I'm not sure how I did it, but somehow I managed to hurt my ankle. It is extraordinarily frustrating to discover a grossly swollen ankle for no apparent reason. In my non-medically trained opinion it appears to be a sprain. Of course, I haven't been to the doctor and I've never been to medical school, so my guess is as good as Googles.
I noticed some mild discomfort when I was at Sky Zone with Timmy on Tuesday, but it wasn't intense enough for me to stop playing. I wouldn't even classify the sensation as pain, instead the outside of my ankle just felt sore as if it had been kicked, which I admit is weird since no such thing occurred.
Walking became more tender throughout the day, but it wasn't until I hopped into the tub at night that I realized the extent of my non-injury. My ankle had a huge goose egg protrusion, and the entirety of my foot was starting to turn a lovely shade of violet. The warm water of my bath only served to increase both the swelling and the pain, rendering it difficult for me to get out of the tub. After struggling for several minutes I finally swallowed my pride and called Scott to help hoist me out.
Yesterday morning my ankle felt better but walking was tender. By the time I tucked Timmy into his train bed I was ready to pop off my leg and elevate my foot. I hate to admit this, but I think I need to get an actual medical opinion. I only have one biological ankle, and I need to take care of it.
After what has felt like an eternity, yesterday I felt like I was returning to normal. Nobody had a fever, school started on time and my schedule was void of any doctor appointments. I felt liberated being untethered by illness and obligations. I decided to celebrate our return to society by taking Timmy to Toddler Time at SkyZone.
My little Hamlet was overjoyed to return to one of his favorite places. He chanted in the car as we drove there and began to giggle when we walked through the familiar doors. As soon as we put on the grip socks, he took off to jump and play. We haven't been to Toddler Time for several months, but he certainly didn't miss a beat.
Jumping while wearing a prosthesis takes a little planning. Before leaving I thoroughly lotioned my limb in preparation for some heavy impact, a safeguard that I learned the hard way. Without the added moisture, the natural pistoning within my socket when I jump quickly leads to skin irritation and eventual breakdown. A few hours on the trampoline can quickly lead to weeks of struggling with skin sores if I am not careful. While I'm not great at planning ahead, I am getting better.
While I love to jump with him, it is hard for this one legged, middle aged, slightly plump lady to keep up with a bouncing three year old! Although I was sweaty and tired, I am actually proud of my ability to hold my own on the trampolines. As an added bonus, I reached the goal on my fitness tracker before Toddler Time was over.
After Scott got home from work, I left for a much needed haircut. As I was driving to the salon it occurred to me that I haven't been alone in over one month. No wonder I have been feeling frazzled! The pampering from the salon, coupled with a sassy new hairstyle, left me feeling rejuvenated and transformed. I feel ready to conquer the world again, which is a good thing because schools are closed (again) today due to ice.
While I would not classify myself as a football fan, I do understand the game and have been known to enjoy watching when I am invested in cheering for a team. Normally I watch the Superbowl for the commercials, but this year was different. This year I was actually rooting for a team, and not just any team. I was rooting for my home team.
Watching my home team friends rooting for their team through social media definitely made the game more fun for me. It didn't take long for me to realize how much an Eagles win would mean to my friends and my family. Before long I found myself in the unusual situation of actually caring about the outcome.
I grew up in Eagles country and I am familiar with the associated heartbreak. Most of my friends through school were die hard Eagles fans, primarily because their parents were fans themselves. While I fully admit that I am not a dedicated Eagles fan, I do know that those who are devoted to the team have experienced more than their share of sport induced depression. This Superbowl win was not only earned and well-deserved, but it was also long overdue.
Generations of Eagles fans have waited and hoped for a Superbowl win and this past Sunday, their dreams were finally realized. I'm happy that my home team won, but I'm more overjoyed for my childhood friends. This win came at a time when most of my friends were able to enjoy it with their parents and with their children. Three generations of fans were able to experience a "first" together. If you ask me, that's pretty cool!
We had a laid back, time to rest and recovery weekend. The weather was dreary and cold, allowing me to stay inside without feeling guilty. Saturday was the first day that our entire family has been fever free since the New Year, so we didn't want to risk our newfound health by venturing outside. Timmy alternated between riding his balance bike and his train through the house while Robby chilled out playing video games with friends online.
I spent the majority of my weekend setting up my new computer. I wasn't delighted having to buy a new computer, but the estimates for replacing the broken screen all started at $500. It seemed silly to spend that kind of money to repair a machine when I could purchase a new, albeit slightly less posh, model for far less. After evaluating my computing needs and keeping my budget in the forefront of my mind, I settled on an appropriate little HP laptop. It isn't as nice as my other laptop, but for right now it suits my needs.
