Life with my boys

The Sun Shine on a Rainy Day

2010-08-04T17:24:00.010-05:00

There is a new theme in my life. Happiness. Who would have thought? I most certainly didn't. After 4 1/2 long hard years I have come to place of happiness that I did not believe was within my reach.

Today, Carter was a guest client at Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. http://nextstepoandp.com/ for a tour of the facility along with demonstrations. Carter, My father and I met John Stephen, Republican candidate for Governor. Mr. Stephen asked Carter if he could have his picture taken with him. Within seconds Carter had posed himself, arm around Mr. Stephen, prosthetic leg over Mr. Stephen's leg, (to make sure of course the camera was able to get a good angle of his prosthetic) and head resting on Mr. Stephen's shoulder ever so perfectly grinning his best smile! A moment of amazement flows through me and I realize that my son is on his way to making a difference in this world.

Throughout the afternoon, Matthew J. Albuquerque, CPO, owner and vice president of Next Step O&P referred to some of the challenges that our family has faced and overcome and everything came to fruition for me. The growth that has come of this heartache was being shed in a new light. For once, I did not see the rough road ahead of us, I saw the rough road behind us. Seeing Carter impact peoples lives right in front of my very eyes was amazing and surreal.

His independence and ability to socialize with people of all ages is something very special. Without the amazing prosthetics that Next Step makes for Carter he would not have the confidence he exudes every day. During a demonstration in the prosthetic and orthotic fabrication room we were able to see the different steps it takes to create a prosthetic limb. Each client is given the oppurtunity to make the prosthetic their own by choosing how it will look cosmetically. An extra that Carter gets on his prosthetic is a fabric inlay of his choice, of course he has chose spongebob for his last two legs. Not only does this involve the client in the process it gives them something far more important, Pride and Confidence. I shared with the group that for Carter the fabric is not just a fabric, it is something far more important. On his 1st day of pre-school he was confident and excited to show off his spongebob leggy and it opened an oppurtunity for the other children to relate to Carter. The relief that gives me as a parent is priceless.

Before leaving the event a guest pulled me aside to introduce himself. He starts by telling me he had the privlege of sitting with Carter at lunch and enjoyed hearing his stories. Wayne Penn, Biomedical/Mechanical Engineer for DEKA Research & Development Corporation along with a few clients of Next Step including a man who uses a Deka Arm, http://nextstepoandp.com/PDFs/Apr10_EDGE-What%27sNext-DARPA.pdf, listened to Carter describe his first time at the ocean. He tells them that he didn't like the little waves because they were boring, he liked the big waves because they were fun to boogie board on! Hearing Wayne recount his lunch with Carter filled me with such joy and happiness. Carter has already made such and impression on thousands of people and he is only 4 1/2 years old, this is truely a blessing!

Being a part of this community of people has changed our family forever. The amazing people we meet along the way is what gives our family Hope and Strength. Over the past couple of months our family has experienced so much happiness that all the dark parts seem to fade. Truely, Carter is our SunShine on a Rainy Day!

Great Friends are Great Treasures!

2009-12-17T14:54:00.005-05:00

Carter celebrated his 4th Birthday this week! So many milestones have been reached in the past 4 years by Carter it is amazing to look back and reflect on the day he was born. Just a little over 6 lbs when he was born I saw a fragile baby with many obstacles ahead of him. In the past 4 years he has become a brave boy that handles his unique life with smile that brightens anyones day!

The night before Carters Birthday we talked about how he was turning 4 and did some practice counting for his big day. As soon as he realized he could not count to 4 on his fingers he blurted out "Mommy I wish my fingers weren't stuck together, maybe a wizard will fix them for my Birthday"! Outta the mouths of babes as I always say!

This wish made Mike and I think a lot about how he will count growing up with only 3 fingers and 4 toes. Not that we haven't thought about this before, but now it was more prevalent on his 4th Birthday. We always joked he could take off his right shoe and use his 4 toes to count!

The morning of Carters Birthday, Mike, Chase and I woke him up by singing Happy Birthday in bed. As soon as his eyes opened he started to look at his hand and asked us to turn the light on. Once the light was on he looked again and said "Aww I didn't get my wish". This broke our hearts.

Over the past couple of days our friends and family have given us many ideas on how Carter can count higher than 3 on his fingers. My favorite idea was having his friends and family help him count by lending him their fingers to add to his. It is just so priceless to us having moral support from our friends and family.

This morning I brought cupcakes into Carters school for his Birthday. When I arrived all the children where playing except for Carter and his best buddy Noah. They were at the table with the teacher making something. I let them continue what they were doing and just sat back and watched. Noahs hand was copied on a piece of blue construction paper and Carter was holding a green birthday crown he had made. The teacher cut out Noahs hand for the boys and attached it to Carters Birthday Hat. You see, Noah lent Carter his hand for his hat so that it showed he was 4 years old. Atop Carters hat was Noahs little hand with the thumb down showing his 4 fingers!

Today Noah made Carters wish come true by being his "counting wizard"!

Thank You Noah for standing by your buddy and helping him out when he needed you. You are a very special boy with a very special heart!

I will never forget what Noah did for Carter and I will never forget how lucky we are to have this family in our lives!

Great Friends are the Greatest Treasures!

Remembering my Grandfather

2009-10-20T17:28:00.003-05:00

Today my father and I spent some very special time together remembering a great Man. I took Dad to Veteran's Memorial Park to see my grandfather's name on the Memorial. We walked around the park checking out the memorial. I brought paper and pencils and did some rubbings of my Grandpa's name. After we spent some time at the park we went for ice creams at Ben and Jerry's. I felt like a little girl again. Not only did it make me feel close to my Grandpa but it made me feel very close to my Dad again. With the hussle and bussle of everyday it has been hard to be Daddy's little girl. I know now that time doesn't change anything I WILL ALWAYS BE DADDYS LITTLE GIRL, and I will cherish today forever! I love you Daddin!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-10-14T19:52:00.003-05:00

October 15th is my Dad's Birthday! Had a nice celebration with my brother and his family this past Sunday night. Can't wait until my other brother comes to visit in November.

I love you Daddin!

Happy Heart

2009-10-13T17:18:00.008-05:00

It's almost like he is dancing on cloud 9 with his new leggy. Carter has been so excited for today and it finally came! Again, I can not express enough how much we love the work that Next Step does for Carter. Scott and Dave (all the Daves) put their heart into making Carter's leg and it shows with the beautiful finished product. Since he got home he has been running around the house and dancing around. He is beyond happy right now.

Just want to add a note that "The Daves" put Spongebob and Patrick on the front like "brothers". I love it! That's using your noggins!

My heart is swelled with happiness!

A Smile A Day

2009-09-09T20:03:00.003-05:00

If there is one thing I have learned over the past 5 years is that change is inevitable. Children are forever changing and before you blink they change again. With all of the physical changes Carter goes through comes prosthetic changes. Recently we discovered that Carter's gait issues were due to some weakness in his thigh muscle and tightness in his hip flexors. The gang at Next Step made many changes to his alignment but with each change came a new gait issue. There was no happy medium to be found. So Next Step did what they do best COLLABORATE! You know the saying "2 heads are better than 1"? Well in our case we have all the brains at Next Step collaborating to come up with a solution that will help Carter with his gait and stregthening his leg muscles. While we were in NY Next Step made a tie corset with knee joints to attach to Carters exsisting prosthetic to provide knee stability. I was confident it would make a tremendous difference for Carter. However, I still feel pain for my son having to deal with more equiptment just to be able to walk, run and play. Today Carters tie corset was added to his prosthetic and the instant change in his gait was amazing. As the day went on his gait continued to improve. The tie corset does restrict him a little bit but he is already finding ways around it. I say that like IM suprised, which I shouldn't be. Carter always finds a way to do what he wants. Tomorrow will be Carters 1st day of school and I will be going with him to see how he manages in his new environment with his new equiptment. I have no doubt he will have a great 1st day at school.

Carter doesn't know anything but happiness! His smile keeps me going everyday!

Thank You everyone at Next Step for all that you do for our family!

Olcott Beach NY Lake Ontario

2009-09-06T22:55:00.003-05:00

Im rather fond of this family picture.
Mike set the camera on the timer. One take and I was happy.
I love my family!

