Riding

Robby and I have been thoroughly enjoying training for the Great Cycle Challenge. Each night after dinner and after we tuck Hamlet into bed, we hop onto our bikes and meander through the neighborhood. He talks as he pedals, allowing me a precious insight into his world and thought process.  Between his new bicycle and more time in the saddle, he is turning into a strong rider. 

I have always loved riding my bike and being able to share this activity with Robby has only enhanced my enjoyment. When I became an amputee I was convinced that I would never again feel the exhilaration that comes from riding. I settled for a stationary bike out of a fear which had grown to irrational proportions. I became so paralyzed by my fear of falling or of my leg falling off while pedaling that I refused to even try for almost a decade. It wasn't until I saw Robby overcome his fear of the bike that I realized I needed to follow his example. 

Riding with a prosthesis feels almost identical to when I had both biological legs. I'm decidedly more cautious, but at my age that probably isn't a bad thing. After all, falling off a bike in your 40's could be considerably more painful with a lengthy recovery than when I was Robby's age. 

I'm so happy that I overcame my cycling phobia. If I had let my fears continue to hold me back, I would be missing out on this great quality time with Robby. He is at an age where he would rather spend time with his friends or on the computer. The fact that he asks to go riding with me is something that I don't take for granted.  (Rest assured, little Timmy gets plenty of riding time. I frequently stick him into his baby buggy and pull him around the neighborhood when the weather is favorable.)

Weekend Wrap-Up

Friday afternoon I packed up the boys and headed to my Mom's for the weekend. We didn't have any grand plans, but the prospect of just relaxing and hanging out for a few days was enough motivation to drive.  Scott opted to stay in Virginia so that he could enjoy some "bachelor time" while lounging around the house. He often chooses to not accompany us on these trips, which is fine because I think that an occasional weekend apart is good for everybody. 

My cousin came to visit on Saturday. Her baby girl Aleena is just a few months younger than Timmy. It was a lot of fun watching the two interact, trying to figure out what to do with another little person in the room. Both kids are accustomed to being the baby of the family, and sharing this role was difficult for them to navigate.  Eventually they figured it out, assuming that their respective mother did not pay too much attention to the other child.

Yesterday I came home, and returned to the reality of dishes in the sink and laundry piled on the floor. Oh how I wish I had a Fairy Godmother who tackle all of the household chores with the wave of her wand. I've tried to conjure some magic with Robby's magician wand but only resulted in looking foolish and nearly knocking over a lamp. 

Lacking any magical intervention, I suspect that I'll have to buckle down this week and whip this house into shape. Visiting with my Mom was considerably more fun than cleaning...

Beware of the SMB

With the rain continuing yesterday and out of an effort to keep Timmy the Terrible at bay, I decided to take my little guy to Toddler Time at the trampoline park. He loves jumping, and I hoped that the concentrated exercise would help him expel some energy. To be honest, I'm not sure that my house would be able to handle another day of trying to contain my little tornado.  

Timmy had a great time jumping, and I must admit that I had fun too. I love seeing him so carefree and happy. We hopped and played for almost two hours, and the smile on his face endeared him to everybody. 

Well, his smile and giggles endeared him to almost everybody. We did have one unfortunate encounter from a member of the "Snob Mom Brigade." The "Snob Mom Brigade (SNB)," although probably not a sanctioned organization, seems to have broad membership. Its members frequent toddler playgroups where they spend their time sitting and casting judgment on other moms. 

Children of members are always perfectly attired and coiffed. Mine is often sporting crumbs from the snack he ate in the car or dirt from our morning escapades.  No matter how hard I try, he always appears disheveled. Needless to say, I've yet to receive my membership invitation for this highly elite group.  

While jumping with Timmy, my little guy apparently pushed a member of the SMB to her breaking point.  As we were disembarking the trampoline, she actually walked to the edge and met me with a broad smile.  Then, in a sing-song voice began to chastise me.  "Why is your child still in pajamas? You should change him into street clothes when going into public. He'll never learn if you don't take the time to dress him." 

With Timmy pulling against my grip as he fought to reach a Cheerio he saw on the floor, I tried to process what she said. I quickly recognized her as a member of the SMB and knew that any response would be summarily dismissed. This organization's members are not interested in debate. Their whole purpose is to feel superior by making other moms feel bad. Instead of responding I just smiled and said that we are a family that thrives on comfort.  I walked away with my head held high, crunching the Cheerio as I stepped so that Timmy wouldn't return to retrieve it later.

Just to clarify, he was not wearing his pajamas (this time.)  He was sporting a one piece stretchie that is marketed as a Sleep & Play garment.  I considered jumping on a rainy day to be the play.

