Thea's Thoughts is a down to earth, un-candy coated account of what life is like when you live and love loudly, parenting a young child with special needs. One will find regular accounts of life as Thea knows it, which translates into a motherload (literally) in her head, on her plate, and in her heart. Thea documents her journey, the sometimes messy merging of her parent and professional hats, and everything in-between, always trying to keep a sense of humor and balance along the way. http://www.telability.org/blog en-us Copyright 2004 The TelAbility Project keith_cochran@unc.edu http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=1 OK, it’s 1:00am and I can’t sleep because so many things are swimming around in my head. I’m figuring maybe if I write, then I can rest. Unlikely, one week from Logan’s surgery, but I’ve got to figure out a way to download. We’re dealing with SO many Sun, 01 Jun 2003 01:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=1 Long day; started out crummy, but ended up peaceful and nice. None of us slept well, and William doesn’t feel well. I ended up spending the morning with Logan by myself, running errands, cursing the extra large bag of guinea pig bedding that I almost Sun, 01 Jun 2003 18:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=2 Today goes down as one of the best, no doubt! Logan met another child his age, who has hemiplegic CP and a similar profile. It was the most amazing thing to watch! The two of them totally clicked, and it was as if they’d known each other since birth. Mon, 02 Jun 2003 18:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=2 Later that evening: after we leave this blissful union, we shift gears to insanity and go adopt a second dog. He’s made his way down to us from New Jersey. His name is Sammy, he’s sweet, FULL of energy, and HUGE! Have I totally lost it?! Logan’s Mon, 02 Jun 2003 18:30:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=3 Yippee! The dogs really like each other! Sam seems to sense that Logan might tip, and he hasn’t jumped on him yet. The sectional sofa is in as many directions as there are sections, but I have happy pups, a husband who is not quite ready to commit me, Tue, 03 Jun 2003 18:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=5 What a day! We’ve been to school, a pool party, and back home to pack us and the dogs for our respective “vacations”. Logan seemed to be coasting beautifully at the pool party. The water was frigid, but he was in it anyway and happy as a clam. It Thu, 05 Jun 2003 18:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=6 It’s only dinner-time, and I feel like I’ve been through more changes of emotion today than a Barbie goes through outfits! We all woke up knowing that today is the day we leave for Charlottesville (pre-op) and then onto friends’ near Richmond through the Fri, 06 Jun 2003 18:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=8 I’ve watched Logan sleep since the day we brought him home from the hospital. I think it is something all mothers take delight in. Tonight he is next to me…a request he made knowing that tomorrow is “the day” and we are waking very early. So here Sun, 08 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=9 I think there are few things harder than handing your child off to someone for surgery. I don’t suppose it matters how young or old s/he is either. The surgical nurse told me I wasn’t the first mother to ask for some of the “loopy” medicine they gave Mon, 09 Jun 2003 08:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=9 IT’S OVER!! Relief doesn’t begin to describe how I feel! Seeing Logan in recovery brought tears to my eyes! Breathing on his own, and crying because… of all things…he was hungry! The incision is almost 5 inches long…as is the metal plate holding his Mon, 09 Jun 2003 12:15:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=10 What a rough night! The hospital held firm in its “one parent overnight” policy, so we sent William to the hotel to sleep (not that he actually did) in anticipation of discharge today. Not an easy thing for Logan (or me) to deal with. We are a pretty Tue, 10 Jun 2003 07:30:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=10 The day so far has been nightmarish! In-between IV and oral pain meds, Logan was in the land of agony…screaming and crying that his leg hurt…and I couldn’t make it better. It was awful! What have we done?! Is it worth it?! Will I ever know?! We said Tue, 10 Jun 2003 13:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=10 We made it home, and a family from school had dinner still warm and waiting on our kitchen counter. Talk about counting your blessings…The car ride was uneventful until Logan woke up hurting an hour from the pharmacy and home. We yelled and cried Tue, 10 Jun 2003 20:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=12 We’re holding our own. Still coping, still trying to use a pee jug without dumping it back onto Logan, and still laughing while we can. The dogs are licking away the hurt, and Logan is off codeine completely, and weaning quickly (to my utter amazement) Thu, 12 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=14 Logan woke up giggling this morning, and it was such a sweet sound! He tells us he feels like himself, and that is SUCH good news! He continues to make me laugh by referring to his “poses” (instead of positions), by reminding me to “elevate lefty leg”, Sat, 14 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=15 The first shift of houseguests/helpers has arrived. I don’t think we’ve ever had relatives stay with us for an entire week…not even after Logan was born. People want to help, and we need to be gracious and accept it…not always easy for me. Logan is Sun, 15 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=17 Well, it’s 4:30am, and while I’ve finally succeeded in getting Logan to sleep semi through the night, I am failing miserably at my own attempt! As I sit here wide awake and in the throws of a very skewed circadian rhythm, I am even more conscious than Tue, 17 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=19 At 9am this morning there were signs of it being a good day… For starters, we all slept through the night…no middle of the night needs for the pee jug, repositioning, barking dogs, or anything else! I had forgotten what ten straight hours of sleep feels Thu, 19 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=21 It’s Saturday ! Usually that has HUGE ramifications in my house! We’re either off and running somewhere, sleeping in and having a lazy day, or maybe working on a project or catch-up of some sort. Often William is at work, and Logan and I have already Sat, 21 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=23 Theme for today: halfway there !! Woo Hoo ! It’s been two weeks since Logan’s surgery, and we have just two more to go before (hopefully, please please please) he is cleared to weight bear again. We go back to UVA for xrays and follow-up on July 9th Mon, 23 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=26 I have to say, watching Logan in the water brings me extreme joy! Movement and control come so readily to him there. Come to think of it, water has meant movement for Logan since I was carrying him in my belly. When I was pregnant and in the shower, Thu, 26 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=6&d=29 Well, I just had to call and “un-RSVP” Logan from a birthday party he’s been looking forward to for weeks. It’s being held at a Durham Bulls’ baseball game later today. We were even going to give Logan’s best bud a ride there and back. The party kids Sun, 29 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=1 Something about today was different (and I don’t mean the guacamole I discovered in the refrigerator…). It started out like most of our days have lately. We had our usual morning ups and downs. Then Logan had a classmate over, and they played Sorry and Tue, 01 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=5 OK, we have definitely settled into a rhythm of extremes the last few days (not that this is exactly a new concept around here). It seems like either a dozen things are going on simultaneously, or Logan and I are bored off our respective rockers and day Sat, 05 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=7 My random (and somewhat frightening) question for the day is this: who chooses the colors of the crunch berries in the Cap’n Crunch cereal, and what are they based on, as they do not strike me as colors found in nature…And, does each color really taste Mon, 07 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=9 It’s follow-up day (finally!), and off we go to Charlottesville…fingers crossed that there will be no surprises and Logan will be given the thumbs up to walk out of there …literally! It should be a HUGE boost juxtaposed on a very long and stressful Wed, 09 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=9 LOGAN IS BACK ON HIS FEET , and it is a phenomenal sight to see! I've got so many thoughts flooding my mind right now, but it's almost midnight , we just made it home, and sleep is calling louder than anything ...tomorrow is another day, and with it Wed, 09 Jul 2003 23:30:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=10 First day of the next phase of recovery…we’ve survived the trip up to Charlottesville (complete with very sweaty unhappy inmates repaving what seemed to be all of Caswell county, and a major lunchtime rush hour in Lynchburg). We’ve gotten a