. Walk. Join a gym. Get a new job. Live your best life. Change yourself. The messages are exhausting and depressing.

At this point in the pandemic, I can't handle the pressure of another major life change. Are there things I want to change? Of course. But I'm also too tired and too overwhelmed to tackle those issues. Instead of making a change my life resolution, this year I am striving to be satisfied with who I am today. In 2022, I want to be enough just the way I am.

Christmas

 We had a fantastic Christmas. My Mom came down on Christmas Eve to spend time with our little family and to exchange gifts. Per tradition she stayed overnight in Timmy's room, an event that Timmy has been looking forward to since last year. Having his Nana have a sleepover at his house was almost as exciting as Santa's visit.

He was worried but Santa did arrive and leave presents. In fact, he left a small mountain of gifts for both boys. Timmy's favorites include an electric scooter, stilts and a HotWheels car wash garage.  Robby received a new computer desk and chair and a limited edition School of Rock Les Paul Gibson guitar. The guitar is special because there are only 100 that were made and he received #1 of 100. Talk about being rare!

Although I piggybacked the announcement with Christmas, I was finally able to reveal my big surprise to both Robby and Scott. After much research, I booked a trip for the two of them to tour European WWII historical sites. They are heading to Normandy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Austria this summer on a 10 day Band of Brothers tour at the end of June.  They were both gobsmacked by the news!  

My Mom, who is notoriously difficult to buy for, seemed to love her present as well. I hired a genealogist to research her family history. The researcher uncovered names, dates and wonderful stories that have been lost over time. (It turns out we have a car thief and prison escape artist in our family lineage.)

I spent yesterday puttering around the house, trying to combine boxes and pick up trash. Slowly things are getting organized. Hopefully the trash will be removed by New Year!

Merry Christmas Eve

 Merry Christmas Eve!!

I am so excited about Christmas this year. It isn't often that I feel like I nailed everybody's gift, but this year I feel like I hit a grand slam. I am chomping at the bit for everybody to unwrap their surprises. 

Today my Mom will come down to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with us. Per tradition, she will stay in Timmy's room. He loves having a special sleepover with his Nana. (Scott and I appreciate that she can keep him in his room during the Santa magic.)

We have a lot to do before Santa comes, so I am going to keep this blog short. Because we are unsure about Santa's favorite cookies, we are baking three different options for him. I know that my Mom doesn't care if my house isn't immaculate, but I want to at least tidy up a bit for her.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Achy Back

 We are in the final stretch towards Christmas. Food needs to be prepped, the house needs to be cleaned, presents need to be wrapped and cookies are waiting to be baked. This is definitely not the time to have an achy back.  Unfortunately my back did not get the memo.

Yesterday morning I felt the all too familiar twinge in my lower back, heralding an impending issue. I tried to take it easy to avoid further injury, but my efforts were useless. I have been on a steady rotation of ibuprofen, back cream and ice packs. I'm hoping that the issue resolves quickly because I don't have time to be idle. 

Getting old stinks!

Mr. Bill's Christmas

 I went to the prosthetist yesterday and, after an hour of tweaking a new test socket, I am completely comfortable. The absence of pain is completely liberating! Even though this leg is considerably heavier (because the test socket plastic is so thick), I feel like I have a new pep in my step. 

It is a good thing that I am feeling energetic this morning because I have a lot to do. I haven't wrapped any presents, and I feel like Christmas is approaching like a freight train. I know I will get it all done and I am trying to not feel overwhelmed, but it is easy to become lost in my sea of anxiety.

I really miss Mr. Bill this time of year. I always used to store my presents in his house, dropping them off by his back door whenever something new was purchased. Mr. Bill would go into elf mode, unboxing and fully assembling everything for me. 

During Christmas week I would sneak over to his house, spread my supplies across his dining room table and wrap all of the presents. He would listen to his Greek music and spin me tales from his childhood while I was tangled in tape and paper. Inevitably he would tell me that I bought too much which always parlayed into the story of his Christmas when he was five years old.

