Robby is recovering but continues to feel sore. I am relieved that his pain has lessened from an eight to a three, and we are hoping to continue the trend through the weekend. Hopefully by Monday he will be completely functional (even if he does have to continue to remain cognizant of his movements.) I hate seeing him so uncomfortable!
All plans for our weekend are Robby dependent. If he is still uncomfortable we will probably stay home to allow him to medicate and rest. I've already made the executive decision to forgo selling at our community yard sale. With my helper out of commission, the prospect of doing everything by myself just doesn't seem fun.
It has been a long few weeks, so staying home and quietly working in the yard might be the plan for the weekend. We haven't planted our garden, and Timmy's yard toys could use a good washing. I'm sure Timmy would be delighted if we gave him a bucket of sudsy water, a sponge and permission to scrub anything plastic.
This Sunday is Mother's Day. I hold no expectations of breakfast in bed or of being doted upon throughout the day. I now accept a day devoid of fart and burp jokes as my gift. Holding in both their jokes and their flatulence for 24 hours is difficult for every male in my house (Scott included), but their sacrifice is appreciated on my special day.
To all the Moms (and anybody who fills that void), Happy Mother's Day!
About Me
- Peggy
- 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, May 11, 2018
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Koopa Down.
In an attempt at trying his hand at the acrobatic feats demonstrated by his younger brother, Robby tried to do a flip off of his bunk bed. Holding onto the rail, he flipped himself over the top bunk onto a pile of turtles on the floor. Unfortunately he weighs considerably more than his four year old inspiration and landed with a thump.
He immediately began to complain of neck and shoulder pain, which I attributed to a simple kink from too much screen time. In defense of my diagnosis, he never told me about his ill-fated flip. Had I known, I would have taken the ailment seriously.
As the day progressed his neck pain increased significantly. By mid-afternoon he was in tears and unable to move his arm comfortably. With the spams becoming more intense and his posture crooked, I decided it was time to get him checked out. It was only when he was talking to the doctor that he revealed his acrobatic attempt.
It turns out that Robby dislocated his clavicle. The doctor was able to reset the joint, and we were released with some strong muscle relaxers to help him during the next few days. He is sore this morning, but at least he can move his head again. Hopefully a day of being fully "relaxed" will hasten healing and he will return to normal by the weekend.
He immediately began to complain of neck and shoulder pain, which I attributed to a simple kink from too much screen time. In defense of my diagnosis, he never told me about his ill-fated flip. Had I known, I would have taken the ailment seriously.
As the day progressed his neck pain increased significantly. By mid-afternoon he was in tears and unable to move his arm comfortably. With the spams becoming more intense and his posture crooked, I decided it was time to get him checked out. It was only when he was talking to the doctor that he revealed his acrobatic attempt.
It turns out that Robby dislocated his clavicle. The doctor was able to reset the joint, and we were released with some strong muscle relaxers to help him during the next few days. He is sore this morning, but at least he can move his head again. Hopefully a day of being fully "relaxed" will hasten healing and he will return to normal by the weekend.
Wednesday, May 09, 2018
Free Puppy?
After dropping off Robby at the gym, Timmy and I headed to the park to play. He squealed with delight as I turned into the park and took off running towards the equipment as soon as I unbuckled him from his car seat. I gathered up his balls, bottles of water and my cell phone and trudged behind him with full arms.
As soon as I stepped onto the playground mulch another Mom smiled broadly and screamed, "I just love you." At first I thought she was talking to somebody else (because I didn't know her) but soon it became clear that she was directing her conversation to me. I was staking claim to a park bench as she continued to talk to me.
"I just love you. I think it's awesome that you feel comfortable coming to the park without your real leg. You're just awesome."
Meanwhile I'm just smiling and silently cursing the fact that I was wearing shorts. She said she had something to ask me, so I walked over to her. I assumed that she was going to relay her own connection to limb loss, or perhaps inquire about my prosthesis. I was wrong.
"Let me ask you something. My friend's dog just had a litter of puppies. All of them are fine except for one that only has three legs. Poor thing, the puppy is just like you. I hope that they can find a loving home that will accept his little imperfections. Do you want a dog? I can call her now and the puppy will be yours."
As she is speaking my mind is processing. A stranger at the park just offered me a puppy because I am an amputee. Thank goodness Timmy didn't hear her offer!
People are strange.
As soon as I stepped onto the playground mulch another Mom smiled broadly and screamed, "I just love you." At first I thought she was talking to somebody else (because I didn't know her) but soon it became clear that she was directing her conversation to me. I was staking claim to a park bench as she continued to talk to me.
"I just love you. I think it's awesome that you feel comfortable coming to the park without your real leg. You're just awesome."
