A Multi-Purpose Gift

Robby idolizes Mr. Bill.  The two have managed to forge a relationship which is both special and unique. Transcending the typical neighbor relationship, Mr. Bill has become something of a mentor for Robby. He has taught him useful skills that, quite honestly, we lack both the knowledge and tools to impart. From building fences and laying sod to suggestions on how to deal with bullies, Mr. Bill has spent countless hours patiently teaching his little apprentice.

I've come to realize that Mr. Bill is reaping as much from the relationship as Robby. Teaching Robby has provided him with a purpose which he admits has been lacking since he retired. I know that he looks forward to seeing his "little buddy" in the afternoons, and Robby is still excited to tell him about his school day.  There have been several times when Robby has confided worries and problems to his trusted friend before talking with us.

Lately I've noticed a change in Mr. Bill, and I have become worried. His cat of 18 years recently passed away. With the pain of losing Sophie still strong, I can certainly relate to his grief. Robby has also picked up on the mood shift and has been doing his best to buoy his friend's spirits.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by SimplyBridal about a collaboration. I wasn't certain how we could become mutually beneficial, but looking through their catalog I discovered numerous items which were not necessarily wedding oriented. I immediately knew that the 7-in1 multi-tool would become a treasure for my little Koopa. I was planning on saving it for Christmas, but with the recent shift in Mr. Bill's demeanor, I thought that he could also benefit from my giving it to Robby early.

As predicted, Robby was delighted with his "way cool man tool."  Impressed with both the weight (it certainly feels sturdy and substantial) and the variety of tools, he practically sprinted across the yard to show Mr. Bill his new treasure. A stickler for quality and extremely particular about his tools, the multi-tool was granted the Mr. Bill seal of approval. He was particularly taken by the clever design and variety of features offered by a pocket tool. I'm thinking that I may have stumbled upon a Christmas gift idea for the neighbor who has everything!

Robby is delighted with his gift, but Mr. Bill seems equally as happy teaching him how to use all of the tools. From the hammer to the screwdrivers, the pair have painstakingly examined, tried and talked about every feature. In a special way, the present I gave to Robby has also been a gift for Mr. Bill.  I know that we can't take away his grief over his little kitty, but I'm sure that the distraction has gone a long way towards healing his grief. 

Sleeping through the Night

The event that we have been hoping for about since April finally occurred.  After nearly 5 months of interrupted sleep, Timmy finally gave us a most appreciated gift.  On Monday night, he finally slept through the entire night!

Perhaps only a sleep deprived parent can fully appreciate this milestone. After all, I find his sleeping so monumental that I am bragging about it in this blog! Other than visiting with my Mom or recovering from surgery, I haven't slept through the night since he was born. I was beginning to believe that a solid REM sleep was a thing of my past, but Timmy's gift has given me hope.

Okay, in full disclosure, even though he provided me with the opportunity, I wasn't able to sleep through the night. I woke up at 3:00 in a panic because he hadn't cried for his bottle. I threw on my leg (literally because the foot was sideways) and vaulted down the hallway into his room. I lost suction halfway into his bedroom, forcing me to stumble and grab onto the side of his crib for support.  He was soundly sleeping. 

Relieved that he was okay and thrilled that he was still asleep, I went back to bed. I fell asleep until 4:30, at which point I began to fret that something was wrong. My attempts at employing logic and talking myself down failed. I ended up running back into his bedroom, checking on him to make sure that he was okay.  On the way into his bedroom I stepped on the cat (Charlie has yet to learn that it is dangerous to weave between my legs when I'm walking).  Charlie began to shriek and ran directly into the Jumperoo, starting the series of bubble pop songs and flashing lights.

Timmy has been known to wake up when I sneeze two rooms away, yet the music and light show didn't wake him up.  I think that my littlest guy is turning the corner when it comes to sleeping. He has been steadily sleeping for longer periods at night to the point where he finally slept the entire time. I am beginning to see the light at the end of my sleep deprived tunnel. Now if I could only convince him to appreciate the wonders of napping.

Another Snake.

Yesterday was busy! I woke up at 4 in order to tackle some reports before Timmy woke up. I've come to accept that anything mentally challenging needs to be conquered in the pre-dawn hours while the house is quiet. I'm not a morning person, but I am beginning to appreciate the solitude that waking up early affords me.

After making breakfast, doing some dishes and convincing Robby that he did indeed have to go to school, I was ready for a nap. Unfortunately Timmy did not hold the same idea. He was fussy and the only way I could keep him satisfied was to wear him on my chest. Standing at the kitchen counter, wearing an infant, is exhausting!

By the time I picked up Robby from school, Timmy had melted into a little smelly bundle of discontent. He valiantly fought napping all day and was simply miserable. I made Robby a snack and a bottle for Timmy before settling into the rocking chair in our bedroom. I knew that he wouldn't nap long, but I was hoping that he would sleep long enough for me to make dinner.