As the story goes, all he wanted for Christmas was a toy gun with a holster. He talked about that gun to everybody he met and wrote letters to Santa. He fetched the water for his Mom and helped his Dad tend to the goats everyday leading up to Christmas. On Christmas morning he couldn't wait to open his presents. He didn't receive his gun, instead he unwrapped a "stupid" bow and arrow. 

His Dad told him that a bow and arrow was more useful than a toy gun. Young Mr. Bill was upset and put the bow and arrow down, pouting for the rest of the morning. Finally, his Dad told him to get his bow and they would go shoot outside. Bill grabbed the bow, drew back and arrow and let it fly- right through the screen door of their little house. His Dad grabbed the bow and he never saw it again.

He would always finish his story with a sigh, a wink and a comment about being a troublemaker from a young age. My goodness I miss him!

Holidaze

 Our holiday weekend was relatively low key. Saturday was spent working and puttering around the house. Timmy and I baked cookies (when he wasn't playing with Friend) and Robby hung out with some friends in an online D&D game.

Yesterday we packed up the boys and headed to National Harbor to watch Holidaze by Cirque. Scott and I have wanted to see this Christmas themed show for several years and we were both excited to finally attend. Because of the threat of Covid, I purposely chose seats in the back corner of the balcony so that we would be away from the crowd. We could still see the show but we did not have to contend with theater neighbors. The plan worked perfectly!

While it wasn't the most awe-inspiring Cirque we have seen, we all enjoyed the show. Timmy seemed to be the most entranced, mesmerized by both the high wire act and the roller skating acrobat. I could see his little wheels turning as he watched the show, trying to figure out how to reenact the show. As soon as we got home he strapped on his roller skates, grabbed some fake snow balls and started practicing. My little guy is both determined and fearless. I know that those traits will take him to both great places and to the emergency room.

After tweaking my socket, I am walking with improved comfort. But until I return to the prosthetist today, I am hesitant to push my limits. Hopefully a socket reduction will fix the problem, and I'll be completely pain free and comfortable this afternoon.  I have a lot to do before Saturday!

 

From Air to Rocks

I finally have a new leg! I was elated to walk out of the prosthetist's office sporting both a new foot and socket. I literally felt like I was walking on air.

As the day wore on, the pressure inside my new socket morphed into pain. I was warned that I would feel discomfort with the new socket design, and that I may even hate the it. For some reason, I assumed that it wouldn't be as bad as I was warned. I assumed incorrectly.

By the time night fell, I was hobbling around and utterly miserable. I ended up taking off the leg and crying. For the first time in a very long time, I felt disabled. 

A good night sleep and some time out of the socket has helped. This morning my steps were tender but not painful. I'm going to use a crutch for the next few days while I adjust to the new form. Hopefully the tissue will "toughen" up quickly and that I will be walking on air again soon.

New Leg? Maybe.

Today I resume my quest for a new prosthesis. I received a call to set up the appointment because my new foot has finally arrived. Although it looks like everything is pointing towards actually receiving my new leg I remain cautiously optimistic. This isn't the first time I've been down this road!

With the addition of Friend into our family, my daily step count has skyrocketed. Each day I am now walking an average of 18,000 steps. With all of that walking, a new leg will be a welcome change. 

Fingers crossed that tomorrow I will be sharing photos of my new leg! 

Shift

 After counting down from 100, it is hard to fathom that Christmas is now only 10 days and 15 hours from right now. My goodness, the time has flown! Despite ample warning, I still feel woefully unprepared. But looking back, I never really feel prepped for Christmas, so using that perspective I guess I am right on track. 

I am making an effort to relax about the holiday this year. I am trying to keep my desire for the "perfect holiday" in check, instead I am focusing on simply enjoying the season. It requires a paradigm shift in my thought processes, but in the end I think it will be better for my mental health. At least, that is what I keep reminding myself whenever I find the holiday anxiety creeping into my thoughts.