Summer Fun July 2009

2009-08-27T15:57:00.002-05:00

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS WITH CHASE AND CARTER.

Put on a Happy Face

2009-08-26T15:26:00.002-05:00

That is all I feel I can do sometimes is put on a happy face! Im trying very hard to accept and understand why my boys have these medical obstacles. Just when life seems to get back to "normal" another obstacle arises. After spending my day at the doctors office and at prosthetics Im feeling very battered!

Is it possible that there is a reason for the card my boys were dealt? I ask myself this every day but after almost 4 years I still have not found the answer. Until a month ago I felt I had accepted the card that was dealt to Carter. Now Im wondering why both of my boys have to deal with these series of unfortunate events. Some people believe that my children are so special God chose them to bear these burdens. Some wonder if it is all just based on scientific luck of the draw. Most say "everything happens for a reason". Well Im searching really hard for the reason and the answers to all of my questions. Over the past 4 years my faith has been beat up and tossed into the trash. So once you loose your faith where do you turn?

Facebook taking over.....

2009-08-24T20:42:00.001-05:00

I have seriously negelected my blog. Apparently I let Facebook take over. I can not let this happen. I have put too much time and effort into this blog. Does anyone still look at it?

Cute Flipbook of Carter Mastering Stairs at Doors Pond

2009-06-23T20:28:00.001-05:00

Carter is Loving his New Leg

2009-05-15T22:21:00.006-05:00

Here are some pictures of Carter and his new leg. I also took some pictures of all his past legs. Such a cool transition to see. Scott and Dave have outdone themselves again with getting Carter back up and walking. Carter shows everyone his new leg. It is so cute. He lifts his pant leg and says "Look I got a new leg and I scratched it all up"!!! Thats for you Dave!!!!!! I think of you every time he says it!!!!!! We love everyone at Next Step and all their gross out toys especially!!!!!

Much Love from the Meads

Including Samuel

2009-04-22T22:03:00.004-05:00

My heart and mind is filled with so many things right now. I was sent an email from a friend today with a link to a NH Public Movie that was on TV tonight. I knew if she asked me to watch this movie than it must be important. I can not say enough about this documentary, "Including Samuel". The family dynamic of the Habib's felt so familar to me. The Habib family put together various stories including theirs to educate people on Inclusion and the diversity they and others face everyday.

Since Carter was born I have read and watched many documentaries written by parents of disabled children or Doctors specializing in pedicatrics. I HAVE NEVER felt the way I feel now after seeing "Including Samuel". So many details of this hit home for me especially the relationship between Samuel and his older brother. I wonder if my boys are old enough to watch this and understand it? I know someday they will and I will be sure to show it to them, of course Im buying the DVD.

I have so many friends that I thought of tonight watching the program. Stories that seemed so familar to theirs. The struggles they face everyday in the school system were touched upon in such great detail. I know that so many people watching felt a connection to one or all of the stories told.

Here is the website and I encourage everyone to check it out. It is only 58 minutes and is such a great story. http://www.includingsamuel.com/

Thank You J, you don't even know how much you made my day!

Footbridge over Merrimack River

2009-03-27T19:41:00.001-05:00

Carters New Leg

2009-03-27T19:34:00.002-05:00

Carter had an appointment this week at Next Step to talk about his new leg. While we were there Scott, his prosthetists, casted his leg and made 2 molds for a socket. The foot will remain the same as well as the mechanics in the foot. Hopefully Carter will be in a new leg within a few weeks. While we were there we did put his exsisting prosthetic on to see how it fit. He kept telling us he wanted to run around, however we did not let him. There could potentially be harm done because the prosthetic no longers fits. Once he gets his new prosthetic that is custom fit to his new shaped leg he will be able to run around all he wants. Im sure he will keep me running too!

Call from New Zealand

2009-03-25T19:53:00.002-05:00

I am asking for help. We received a phone call from a young man in New Zealand last week. Due to land line issues we were disconnected before I could get his name and number. Apparently his sister found Carter on the internet somewhere and gave her brother the information to contact me. Carter and this young man share many things in common. Im hoping however his sister found me the 1st time she will do it again and let her brother know that I would very much like to talk to him again.

Carter and Chase

2009-03-02T12:16:00.003-05:00

Some pictures I took this morning. Im wondering if Carters new cast will last until next Monday when it is supposed to come off at the post op visit!

New Haircuts

2008-12-27T07:28:00.002-05:00

LightSticks

2008-11-11T18:01:00.001-05:00

Just when I was about to reach my breaking point Mike came home with light sticks for the boys and they are in the yard playing with them right now. I feel guilty I don't even want to go out. I just want quiet! I can hear them tho and they are having fun!

Behaivior Out of Control

2008-11-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

I feel like this past month both kids are out of control. I know they are not getting as much social interaction as they should but that will come in the new year with school. They just won't listen to Mike and I at all. Child gates do not work on either child. Carter has this new thing where he likes to open the gate to the kitchen and get into the frig or the sink or anything that looks interesting. Yes, we have already tried a frig lock! He can get it open too! They have also become SNACK hogs and it is driving me batty. All they want are snacks. Provided they are healthy I have no issue but it feels like it is one after the other. They finish a banana and want a granola bar. I CAN NOT WAIT until they get into pre-school and have a little bit of a schedule and discipline from someone other than Mike and I. They seem to take discipline better from others than they do from us. I am not sure why, maybe they have just been home too long! I thought I would never want the day of school to come but right now I am welcoming it and I can not wait! I am not sure if it will be full time or part time but either way I know Mike and I need some sort of a break from this routine. This routine is not working anymore. Our 1st appointment for Carter with the Manchester School District is 11/18, then 11/26 then 12/4! I had a nightmare lastnight about calling the VNA program to inquire about Chase. I am not sure why but it was not pleasant. The woman was extremely rude to me and treated me like my children were lepors. I know this would not happen I guess just my internal fears coming through in my dreams. Why can't I dream about a vacation on an island where Im sleeping in a hammock with the wind blowing off the ocean, doesn't that sound a lot better?

Transition Meetings and what they all mean!

2008-11-08T21:29:00.002-05:00

I have no idea. I just trust in my schedule and Maggie (Easter Seals) and I know it will go well.

I had a moment of weakness and called Manchester School District when I realized we had 3 appointments with them this month. Basically preparing Carter for his transition from Early Intervention Services from Easter Seals to OT, PT and Speech through the Manchester School District. This is a very scary process. I know what I have to bring and when I have to be there and I put my faith in God that it all turns out for the best. My biggest question is where will he go to school and how will he manage on the bus????? When I say manage I mean emotionally not physically. I know he will overcome any physical obstacle he faces with school. It is the emotional that I worry about now!

As for Chase we are also working on transitioning him from home to pre-kindergarten. OH MY GOD my 1st born in pre-kindergarten. Just so overwhelming all at once. Anyone know of a good local program for a 4 year old that is accredited? I do not even know where to begin. I just know every time we take the highway to Bedford he sees Kinder Care and says "Mom that is my school". I would also like Chase to bus to school. I want them to be independent in that mannner. I have to be at work at 6 am.... and with one vehicle I think he needs to bus as well.....

Okay enough venting....... Phew~!

Mead Boys Fall Leaf Fun with Dad 2008

2008-11-06T15:19:00.001-05:00

Halloween Pinardville 2008

2008-11-03T09:39:00.001-05:00

Phase One Two and Three

2008-10-05T21:02:00.002-05:00

Just Amazing!

Third Prosthetic Leg

2008-10-05T20:48:00.001-05:00

When Carter woke me up the morning of 9/25/08 he said to me "New Leg Day" and had a smile ear to ear!! What could possibly be more precious than that?

We went to Next Step and had a great time testing out his 3rd prosthetic leg. The entire team did an unbelievable job but special thanks and kudos to Scott and Dave for their continued support and above the bar care!

Carter is literally off and running. Really not much easing into his new leg, He pretty much wants it all the time and asks for very little assistance. Five months out of his leg did not slow him down one little bit!

I hope you enjoy the slide show below......