quick, but Thu, 10 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=12 I’ve discovered that my child likes Bruce Springsteen. Who would’ve known?! Of course he thinks “Bruce” is a new singer, but that doesn’t take away from the fun of cruising on the interstate with Springsteen playing and Logan trying to sing along. It Sat, 12 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=16 It’s the start of a new day, and I’m hoping hard that the pace will be slower than that of the last few. To put it eloquently, this week has been kicking my butt! With William in Texas, I am the only parent, playmate, nag, taxi, psuedo-therapist, etc. Wed, 16 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=21 I’m chasing sleep into the wee hours of Monday morning, and this seems to be my rhythm as of late…busy end of week and weekend, William’s back home with training under his belt, and… LOGAN HAS STARTED WALKING INDEPENDENTLY again!! Words don’t do my Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=22 Today is Logan’s half birthday. This is a big deal when you are seven. The half part, that is. We don’t do anything special; at least we haven’t in the past. But I have heard of people who plan celebrations , especially when their child’s birthday Tue, 22 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=24 Today I took care of me (open the attachment)! And boy, did it feel good! Somehow I managed to start and finish my day with adult conversation. Major accomplishment (not to mention strange and unfamiliar feeling)! I wore my “mommy hat” mid-afternoon Thu, 24 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=27 I’m waterlogged and my nose is redder than Rudolph’s, but I’m not complaining! The pool continues to be our focal point, offering us so much at numerous levels. I’d be lying if I said that each trip is a picnic, or that Logan is suddenly low Sun, 27 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=7&d=30 Everyone in my household has been sort of off-kilter today, in a wacky kind of way. The dogs have an overabundance of energy, thanks primarily to the fact that their yard is doubling as a super-duper mudslide. In addition to gnawing through countless Wed, 30 Jul 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=2 It’s one of those rare Saturday mornings when I can actually sleep in, but…you got it, I’m wide awake (and the only one). Between the dogs flopping around in their crates (and I’m more than a little bit worried by the fact that-and I’m basing this on his Sat, 02 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=5 We’ve pretty much been running full speed ahead since Saturday, stopping just long enough to cheer for unexpected highs, and to shudder at the unexpected…and somewhat bizarre…lows. We’ve packed a whole lot in, and picked up the pace all around. It's Tue, 05 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=7 The dogs are crated , Logan is FINALLY asleep, and I am celebrating the fact that we all made it to the end of the day in one piece, given the way we started out…can you say MORNING FROM HELL ?! Would someone please tell me why mornings are SO Thu, 07 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=10 Leave it to me to get worked up over shoes …and I don’t mean which pair of mine to wear, or the fact that there are way too many (translation: never enough). I mean Logan’s… Logan and I spent part of the weekend going through his clothing and closet Sun, 10 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=15 Anyone who knows me, knows that I deal with questions without answers just about as well as I deal with a wool sweater in August ...pretty ironic zone of discomfort when your child has cp ! In talking with a good friend today who is going through Fri, 15 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=21 The word in our house is River ! And I have one happy kid! In his words “this summer belongs in the trash can and this is my surprise at the end!” I didn’t realize how much Logan had his heart set on being in River class until I witnessed his Thu, 21 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=26 I am absolutely exhausted, but I have to capture the intoxication of today before I go to sleep. There are no words that can fully describe the high of knowing Logan has reached the amazing milestone of beginning first grade on his own two feet Tue, 26 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=8&d=28 Some days are so bizarre that I feel like I’ve got to record them just to believe they happened. Today was one of those days. Not all good; not all bad; but so chock full of intense experiences, extreme encounters, and random thoughts that it felt Thu, 28 Aug 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=4 What a week it has been…I’m not sure where the time has gone, but it has been so full of transitions that I think we all have whiplash! Our mainstays seem to be Logan’s newfound love for camels …Homer, this cool white five month old in particular…and Thu, 04 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=7 I’ve come to some very definitive conclusions over the past few days. The first being that the lunch buffet at Tandoor in Chapel Hill is one of the most incredible and positive sensory experiences out there! Next - am I ever glad that I made time to Sun, 07 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=13 Getting to Saturday hasn't felt this good in a long time(and I’m saying that after being woken at 7am this morning by Logan and a stuffed camel directly in my face)! Some weeks age you more than dog years , and this past week was one of them. Not Sat, 13 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=16 Well, Logan made it through PE yesterday with a smile on his face , so that’s a major accomplishment (and relief)! From what I gathered from him, the larger group was split into two smaller groups, and he was in the one that stayed in the gym (the Tue, 16 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=21 What a wacky week this turned out to be! Hurricane Isabel made herself known in a big way, taking part of our fence (five sections) with her, but sparing us our electricity . This is a major gift when you live out where we do; we get power surges on Sun, 21 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=26 A Pig Can Jig, and it has rocked my world! Our world. Logan’s universe. Why the monumental shift? Because LOGAN IS READING! Truly reading ! I declared a cease-fire of my maternal anxiety run and backed off. We took a break. Hmmm, connection Fri, 26 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=9&d=30 I have long suspected that there is a sign on my roof…invisible to me …that reads “high maintenance dependents – apply here”! Logan, of course, would be my primary applicant. My dear Molson added quite heartily to the picture with his issues when he Tue, 30 Sep 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=10&d=6 It’s almost midnight and I’m on the other side of the kind of sleep you doze into when your child has put a tooth under his pillow…there’s nothing else quite like a pre- Tooth Fairy power nap to keep you going. Enter the fact that I’m coming down off of Mon, 06 Oct 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=10&d=11 It’s been a feel-good, trust the world kind of week . That’s no small thing around here, and it deserves notice! This morning I spoke to a group from the National Training Institute for Child Care Health Consultants about parenting a child with Sat, 11 Oct 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=10&d=18 The older I get, the better I get at recognizing my gifts and…shall we say…my challenges? And while I am always working to refine my talents and improve upon that which doesn’t come so easily, I know with certainty there are some things I will never Sat, 18 Oct 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=10&d=22 For me, the word balance has as many connotations as I have pairs of shoes (and I have A LOT of shoes)! There are so many levels to the concept , as well as daily reminders of how much work is involved in striving to maintain it . Balance in the Wed, 22 Oct 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=10&d=27 Yesterday Logan became convinced that I was going to be arrested because I brought candy into the movie theatre. Never mind the fact that he was finally getting to see “Good Boy” after much begging and pleading. All my concrete, rule-governed child Mon, 27 Oct 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=11&d=3 If there is such a thing as a Halloween hangover , I have it! King size! The sugar buzz has come and gone, leaving me puzzled over the fact that an entire week has elapsed in its wake. The fact that I spent several days prior ransacking the house Mon, 03 Nov 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=11&d=9 I’ve reached the major conclusion that if I had wings on my shoes, I’d be much more efficient ! Really! Think of all the things I could do… I could eject and bypass the nightmare known as interstate 40 ; I watched a man attempting to do this in Sun, 09 Nov 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=11&d=11 I continue to be amazed by the big messages we get from seemingly little things ! When the light bulb on William’s nightstand burned out Sunday evening, I did the reasonable thing – I replaced it. Logan followed me on my quest for a new bulb (and the Tue, 11 Nov 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=11&d=21 I am guilty of