 

The Snow Ball

We had a fantastic Christmas themed weekend. On Friday night we kicked off the festivities by taking a trip to a new outdoor light experience. While Scott stayed home with Friend, the boys and I explored and oohed over all of the gorgeous light displays in the park. I was expecting the park to be busy but was happily surprised to find the pedestrian flow steady but not overwhelming. As we meandered through the winter wonderland we rarely ran into another group of people. 

I worked on Saturday until mid afternoon. When I finally logged off, I baked cookies with the boys and watched Christmas movies on the couch. To the disappointment of both Friend and Timmy, it was too windy to do much outside. Saturday evening Robby dressed and attended his first high school dance. 

Seeing him dressed in his crisp suit and red tie, I was awestruck by how handsome he has become. I had no doubt that my little Koopa had (somehow) grown up. I thought I would be heartbroken, but instead I found myself welling with pride and excitement. I eagerly watched the clock until the dance was over, eager to hear about the experience. My heart leapt when I saw his smile. He had a fantastic time at the dance with his friends.

Sunday was spent working and baking. I made two types of cookies and a red velvet cake. (I used the recipe for Scott's favorite childhood cake. He hasn't had it in nearly 8 years and was almost overwhelmed when he tasted the first bite.)

Today we are back to work, although gingerbread houses may (definitely) be in our future this evening.

Friend and a Mole

 Yesterday afternoon, while Timmy and I were walking Friend, the little pup started frantically tracking. He has been sniffing around a lot, which is no surprise because we live in the woods with a lot of wildlife, but yesterday his efforts were amplified. We allowed him to follow his nose and to explore until he settled on a pile of leaves towards the end of our driveway.

After a few seconds with his nose in the leaf pile, Friend emerged with a small grey ball in his mouth. I quickly realized that the ball used to be alive. I began to panic and pleaded with him to drop the ball.  He was not compliant with my requests, and the more he began to chomp the more I began to freak out. 

I finally ended up throwing the entire handful of treats in his direction with the hopes that he would drop his "snack." The treats distracted him long enough to drop the partially eaten grey ball. I quickly grabbed it with a leaf, vomited in the road and threw the remains deep into the woods. Almost instantaneously Friend was lapping up the vomit on the road which, of course, caused me to heave with greater intensity.

I tried to move the critter without looking, but I was able to determine that it was either a baby mole or a baby mouse. Because of the absence of blood I am assuming that it had been dead for awhile. I spent the next hour researching the dangers of a puppy eating road kill and vomit. Apparently this is quite normal for dogs. 

I think I am woefully unprepared to be a doggy mom.

Dog Person

Yesterday I received a text message from my prosthetist, letting me know that my foot has finally arrived. I felt a twinge of excitement but quickly tempered my enthusiasm. I have been on a "new leg" rollercoaster for years and, quite honestly, I'm not keen on another twist in the saga. At this point, I am going to maintain low expectations until I actually walk out of the office on a new leg.

My new leg will immediately put through its paces. Friend has us going outside almost every hour. Although he has certainly changed our routine, Friend is turning into an amazing family dog. Each day he plays and runs with Timmy. In the evening he curls up on my lap and sleeps. I never thought I was a dog person, yet here I am, living the dream. 

Settling in Friend

 Day two of doggy cohabitation is in the books. I am surprised by the bond that Timmy and Friend have already formed. Hamlet can't walk anywhere without having Friend prancing happily behind him. I love seeing both of them so happy.

Between work, school and puppy care, I was nonstop busy yesterday. We are trying to train Friend to go outside, which means lots of walks throughout the day. He only had one accident in the house, so I think our efforts are working. 

Adding Friend to our house has certainly contributed to the chaos, but I'm optimistic that things will calm down as everybody settles into a routine. 

Friend

Hamlet has been asking for a dog for nearly 3 years. I have delayed bringing a canine friend into the house because I knew that, despite everybody's promises, the responsibility for care would land on my shoulders. I felt like I had too many balls in the air to add a pup to the mix. 