Carters New Leg Day

2008-10-05T20:39:00.001-05:00

"DON'T YOU GET IT"

2008-09-23T18:00:00.002-05:00

So many experiences we have as a family change us in one way or another. We have been through so much since our children were born that we are definately not the same people that said "I Do" 6 years ago. We feel that these experiences have made us stronger and closer as a family unit. I don't blog everything, good or bad. I try to keep my blog upbeat and filled with pictures. Maybe I should blog more of the not so good experiences to help educate and to just get them off my chest. So here's one that I just can not get out of my head!

Typically these experiences come from McDonalds Playarea, The Park, The Pool, or anywhere that children join to play. We were at the park the other day with both boys. This particular day we chose to go to the BIG park where there would be more kids and not go to the small park where we know the regulars who frequent it. Both boys quickly joined the others playing and running. Carter still does not have his new leg (getting it 9/25) so he is still knee walking and crawling around. Mike and I were sitting in an area right in the playhouse watching the kids play. I noticed some kids that looked like siblings staring at Carter and whispering. There were about 8 or 9 years old. Completely normal behavoir for their age to stare and wonder. Rationally I can say this is normal behavoir but emotionally it still is hard for me to watch other kids stare and whisper about my boy. The girl called her other sibling over and loudly said "Look at that boy he has no hand and no foot, LOOK". I was about 5 feet away but I just sat and thought I would let the kids sort it out instead of instantly jumping in to explain. I hate to say it but sometimes I get tired of explaining why Carter is different everywhere we go. Some days I just want to go about my merry way and not be the center of attention. So the 3 kids sat watching him and talking about his differences, again totally normal behavoir. Please don't get me wrong - I have no misconceptions about kids and their normal curiosities. Meanwhile Chase came over and caught wind of the conversation about his brother. Mike and I looked at eachother and listened to him very carefully. This is still very new that Chase explains his brothers differences to others. It is also a very critical time for Chase to interact with others appropriately in regards to his brother. As the kids kept saying to eachother "Why" Chase piped in and said "That's Carter my brother, and he was born like that, DON'T YOU GET IT" the questions continued and he repeated, "He was born like that, DON'T YOU GET IT". The third time his voice was a little louder and little more frustrated, "DON'T YOU GET IT HE WAS JUST BORN LIKE THAT". Yes the tears were flowing down my face, for pride that Chase was so precise and for saddness that this was just the beginning of questions Chase will be faced with about his brother. Chase quickly went back to playing and Carter never even knew what was going on, or did he? Carter's OT from Easter Seals feels he understands and takes in a lot of what is said about him, which scares me a little.

Chase's words keep ringing in my head..... "DON'T YOU GET IT, DON'T YOU GET IT!"

I think to myself, NO I DON'T GET IT!!!! Why was Carter born like that? After all this time 4 little words out of Chase's mouth affected me so much. How can I expect children to understand when I don't even understand. I keep asking myself "does this mean I do not accept what has happened?" If I don't get it..... do I accept it....and will I ever get it.....and will I ever accept it......???

I'm not sure what these feelings all mean but I know that they have made me think ALOT!

What I do know is that there will always be questions, stares and whispers and I just have to accept it. What I still don't know is WHY God chose Carter to be different.

Merrimack River

2008-09-03T19:50:00.002-05:00

Earlier in the week we went to the Merrimack River down by Arms Park to ride bikes. We ended up rock climbing right in the river. I was amazed at how daring the boys were. They had little or no fear while jumping from rock to rock. I had plenty of fear for everyone. We sat on the rocks for a while with our feet in the water. We met a father and son who were kayaking. The kids had a blast watching them flip their kayaks. While playing in the water Carter came upon a turtle. I leaned over with him looking at this turtle thinking what a cool find. Just then Mike said, "that is a snapping turtle"! Holy Crap I grabbed Carter so quick! Mike picked up the turtle by it's tail for the boys to see. He was pretty big and definately not happy we picked him up. We spent quite a bit of time watching him play in the water and hide under rocks. The best was when he would poke his head out of the water for some air. The boys were fascinated. When it was time to leave the boys cried that they wanted to stay. I think 2 hours on the rocks was enough for me. We topped off this fun day with ice cream cones. Enjoy the pictures!

Patuckaway State Park

2008-08-25T21:44:00.001-05:00

Cody McCasland 6 year old Double Amputee Runner

2008-08-22T18:00:00.003-05:00

We just found the most amazing story. This little boy was on Ellen Degeneres today and we knew we would find a blog link on him. I added his blog link to my favorite links and I truely hope you check it out.

Livingston Pool

2008-08-01T16:59:00.001-05:00

A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE!

2008-07-15T22:31:00.002-05:00

Dan Zane and Friends

2008-07-15T22:27:00.003-05:00

About 2 weeks ago we went to the Dan Zane concert with some friends. We had a great time but the heat forced us out. It was very humid and there was no AC at the Concord High School. Since Carter still had his cast on - he was miserable! We spent about an hour at the concert then went with our friends to Friendlys for ice cream. It was such a great day out even though we were hot and sticky!!!

Better Late than Never!!

2008-07-15T22:21:00.002-05:00

This post is about one week late! Carter got his cast off early due to some cast ISSUES! You can use your imagination if you have ever dealt with a spica cast! I will spare you the details. He is only wearing an ACE bandage. The past week he has been doing well and now is letting us take the ACE off for a couple hours a day. Soon he will go back to Next Step to start fitting for a new prosthesis. He is not walking on his little leg because it is VERY sensative. We are in the process of trying to de-sensatise his leg, but it is not that easy! Maggie brought a bean bucket big enough for both boys to fit in and that seems to help. We also are giving him tubbys with no ACE on. Hopefully soon we can get him in the pool, it will be the perfect therapy! So here is a picture of Carter right after he got his cast off.

So Natural for Chase to Help Others

2008-06-28T23:34:00.002-05:00

Carter Asleep on Floor Covered in Chocolate

2008-06-28T23:33:00.002-05:00

Boston Childrens Dr Clowns

2008-06-28T23:27:00.003-05:00

Everytime Carter has surgery at Childrens Hospital we see the Dr Clowns. They come and visit in pre-op and in inpatient rooms. This time we were lucky enough to have them come to our room. Carter was just starting to feel good and it was just what he needed. Some very cute Laughing pics.

Carter Walking on his Cast

2008-06-23T14:53:00.004-05:00

I told you he was walking on his cast! Literally NOTHING holds this child back!

Carter Meeting his Surgeon

2008-06-03T20:28:00.003-05:00

This past week Carter met his surgeon. Dr Spencer will be doing Carter's surgery in place of Dr Kasser who is on medical leave for the summer.

Dr Spencer will be removing a little bit more of Carter's leg and making several revisions. One of the revisions will be cutting the tibia and the heel bone and fusing them together. She will also be cutting his achilles tendon and reattaching it to the bottom of his tibia not his heel pad like what was done in the 1st amputation. She will save some soft tissue to wrap over the bottom of his leg. This is in hopes to prevent the achilles tendon from pulling the heel pad back like it has done. There is a chance of changes to this plan while he is in surgery. Dr Spencer needed us to give her full permission to revise at her discretion. They are unable to really say for sure exactly what they will do once they open him up again. He will be in a cast like before and stay in the hospital until his pain is able to be managed at home.

His surgery date is June 16th. We will be going next week for pre-op to Childrens.

Thank you everyone for all your support during this rough time.

Here is a picture of Carter at his appointment with Dr Spencer last week at Childrens Hospital Boston in Waltham. I also took a picture of a beautiful tree outside our exam room that I have to show off.

Recliner Potatoes

2008-06-03T20:24:00.001-05:00

Brothers Watching a Movie!!

Fishin' with my Dad

2008-06-03T20:15:00.003-05:00

Chase got to use his new SpongeBob Fishing Pole that Grammy got him!

Daddy took Chase to Doors Pond, just the 2 of them for Chase's 1st Fishing Trip.

Ever since they got back it is all Chase has been able to talk about.

The Bee is Back in my Bonnet.....

2008-05-01T17:49:00.003-05:00

I recently blogged about a bee in my bonnet and I HAD set the Bee free, BUT somehow that Bee is BACK!!