Meanwhile I'm just smiling and silently cursing the fact that I was wearing shorts. She said she had something to ask me, so I walked over to her. I assumed that she was going to relay her own connection to limb loss, or perhaps inquire about my prosthesis. I was wrong.
"Let me ask you something. My friend's dog just had a litter of puppies. All of them are fine except for one that only has three legs. Poor thing, the puppy is just like you. I hope that they can find a loving home that will accept his little imperfections. Do you want a dog? I can call her now and the puppy will be yours."
As she is speaking my mind is processing. A stranger at the park just offered me a puppy because I am an amputee. Thank goodness Timmy didn't hear her offer!
People are strange.
Tuesday, May 08, 2018
www.ampdlife.org
In January 2017 my podcast partner and friend Dave and I launched our new website. Launching a site made sense as our podcast has grown in subscribers and the depth of information that we cover. We needed a clearinghouse to hold all of our show notes and the materials which we produced to supplement our discussions.
Over the past 16 months we have continued to update our website and develop new tools. This fall it became clear that we were quickly outgrowing our current website format. Our "do-it-yourself" site was functional when we began the venture, but we found ourselves stymied by the platform. Wanting to grow but having limited knowledge when it comes to coding and web design, we felt like Amp'd was in a holding pattern.
Every once in awhile something happens that changes everything. Dave and I received an email from a dear friend and follower, asking us to speak with her son. It turns out that her son owns a media marketing agency, and he was interested in helping to develop and take Amp'd to the next level. Dave and I were gobsmacked when he offered us a completely new logo and website to launch Amp'd from a podcast to a resource for the entire limb loss/ limb difference community.
Orijin Media was wonderful to work with, and I highly recommend them if you are in need of a new website or digital marketing. From start to finish the designers thoughtfully researched and worked to implement features that were intuitive and functional for our community. After a lot of work and collaboration, our new website is now live.
I am so proud to bring this new resource to the community. Amp'd has been a passion project for both Dave and myself, and it is amazing watching it take on wings of its own. Please visit www.ampdlife.org. You may want to bookmark the site because we will update often.
Over the past 16 months we have continued to update our website and develop new tools. This fall it became clear that we were quickly outgrowing our current website format. Our "do-it-yourself" site was functional when we began the venture, but we found ourselves stymied by the platform. Wanting to grow but having limited knowledge when it comes to coding and web design, we felt like Amp'd was in a holding pattern.
Every once in awhile something happens that changes everything. Dave and I received an email from a dear friend and follower, asking us to speak with her son. It turns out that her son owns a media marketing agency, and he was interested in helping to develop and take Amp'd to the next level. Dave and I were gobsmacked when he offered us a completely new logo and website to launch Amp'd from a podcast to a resource for the entire limb loss/ limb difference community.
Orijin Media was wonderful to work with, and I highly recommend them if you are in need of a new website or digital marketing. From start to finish the designers thoughtfully researched and worked to implement features that were intuitive and functional for our community. After a lot of work and collaboration, our new website is now live.
I am so proud to bring this new resource to the community. Amp'd has been a passion project for both Dave and myself, and it is amazing watching it take on wings of its own. Please visit www.ampdlife.org. You may want to bookmark the site because we will update often.
Monday, May 07, 2018
Weekend Wrap-Up
Without a doubt, the best part of traveling for work is always coming home. As soon as I saw the boys at the airport my frustrations and anxiety began to wash away, replaced with the joy that I receive from my little family. I needed their smiles, their hugs and their kisses more than I realized.
After a difficult week away, a weekend relaxing and doing little of substance was exactly what I needed. On Saturday we went swimming, an activity which delighted both boys. It is so hard to find activities that they both love, but so far the pool always hits the mark. Timmy enjoyed splashing around and practicing his swim skills while Robby had fun creating games and diving for rings. I definitely have a family of water bugs.
Yesterday Timmy and I went to the Animal Park, where he played and climbed throughout the afternoon. I assumed my rightful spot in the lobby, where I can keep a watchful eye on him but still relax and provide some autonomy. Between Robby and now Timmy, I wonder how many hours I have spent at our little zoo.
Today we are returning to reality. I have new work projects to tackle. It will be a challenge, but life is rarely easy. Here's to a week filled with less stress and more smiles!
After a difficult week away, a weekend relaxing and doing little of substance was exactly what I needed. On Saturday we went swimming, an activity which delighted both boys. It is so hard to find activities that they both love, but so far the pool always hits the mark. Timmy enjoyed splashing around and practicing his swim skills while Robby had fun creating games and diving for rings. I definitely have a family of water bugs.