Over the past few months, I have started to change my stance on a dog. I knew that Timmy would form an unbreakable bond with the pup, which would remain with him for a lifetime. After all, he is the perfect age for a dog. Because socialization is difficult because of the pandemic, I began to believe that a dog would help to fill the void of playmate. 

After much consideration and an enormous amount of research, I would like to introduce Friend Chenoweth. My Mom went and picked him up for me and delivered him yesterday. Timmy was initially confused about why his Nana was showing him a puppy. It wasn't until we began to drive home with the pup on his lap that he realized that he finally received his doggy.

He cried tears of joy for about 30 minutes. He spent the rest of the car ride talking to Friend about his new home in Virginia. He also sang him the ABCs and a made-up song about getting a dog, followed up by explaining that the sun was bigger than the earth. 

Friend is tiny- much smaller than we anticipated. I was under the impression that he was 10 pounds. This little guy is probably only 3 pounds after a big meal. Even the extra small harness is too big for him! A bonus of Friend being so small is that he isn't intimidating for the cats. Both Charlie and Kitty Kitty responded well to their new brother, which was a happy surprise. 

 

Second Shot for Timmy

 Yesterday Timmy received his second Covid shot. He took the needle like a champion. By the time Timmy finished telling me that he was nervous the pharmacist was disposing of the needle and putting the band aid on his arm. I was so proud of him!

Unfortunately, and as anticipated, he had a rough night. It is hard watching him feel icky, but I keep telling myself that it is an immune response and that he is actually becoming stronger. A headache and a lack of sleep are a small price to pay, and in a few hours this too shall pass.

I suspect that today will be spent on the couch, binging The Polar Express and The Grinch movies. Hopefully he will be feeling better tomorrow. We are supposed to go pick up our tree, and it will be more fun if everybody is feeling fantastic. 

 

Change of Plans

 Sigh.

I let my excitement get ahead of me, and I think I jinxed myself. I spent the majority of my day feeling excited about receiving my new leg. I could hardly wait to try it on and to start walking. Even my kiddos were looking forward to seeing Momom's new leg. 

Unfortunately, in the middle of the afternoon I received a call cancelling my prosthetic appointment. Apparently the foot is on back order and they don't know when it will arrive. (I guess supply chain issues are also impacting the world of prosthetics.) So much for walking into the Christmas season in comfort. I felt so deflated!

Logically, I know that I can continue wearing this leg until my new one is ready. It is just frustrating to hit yet another snag in the process. At this point, I am going to try to forget about my new leg until I am actually wearing it. I don't think I can handle this level of disappointment and frustration again.

 

Closer to Comfort

Tomorrow I go to pick up my new leg. Fingers crossed that the test socket is comfortable and that I'm able to walk out wearing a new leg! It has been such a long road, filled with detours and obstacles. I'm so excited to restart the "completely comfortable" phase of my life. 

It is hard to fathom that I haven't been completely comfortable (for more than a few days at a time) since Timmy was born. I have been struggling for almost eight years! The revision/ re-amputation after he was born has completely transformed my amputee experience. I realized that I had been so fortunate to be comfortable for such a long time. One little change in a limb can totally destroy the comfort of the socket.

I am looking forward to jumping on the trampoline, running with Timmy and going through my day without thinking about my prosthesis. Hopefully all of those dreams will become a reality. I know it is possible because it used to be my reality.

Work Overload

I received my booster vaccine for Covid over the weekend. I felt crummy yesterday, but I am feeling better today. Even though I felt icky, I know that it is worth it!

While I was muddling through the day, both boys attacked their schoolwork with a dedication that made me proud. They both worked through their to-do white boards without complaint. After a fun week away from school, I was worried about the transition back to our normal schedule. They both rose to the occasion which was much appreciated. (I really didn't have the energy to battle them over schoolwork, so I'm glad that it never became necessary!)