My little guy was hungry! He sucked down five ounces before falling sound asleep. His little arms flopped to his side and his mouth was gaping open. (He is so adorable when he is so sound asleep.) Breathing a sigh of relief, I was getting ready to stand up and put him in his crib when my plans were turned upside down.

I happened to glance up at the ceiling and immediately recognized the slithering form lying on the plastic sheeting (we really need to get that hole in the ceiling fixed). I shrieked and jumped out of the rocker, startling Timmy awake. Let me tell you, he did not appreciate being woken up from such a deep sleep in such a dramatic fashion. He started screaming while I simultaneously began to cry. I really hate snakes!

True to Murphy's Law, Scott had to work late and wasn't home. I saw the tail begin to shake and move, confirming my fears that he was alive. Continuing our streak of luck, he seemed to be lodged underneath the glue trap.  Had he been on top of the trap I would not have been nearly as panicked.  Uncertain that the snake would stay put and alone with an eight year old and an infant, I knew that I had no option but to tackle my snake phobia again. 

By this time Timmy was wailing. I put him in his crib, turned on his fishy mobile and shut the door. Although he wasn't happy, I knew that he would be safe. I put on a pair of gloves, grabbed a trash bag and my makeshift spear (a steak knife duct taped to the bottom of a crutch) and tried to channel my inner warrior. Robby stood on our bed, excitedly watching me on from a safe distance.

I'm not ashamed that he witnessed me crying, because he also saw me step up and conquer a fear. I managed to climb up on the counter top, reach into the ceiling and grab the snake. Thankfully his head was stuck to the glue trap so his options for escape for nonexistent.

Robby cheered me as I threw the snake into the woods, bragging that we "schooled that slithering b@stard." I should have utilized the teachable moment to address his language, but at that point I was so relieved that the snake was out of the house that I opted to high five him instead.  Robby played with Timmy while I put up new plastic sheeting.  Scott pulled into the driveway as soon as the commotion settled down. 

I have decided to ask Santa for extra long snake tongs this year. 

Most Adept?

I love my little Timmy with all my heart. He is definitely a baby of extremes. He is either wearing a huge gummy smile and giggling or he is red faced and screaming in a colic induced rage. Whereas Robby was an intent and studious baby, Timmy seems to be more on the goofy and jovial side. I am enjoying watching his personality develop, and continue to be amazed by how alike and different he is becoming from his big brother.

Robby never suffered from reflux, a blessing which I only now appreciate. Timmy continues to projectile vomit without notice, coating everything with sour milk. I venture to say that, other than when I was recovering from my surgeries, a day has not passed where I have not been thoroughly doused with vomit since he was born. While I know that it is more unpleasant for him than for us, I have to say that it is an absolutely disgusting issue. 

I have gotten into the habit of changing my clothes after I strap him into his car seat in an effort to spare my shirts. Sometimes the plan works. Unfortunately, sometimes he manages to spout like a dolphin, covering me anyway. It was a little embarrassing when Elliot changed my my leg only to discover that the spectra sock was covered with rancid formula chunks. No wonder I couldn't escape the smell!

Although I don't enjoy being coated in smelly, chunky regurgitated baby formula, Scott borders on repulsed. He is not handling a reflux baby gracefully, and instinctively announces each episode with the same disgust as the first.  Whereas I can simply wipe off the vomit without much pause, Scott is not nearly as easy going when it comes to wearing formula.  He has managed to spin each episode into a little production. 

Sitting in the living room, it is easy to determine when Timmy has experienced a reflux episode with his Daddy.  The calm of the house is immediately interrupted by Scooter shrieking, "Oh no! Oh no! Oh my God, it is all over me. Peg, he spit up all over me. Oh no, he isn't finished.  Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Peg-GY, he covered me. You have to take him. Hurry, it's warm." Apparently I'm the most adept at wiping up vomit? 

From our bodies, clothes and hair to the floor, casseroles and cat, nothing has been spared from the little regurgitator. The reflux medication seems to have little impact, although I haven't stopped giving it to him so perhaps it is sparing us from a far more prolific fate. I'm promised that he will outgrow this stage, but adjusting the timeline for his prematurity has us covered in goop for at least another three months.  It is a good thing that he is cute and smiles a lot because the constant vomiting is certainly not his most appealing attribute.

Special Day

Thanks to my Mom and help from a friend, yesterday I was able to orchestrate a wonderful Momom/son day. It has been a long time since Robby and I have done something special without bringing along other people. I loved having a special day with just him.

We began our adventures by visiting the Pennsylvania State Museum. A friend arranged for her husband, the head curator, to provide us with a private tour of the Native American artifacts. Robby was like a little sponge trying to absorb as much information as possible. He is studying Native Americans in school so this trip came at the most fortuitous time. He asked questions and offered insightful comments and observations about the artifacts he was viewing. Just as important as what he was learning, he behaved beautifully!  It is always nice when you leave an experience feeling proud of your child's behavior. 