#toddlertime @reboundersmanassas

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 28, 2016 at 7:25am PDT

Timmy the Terrible returned

I have become anxious venturing into public settings with my little Hamlet. We are at the stage where his behavior is unpredictable, causing us to always feel on edge and nervous about what he may do next. Robby's class was scheduled for a field trip yesterday and I had volunteered, with the caveat that I would also be bringing Timmy, to chaperone. My anxiety was running high as I worried about Timmy's behavior and his possibly not only embarrassing me (to which I have become accustomed) but also his brother.

As I was cleaning up the shards of glass from the floor lamp Timmy broke, the phone rang with what I perceived as a stay of execution. Rain had forced the class to postpone their field trip. I knew that Robby was disappointed, but looking at my destructive little toddler, I couldn't help but feel relieved. He definitely had that mischievous, "I'm going to push the limits" grin.

Before nap time, and in addition to my floor lamp, my little tornado of destruction managed to break one of my favorite mugs and two pathway markers. As I was wiping down the wall to wash off the remnants of my coffee (which had been inside the mug), Timmy took the opportunity to crawl onto the kitchen table. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him reaching for the chandelier to swing Cirque De Solei style.

I scooped him off the table and carried him directly to his crib. I figured he was either going to nap or scream it out, but I needed a break before unleashing him back into the home. Thankfully he slept, allowing me time to clean up everything that was broken/ destroyed/ knocked over. When he woke up he was my normal cheerful and happy little boy.  Apparently Timmy the Terrible slipped away while he was sleeping.

New Wheels

Yesterday was a big day in my Koopa's life. He was watching the clock all day, anxious for it to finally indicate 3:00. When it was time he went bounding down the stairs and sprinting to the car, screaming for me to hurry up. He was buckled in and ready to roll before I even wrangled Timmy into his car seat.  He was beyond excited to be receiving a new bicycle.

Robby's winter growth spurt was blatantly obvious when he attempted to ride his old bike. His knees kept hitting the handle bars when he turned, and no matter how hard he pedaled his little wheels couldn't keep up with his friends on their "big kid" bikes.  As soon as we told Robby that he would receive a new bicycle he began researching, shopping and begging to go to the bike store. In an effort to avoid the weekend crowds and to appease our eager Koopa, Scott and I decided to meet at the store after work.

Robby is now the owner of a bright yellow/ green "big kid" bike. He is proud of all 21 speeds his new wheels boasts, and vows to utilize them all. Fit with a new speedometer, Robby is ready to track his his miles for an upcoming bike-a-thon fundraiser which he joined to raise money for cancer research.

During the month of June, Robby has vowed to ride at least 100 miles as part of the Great Cycle Challenge. He has joined in honor my Dad (his Candy Papaw) and is determined to raise as much money as possible. With his new bike, I have no doubt that he will be successful achieving his goal.

(Here is his fundraising page if you are inclined to make a donation.)

#newbike. #excitedboy #readytoride #happiness

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 26, 2016 at 12:55pm PDT

Definition changes

A few weeks ago information was released concerning the changes of limb loss definitions. While typically this press release would have been buried, the community quickly noted the changes. After the LCD debockle, all changes made by insurance officials are noted and thoroughly examined.

As it turns out, this change does not herald a foreboding outcome. The changes actually make sense, and may be a good signal for the community.  Dave and I recorded a podcast on this issue, where he was able to break down the complex situation into easy to understand terms.

Enjoy!


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Happy Birthday Timmy Hamlet!

Yesterday was my little Timmy's second birthday. It is difficult to grasp that I am now the mom to a silly toddler instead of a sweet little baby. In a way I feel bad for Timmy because, regardless of how old he is, he is always going to be seen as "the baby" by the family.

Hamlet had a wonderful birthday, spending the day playing outside with me and occasionally with his brother. Timmy's face absolutely lights up whenever Robby and Jack invite him to play. Such a small gesture on their part makes Timmy float on Cloud 9 for hours. I think Robby is starting to relish the uninhibited adoration that his baby brother feels towards him. In Timmy's eyes, Robby is an epic hero.

Although we kept the celebration rather low key throughout the day, an impromptu party sparked when it was time to bring out the birthday cake.  Robby, Jack and Rowan all happily attended (probably more for the cake than celebrating Timmy) as well as Jack's parents and Mr. Bill.  Timmy loved being the center of attention!

After everybody sang and the cake was served, my super big two year old sat and gleefully licked all of the icing off of his cake. When the big kids decided to continue playing, Timmy simply grabbed his cake and ran after them. He proceeded to run through the yard with his cake clutched tightly by his hand and steadied against his chest. Occasionally stopping to take a bite, he was covered with more crumbs than a baker by the time everybody was heading home. 

We kept the day relatively quiet, but Timmy didn't seem to notice the lack of a party. He was happy and laughing all day long.  He might be the happiest toddler ever!

Happy Birthday Timmy (Hamlet)

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 24, 2016 at 10:04am PDT