Today we are going to continue trudging through our to-do piles, hoping to make some progress. I feel overwhelmed by the amount that needs to be accomplished, but I know that worrying won't help. I just need them keep working through the tasks and eventually they will be caught up.

Wish us luck!

Holiday Wrap-Up

 What a wonderful Thanksgiving week. The days flew by but I know that the memories will last. I had so much fun with the kids and visiting with my Mom. Yesterday I was sad to pack up and leave, but I also knew it was time to return to reality.

After our getaway adventures, the fun continued with the Cousin Crew. Our Thanksgiving gathering was smaller than usual, but it was relaxed and nice to just hang out with my cousin and immediate family. After the chaos of traveling solo with four kids, the quieter Thanksgiving was a welcome change.

Friday morning Scott and I woke early and went shopping. We didn't have a lengthy Black Friday list, but venturing into the stores is a tradition that we didn't want to miss. By early afternoon we were back at my Mom's house and Scott was packing up to head home. (He returned early to have a few days of solid football watching before his vacation came to a close.)

At night I packed up the kiddos and we drove to check out the lights at a celebrated house near my Mom's. The light show did not disappoint! We sat in the cul-de-sac, mesmerized by the synchronized show. It was a great way to officially kick off the Christmas season.

Saturday evening my niece, my sister, Robby, Timmy and I headed to a local railroad. Not to brag, but we managed to score the highly coveted tickets to visit the North Pole. Timmy was ecstatic to be going on the train and was giggling throughout our trip. As an added surprise, Santa made an appearance on our train. Talk about exciting!

Sunday morning we woke up, packed our bags and headed back to Virginia. Today we return to reality. Hopefully the transition will be smooth!

Adventure Continues

 Yesterday morning we woke up, ate breakfast and headed back to the waterpark. Just like Monday, the pools were nearly empty. The kids had a blast having the entire park to themselves!

After playing for a few hours, we dried off, packed up the car and headed to our next destination. (This year I planned a two part adventure.) On our way to the next resort, we ended up driving close to my college. Because the kids have heard college stories their entire lives, I couldn't pass the opportunity to show them my old stomping grounds. (Tiffany and Robby have already seen Kutztown, but this was a new experience for my nephews and Timmy.) 

We drove through the campus, visited my favorite pizza shop for lunch and I showed them my old dorm rooms. I wish we could have spent more time, but I wanted to get back on the road before the holiday traffic increased. It was a short visit, but I have no doubt that we will be back.

We arrived at the resort in Lancaster by mid-afternoon. The kids took off exploring while I got settled. After running around the resort for about an hour they made their way back to the room, changed into their still wet suits and headed down to the pool. 

Scott arrived in the early evening and hung out with the Crew. We decided to oblige their request by letting them go to Sheetz for dinner. For them, gas station cuisine is a treat.

Today we are packing up and heading back to my Mom's house. We had a fantastic adventure, but I think everybody will be happy to rest for awhile. Okay, maybe the Cousin Crew could keep going, but I am absolutely exhausted!

 

Aquatopia!

 Greetings from Camelback Mountain Resort in the Poconos. The kids were ecstatic when we pulled into the resort gates and their mystery destination was revealed. The first thing they saw were the imposing waterslides spiraling around the side of the building. Timmy's squeals of delight were matched by his teenage cousins.

The resort is amazing. Our bunk bed suite is perfect because, although it isn't very large, everybody has a bed. We don't really need a big room, because the majority of our time was spent in the waterpark.

Aquatopia, which is the largest indoor waterpark on the East Coast, is overwhelming in both size and aquatic activities. As soon as we walked into the park, I knew that we were about to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The waterpark was virtually empty!

There were fewer than 100 guests in the waterpark yesterday. Because most of the other guests were in the kids water activity center, themed for the younger kids and toddlers, it was like we had the place to ourselves. We never waited in line for the slides, the kids were the only ones in the lazy river, and they also had the wave pool to themselves. 