We were supposed to visit an archaeological dig site, but unfortunately the plans did not work out.  I saw the disappointment wash across Robby's face when I had to break the bad news. Determined to continue our fun day and not wanting it to end on a sour note, I quickly developed Plan B.

I drove right past the dig site and headed to a local cavern for a tour. Robby has been asking to experience caves, and I figured that a tourist trap would be considerably cheaper than trying to spelunking on our own. (I'm not exactly the most graceful and trying to maneuver the underground without the assistance of illumination and a trained guide would be a recipe for disaster.) Robby's frown almost instantly turned into a huge smile when he realized that his dream of cave exploration was about to be realized. 

Again, I was impressed by both Robby's behavior and attentiveness to the guide. He knew more about stalagmites and stalactites than I realized. He actually knew more on the subject than I did!  Although I wasn't delighted trying to navigate the uneven, wet surfaces in the dark, I knew that my being there was making Robby happy. This was a true test of my new prosthesis and my recovery. It wasn't easy, but I was able to finish the tour without falling.  I consider that a success!

Robby missed school yesterday, but I know that the time away from the classroom was well spent.  He learned a lot more about Native Americans and was able to ask the expert his questions. He is in the process of putting together a report and poster to present to his class about his experiences. I know that he is excited to share what he learned with his friends. I'm so glad that his teachers value the education potential of experiences and that I am able to go on these adventures with him.

Eclipses

Yesterday morning, before dawn, I found  myself in an unusual situation. It was one of those surreal, am I really doing this, moments. I never imagined that I would be standing in a parking lot of 7-11, in the dark, setting up a telescope with an excited little boy. But Robby loves science, and I want to support his interests, so when he begged to drive somewhere to catch a better look at the lunar eclipse, I couldn't say no. 

I only wish I had the foresight to have changed out of my bright pink pajamas before piling into the car on our moon quest. And brushing my hair might have been a nice touch, but that didn't happen either.  Standing in the middle of an extremely busy intersection, sporting my Scottie dog nightgown, polka dot pajama bottoms, and wild bed hair was not exactly part of the plan. Of course, my plan for viewing the eclipse from the comfort of our deck was squelched when we realized the moon was too low on the horizon to be viewed over the trees.  Robby wanted a better view, and I knew that time was of the essence when dealing with an eclipse. I honestly didn't even think about what I was wearing.

Needless to say, I am sure that I provided fodder for conversation from the hundreds of people who saw us in the parking lot. Cars honked, people waved and passengers craned their heads to catch a better look. In that little corner of the world, I think it is safe to say that I received more views and interest than the anticipated "blood moon."

Robby, unfazed by our attire and situation, was completely focused on the eclipse. He was eager to share the event with anybody who was within ear shot, heralding drowsy drivers clutching freshly purchased cups of coffee and those who were filling their gas tanks to come and look through his telescope. I was surprised by how many strangers took him up on his offer. 

I love Robby's enthusiasm for learning and experiencing life, and I hope that these are traits that never change. If fostering his interests means that I sometimes end up humiliated, I am willing to take the risk. Yesterday wasn't the first time I've been embarrassed in public, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

First Family Video

A few weeks ago I was invited to participate in a PSA for the Amputee Coalition. While the timing wasn't ideal because school had just started and I was still feeling weak from the surgeries, I didn't hesitate to accept the invitation. If I am able, I will always do whatever I can to help benefit the community regardless of the inconvenience. Raising awareness about living with limb loss is imperative if we are going to effectively work towards reform and change.

Robby went to school late the morning of the video, but I would be lying if I said that he was upset about being tardy. He strutted into school later that morning with a video cameraman in tow, strutting like a conquering hero. When his friends peppered him with questions, he coyly smiled and said, "I'm just filming another video with my Momom." Needless to say, he certainly ended his first week of school on a high note!

Looking back, Robby has managed to create quite a little experience reel during his short life. He has participated in numerous awareness videos, prosthetic commercials and news interviews. His gap-toothed little grin has been seen worldwide through our print advertisements and videos. I love that I have professionally produced videos documenting various stages of his childhood. Reflecting on everything that we have been able to do together because of these videos, I am struck with an incredible sense of gratitude. We are so lucky to have been able to participate in these amazing activities together.

This video shoot was quite special for me because it was Timmy's debut. I wasn't sure how he would do in front of the camera, but he apparently takes after his brother when it comes to charming the lens. He could not have been better behaved or more adorable! 

I was a little concerned about how Robby would manage sharing these experiences with his little brother, but my worrying was for naught. He excitedly helped me get Timmy ready for the filming by picking out his outfit and telling him what he should expect. I even walked in on Robby brushing Timmy's little nose with powder in preparation for his video debut. (Robby insists on powdering his nose before each video/ photo shoot, even when it is not necessary or requested.)

After a morning of filming and a few weeks for production, the video has finally been released. I am in segment number 2.  Please excuse the messy kitchen, but I suppose it is a glimpse into real life in my house.