blog neglect . Sad, but true. It has been way too long since I last posted . Time has gotten away from me. This is hard to believe, given that I haven’t stopped moving and neither have the thoughts going in and out of my head. I Fri, 21 Nov 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=11&d=26 It’s Thanksgiving Eve . Not a term widely used, but the night before, all the same. It always strikes me how ‘we’…society…package things. In this case, we declare one day of the year as the day to give thanks . But that’s not enough…to really do Wed, 26 Nov 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=11&d=30 The most indispensable items in my house right now are Duck tape and cookie dough . Yup, Thanksgiving has come and gone (and I have the leftovers to prove it), and we are left with the mainstays that keep us moving forward. And in our case, that Sun, 30 Nov 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=6 Somehow I’ve been catapulted through this week to Saturday, picking up a case of emotional whiplash from all the peaks and valleys. I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to the intensity of the “ups” and the “downs”, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing Sat, 06 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=9 This evening Logan approached me very seriously with paper and pencil in hand and asked me how to spell "conference". I obliged his request, and then nonchalantly asked what he was writing. He informed me that he is following the procedure to request a Tue, 09 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=12 Perspective is a powerful thing . Powerful, but tricky. Often elusive and hard to hold onto . Challenged by microcosms, labels, and divisions. We focus on dis -abilities. We spend a lot of time coloring inside the lines. We get stuck on Fri, 12 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=16 I came across an article today that mentioned the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. I first learned about the Reggio philosophy and program when I was in grad school, and it is a fascinating concept and quite the buzz . What Tue, 16 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=20 In the last 24 hours, I've been surrounded by good friends and family, I’ve indulged myself, and I’ve even learned to knit (talk about an old dog learning new tricks). Yesterday marked three and a half decades since I came into this world . Still Sat, 20 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=23 When Logan was first diagnosed with CP , I had more ‘the world sucks’ days than good ones. As he’s gotten older, the trend has reversed, but every so often I go back into a tailspin of emotion , cursing CP and all it brings with it . Today was one Tue, 23 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=24 Okay - we are SO living in the age of technology. You can actually get on your computer and track Santa . TRACK SANTA ! I guess that puts the rest of reality in perspective, in a twisted kind of Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=26 Today is the last night of Chanukah , the day after Christmas , and the beginning of Kwanzaa . We celebrate two of the three (and Logan is still holding out for his grandpa’s famous latkes ), so you can imagine the air of excitement and indulgence Fri, 26 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2003&m=12&d=31 Being on ‘vacation’ (I still want to know who named it that) this week has been nothing short of off-kilter, topsy-turvy, frenetic, schedule-less…you get the picture. Play dates have patched holes of boredom (although I couldn’t tell you what Wed, 31 Dec 2003 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=5 Well, the first five days of my new year have been filled with putting out fires and trying to keep my head attached to my body (not a pretty sight). We’re dealing with a major sensory tailspin , a brace that still doesn’t fit correctly, and Mon, 05 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=7 Okay, we’ve survived school re-entry . Actually , we’ve more than survived it ; even as tired as Logan is from getting back into the swing of things, he’s far happier and more functional with the return to his routine! And part of that routine is Wed, 07 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=11 It’s official: THE WALLS ARE CLOSING IN! Calgon doesn’t cut it . Ice, snow, and cold temperatures turn high-energy dogs into needy, indoor, barking canine catapults. The grand prize of an extra day off of school does not exactly feel like I’ve Sun, 11 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=13 This morning the scariest thing happened: I realized I was exercising to a reconfigured version of the song I relish most from my teens …exercising to music that I used to dance, date, sneak out – you get the picture –to. Oh my god! I’m old ! Old Tue, 13 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=18 I’m still feeling old. Yesterday I found myself frowning at college students trying piñatas on their heads at the party store. Today I took my knitting to the bowling alley, and the fraternity in the lane next to us looked more than amused. At Sun, 18 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=19 Logan has ALWAYS thrown up at the drop of a hat. So when he was younger I thought I’d be a rich woman if I had a dime for every time he puked at a restaurant (no details necessary here – create your own). Now that he’s older and we’re still going Mon, 19 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=22 Eight years and an emergency c-section ago, my life – and the world – changed forever! In the wee hours of January 22, 1996, Logan joined us, weighing in at 4lb, 6oz . My 2X4, my gift, my heart. Logan is eight years old today ! I’ve baked Thu, 22 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=25 I AM IN CANCELLED BIRTHDAY PARTY HELL! Not a pretty place to be . Snow is pouring down , Logan is upset (understandably), the dogs are barking madly and chasing after the white stuff on ‘their’ deck – then tracking it inside - and William is less Sun, 25 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=26 Ah, togetherness (aka no school and major dejavu)…Playing games, wading through the magazine backlog, watching videos, sledding , hiking/limping back up the hill, thawing out, drying off moving canine targets, plugging into the net, seeing how many Mon, 26 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=1&d=29 I made it out of the house to the grocery store today (along with what seemed like the rest of Chapel Hill). Noteworthy? Yes! Because the woman behind me in the checkout line commented that it was nice to be getting back to a sense of normalcy . Thu, 29 Jan 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=1 Growing up, the Super Bowl was just another day in my house . Then, and now, sports were not an image conjured up when mention of me was made. Basic coordination has been a major challenge for me for as long as I can remember, yet I’ve thrived and Sun, 01 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=3 I am struck at times by the clues Logan’s body offers as insight into his world of experiences . Some are not so subtle , like the 2 inch scar in the small of his back , and the 5 inch scar on his left thigh created just this past summer. The one Tue, 03 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=7 Tomorrow Logan will finally get his birthday party ! The cake has been frozen, thawed, and embellished, and appears unscathed by the process. The goody bags are stuffed. I’ve strategically placed an insane number of post-its reminding me not to Sat, 07 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=8 Logan’s party went off without a hitch…woo hoo ! The kids had a great time without using their golf clubs as weapons, and Logan handled himself really well. The only casualty seems to be my voice , and the only downside – a bit of sensory overload Sun, 08 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=11 They’re calling for snow . Wonder if all of Chapel Hill can hear my screams of “ noooooooooooo ” emanating from the house?! The thought of another shut-in just doesn’t appeal to me. I’m guessing that it also doesn’t appeal to the bread and milk Wed, 11 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=13 I think it’s time to have family t-shirts printed that say ‘never a dull moment’ on them . Really. At least then we’d be stylin’ billboards for chaos. Apparently in the great scheme of things, readying Logan’s obligatory school valentines and 100 Fri, 13 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=16 ANOTHER SNOW DAY ! Unbelievable ! Isn’t our state known for its moderate weather ?! Given that Logan is already scheduled to have Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off of school this week, things aren’t looking so good in the ‘Thea’s freedom’ Mon, 16 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=17 Well it’s technically Tuesday (15 minutes into it), but I haven’t put Monday to bed yet . In fact, it’s been barely an hour since I got all the living things in my house settled into bed . Things were actually looking up in the late afternoon when Tue, 17 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=18 Half way through the week and we’re all still standing . Woo hoo! Sam has learned to use his ' lampshade ' as a scoop. Given the 'weather’ still covering the deck, we are now accordingly and affectionately calling him “snow cone