Timmy, finally tall enough to join his cousins on the slides, took full advantage of every opportunity. He went down the largest slides without inhibition, giggling and smiling the entire time. He even learned how to surf on the empty flow rider!

After splashing and playing for four hours, the we changed clothes and devoured an obscene amount of food in the hotel restaurant. The big kids went into the escape room while Timmy climbed the rock wall and mined for gems. After Timmy was completely exhausted, I tucked him into bed and let the big kids go back to the waterpark to enjoy the slides and pools while they were colorfully illuminated.

Today we are heading back to the waterpark before packing up and heading to our next destination. (This is a two-part Aunt Peggy Adventure.) Stay tuned!

Thanksgiving Adventures

 I LOVE Thanksgiving week. On Christmas we stay home for the holiday, but on Thanksgiving we travel to be with family. The boys are so excited to see their cousins again and to have a few days to hang out and have fun. Since they all have the week off of school, I may (wink wink) have an Aunt Peggy Adventure planned for the next few days.

Because I knew that we would be traveling, I spent the weekend working. No, it wasn't terribly exciting but it was necessary. From Friday night to Sunday night, I logged nearly 20 hours. It was actually nice being able to hole up in a room to work nonstop. I wouldn't want to do it every weekend, but I did enjoy being so productive.

This morning I'm up early, finishing up some odds and ends before our adventure begins. I can't post any details, but I am excited for the next few days!

No New Leg- Yet

 Sigh.  

They say that all good things come to those who wait. In the case of my new leg, I hope that this is true. Yesterday we made progress on my socket, but after two hours I walked out of the office wearing the same leg I put on in the morning.

We made progress on the mold and, from the brief time I wore it, I believe it will be incredibly comfortable when the tweaks are complete. Because of Thanksgiving, I won't be able to pick up the new version until December. Yes, I am disappointed. However, I refuse to feel discouraged. 

I spent the remainder of the day getting caught up on everything I missed during the morning. Since I complete the majority of my projects in the morning, I was forced to play catch-up in the afternoon. Today we are back on track. 

It will be a great day, even if I'm still hobbling in an uncomfortable leg.

New Leg Day!

 Today is the day!  After hobbling around for years (literally), I am supposed to receive the first version of my new leg in a few hours. I had trouble sleeping last night because I am so stoked for my appointment. I have not been completely comfortable since the revision surgery after Timmy was born. Today, I hope to close the uncomfortable leg chapter of my life.

I am trying to temper my expectations because I know that the new mold may need to be tweaked and altered. The modification process is frustrating, but the end result should be complete and total comfort. I know that I am in great hands and I am going to trust the process.

Wish me luck!

Fall Days

After a busy albeit emotional weekend cleaning the house, yesterday it was nice to return to our schedule. I rose early and knocked out a few hours of work before anybody else woke up. After breakfast the boys hit the books and worked into the afternoon. By the middle of the afternoon, we were all mentally exhausted and in need of a break. Thankfully the weather cooperated and we were able to spend a few hours playing outside. 

The weather is supposed to be cooperative today, so I suspect that we will have a similar schedule. As long as the temperature stays above freezing, I plan to spend as much time outside as possible. I know that we will be stuck inside when winter rolls around, so I want to take full advantage of the opportunities. Playing in the cool air with the boys is invigorating and it makes my heart happy.

If everything goes as scheduled, today will be the last day I will be wearing an uncomfortable leg. Tomorrow I am supposed to pick up my new leg and I couldn't be more excited. I'm also nervous because anytime a change is made to my prosthesis I feel an increase in phantom pain. I'm not looking forward to a few sleepless nights, but I'm optimistic that the pain will be short lived.

Goodbye Thomas

This weekend was spent purging my closet and cleaning the toy room. I realized that the holidays will be here before we know it and I needed to get the donations delivered so that they can be enjoyed by others this Christmas. It took me nearly five hours, but my closet is clear and the toy room is more manageable. We now have 9 contractor trash bags and boxes stuffed with items sitting in our driveway, waiting for the donation pick-up truck this morning.