The blog entry I wrote about McDonald's was published in the Union Leader and I received a lot of emails, phone calls and mail about it. We even received a call from the owner of Mc Donald's telling us how much our story touched him. He even sent us a letter with gift certificates for the whole family. The negative experience really turned out to be a positive one!

We never stop going out as a family no matter how hard it is. I know some people might say "why is it so hard to go out"?, honestly sometimes we just want to be invisible when we go out or maybe blend in a little!

Today we took the kids to McDonald's Playplace for their Happy Meals and some indoor play fun. Every thing seemed to be going well. Chase and Carter were running around playing with the other kids very nicely. Then the dreaded moment came, a little boy starting calling Carter "The Monster Baby"!

Now I have said this a thousand times and I will say it again. "Out of the mouths of babes". No matter how innocent children are it still hurts a mother to hear those words. Mike and I just couldn't believe what was happening, again. The little boy kept running around the play place saying "where is the monster baby"?! After a few times of hearing this the tears started to well in my eyes. Id like to think Mike and I have developed tough skin but this still breaks our hearts. The parents did not stop the child and try to explain why Carter was different. Sound familiar, yes this is pretty much a repeat of my last Mc Donald's story. Again we sat listening to the kids talk about Carter while in the playplace and the parents did nothing. All the while Carter and Chase continue to play without a care in the world and have no idea what is going on. I only wish that they could stay so naive but I know someday Carter will hear the comments and understand that people are talking about him, staring at him and pointing at him. Some people might think that this would not happen.... people would not talk, stare or point, but trust me when I say it happens. Adults are the worst offenders of this rude behavoir. I ended up in the bathroom crying my eyes out so my son would not see me. When I came back the little boys were sitting at the table next to us eating and they started to ask questions. The mother did not seem to know what to say. Mike explained that just like the little boy had brown hair and brown eyes, Carter had one hand and one leg. Everyone is made differently by God. Mike offered to the little boys that when they were done eating they could come over and we would tell them all about Carter.

Some days I wonder why God made Carter different.

Mike and I know that Carter has changed peoples lives and will continue to make a difference in the world but we still can't help but wish he didn't have to go through life being different. Being stared at constantly. Being the center of attention every where he goes. Being faced with obstacles every day. When I was growing up I always hated my acne, I used to cry my eyes out because I looked different from the other kids. I can not imagine how Carter will deal with his differences. My complex about my acne seems so trivial compared to what Carter will be faced with.

Someone once told me "God gives special babies to special people". I wish someone would tell me if the sadness that comes with it will ever go away........

This Bee might be in my bonnet for a long time.....

Previous post about McDonald's in October blog archive

Im not sure Carter knows the meaning of CAN"T

2008-04-26T19:44:00.002-05:00

Bulldozer Store, Mall Of NH

2008-04-26T19:30:00.003-05:00

The bulldozer store in the Mall added a playground. It is so cool. However, I feel like the Mall is becoming very expensive when you have 2 toddlers.

Lunch = $12.00
Carosel = $4.00
Train = $4.00
Bulldozer playground = $8.00
Ice Cream = $4.00

Empty Wallet = Depressing

We have decided that the boys have to pick 2 out of carosel, train and bulldozer playground. The 1st time didn't go very well. They decided to forego the carosel but in retrospect regretted their idea and pitched a fit. Typical of a 2 and 4 year old but still wasn't fun.

A cute pic from the bulldozer playground!

Texas Roadhouse

2008-04-26T19:25:00.002-05:00

We took a trip to Texas Roadhouse in Methuen, Ma. The boys really loved throwing peanuts on the floor and stomping on them!

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

2008-04-26T19:16:00.003-05:00

I've always loved being born in May. One of the reasons is the start of a new season, budding trees, new flowers and best of all lilacs. I wonder how our May will be this year with little or no April showers??

We have really enjoyed the new weather! Some pictures of the boys playing the yard on a beautiful spring day.

Happy Spring!!!

So this is why we need a new chair!

2008-01-29T20:16:00.001-05:00

The fastest man on NO LEGS

2008-01-29T20:08:00.001-05:00

This is a really nice article about Oscar and his life.

Truely an inspiration to Carter.

The fastest man on no legs!

Got Pudding????

2008-01-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

One Word "YUM"

Winter Fun

2008-01-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in some time. I know what you all want......

Pictures!!

So here you go :)

Easter Seals Website

2007-12-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

Carter is becoming such a famous boy! Check out the story on the Easter Seals website about him. I added the direct link to the article in the top right hand corner of my blog. The Easter Seals NH website is listed under "My Favorite Links" if you would like to learn more about Easter Seals, make a donation or read heart warming stories about families involved in Easter Seals programs.

You can also take a peek at the Next Step website which is listed under "My Favorite Links", Carter's picture is all over their website along with other amazing children and adults touched by Next Step and the things they do!

What a Trouble Maker

2007-12-06T20:02:00.001-05:00

No Description Is Needed for This Face!

The Hustle of Christmas

2007-12-06T19:09:00.000-05:00

All the presents are bought, wrapped and tagged for family and friends to rip open on Christmas Day! Somehow I was ready for Christmas before December even started this year. What will I possibly do on December 21st, 22nd, & 23rd if I am not at the stores pushing and shoving for the best deal known to man!?!?!? After much consideration it has occurred to me that the money saved the week before Christmas is not worth loosing some of my sanity over!

Decorating is another story. Two Christmas decorations top my mantle and the rest wait in the box to be taken out. I opened the box to decorate and closed it quickly after realizing that almost 90% of my decorations were either made by or given to me by my grandmother. Christmas is a very tough time of year when remembering a lost loved one.

December 23rd will mark one year since Michael lost his mother. In the past year we have lost two very important women in our lives. My mind tells me to forget Christmas this year but my heart tells me that life must go on..........

During the Hustle of Christmas, my mind seems to be the busiest of all!

Don't let the Hustle get you down!

My Boys are already waiting for Santa!!!!!!

2007-12-02T19:22:00.000-05:00

I think if they could climb the chimney for their gifts they would!!!!!

Well Said

2007-10-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

Quoting a blog friend ~Peggy~

"Every child is a perfect soul. They may not always be the packaging we were expecting, but they are all perfect."

I have a Bee in my Bonnett and I am setting it Free!

2007-10-16T21:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Mike and I took the boys to McDonalds for lunch and to play in the playhouse. While I got our food Mike took the kids into the play area, took off their shoes and let them run wild. Some of you may know where I am going with this story and Im sure I will get tons of emails about this, so here goes.

I got into the play area to find Carter under the playhouse in a small space back right up to the netting with 2 other children lying in front of him and trying to figure out "why he has no hand". I also found my husband trying desperately to difuse the situation but these children where in aww of Carter. Now I am going to say this right up front, I have no problem with curious children or adults, I love telling everyone about Carter and how unique he is. I use our experience(s) to help others understand how everyone is different and that it is ok to be different. I frequently find myself surrounded by at least a dozen kids and parents at the park and I very happily tell them about Carter and his differences and his acheivements. What mother wouldn't want to talk about their kids right?

I am not sure how we did it but we got the kids out from under the playhouse and then got Carter out and explained to the kids in our usual way why Carter had no hand. We told them that he was born with no hand, which usually is followed by "why?" (typical little kid question) and we usually say something like "God made him that way" and by this time their parents usually pipe in and help explain in a way that they know their child will understand by this time the kids are usually all playing together and it becomes a parent to parent conversation.

Well this time was different. The moms of the boys didn't come to see what we were talking to their children about nor do I think they cared why my husband and I were talking to their children. Which I must say frightens me - if I saw 2 adults talking to my children I would be right there finding out why strangers were talking to them.

