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

Long Week

The adventures of the week have caught up with me. My leg is ouchy and and tired. Typically I don't have limb fatigue, but walking so much in a new socket and suspension system has taken its toll. I knew that I was supposed to take it easy to allow time for my limb and body to adjust, but I just couldn't seem to fit it into my schedule until today. 

Today I have nothing on my schedule except for a few conference calls. I'm looking forward to a day at home, just playing and relaxing. Timmy's schedule has been disrupted because of my meetings, causing him to forgo naps and to become irritable and grumpy. Hopefully a quiet day at home will help to restore some normalcy into his little routine.

On a side note, it is hard to believe that my little Hamlet will turn two on Sunday. We don't have huge plans for a celebration, but I'm sure that we will do something special for him. Regardless of what we end up doing, rest assured that there will be cake.

#NotALuxury Meetings

I had a wonderful time on Capitol Hill yesterday.  I woke up at 4 and was busy with meetings throughout the day, yet I felt energized and excited when I went to bed last night. It feels wonderful knowing that I am taking lobbying for access to prosthetic devices into my own hands. Because I live so close to DC and my device is paramount to my ability to live the mobile life I have come to expect,  I feel compelled to add my own voice to the efforts.

I expected to be nervous and to feel out of my element, yet I felt confident in my ability to relay not only my struggle but those that have been shared with me through readers of this blog.  I spoke about so many of my readers and friends that I felt empowered by the sheer number of individuals supporting my efforts. Walking into each meeting, I knew that I was not alone.

I felt fortunate to be able to speak on behalf of so many of my friends and colleagues. I live a short train ride from DC, which makes my undertaking this task feasible. Scott was supportive of my accepting the invitation to lobby and immediately took off work so that he could stay home with Timmy.  Although I had the adventure, he was the one who was utterly frazzled and exhausted when I came home.  (Maybe now he will appreciate why I am so tired by the end of the day?)

Ready to rock #notaluxury

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 20, 2016 at 5:52am PDT

I will start with my home state... #notaluxury

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 20, 2016 at 7:29am PDT

Hey Senator Kaine- this leg is #notaluxury

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 20, 2016 at 8:28am PDT

3rd meeting. My leg is still #notaluxury

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 20, 2016 at 9:03am PDT

Just for the hell of it- decided to drop in and tell 'em that my leg is #notaluxury

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 20, 2016 at 9:18am PDT

One more time. My leg is #notaluxury

A photo posted by Peggy Friedman Chenoweth (@amputeemommy) on Apr 20, 2016 at 10:25am PDT