Sammy”. Logan is Wed, 18 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=21 Well we’ve limped our way along to Saturday , fueled in large part by a seasonal sugar high. When it comes to Girl Scout cookies I have no shame or principle ; Samoas and Thin Mints (frozen!) render me salivating and powerless. They also Sat, 21 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=22 Highlight s of the weekend : (1) the electrician visit which got the generator finally up and running…now it’s a poor, but powerful, lawn ornament, and (2) finding out that William’s groomsman outfit in his sister’s June beach wedding will Sun, 22 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=25 I’m realizing just how fast Logan is growing up . I’ve never subscribed fully to the ‘profile’ of any age, but eight for 'us' seems to be an intense sort of bridge between two very different worlds : the one in which Logan accepts and endorses Wed, 25 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=2&d=27 DEJA PULL MY HAIR OUT VU!!!!!!!! I can’t believe we’re snowed in again ! When I looked at the window at daybreak I had visions of myself standing on the rooftop in my pajamas belting out “Mister Sun” (and I don’t even like Raffi ). I know Fri, 27 Feb 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=2 Would somebody please tell me how it’s Tuesday already ?! I’ve been just cruising along, enjoying the wonderful weather, lack of snow (and crises), and all of a sudden the week has propelled me forward… William’s surgery is scheduled for Thursday, so Tue, 02 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=3 I started my day at a presentation alongside those who share my early childhood passion. It both energized and provoked me . I finished my day with a child (yes, I’ll claim him) pushing (no mashing) every one of my buttons and exercising the Wed, 03 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=4 No more hernia for William ! Nope. Surgery went well , and thanks to good pain pills (whose effect make William think everyone else is slow), we’re all reasonably happy right now. Bleary-eyed, but happy (this is discounting the brief period of Thu, 04 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=7 I’d say we’ve juggled everyone’s needs plus weekend activities quite well! William’s post-op course has gone smoothly and he’s due back at work tomorrow (!). I’ve managed to get away with dragging him along to the yarn store and the nail salon in Sun, 07 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=8 Logan’s class is going on a field trip tomorrow... to the hospital (!). Now there’s a new one. Not really your run of the mill field trip, but I like it. I forget that not every family is as familiar with hospitals as ours is . Logan’s Mon, 08 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=9 Nothing like an after-hours trip to the pediatrician’s office to make me relish a lull (and marvel at the fact that symptoms wait out field trips ). Logan has itchy spots of no known origin (which we’ll take, given that neither of us has had the Tue, 09 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=11 TGIalmostF ! Logan has maxed out the itch meter for the week, and I’ve maxed out on restless nights and chicken pox paranoia (if the pediatrician has a ‘ do not call ’ list, I suspect I’m now on it). It’s been a week of questions, some with Thu, 11 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=14 Days like today emphatically remind me how far away I am from the ‘ bubble child’ existence I once knew . I’d like to think that like wine , I improve with age. I definitely categorize a lot in my life as BL (before Logan) and AL (after Logan) – Sun, 14 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=16 I’m on day two of the worst migraine I’ve had in a long time. Major yuck! I slept through most of yesterday (but managed to get Logan to and from school and to avoid throwing up in the car, so do I get a prize?!). Now today feels like Monday Tue, 16 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=18 My head is still swimming a bit, but I’m not sure if it’s from overexposure to college basketball ( and my resident fans ), or from simply trying to play catch-up with my week. I’ve had to devote a good chunk of time to explaining jury duty ( oh Thu, 18 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=19 This afternoon I was vividly reminded (in real-time no less) of how much different teaching adults is from teaching children (and of how much more relaxed I am with children ). So I effectively closed out the intense week with my kind of therapy Fri, 19 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=21 Despite Logan’s root beer whetted cheers and lucky jersey, ‘his’ Tarheels have fallen . Poor kid. He went to bed one disappointed little dude. But when he awoke this morning, it was full of bravado for the remaining ACC teams. Of the many things Sun, 21 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=23 Right now I am on Logan’s @#%* list . His left hamstring and I are having it out . (And he has the attitude to prove it.) He’s growing faster than his muscles can keep up, and his gait is paying the price . Something’s got to give (literally!), Tue, 23 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=26 Finding summer camps that fit Logan, and then micro-cramming a description of him onto their standard forms always brings me a special kind of joy (yeah, right) . The fact that the process seems to be starting earlier every year (March!) has me Fri, 26 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=29 Logan is Big Fish in the River (class) this week , and he is on top of the world ! This upcoming week of fame was definitely the focus of our weekend. We (well, Logan actually) practiced reading the class role countless times, completed his Mon, 29 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=30 Second day of Logan’s Big Fish week at school , and I’m off to report for jury duty , which means missing his live grandparent share ( my family) and time in the limelight. We’re both majorly disappointed ! I thought there might be a chance of not Tue, 30 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=3&d=31 Spent the better part of yesterday knitting in a room full of strangers waiting for a trial , and am happy to report none happened (7 cancelled!), which meant I got credit for service and afternoon dismissal . Can you say major relief ?! At one Wed, 31 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=2 The week wound down with Logan’s lunchtime Big Fish celebration , and there's nowhere else I would have rather been . Logan beamed as he read his biography to the class and answered questions. It’s not every day he gets to be the center of attention Fri, 02 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=4 The ‘anti-coast’ element has reared its ugly head . Met Logan’s grandparents out for dinner , where he informed them-repeatedly-that he prefers Quaker meeting to synagogue (and we're having Seder at their house tomorrow). As if that wasn’t Sun, 04 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=4 This weekend's reminder: it is phenomenal to watch Logan’s mind and spirit grow . So often our focus is on his body. Yesterday we went to the planetarium . Logan's questions and comments since offer such insight into what he thinks and how he Sun, 04 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=5 Two things were crystal clear this morning during Logan’s 4am coughing marathon (other than his cough not going away and the realization that despite visions of detachment, my head appears to be fairly well secured to my body): (1) school today was Mon, 05 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=6 Logan’s feeling much better, William’s off, and it’s gorgeous outside. Seems like the perfect backdrop for play and deep breaths (literally). So I say, let's hear it for a MENTAL HEALTH DAY ! School and to-do’s can wait. Life doesn’t Tue, 06 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=9 By the time we got going this week, it was almost over. Logan has continued to breathe easier and feel better, and thanks to Spring Break, will have all of next week to tank up on sleep and playtime . (And I’ll have all week to entertain him or Fri, 09 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=10 Just returned from a trip with Logan and my in-laws to the Burlington IHOP (whole ‘nother blog entry there). Was struck by the intensity of memories that flooded me during the drive up and back. We made that round trip 3-5 times weekly, Sat, 10 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=11 Logan said good-bye to his ‘ Easter ’ set of grandparents this morning after lots of activity, and I just returned from dropping him off with his ‘local’ set of grandparents , where he’s going to tour their exceptionally tended landscape and garden Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=12 Almost two weeks ago I had jury duty , had to report first thing to the courthouse , had to rearrange my day and miss things, and then sat ...and sat ...and sat ...until early afternoon. Today William has jury duty (wild odds at work there ), Mon, 12 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=14 Logan’s plate removal surgery is sneaking up on us ...just short of 8 weeks to go. Logan is back on the anxious wagon (and that’s without even mentioning the botox ). Doesn’t matter that ‘we’ve’ done this before, or that this ‘procedure’ Wed, 