I must admit, I was swept with emotions when I was packing up the trains and tracks. Timmy no longer plays with the Thomas trains, and it is time for them to be loved by another kiddo. Both Robby and Timmy loved their trains and I have so many wonderful memories building tracks and playing trains with them. It is hard to imagine walking through this house without navigating a train and track minefield.

There I go getting emotional again. Ugh! Watching the kids grow and learn is wonderful, but at times it feels like my heart is shattering as they pass through each stage. Being a Mom isn't for the faint of heart!

Covid Vaccine!

Yesterday was a big day in our home. Not only was it my Walking Day (18th), but it was also the day that Timmy received his first Covid vaccine. With Scott home for Veterans Day, we were all able to accompany him to the pharmacy to offer support.

To my surprise, Timmy was excited about getting his shot. He was focused on everything that he will be able to do now that he is immunized instead of the jab in his arm. He didn't cry and, although I know it hurt, he didn't complain. I am so proud of him. 

I feel a huge sense of relief with Timmy receiving his first Covid vaccine. He is high risk and Scott and I have been living in "crisis protective" mode for nearly two years. While I know that we will continue to wear masks and practice recommended safeguards, it is reassuring to know that everybody in our family has another layer of protection.

Walking Day

18 years. My goodness, this morning marks 18 years since I took my first prosthetic steps. Time is moving so quickly!

 

 

New Leg Day (soon)

 After what feels like an eternity, today I am finally getting casted for my new leg. To say I am excited would be an understatement. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning!

I have been hobbling around with an inadequate device for years. The pandemic, compounded with insurance issues, forced me to adapt to the discomfort. I'm looking forward to being pain-free and comfortable again. After "making it work" for so long, having a correctly fitting prosthesis will feel like a liberation.

I won't get my new leg today, but at least the process is starting. If everything goes as planned, I'll be comfortable by Thanksgiving. Talk about a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season!

Back Home

After a fun and energizing weekend in Pennsylvania, yesterday we packed up and headed back to Virginia. We arrived home late morning, allowing me the afternoon to work and sort through my week. It is always nice to go away, but I always feel disheveled and out of sorts when I return. It doesn't matter how long I am away, coming back home always results in "settling back" stress. 

Today the boys and I are resuming our schedules. Because yesterday was a school holiday, both kids had a long weekend without any assignments. I think that hitting the books might come as a bit of a shock this morning.  It certainly doesn't take them long to melt into vacation mode!

Weekend Wrap up

 I had a fantastic weekend in Pennsylvania. The boys and I arrived at my Mom's house Friday afternoon. All of the cousins were together for a few hours until my nephews had to go to their father's for the weekend. Tiffany was able to stay to hang out with us and we made the most of the time together.

Saturday I took the kids to Dave and Busters to play video games for a few hours. When we came back, Robby had to lace up his sneakers and go for a run with his Aunt Sheri. (He had to run one mile for school and I volunteered her to do it with him.) Timmy decided to run along and was over the moon when he was presented with a medal at the end of the "race."

On Sunday Scott came up to my Mom's to pick up Robby for the concert. The two headed north to the Night Ranger concert while I went to meet my friend for lunch. Timmy was going to hang out with my Mom and my niece for the afternoon. Apparently they had plans for an adventure.

While I was with my friend, I received a flurry of incoming photos through text. I was surprised to see Timmy at Hershey Park. Even though he was wearing a mask, it was easy to see his smile and excitement. Not only was he at an amusement park, but he was there with "his Tiffy." It was definitely a memorable and wonderful day for him!

Robby and Scott had a great time at the concert. They were in the second and third rows from the stage, close enough to see the sweat on the performers' faces. Night Ranger concerts have become their favorite father/son activity, and this show did not disappoint. Robby called me after the concert as they were making their way back to the hotel. His voice was hoarse from cheering but it was easy to hear the excitement and the joy in his voice.

All in all, everybody had a fantastic weekend. I think we all needed to disconnect and just have fun again.