With the kids recovered from the flu and my computing abilities restored, my mood has begun to shift. I felt myself spiraling into a depression, primarily due to the stresses and worries about the kids being so sick. It will be nice to rediscover my normal this week and to pull myself out of the sad abyss. I need to interact with people again and reenter the world beyond my little house. Hopefully our newly acquired good health will continue so Timmy and I can start enjoying some of our favorite play activities again.
I love my family, but I desperately need a break. Yesterday Timmy stepped on my laptop, cracking the screen. I surveyed the damage and locked myself in the bathroom to cry. The computer still works- sort of- but the touch screen feature is gone. I am investigating getting the screen replaced, but in the meantime I am going to have to make it work. I'm so tired of always making things work!
At this point I'm ready to call time of death on this entire week. If I didn't have children and responsibilities, I would be keen on building a blanket fort over my bed and hibernating from the world. I would curl up with my laptop, a mug of hot chocolate and a box of Girl Scout cookies. Nobody would bother me, and I would be able to binge watch Netflix in peace. Right now that sounds like the perfect vacation!
But I do have kids, and I am a realist. I won't be able to hide because they would construe my attempt as a game of hide-and-seek with my blanket fort as a challenge. My fort would be dismantled quickly, with no care for the effort I invested building up my fortress. The blankets would be gleefully thrown, probably knocking over the lamp. Inevitably my hot chocolate would spill all over my computer and my clean pajamas. As I frantically try to save my computer, my cookies would be stolen. I would find the empty box with my little Timmy's crumb covered face grinning from ear to ear.
Alas, hiding is not in the cards. Instead I will settle for a long bubble bath as soon as they all go to bed. Maybe I'll put Timmy's rubber ducks and plastic fish into the tub with me so I can pretend that I'm in the Caribbean ocean instead of my bathtub. A girl can dream, right?
Robby is doing better, but now Timmy's symptoms seem to be worsening. It seems that my little guy is tagging behind his big brother, who also took a dip in his recovery a few days ago. If Robby's progression is any indication, Timmy should be feeling better by tomorrow. Hopefully by the weekend both boys will be fever free and feeling stronger. I miss my happy and healthy family!
Scott and I are both dragging, but so far neither of us has come down with the flu. I'm amazed that neither of us has succumbed considering the level of exposure we have both experienced. Knock on wood, our parent immunity will keep us unscathed so that we can continue to care for the kids.
The past week has been difficult for me. I am becoming depressed from being housebound. I guess I'm not as much of an introvert as I believed because I really miss people. I feel bad for Scott because I feel like I pounce on him as soon as he comes home from work. I'm starved for adult interactions while he just wants to decompress and be quiet for awhile. Thank goodness for technology which has been keeping me grounded and sane during our quarantine.
Over the past seven days I have been tethered to the house by two sick kiddos. Last night I realized that I have only left the house twice, and both occasions involved going to a doctor's office or a hospital. Between chauffeuring Robby to and from activities and taking Timmy to various play opportunities, I usually spend a lot of time running around the community. I'm not used to being home for long periods of time. I'm starting to feel both antsy and depressed being so far removed from my normal routine.
Robby and Timmy are slowly improving, but their recovery isn't as quick as any of us would prefer. Both boys still have fevers and coughing fits, although the severity of both are decreasing daily. Until they are fever-free, which we don't expect to happen for another few days, we will remain quarantined. I wish I could use the time for fun activities, but I find that I am still in comfort instead of entertaining mode.
Looking for the silver lining in an otherwise gloomy situation, I am happy to report that my limb is feeling better. I had been dealing with some minor skin irritation which was becoming uncomfortable and nagging. With my activities slowed down, my leg has begun to heal. Yesterday I realized that I hadn't cursed my prosthesis all day, which is a vast improvement over my situation a week ago.
I knew when the sore began to manifest that I should temper my activities so that it would heal. But Timmy had recently discovered riding his balance bike and was thoroughly enjoying every moment in the unseasonably warm weather. I refused to allow my leg to impede on his newfound happiness, so I did what parents do all the time. I sucked it up, took some Ibuprofen and pushed through the pain. I knew that it would be better for me to take off my leg and rest, but I didn't have it in me to pull Timmy away from something that he loved because of my limb issues.
With the boys quieted by the flu, I have been able to rest my leg more than normal. At this rate, by the time the boys are recovered, my skin issues should be completely healed and we'll be ready for another family adventure. After the past week, I think we are all ready for some fun again!