14 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=16 Still struggling with the big bad insurance company . While ‘chatting’ with the review rep today, explaining why I dare desire someone out of their network to perform surgery on my child (insert gasp here), something occurred to me (other than Fri, 16 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=17 Logan is a Lightning Bolt ! A ‘ soccer mom ’ I’m not, but all seemed right with the world earlier today as I watched Logan grin his way up and down the field , all guts and heart and soul. Talk about a sunny dose of 'yes, it's all been worth it' . Sat, 17 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=19 Given Logan’s first born and ‘only’ status, we have an abundance of video footage of him. Tonight I put in a tape that had PT sessions on it spanning from the time Logan was 15 months old (not yet sitting or talking) until he was 2 ½ (transitioning Mon, 19 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=21 As is so often the case, Logan reminded me this evening of the difference between his meter stick and mine . My gauge of Logan’s growth and milestones is colored by that unique parental brand of ‘special needs’ hyper-vigilance and based on the Wed, 21 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=23 Seems there’s no record of the letter I sent the insurance company a week ago requesting an out of network surgical referral for Logan. Imagine that . I anticipated a fight, but I didn’t factor in the ‘ignore the customer’ (I am the customer, Fri, 23 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=24 Off to Charlotte for the day with William’s mother for my sister-in-law’s bridal shower . Logan is pumped because he’s getting a “ man day ” with William. My mother-in-law got to come along yesterday afternoon to watch Logan get molded for new Sat, 24 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=25 LOGAN DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He earned his first yellow stripe this afternoon! He is SO proud of himself, as he should be , and as are we and those who know and love him! What an accomplishment ! What a kid Sun, 25 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=28 Logan spent 11 hours at school today ! Now, I didn’t dislike school when I was his age, but I certainly had no desire to spend extra time there (truth be told, I’m still having the occasional dodge ball nightmare). Not the case for Logan! Each Wed, 28 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=4&d=29 The pendulum continues to swing (some days I’m not sure I’d know where I am without the whiplash)...The high of Over Day wore off by this morning, and Logan joined a classroom full of very tired peers. To hear one of his teachers say how much she Thu, 29 Apr 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=2 I’ve discovered the next Olympic sport : putting cleats over AFO’s in time trials . And the braces have to be attached to a squirmy pair of legs . For bonus points the participant should be allowed to finish with an hour spectating children’s Sun, 02 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=4 I am continually astounded by Logan’s observations and insights . This evening at one of our favorite haunts , as he begrudgingly took my hand (a sign of dependence to him), it was that people shouldn’t congregate on steps because it makes the Tue, 04 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=7 It’s been a very long week. Dealing with the insurance company saps way more energy than I’d like to allow. The reps actually argue with me (wonder what training they learned that in?!) and our out of network request is still stuck in Fri, 07 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=8 The world of make believe is one of life’s most amazing respites . I am so glad that Logan can go there Sat, 08 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=9 It’s impossible to put into words the thoughts that occupy my head and heart on Mother’s Day . Mothering certainly isn't just a ' day job' , nor is it something I only think about one (commercial!) day a year... Suffice it to say that I love the Sun, 09 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=10 ‘We’ve’ signed up for Cub Scouts . The latest parenting activity I never quite expected. Logan is excited, and as almost everything in our lives does, this promises to bring some sort of adventure. Not sure what the Wolf den has in store , but Mon, 10 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=12 Try as I might to expect the unexpected ( try being the operative word here), I never seem to see the oh so lovely ( NOT ) tummy bug coming 'our' way ...the poor unsuspecting host is Logan , and he is wiped out and miserable. No sleep for Wed, 12 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=15 When I was younger my idea of love was the perfect man sweeping me off my feet , followed by 2.5 clean, happy, brilliant children who miraculously cared for themselves while I attended to my stellar career. Some (!) years later, I’ve come to realize Sat, 15 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=18 Hours later, and I’m still in sensory overload , having gone there via my role in Logan’s class excursion this morning. I’m fairly certain that driving a load of other people’s children on an end of the year field trip is a top runner for birth Tue, 18 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=20 The Osbournes we are not , but with just over two weeks to go until Logan’s surgery, life is raw, loud, and extreme , and Logan is SO jumping on my nerves ! I’m vacillating regularly between snapping at him and holding him tight . He Thu, 20 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=21 Funny how reality can beat you up and save you at the same time ...Yesterday I typed up all the insurance notes I’ve compiled thus far because William’s employer requested them (I didn’t think he’d appreciate a dozen or so scanned post-it notes ), Fri, 21 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=23 Well you’ve just gotta love this ...on May 7th (one of the few days I didn’t call) someone at United Healthcare discovered (just?!) that Logan is going to have surgery. And they want to help (insert gagging noise here)...so they’ve assigned us Sun, 23 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=24 I want someone to build me a troll house hideaway!!!!!! Mon, 24 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=27 If chasing sleep was a recognized event , then I’d be out in front . I’m not sure if I’m spending more time at home or at school , or if I washed my hair two times this morning, instead of conditioning it. I don’t know the last time I wasn’t Thu, 27 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=28 It’s not in writing ( they only send out mail once a week and that’s on Mondays...not even going there), but we’ve got verbal approval for Logan’s surgery out of network with full coverage! To say I’m elated would be the understatement of the Fri, 28 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=5&d=31 It’s the last day of May , and one week until surgery for Logan . As we count down I’m aware of just how much of the last eight years has been consumed by timelines ... diagnosis ; wondering which milestones are for hitting, and which ones for Mon, 31 May 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=1 Day one of June has smacked with a vengeance . I don’t have a child, I have a basket case who resembles Logan - an eight year old stressed out Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde who alternates between spewing venomous contradictions at me and sobbing Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=2 I took Logan to the pool this evening in an attempt to dilute the intense madness of another head-in-a-vice kind of day . I must admit it worked pretty well for both of us. Seeing Logan’s confidence and competence in the water was a supreme Wed, 02 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=4 Well we’re off ...and the weather seems to be mirroring our trepidation (as does my complexion !). First stop: pre-op in Charlottesville , followed by a long trek back to North Carolina for the flip-flop beach wedding that William’s sister Fri, 04 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=7 Logan came through surgery like a champ , and the hospital team and experience-from pre-op, through anesthesia and surgery, to aftercare-was incredible ! He was discharged at 2pm acting like the child I know and love, and we’ve all settled in at a Mon, 07 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=9 Behold the powers of home, sweet home (and Frosted Flakes for breakfast). “Prince” Logan (self-appointed title of course) is retaking command of his kingdom (if only “Princess Luna” and “Guarding Knight Sam” got the gist of their roles…), and I Wed, 09 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=10 Welcome to Weepy World (aka my house). Logan is doing even better today physically – he’s minus the dressing, showered, and even in braces - but his emotional state is another story. He’s been on the verge of tears – or in full leak mode – all Thu, 10 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=12 Webster likens “rejuvenation” to several things . I consider it getting out of dodge without dependents...and last night I did just that (note: buying shoes is a close runner-up). Dinner and a movie with my sister left Logan and William Sat, 12 