We got our boys to the table to eat lunch and the kids were walking over and asking us why he had no hand and we kept saying the same thing and still the Moms sitting right next to us said nothing. One kid stood at our table for nearly 3 minutes staring at Carter and didn't say anything. When I said "Hey Buddy what's up" he ran away. I felt really bad because I was just trying to make him comfortable to ask a question but at the same time I felt like it wasn't fair to Carter to have someone standing at our table staring at him. Still the Mother's who now clearly knew what was going on, said nothing. So when lunch was over they ventured back to the playhouse and about 5 boys (4 - 8 years old) followed my boys into the tunnels. The minute Carter got on the floor to climb into the playhouse they noticed his prosthetic foot. I was totally prepared to explain his prosthetics, I have dealt with this hundreds of times with other kids, but something was different this time. We told the boys he had a prosthetic leg and foot which means that it is a "fake" leg and foot. Fake is usually a word I use for kids around the same age as mine. It is a word they can understand and relate to the prosthetic as not a real body part. The kids were off and running into the playhouse and I thought this adventure was over.

As Mike and I sat at the table next to the other Moms we could hear all the children in the playhouse talking about Carter. The kids had all gathered in the bubble part of the playhouse and were standing around Carter and Chase. From where the parents were sitting we could all see and hear our kids. Out of the mouths of babes comes "what a strange baby" and "he is a fake baby" and "he is a robot baby with a robot leg" and even a "look he is missing fingers too". Very simply said kids are curious and it is very normal to hear these comments out of the mouths of babes. Unfortunately my defenses were down because I felt like the parents should have been helpful in the beginning of this encounter when we were answering their questions.

I felt like my sons future was being played for me in an awful nightmare. I saw him being cornered and taunted by peers. I saw his brother being emotional hurt because peers were making fun of his brother. I saw Carter's self confidence being trampled on. In my heart I know Carter and Chase will be able to deal with any situation with style and grace but I also know that there will be tough times ahead and there might be a day when Carter comes home from school crying. Every child struggles with self image and self confindence, I know I did and I still do. I can not even imagine what it will be like for Carter growing up always looking different.

Rationally, I knew that these kids are being innocent and that their reaction to Carter were very normal. Mike and I sat and listened and try to see how it would play out. We couldn't get inside the play house bubble to intervene and try to help the other children understand why Carter was different so we had to let go and let nature take over. This went on for about 10 - 15 minutes of the kids talking about Carter and trying to figure him out, while Chase and Carter played like they had not a care in the world. To Chase and Carter it is typical.

Then the boys decided it would be cute to go on the other side of the bubble wall and when Carter would go up to the wall he yelled "ah the robot baby" and ran away screaming. Where is his mom you ask????....sitting right there watching.

Feelings are Feelings and rationality does not always come into play when feelings are being tested. I calmly got up and cleared off our table while tears rolled down my face. Mike calmy collected the boys and got them ready to go. The Mothers stared at us saying nothing. One Mother was putting on her sons shoes and I could hear him asking her questions about Carter and her not answering him.

What kind of message do you think these children get from their parents about being different?

In all the times we have encountered curious children never once until this day have I met parents who didn't want to be involved when their children were asking my husband and I questions about Carter. Out of all the people I talk to about Carter I always hope it sticks with the kids the most because it will help them throughout childhood when meeting people who are different. I am thinking maybe I should hope that it sticks with the parents more since they set the tone for how their children intereact with others.

My Bee has left my Bonnet!!! Buzz Buzz Buzz

Roller Coaster Ride

2007-10-14T00:36:00.001-05:00

I missed Maggie Day last week while I was at the Hospice House but Mike taped it for me. I thought everyone would like to see what fun the boys had with the roller coaster. Carter was very very tired but still had a lot of fun! He really preferred to climb the slide part rather than go down it in the car. I never doubted that Chase would love it! I am sure it was horrible when they realized Maggie was taking it with her when she left! I bet we will see that one back here.

Do you see what I see?

2007-10-11T20:07:00.000-05:00

Gram

2007-10-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

My Gram passed away on October 6th at 4 am. It was very hard on everyone in our family. Saying good-bye to someone you love is never easy.

The 8 days at the Hospice House with my Gram gave me a lot of time to soul search. My Gram said a lot of things to me in those 8 days and I guess you can say it changed my life. Sharing such intimate moments with my Gram moved me to make a decision about myself that I have been thinking about for years, since I was a little girl.

October 30th I start school to be an LNA. I made the decision before my Gram passed and she was absolutely thrilled. I promised her I would go to school for my LNA and then in the future get my LPN and maybe even RN. My experience at the Hospice House changed my life and I hope that I can help change others lives by becoming a LNA.

For every door that is closed another is opened! Thanks Gram, I will always love you.

Where have I been...

2007-10-04T16:56:00.000-05:00

To all my friends and family,
I wanted to let everyone know that I have been away and have not been able to blog about my boys. My Grandmother was put in the Community Hospice House on Friday and I have not left since. She is very peaceful and pain free. The staff here is unbelievable and have been so great to my family. I have been trying to check my email when I am up to it and I thought this would be the easiest way to communicate with everyone. My Gram saw my boys and saw Carter walk and she was so happy. Now we are just sitting and waiting for her to make her way to Heaven. This is such a rough process for everyone. My boys are bringing me lots of smiles and my husband is being my rock. I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. I will get back into my blogging when the timing is right for me. For now please think of my Gram.
Thanks to everyone,
KelliAnn

video not working

2007-09-19T06:39:00.000-05:00

sorry I am having issues with Carters video posting......

stay tuned!

VCUG Gone!!!

2007-09-17T21:56:00.000-05:00

He is finally asleep....

Last tid bit to share with you all.....

His sleep pattern was all screwed up by this and I just broke down about 30 minutes ago (10:30 PM) and gave him a sherbert and let him watch cartoons. I know what a bad mom!

Then off to bed I let him use my afgan my grammy made me to keep him warm!!!

I think they did the trick all is quiet!!!!

Thanks to Grammy's Blankey .... and a little sherbert!!!!

VCUG is almost GONE!!!.....

2007-09-17T21:17:00.000-05:00

VCUG went well. Few things I would like to share with my fellow mothers....

Vercid is the drug they choose to sedate my child this morning for his test. This drug works best when the child is sleep deprived and has an empty stomach. So Sunday night he was up til 11:30pm eating and drinking and watching the Goodnight Show! Monday morning I woke him up at 7:30 and off to the hospital we went NO breakfast NO milk and Tired Chase. The Vercid made him very emotional. SO at this point we have a 3 year old who is tired, hungry, scared and over emotional and honestly acting drunk from the vercid. During the entire test he was awake and a little unhappy about the procedure. He did NOT like the numbing cream on his pee pee and the catheter, I don't blame him one bit. He did not like the tape on his pee pee either. And the one thing I thought he would like was the little red light on his finger tip to track his Oxygen levels. He wanted that thing off so bad. The hardest part is right at the end of the test... he is laying on a table naked with a catheter still in and they want him to pee on command so they can watch it on the tv. After 15 minutes of 5 adults pleading with this overtired, emotional, hungry, scared 3 year old I put a cup to his pee pee and said pee in the cup for DR Mary and he PEED for Dr Mary. She holds weight with him, doesn't she?

After we got back to his room we let him watch tv and lounge off the drunkeness of Vercid. It was pretty comical for us at this point. He was a happy little drunk now! He had chocolate milk and french toast with syrup! He gobbled it all up. He rode out of Pediatrics in a wagon and was quite the little flirt all the way to the car from the 3rd floor!!!

That's my Boy!!! (or my Ham!!!)

VCUG day is here .....

2007-09-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

Monday morning Chase has his VCUG test at Elliot. (see previous post for explanation on VCUG :) ) Im nervous because it is his 1st sedation and it is semi awake. He can still cry and act like he does not want the test done. Then the Cath....owie....I will have to leave the room. Then the test.....then poof he will wake up and not know a thing. The only positive of this entire test is that the medicine will help him forget it ever happened.

Man I feel so silly, everything we have been through with Carter and this one little test is keeping me up at night. The pediatrician called today...on a Sunday. She is so nice. Talked me through it and calmed my fears. She was so informative. She really made me feel special calling me on a Sunday to talk to me about Chase's test. Of course, she got an update on all of us but she really called for Chase. I told Chase at bed time that she called and he was so happy. His eyes lit up and he got all excited. It is so cool that he loves doctors and nurses and that is because of everything we have gone through.

There is good out of everything!!!

Walker he don't need no stinken' Walker!!!

2007-09-16T22:03:00.000-05:00

YES HE IS WALKING INDEPENDENTLY!