Yesterday Timmy and I went to the Animal Park, where he played and climbed throughout the afternoon. I assumed my rightful spot in the lobby, where I can keep a watchful eye on him but still relax and provide some autonomy. Between Robby and now Timmy, I wonder how many hours I have spent at our little zoo.
Today we are returning to reality. I have new work projects to tackle. It will be a challenge, but life is rarely easy. Here's to a week filled with less stress and more smiles!
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
San Francisco
Good morning from San Francisco!
My flight was long, uneventful and relaxing. With everybody pulling me in so many directions, it occurred to me that being tethered into a plane by myself is my only opportunity to binge watch movies. I took full advantage of the isolation by watching Wonder Woman and a few other flicks. (I have also decided that I want to be Wonder Woman when I grow up!)
I'm glad that I relaxed last night on the flight because today is going to be busy. I don't travel to the LIM Headquarters often, but when I do I need to make the most of my opportunity. From formal meetings to a slew of working sessions, my schedule is filled.
Hopefully I'll make it back to the hotel with enough time to walk around a little bit. I'm in a touristy area, and I feel safe exploring. (Because of the location at the hotel during my last few visits, I didn't feel save exploring the local community. I pretty much locked myself in the room each night until I was forced to leave for work again in the morning.) This hotel is in a calmer area, more geared for tourists.
Wish me luck, and have a great day!
My flight was long, uneventful and relaxing. With everybody pulling me in so many directions, it occurred to me that being tethered into a plane by myself is my only opportunity to binge watch movies. I took full advantage of the isolation by watching Wonder Woman and a few other flicks. (I have also decided that I want to be Wonder Woman when I grow up!)
I'm glad that I relaxed last night on the flight because today is going to be busy. I don't travel to the LIM Headquarters often, but when I do I need to make the most of my opportunity. From formal meetings to a slew of working sessions, my schedule is filled.
Hopefully I'll make it back to the hotel with enough time to walk around a little bit. I'm in a touristy area, and I feel safe exploring. (Because of the location at the hotel during my last few visits, I didn't feel save exploring the local community. I pretty much locked myself in the room each night until I was forced to leave for work again in the morning.) This hotel is in a calmer area, more geared for tourists.
Wish me luck, and have a great day!
Monday, April 30, 2018
Aquarium Fun
Saturday morning Scott and I packed up the boys and headed off on a quick family getaway. To the delight of boys we were going to the Baltimore Aquarium. To the chagrin of Robby, I insisted that he wear the "Brother of the Birthday Boy" shirt during our adventure. When he saw everybody else sporting their Thomas the Train shirt, he recognized that refusing was a losing battle and quickly relented.
After we checked into our hotel we immediately headed to the aquarium. Both Robby and Timmy loved looking at all of the colorful marine displays. As expected, they were particularly taken with Calypso, the amputee sea turtle. Calypso was Robby's introduction to sea turtles and will always hold a special place in my heart. He is the turtle that started him on his path.
When we were getting ready to leave the aquarium the boys pulled us into the gift shop. (I have learned to hate most gift shops, but this particular one is nice.) Timmy my carefully deliberated and eventually chose an aquarium themed truck. Robby had no hesitation decided what he wanted to purchase. After years of visiting Calypso, they have finally manufactured him in plush form. He nearly squealed when he picked up the amputee sea turtle plush animal. I was nearly as excited and, without even peeking at the price tag, agreed that he needed to come home with us.
After unloading our treasures into our hotel room we headed to the swimming pool. Timmy was eager to practice his swim skills and to show off for his Daddy. Robby was content splashing and playing in the water. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with both kids in the pool, happy watching their smiles and relishing in the brief moments where they were actually playing together.
After we checked into our hotel we immediately headed to the aquarium. Both Robby and Timmy loved looking at all of the colorful marine displays. As expected, they were particularly taken with Calypso, the amputee sea turtle. Calypso was Robby's introduction to sea turtles and will always hold a special place in my heart. He is the turtle that started him on his path.
When we were getting ready to leave the aquarium the boys pulled us into the gift shop. (I have learned to hate most gift shops, but this particular one is nice.) Timmy my carefully deliberated and eventually chose an aquarium themed truck. Robby had no hesitation decided what he wanted to purchase. After years of visiting Calypso, they have finally manufactured him in plush form. He nearly squealed when he picked up the amputee sea turtle plush animal. I was nearly as excited and, without even peeking at the price tag, agreed that he needed to come home with us.
After unloading our treasures into our hotel room we headed to the swimming pool. Timmy was eager to practice his swim skills and to show off for his Daddy. Robby was content splashing and playing in the water. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with both kids in the pool, happy watching their smiles and relishing in the brief moments where they were actually playing together.
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