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=14 King Logan (yes, he upgraded himself from prince) started camp at a friend's today , and I do believe the entire neighborhood could hear my personal celebration . I love him dearly (!), but we’ve put a major strain on the togetherness meter Mon, 14 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=16 I’m back in the land of broadband and Logan’s back in the land of peer socialization. Both major boons for the week so far. Logan continues to heal at a rate that just blows my mind, and today marked his first day back in the pool , as well as Wed, 16 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=19 Okay – anyone who knows me even a little bit knows I’m not an outdoorsy athletic kind of girl . So sitting through 8 innings of Thursday’s Bull’s game in my own sweat did not rank too high on my ‘oh let’s do this again’ meter . But Logan-he Sat, 19 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=21 Logan started his first ‘ real ’ camp today , and with it came exposure to all types of kids and behaviors, then processing this evening that the world is made up of all kinds of kids and parents who make an array of choices , and-be it good or bad- Mon, 21 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=22 Emotional whiplash . Related symptoms : 2nd guessing , guilt , chocolate craving . MORNING: Logan sobbing himself sick, asking not to go to camp , saying it's too much. Not like him . 'We' decide people can’t read ‘our’ minds and deserve a Tue, 22 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=23 To bail is not necessarily to quit . Not in my world . In my world gray abounds . And sometimes to disengage is merely to take a brief and necessary respite from the fire in order to repair mind, body, and soul . In this case that meant keeping Wed, 23 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=24 I’m letting out a very deep breath . Camp went off without a hitch for Logan today , and - as I suspected - he wanted as little attention focused on him as possible. Support plans were executed as promised, and I got an unprompted midday email from Thu, 24 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=26 Discovery worth sharing : sometimes a hellish week looks much better retrospectively through the lens of a really good margarita . That's my story, and I'm sippin' (oops, of course I mean stickin') to it Sat, 26 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=27 My margarita induced haze is long gone ( yes , when you drink as infrequently as I do, it only takes one , and the buzz is so sadly short-lived...), and after a much needed lazy Sunday, I’m looking ahead to the new week. I have expectations for Sun, 27 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=6&d=30 This week has definitely had a different flavor from last . We’ve bowled (even gotten a special needs discount – how often do we save money because of CP?!), gone swimming , worked on math, and had several play dates. Logan is proudly wearing Wed, 30 Jun 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=1 Did someone say something about putting June to bed?! HA! I’m holding in my hand a freshly delivered Explanation of Benefits from United Health Care denying coverage for Logan’s anesthesia on June 7th . Am I surprised ?! NOPE ! Will I deal Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=2 Water (in this case the pool) = power for Logan . I can't remember a time when this hasn’t been the case . (And why wouldn’t it be for a child who is fighting only 1/4 of his body weight when it’s submerged). Water means freedom of movement Fri, 02 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=4 When it comes to therapists we’ve been very lucky . It's a realm in which Logan has had the benefit of some amazing talent and solid long-term relationships; the kid’s gonna grow up with a healthy appreciation of strong women! My latest ‘find’: a Sun, 04 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=5 Well, the Museum of Life and Science gets my membership indefinitely ! Logan had a great first day of camp ( off site at that), and I don’t think it was just because the dogs and I had paws and digits crossed all morning. Funny, the Mon, 05 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=7 Patience is a virtue I am always working on . I’ve never been a delayed gratification kind of girl, and parenting Logan has reinforced the prudence of real time. So this morning when I asked his teeny bopper camp counselors if there could be a stay Wed, 07 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=9 We’re putting this week to bed without any major crises . If that isn’t cause to sleep well , than I don’t know what Fri, 09 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=11 Before Logan entered ‘my’ world, chaos had no place in it . Since then, I don’t think I know anything else. Which could explain why I also don’t seem to know what to do with myself when we’re without it. Insane , I am well aware...but fodder for Sun, 11 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=12 Today I was moved by one of the most riveting, breathtakingly beautiful images I could possibly behold : Logan executing the beginning steps of his first Kata . His Heian Shodan . My child...who has been the subject of so many predictions by Mon, 12 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=14 This morning Logan was climbing out of the car at camp drop-off and I reached around him to grab his backpack and lunchbox. We bonked heads going for them at the same time. As I explained to Logan that I thought he’d need me to get them, he looked me Wed, 14 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=15 MEET BRAVEHEART ! He is an absolute love (and true to his name)! When I look at his bright and soulful eyes belying his emaciated body I am amazed that he has any trust left for humans (and I am so sickeningly disgusted by the realization that Thu, 15 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=17 I HATE PACKING ! Just had to share that. You’d think with my compulsive nature I might almost get a kick out of it, but the truth couldn’t be more opposite. We’re off to the beach tomorrow for a whole week (honestly can’t remember the last time Sat, 17 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=18 Well I do believe crisis catches up ... we’re loading up the car and I’ve discovered that Wheezie’s back legs appear to be paralyzed – NOT GOOD ! Not sure if he’s eaten much in the last day or so either. A friend told me recently that she thinks Sun, 18 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=21 I’m living the beach life . I’ve been manicured, pedicured, and made over . I’ve found nooks and crannies within this mega -cottage to read and download when I need to. I’ve even cooked stir-fry for the masses and been told the meal was better than Wed, 21 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=25 We’re back from the beach ! Nothing says ‘I’m home’ quite like unpacking– GROAN . Tomorrow we’ll have to wear real shoes and consider something like a –gasp- routine. A week is a long time to be away (and Logan is less than thrilled about being Sun, 25 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=26 Scene at our house first thing this morning ? - William’s car wouldn’t start . No juice . No sputter . Nothing . Nada . You know vacation is really over when you hear your husband yelling colorfully from the garage while doing a jumper Mon, 26 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=27 Okay – did anybody who knows me actually think I could foster a dog and not fall madly in love with him and adopt him ?! Permission to nod and chuckle granted. Welcome Braveheart to our family officially ! We’re too smitten and he’s too Tue, 27 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=28 When my brother and I were growing up...and then my sister...we each earned a transistor radio for swimming the length of the pool . Mine was red and I coveted it for years – a reminder of a major summer accomplishment. It never occurred to me that Wed, 28 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=7&d=31 We’ve (OK, William is actually the one with a newly purple toe) assembled and erected a basketball goal in our freshly paved driveway . Whoa . How’s that for a ‘never thought I’d see it happen’ activity ?! Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for Sat, 31 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=2 I believe that for parents of children with disabilities there are certain issues that ring all too familiar – regardless of the nature of the special need(s). Take for instance ( and because I’m stuck in the middle of a doozy) – the concept of Mon, 02 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=4 Today's pop quiz in Wilson world : William’s wedding band is (a) on his finger , (b) in one of the dog’s stomachs , (c) in the back yard , (d) somewhere in-between b and c . For extra credit : name the dog ... Poor William . We’ve Wed, 04 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=6 Well it’s official ... another male in my house has selective hearing . Braveheart passed his hearing test today with flying colors. He still acts like he can’t hear , and the vet hypothesizes that his ear infections are responsible for Fri, 06 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=9 Wanted: pleasant way to remove the vice-like grip that Monday has on my head . It’s been one of those days . Perhaps getting behind the same tractor 3 different times in a matter of 2 hours this morning should have tipped me off (the price paid for Mon, 09 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=10 Somewhere there exists a law – I don’t think Murphy gets credit – that stipulates the direct correlation between a broken washing machine and a puking child . Spinning near midnight is essential for jammie preservation, but apparently Monday Tue, 10 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=12 Okay, Tuesday ultimately cooperated , and yesterday would have been downright delightful had it not been for spending what felt like my entire life (yes, I’m a dramatica) trying to avoid I-85; I can now tell you how not to use the Durham Freeway Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=15 Yesterday, in the midst of this wickedly wet weather , Logan and I made a road trip that was for the dogs ... literally ! Buddy and Dennis (who is now Charlie) had run out of time in a Georgia shelter and had foster homes waiting in Sun, 15 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=16 Last night I opted out of going to the Durham Bulls game with William and Logan (imagine that – wet soggy ballpark and I declined the experience?!) I had NO idea that Logan was going to run the bases after the game ! I MISSED IT!! My child Mon, 16 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=19 So all this buzz about the Olympics has me thinking ... What’s the world record for grocery store time trials with an unmedicated child with ADHD ? Who holds the title for negotiating the most inaccessible playground ? What’s the all-around Thu, 19 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=20 I’ve reached a new high on the gross-out meter . We’re talking HUGE YUCK ! It has to do with Sam and a turtle ...and the great room rug. And Logan shouting “Mom – Sam has a present for you and I don’t think it’s a ball.” We’ve moved from Fri, 20 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=21 Tonight we indoctrinated Logan into the world of politics – attending his first House party - a milestone of its own sort. And Logan’s energy and questions said it all: it’s his future , and it’s time to start letting him in on it .. Sat, 21 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=24 The name of the game this week is CRAM ! The pressure is on to get things wrapped up before Logan starts school a week from today (yes, I’m pulling my hair out). Today we spent almost 3 hours at the eye doctor . No , that amount of time at a Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=26 Last night I caught a snippet from a Little League World Series game on the late news. They zeroed in on a mom who was jumping up and down and crying over her son’s homerun. I smiled in response to her joy. But I couldn’t help but think how Thu, 26 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=28 So, I took Logan to a birthday party this afternoon with good friends and their family at sensory overload station (aka Wheels ). And he played and ate cake and was a happy, sweaty kid. I got to chat with my friend’s aunt Faye, who has an adult Sat, 28 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=8&d=31 Logan’s 1st day back at school was today and it felt good all around ! Being a ‘ 2nd year ’ has its perks in the confidence division – Logan returned to the same classroom and same wonderful teachers, as well as to some of the same classmates. Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=2 Tuesday was glorious, yesterday was anything but, and today we’re sort of evening out (not counting Sam’s new bunny patrol obsession). Logan is holding it together at school , BUT (you knew that was coming) the name of the game right now Thu, 02 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=4 The last couple of days have offered the incomparable comfort of time spent with old friends, and the realization that the older Logan gets the harder it is for ‘new’ friends to fathom where he has come from . Wasn’t it just yesterday that we Sat, 04 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=6 How to remember that the rest of the world doesn’t always get it : Step 1 : Deliver your child (let's call him Logan) to classmate’s home. Step 2 : Stay and chat 40 minutes with classmate’s mother. Discuss how this is boys’ second year together. Mon, 06 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=8 Logan’s been in school a week now, and he’s the happiest he’s been since our beach vacation . This child of mine likes his routine – and loves his school . He even delights in telling me what he wants packed for lunch (and I almost died laughing Wed, 08 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=10 Spotlight’s on body parts (deja life vu) as our week winds down. Marathon chase-down of soccer cleats to fit both of Logan’s feet yesterday -kudos to New Balance of Raleigh ; shame on the retail world for not doing a better job for kids who wear Fri, 10 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=11 We’re hittin’ the road ...headed to Virginia through Monday . Soccer was cancelled - talk about Murphy's law of cleats ...Logan is doing a happy dance over missing PE on Monday – hmmm. He’s doing an even happier dance over going to an Sat, 11 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=13 WE’RE BACK . Logan’s sportin’ his new glasses and he looks so grown up I'm doing a doubletake! Mad dashing to get in gear ( forward would be good) for tomorrow, but, as always, there are thoughts to come .. Mon, 13 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=15 As I ventured on predicting (and posting in anticipation), we are back in town and moving with full throttle momentum . Our souvenirs? For William: a ticket fresh from speed trap central (no, I don’t advise beating one’s head on the dashboard from Wed, 15 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=16 When I was a child, “bedtime” was a dirty word . Now that I am quite further ahead in the life span, “bedtime” is STILL a dirty word . How did this happen ?! Did I get in the wrong line twice (I seem to have that line confusion thing going Thu, 16 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=19 I can’t get over the difference in weather between today and yesterday ! We recreated Saturday’s agenda to accommodate the rain and came out okay, but today’s glorious calm after the storm is just what I need in my tank to take on the coming week . Sun, 19 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=21 When Logan was very young , talk of just a few years down the road and all that came with it was enough to send me into shock . I got that ‘one day at a time’ thing down fast . Now that Logan is in 2nd grade , talk of middle school sends me Tue, 21 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=22 Part of Logan’s homework tonight was to fill in a bottle outline with something he’d like to shrink and keep forever , then write down what it is and why. As I watched him poised with pencil, I tried to guess what he’d draw–a basketball and hoop? Wed, 22 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=25 ITEM : 1 (yes, only one ) soccer cleat to fit Logan’s ‘righty’ foot, with orthotic insert COST : $45.00 ITEM : 1 happy, healthy child running like the wind on the soccer field with his peers COST : priceless Sat, 25 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=27 Anyone who knows me knows that I am the antithesis of ‘ demure ’ . This is the case especially when it comes to Logan’s CP . I am all for demystification ...and at this stage in the game, so is Logan . So when we discovered that the Lower Mon, 27 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=9&d=30 At bedtime this evening I fixed my gaze on Logan as he found sleep . I watched ‘lefty’ hand unfold its way to relaxation–something that doesn’t happen during waking hours. I watched my only’s eyelids flutter and wondered what he’ll dream about Thu, 30 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=2 The times they are a-changin' . I don’t have a little kid anymore . I have an 8 – “going on 9” – year old whose opinions are gaining momentum every day. Yesterday Logan shed the hairstyle he’s had since he started getting haircuts ; the one I’ve Sat, 02 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=5 If I had a different colored string for every professional relationship we have on Logan’s behalf, I’d have the most psychedelic looking cat’s cradle you’ve ever seen ! I’d like to think that all of these relationships are optimal (no doubt I’ve Tue, 05 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=6 Hump day (always sounds more exciting than ‘Wednesday’) is here and we’re each chasing our tail in our own kind of way . I subjected myself to viewing the entire VP debate last night and am still recovering from a mean case of D&D (aka Wed, 06 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=8 It is on rare occasion that Logan allows an overt glimpse of just how hard he works all the time . This afternoon, I got one . No trademark body hurl hug (he’s not ‘over’ that yet, thank God) greeting on the playground . Instead Logan hobbling Fri, 08 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=9 As far as Logan’s concerned, any elation over his flu shot is overrated and long gone. Today he got a dose of the side effects , and let’s just say he didn’t appreciate the headache or the low-grade (like that delineation helps when you feel Sat, 09 