What a better way to start walking then into the arms of his Prothetist, Scott!

9/11/07 is the official date he walked at Next Step for the 1 st time without any support. He was so proud of himself. He just kept chasing Scott back and forth. The feeling we all had watching take those 1st steps was just PRICELESS. September 11th will never be the same!

He also got a new SMO right before he started walking. What a reaction to a new brace. A SMO is the right ankle brace he wears. The minute he stood to his feet Mike and I noticed the difference in his positioning. It was amazing how quickly he adapted to it and then exceeded in it.

Walking all on his own! We are all so proud of him and all the hard work he has done!!!

NO Pictures of the 1st steps. I KNOW CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!???? The one time in the world I do not have my camera....you better believe that camera is in my purse and ready to go.

Carter has since continued to walk everyday unsupported. He is showing off for anyone who will watch.

Such a milestone for such a little boy!!!

Carter and his new Friend!

2007-08-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

Today was Maggie Day! (Occupational Therapy Day)

Maggie day was a little different today we had a guest here. Jaclyn is a college student at Plymouth State in her second year of Early Childhood Development. Jaclyn's interest really took off when she was helping take care of her little sister in Wisconsin. Her sister had a very complicated syndrome that required lots of attention and hard work and most of all LOVE. Jaclyn spent a lot of time helping out with her sister and found a love for helping others who needed it. Her sister spent her last week of life on a Make A Wish cruise with Jaclyn and other family memebers and was a very happy little girl! This little girl made such an impact on Jaclyn's life she has since been helping others everywhere. Over this past summer Jaclyn worked at a camp for Challenged Adults and Teens. Most of the people Jaclyn worked with at the camp were non verbal and very neurologically challenged. She spent her entire summer at this camp giving up her own freedom. She left for the camp every Sunday night and was there for an entire week and then did it again each week only seeing her family and friends on the weekends. Talk about dedication!! Jaclyn has a special gift when it comes to working with others. Her mother explained to me that most of the campers formed very stong bonds with Jaclyn and preferred her over some of the other instructors. I worked with Jaclyn's mom at the Attorneys office and after talking about Jaclyn's special gift and her aspirations I invited her to sit in on one of Carter's Occupational Therapy appointments so she could see everything first hand.

Of course Carter exceeded in his tasks today with Maggie and made it a great visit. We did some play while standing at the coffee table. We did some weight shifting from leg to leg and hip to hip. Jaclyn was totally amazed at how much Carter does and how well he does it. He took a couple independent steps from the couch to the coffee table which is a sign that he is getting close to walking right out of his walker and walking independently. Maggie said that she knows he will be out of the walker in no time.

At the end of therapy I took Carter's leg off and he amazed Jaclyn all over again with the things he does without his prosthetic leg.

I wish Carter was old enough to know how much of an impact he makes on others!

Carter Walking at the Mall of NH

2007-08-29T22:35:00.001-05:00

He's getting stronger and stronger!

Carter walked the entire Mall of NH with his walker. People were stopping and watching and smiling and telling him what a good job he was doing. He would stop and look at people and smile and make sure they were watching him - yes that's my HAM- he even would stop at pretty girls and watch them walk away - yes Daddy's Boy-!!!!!! Chase was encouraging him to follow and when he got tired he would stop and sit at a bench. 1st we walked to the choo choo trains, then we walked to the carosel, Finish Line to see Emily, to the playarea - then we POOPED OUT!!! He walked so much today and played so hard that Mike and I were both in shock and exhausted from following him everywhere!

The best part of the Mall was the projector. In front of StrideRite there is a projector on the ceiling that projects a game on the floor and the kids have to stomp on the game to play. Chase has always loved this part of the mall and Carter always has sat in his stroller or crawled on the game. He always seemed a little frustrated that he could not STOMP on the games with his brother. Well tonight Carter got to STOMP!!!! Carter Stood up holding one hand with Mike and he STOMPED like crazy giggling and laughing hysterically. Which of course made Chase laugh and giggle hysterically which obiously drew a croud and you see the pattern here....HAMS!
A couple of times Carter fell on his bum and without grabbing Mike he tried to stand up all by himself, he got up on both feet, stuck his bum out and kind of balanced for about 10 seconds maybe 15 seconds then plopped back on his bum. When Mike helped him get up he barely used Mikes assistance at all. We are just so stinking proud of our little man!!!!!

So A Little Parenting Humor I Made up in My Head.....(yes it is late and Im tired)

Dinner at the Mall $24
Trains at the Mall $4
Horseys at the Mall $3.50
Quiet Ride Home PRICELESS

Sleepy Sleepy
G'night

More on to pee or not to pee!!!!!

2007-08-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

Well we got a call from Chase's Doctor and she has scheduled some tests in light of his recent UTI. I know this may sound odd but any boy at his age (3) that gets a UTI automatically has a renal ultrasound and a test called a UCVG.

The UCVG is as follows:

"Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)—In a VCUG, a catheter inserted in the urethra is used to fill the bladder with the contrast medium. The x-ray machine then captures a video of the contrast medium during urination. This procedure allows the doctor to see things such as whether urine is backing up into the ureters when it should be traveling the other way, down through the urethra, or whether urine outflow through the urethra is blocked. VCUG is often used with children who have recurrent infections to determine whether a defect in the urinary tract is causing the infections. It can also show blockages from an enlarged prostate in men or abnormal bladder position in women."

Since Chase is 3 they will be sedating him for this. Again, I know this sounds severe for just one UTI but the doctors assure us that they do this all the time in this same scenario. We trust our doctors so we will have the 2 tests done. Im sure the results will be normal. Still a little nerve wracking. I have gotten used to my Carter having things done to him but Chase has never had to go through anything like this.

I wish Carter could vocalize more because I think he would have some good advice for his big brother!! ;)

On a side note, today Chase stuck up for his brother for the 1st time and I wasn't sure if I was proud of scared!?!?! We were at a Mc Donald's Play Place and they were at the top of the tunnel slide and a bigger boy was crowding Carter a bit and Chase put his hand up and said firmly "Give him some space"!!!

Holy Cow Knock me Down!

Honestly, proud because Chase was being protective of his little man BUT scared that it could escalate as they get older. Honestly, we have already talked about this many times and so many other parents in support groups talk about the very same thing. I guess the fear of the unknown creeped in on me a bit today. I just pushed it down with the PRIDE and left it at that!!!!

The Meads

2007-08-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

It is very rare when we go out that we have a Family picture with all 4 of us in it. Just so happens about a week ago we went to Salisbury Beach with the kids and Mary and got this family photo. Of course, it is of our Bums!

ALL ABOARD THE HOBO RAILROAD

2007-08-27T22:35:00.000-05:00

The Conductor yelled "All aboard" and Chase's mouth gasped and his hand covered it in shock that the Conductor really says "All Aboard". I thought he was gonna faint. It had to be the cutest thing he has ever done. His eyes were HUGE at the sight of the Hobo Railroad at Weirs Beach. He could barely contain himself.

Friday we went with Auntie Mary to the Hobo Railroad in Weirs Beach. We went on a 2 hour ride along the water. We had lunch on the train and the boys got matching backpacks and choo choo trains. The ride was great and it wasn't that hot on the train. Phew!!!! The boys had an absolute blast and I think the adults did too....

I dont think I have ever seen Chase in such AWWW! What a wonderful way to end the summer!

After the train ride we made our way to the arcade. The kids are becoming ski ball experts. Last week we went to Salisbury Beach where they acquired the love for ski ball. Once we couldn't take the heat in the arcade we made our way to the water slides.

Yep I said it, The WATER SLIDES.

We buy the tickets and get the life jackets for the kids and get everyone changed just to find out Carter is too small even with an adult. So Mike and Chase go down once. Chase was petrified. Then Mary and I went down and we decided to call it quits and go to the beach. Poor Carter was so hot and he just wanted to go in the water. It was like a tease to stand there and watch everyone getting wet and having fun!

So we packed up and headed across the street and went right in the water. It was a little cold but it felt good after being on the go all day in the humidity. Carter was totally diggin the water and kicking his legs like there was no tomorrow. We played in the water for about 45 minutes. On the way out we bumped into Karen and Jenn and all their girls. How funny is that. We were at the same beach and didn't realize it til we were leaving.

Overall it was an amazing day and on the way home the boys crashed. The next day we were all exhausted and took a great afternoon nap.

What a Fun Family Time ~ I can not wait to scrapbook the pictures.

Mom Loves her Boys!!!!!!

To Pee or Not to Pee......

2007-08-21T20:21:00.001-05:00

In a Cup, That is the question...

Yesterday Chase woke up saying his Pee Pee hurt. Uh - Oh guess what this means, Doctors visit! Now seriously do you think a 3 year old boy is going to let the doctor ~ or anyone else for that matter ~ touch his Owwie Pee Pee??? I dont think so!!!

So I bowed out and let Daddy handle this one. I felt this was a job for "Super-Daddy". It could either go bad or seriously bad....

I should open my mouth at this point and insert my foot - Chase did Great! He came running out of the dr's office covered in stickers and stamps.

"Mommy I peed in a cup" he yelled for all to hear.

Maybe "Super-Daddy" has a new duty!! What is his secret??? Im sure I will never know.

Carter Walking in Target

2007-08-21T20:13:00.001-05:00

This is pretty self explanatory but I will embellish a bit... Once Carter and Chase realized people where watching us walk through Target with the Camera and Carter walking in his walker - They Totally Hammed it up! Next time I will have to say "Action", they are just too darn cute for their own good.

Thanks Lynn (PT) for bringing us so much joy!!!!!

Carter Gets A Walker

2007-08-20T22:52:00.001-05:00

Lynn is Carter's Physical Therapist through Easter Seals. When she came out today and brought a walker that she spoke to us about last week. We have several walkers made by Fisher Price but he has to lean forward to walk, forcing him to walk on his tip toes and put his weight forward onto the walker. The walker that Lynn brought goes behind him and the handles come up almost beside him - forcing him to stand up almost straight and walk on his entire foot not just his tip toes. We were absolutely amazed at how he responded to this walker. He seems to love the freedom it gives him and he seems to have a much more stable walking pattern. Turning the walker is a bit more difficult than the Fisher Price ones but he has almost figured out what he needs to do to turn the walker at the same time turning his body and his feet without falling. I must say he has done exceptionally well with this. He uses his but to push the walker back then he puts pressure with both arms to turn the walker as he turns his body and feet with it. He is not always successful but I think he is determined to master it.

The look on his face of pure happiness and pride is just amazing.

Chase is even helping him by getting the walker for him or showing him how to use it. It is rather cute to see Chase taking care of his little brother.

Charmingfare Farm August 2007

2007-08-20T22:45:00.001-05:00

Steppin' On Up!!!

2007-07-31T23:02:00.000-05:00

I wonder what Carter will think when he is an adult and looks back at this picture?????

What shall I do with his old prosthetic leg, looking for any clever ideas on how to save it for him.....display it......

Carter Gets His New Leg

2007-07-31T22:40:00.001-05:00

Today was the BIG day! Carter got his new leg!

Even though Carter has been out of his Prosthetic for about 2 weeks he did unbelievable when we introduced his new leg to him. Carters immediate acceptance of the Prothetic shows how great the quality and comfort is for him. This leg couldn't be any perfect if it was his own! I am just thrilled with it! The enitre team at Next Step O&P made Carter a beautiful leg! Thanks Guys!!!!! Even the girls who work in the office stood at the door watching Carter try out his new leg. We saw a little girl named Hailey that we met last week. She is so cute and Chase just warmed right up to her - giving her hugs and everything. Chase is not forgotten when we go to Next Step. The guys get right down with Chase and play with him. The girls shower him with stickers, bubbles and sometimes FOOD!!! Chase loves going to Next Step I think he thinks it is HIS place. I guess everything at 3 years old is HIS. Daddy had to work so Auntie Mary stepped up in his place. Thanks to Auntie we have great pictures from the entire process. We go back in about a week to check up and see how Carter is doing with his new Prosthetic.

While we were at the appointment one of the girls in the office told me that Carter is now on their website. Throughout the website you can find one of his 1st pictures at Next Step. The link to the website is on my main blog page. Check it out and please share if you like!!!

Carter's Leg Step 2 ~ Socket Fitting

2007-07-31T22:14:00.000-05:00

Several days after the casting we go back to Next Step O&P for a socket fitting. Basically they made a test socket to try out on Carter. We put on his liner and his sock then the test socket. Scott is able to see if they need to make adjusments and if there are any hot spots on Carters leg. If there were adjusments to be made they would make a 2nd test socket but this one was just darn perfect. The test socket goes back to the fabricators and they make the finished product.

Here are some pictures of the Test Socket fitting.

Carter's New Leg ~ Step 1 Casting

2007-07-31T20:55:00.001-05:00

About two weeks ago we went to Next Step Orthotics and Prosthetics to start the process for Carter to get a new leg. Before we knew it Carter had grown out of his 1st prosthetic leg. The process starts with a casting of his leg. Scott Cummings, his Prosthetist, actually casts his little leg over his liner so that the socket of his prosthetic leg will fit accordingly. A little bit of FYI .... we 1st put a gel liner on Carter's leg before he wears his prosthetic, then a sock over the liner, then finally the leg, LOTS of layers to his prosthetic, but that is what keeps it on. Once Scott was done casting him he slipped the cast right off his leg and had a beautiful mold. The next step (no pun intended) is for the fabricators at Next Step O&P to create a TEST socket. Another FYI....Carters prosthetic is in 2 parts. The foot and the socket - which is the piece that goes over his leg and ends just above his knee. The entire time Carter was being casted he say on my lap smiling at Scott. Not a tear was shed. Im not sure if that is because Carter is such a good boy or because Scott is such a good Prosthetist!!! Auntie Mary came along to take pictures in Daddy's place and to help with Chase. Chase was running from room to room as per his usual making friends.

Here are some pictures of Step 1 - Casting.

Summer Fun

2007-07-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

We are having so much summer fun that I have not even had time to Blog!

BBQ's, Swimming, Park and play dates have filled our days. I started back to work this week after about 20 months of being a stay home Mom. It is not a permanent thing. At the moment I am scheduled for 2 weeks. Toady went Swimmingly, It was like riding a bike, I almost felt like I had bever left. So for 2 weeks I will miss some of the summer fun but I think Mommy needs a break from everday norm. Mike is working 2nd shifts and weekends so we don't even need a sitter.

HOUSE HUNTING has begun, AGAIN! Took a little break from house hunting but since I am back to work and my day revolves around real estate and purchase closings it is kinda hard not to think about how bad I want us to be in our house. I have a mission to be in a house by November 2007 the latest. Which means I have a lot of hard work to do!!!

Next Step is working on a new leg for Carter because he has outgrown his 1st one. We are very excited to see how he does in a new leg. We went to a board meeting at Easter Seals where we were the guest family. Basically we met with about 12 people who are interested in donating to Easter Seals and they were there to see how everything works. So we sat with them told them are story and they asked questions. It was very nice - everyone was so impressed with Carter and Chase. Best of all we bumped into Mike's friend from high school, Pam. She is going to get Carter involved in some Easter Seals publications both video and newsletter. Could Carter be the next Poster Boy??? How cute huh?

Well here are 2 new pics that I thought were cute. I hope to post more slideshows everyone seems to like those.

Best OT Appointment Ever!!!

2007-06-02T00:23:00.001-05:00

Thursday when Maggie came to do occupational therapy Carter was ready to impress. He was walking backwards while she held his hands on front of him. He was wearing his prosthetic arm so he was very symetrical and his foot placement was right on track, it just wanted to go BACKWARDS. The look on his face was priceless. He was so impressed with himself as was Maggie and I.

Maggie pulled out the tilt board. She uses this to do weight bearing exercises. The song that she sings with this is "Row Row Row Your Boat". Maggie likes to sing and Carter loves to dance. They mesh so well. Carter has started standing unsupported then bending at the knee to lower himself to the floor. Bending at the knee is so important in his growth with the prothetic leg. We started working on this about 2 weeks ago when Lynn came to our PT appointment. Lynn is his physical therapist from Easter Seals that works with Maggie and Carter once a month.