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=11 Played it safe and kept Logan home from school today . Appears he’s past the reaction (thank goodness), as he stayed fever and headache free. School’s on the docket for tomorrow, making a whopping 1 day week for Logan (Wednesday–Friday designated Mon, 11 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=13 I’ve been trying to figure out why the passing of Christopher Reeve has hit me so hard . It’s certainly not because he was a movie star. My tolerance level for overpaid entertainers and professional athletes is nonexistent. But my perception of Wed, 13 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=16 There have been A LOT of exciting firsts in Logan’s life, and now we can add the state fair ! Not only did we all survive it...we loved it! This is no small thing when you abhor crowds as much as I do (and I’m being mild here). I am also THE Sat, 16 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=18 While they have dwindled in frequency as Logan ages, there are still days when I am overwhelmed with a fierceness by how profoundly unique and intensely personal our experiences with Logan have been . The disconnectivity spurs me to draw my family Mon, 18 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=21 I was reminded today of the reciprocal nature of the support relationship between mothers of children with special needs . Not only does the care exchange go both ways, but there also exists reciprocity of roles . While one parent may be the Thu, 21 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=23 So I’m fairly certain that hubby’s idea of an anniversary activity was not transporting an English Setter to South Hill before 9am today . Nevertheless...you guessed it... we did ! Logan safely at home with my in-laws after making me promise he Sat, 23 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=26 The number for the week is 4 . Yesterday I drove 4 hours round trip ... to pick up a sweet English Setter soul who – through no actions of his own - had 4 days max left to live ... and brought him back here just after 4 pm to be fostered . Tue, 26 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=28 Tomorrow Logan is transforming into Julius Peppers . Yes–Julius Peppers, the Carolina Panthers football player . His helmet is sufficiently crammed into his backpack for the Halloween festivities at school , and his jersey is ready for the iron Thu, 28 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=29 U.S. Health Care Satisfaction Trails Others Well...let me just stop ‘ being there, doing that ’ long enough to say: big, fat, screaming, major DUH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fri, 29 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=30 I am more than happy to report that we have , quite unexpectedly - yet successfully , executed a Saturday morning OGPR . That would be : Operation Guinea Pig Relocation . Yes, Kinston was MUCH too interested in Wheezie. And yes, 3 Sat, 30 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=10&d=31 The clocks (at least the ones I can reach) are bumped back , Halloween 2004 is almost over, and I’m the proud parent of a pooped Panther with a mother-load of candy . At 8 and ¾ years old (yes, it’s imperative to note the ‘ 3/4 ’), Logan reached Sun, 31 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=2 Earlier this evening I distracted myself briefly , making cheesy eggs for ‘breakfast’ dinner, then exploring the world of instant messaging . Logan joined in the latter and thought it was very cool that he could ‘talk’ to his cousins in Charlotte ! Tue, 02 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=5 Well, it’s taken Friday to bring me out of my post-election hibernation of sorts. The end of the week has been pretty much a blur, marked by periodic episodes of commiserating with those who share my sentiment and throwing myself into therapeutic Fri, 05 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=7 I am suffering slightly from hostess hangover , but – as with most hangovers – the fun involved makes it worth it ! The culprit : a patio fest we put on last night . The ‘ oh my god, I can’t believe you just did that ’ highlight: Logan ... Sun, 07 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=8 You know it’s Monday when ... •Your sweet, mild-mannered 8 year old son vanishes, and is replaced by a seemingly identical look-a-like with an attitude and sass unsurpassed by anything you’ve ever seen. •This same child of yours had a totally Mon, 08 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=11 As is almost always the case in our lives, we don’t coast for long , and this morning marked the return to ‘the ride’ , complete with lurches and stomachs at our feet ( literally ). Logan woke with a 102 degree fever on the one day I was committed Thu, 11 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=14 Despite valiant shaking, rolling, wiggling, arching, and bubble bathing through the weekend (frightening images, I know)... IT’S STILL THERE!!! And I DON’T LIKE IT!!! What’s it gonna take to get this target off my back?! I know a pity party won’t Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=17 Well we’ve made it to Wednesday and as is so often the case, Logan has reminded me what it’s all about . Not the shredded Scooby Doo underwear (Sam!); not the ultra-skinny lady who complains at the gym that her stomach isn’t flat (grrrr). Not Wed, 17 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=19 Logan has worn glasses since he was 11 months old. We’ve done patching intermittently since he was just 3 months old. At 18 months old he had corrective surgery for strabismus . We have never underestimated the critical role vision plays for Fri, 19 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=22 Logan is in a weird place . On the outside he’s fidgety and at anything but rest. On the inside his motor is running a mile a minute . I’m more than certain his teachers agree. I have no idea what’s fueling his state of unease , or what to Mon, 22 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=24 1 step forward, 2 steps back . Could also be known as status quo around here . Logan pulled it together at school for the short week, but he’s back to worrying a bit more. Connected? I’m sure. We’ve all got X amount of energy to allocate in a Wed, 24 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=26 I’ve got 2 (yes, 2!) Thanksgiving dinners under my belt (ok–the belt’s long gone), and craving turkey is now nothing short of an absurd notion. While it’s out of my head , it’s nowhere near disappearing from my waistline, thus I’m developing Fri, 26 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=11&d=28 I am not spiking the readiness meter when it comes to facing Monday. In fact, packing Logan’s lunch tonight almost erased all memory of these past days off. Tomorrow I have his IEP review ... and the decision to make whether to keep Sun, 28 Nov 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=1 It’s been one of those weeks so far where decisions and balance on Logan’s behalf are weighing fairly heavily on my mind. Parenting doesn’t offer instant feedback on whether your choices are the right ones (in fact I hear adolescence bears the message Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=5 It’s the wee hours of Sunday morning, and I am drowning in the perpetual sea of not enough hours in the day . I’ve blogged in my mind at least a ½ dozen times since Wednesday, but...am just connecting with the computer keys in semi -conscious fashion. Sun, 05 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=7 Haven’t heard a thing from anyone post Logan’s Friday visual processing testing . It’s still occupying a good chunk of my thought space (space is at a premium in my head), as are nagging questions of what–and how–to do to best address Logan’s Tue, 07 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=9 It’s no secret that when it comes to the caliber and competence of medical professionals, I’m not too keen on just the garden variety for Logan . Over the last almost 9 years, I’ve searched - and re searched - as a main event. Yesterday’s Thu, 09 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=12 This weekend has absolutely kicked my keester! Yesterday Logan and I loaded up sweet Kinston and drove him to Richmond to meet his new fantastic forever family ; they drove down from PA. You know a friend is a good one when she lets you use her Sun, 12 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=13 Meet Clover ! This petite, sweet little honey girl narrowly escaped death this morning and landed at our house (well, ok – there was a bit more involved and maybe I had oh , a wee role in it). I racked my brain trying to come up with a name Mon, 13 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=16 I think it’s safe to say that Logan is officially in the holiday spirit , giggle! Lest I let a cranial occasion pass me by ( oh , the horror ), here are some thoughts flitting about my head at this moment in time: • If a room full of children can Thu, 16 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST http://www.telability.org/blog/index.pl?y=2004&m=12&d=17 There’s something exciting going on in the blog world: I’m moving ! Well not me technically, but my blog . That’s right...Thea’s Thoughts is relocating to http://www.HeartsFull.org and I so hope you’ll follow me there! Over the past year and a Fri, 17 Dec 2004 00:00:00 EST