Today was such a great day for OT and Chase was so super with the session today. Maggie also works with Chase in so many ways. She works on his listening skills. Every week she brings a bag of toys, books, ot aides, puzzles....and so forth....he is to ask to go in the bag for a toy and when he is done with the toy he is to put it back and ask to take another one out. He has been working hard for a couple of weeks and this week he did it all without us pushing him. We asked him once and he listened. She also works on his relationship with his brother and involving him in Carter's routine sessions. He also learns or at least we tell him about 100 times....is to not take his brothers toys out of his hands all the time. This is not yet mastered, LOL.

AM I IN TROUBLE????

2007-06-02T00:19:00.001-05:00

A Mother's Pride

2007-05-25T10:54:00.000-05:00

For the past month we have been teaching Carter a couple of signs. More, Play, All Done and Up. Easter Seals has no worries about his speech development because he is very vocal and understands every word we say. They believe that since he is concentrating on his prosthetic leg and walking so much that he is just not forming words yet. I guess he is taking it "One thing at a time". So the sign we use most is MORE. We are hoping he will start to ask for something rather than grunt or cry. And VIOLA! Today we were sharing grapes and when the bowl was empty he made the sign for MORE and I almost fell over! Just another reason I have always wanted to be a Mom - PRIDE!!!!

The Gang

2007-05-24T11:55:00.001-05:00

We got together again with Wesley & Casey. We played outside my yard. Chase was in the sandbox the entire time. Wesley explored the yard and almost the street but thanks to Mom's persistance we got him to play in the sandbox and not book it for the street. Casey and Carter played on a sheet with some younger boy toys. We all had lunch and played inside to end out playdate! Again it was a blast. I can not wait to get these kids in a pool together.

Nothing Will Stand In His Way!

2007-05-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

Moms gasp.....look in horror.....judge immediately. I laugh and think to myself "That's my Boy"! Carter climbs with the big kids. He shows no fear. He goes down the big slides with the big boys. He crawls across the boucing bridge and when he gets stuck he tries harder until he gets there. All the time I stand and watch him struggle and succeed time and time again and it is the hardest thing I have to do. When I see him loosing his balance or his grip I want to run and catch him and help him finish his task, but something tells me to let him be a boy and fall and get back up again. So I do. So to all the mothers who gasp in horror and think I am an unattentive mother and I let my disabled son fall, I've got news for you......HE IS NOT DISABLED!!!! Nothing will stand in his way!!!!!!

Hello Sunshine!!!

2007-05-23T22:01:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, May 22nd, we went to Concord to see our friends, Auntie Jess, Wesley and Casey. We met them at their house and followed them to a local park. The boys went right for the sand box. We even got Casey's little feet in the sand. But no sand in the mouth!!! LOL!!! We spent about an hour at the park and the boys were absolutely thrilled to be outdoors. Wesley found his place on the bouncing bridge, Chase was digging for treasures, Casey went swinging and Carter explored every inch of the playground. After we dragged the kids away from the playground we hit Mc.Donald's drive thu and went to Auntie Jess's for lunch. The boys got to play for a bit after lunch then it was naptime for the for Wes and Casey. Chase and Carter played nicely after the boys went down but then I saw it was time to go. By the time we hit the highway the Mead Boys were fast asleep!!!! What a Day!!!!

Weekend At The Brault's

2007-05-22T21:07:00.001-05:00

Olyvia, Aleigha, Eliza, Chase and Carter (oh and don't forget the dogs and the kitty) had a fun filled night of horseplay! Mary, The Kids and I spent the night at Andrea and Eric's new house in Farmington. The kids had an absolute blast. On Saturday we walked to the local pizza place and had lunch. The kids were great the entire time we were there. Carter and the new Kitty (Clhoe) became buddies. They even napped together. I wanted to pack her in my bad and take her home with me.

3rd Shift is finally over!!!!

2007-05-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

I have to give praise to someone - 3rd shift no longer rules our lives!!!!

7a - 3p Mon - Fri ~ is the new shift and Im a new happy wife!!!!!

And the boys took a nap at the same time today! Is the other shoe gonna drop soon or what?!?!?!?

Chase's 3rd Birthday!!!!

2007-05-14T23:47:00.001-05:00

Livingston Park May 1, 2007

2007-05-01T14:00:00.001-05:00

Today we met Jessica, Wesley and Casey at the park for a play date and had a blast! Carter decided to go down the slide backwards all by himself. Wesley ran his little heart out around the play area. Chase played with Wesley and Casey like a big brother. It was so cute how he was taking care of the baby and pushing him on the swing. Casey laughed so hard whenever Chase would play with him. Carter fell on the play area and bruised his cheek but it didn't slow him down much! We went to Mc Donald's for lunch. The boys were so well behaved and everything was just so nice today, even the weather!!! What a fun day, now Carter is passed out in bed and Chase is watching Deigo on my lap....just a little worn out!!!!!

Paul Bunyan's Boulder ~ Sanbornton, N.H. ~ April 2007

2007-04-24T21:17:00.001-05:00

We have a book written in 1977 called "25 Walks In The Lakes Region of New Hampshire". Mike got the book in 1993. We are going to do all 25 walks with our kids and document in the book for each one that we have done. I'm sure that this will be an awesome story to tell our kids and hand the book down. I think Mike really had a great idea with this one!!!!!

Paul Bunyan's Boulder ~ Sanbornton, N.H. ~ April 2007

2007-04-24T21:10:00.001-05:00

Carter and his Dump Truck!

2007-04-24T17:14:00.001-05:00

I Sucked Mike In!!!!

2007-04-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

These are Mike's results. I totally sucked him in and I agree with the results. Ha Ha Ha!!!

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!

How Weird Are You?

I'm Gonna Suck You In Too!!!

2007-04-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

You Are 30% Weird

Not enough to scare other people...
But sometimes you scare yourself.

How Weird Are You?

Peggy sucked me into the quiz....Ha Ha she is wierder!

I think a lot of people I know will disagree with the quiz results, that I DO NOT scare them and that I SOMETIMES scare myself!

It is quite the opposite!

I ALWAYS scare people and I NEVER scare myself! I know Im wierd!

Chillin' with my Great Gram and Great Gramp!

2007-04-22T02:13:00.000-05:00

I took Carter to see my Grandparents on Friday. I dropped Chase off at my Dad's and he had a hot date at the Mall of NH with the Carosel. As per his usual! Then he went to go see his Great Nana Finnegan at the nursing home with the kitty, Couch! So Carter had the attention of Great Gram and Gramp all to him self. Which by the way, he LOVED! No doubt he is my KID!

Carter's Leg Prosthetic Appointment

2007-04-22T02:08:00.001-05:00

Carter has a following at NEXT STEP O&P. It is so sweet to watch my little boy show off for everyone who works there. He had a circle of people around him trying to get him to walk with his toy. Finally after lots of smiling he took about 6 steps. That was perfect for Daddy and Mommy ~ and everyone else! He did so great. They even ordered a new foot that will be more like the adult realistic ones. With little toes and everything!

I can't wait to play with my baby's toes!

The Kids At Livingston Park April 2007

2007-04-22T01:59:00.001-05:00

I am pretty sure I remember my parents taking me to Livingston Park when I was little. It is so different but very nice and it is still in the shade. I love this park ~ even when it is busy ~ it is still big enough. We didn't brave the walk around the pond since it has rained so much. Man I hope these kids remember how much fun they have when we go there. We have been going to this park since Chase was younger than Carter, I know not that long ago! Anyways, here is a slideshow of the pictures. I hope you enjoy as much as we did!

#1 reason I love being a stay home mom.....Sunny days at Livingston!

Easter Egg Hunt at Grammy & Grampy's

2007-04-08T22:25:00.001-05:00

Easter Morning with Mom and Dad....

2007-04-08T22:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!! What a long day and all for what....well I will tell you!

A lot of good food, good pictures, fun toys, family moments and lots of CHOCOLATE!!

The kids had a blast squeezing just "one more piece" of candy out of their grandparents.

Now they lay fast asleep in their beds dreaming of chocolate bunny ears and peeps!!!

Enjoy the slide show!