Friday, September 11, 2009

Parenting from the Couch

I know I've been terrible about posting lately. I promised to be back if anything changed, and it did. So here I am. 2 weeks ago I had surgery on my ankle and I have to spend another 2 weeks off of it. Plus another 2 weeks after that in a walking cast. When I first learned that I'd have to be completely off my feet, I though that would be easy. No problem. Right. Try using one leg to lower yourself into the tub (the other leg can't get wet), or onto the potty. Not so easy. At least I don't have to use crutches all the time. Check out my new mode of transportation in the slideshow to the right. I know. You're jealous. Looks like fun, doesn't it? It kind of makes you a freak show on wheels though. You would not believe how many people stop and stare. Dead in their tracks, not even trying to hide the fact that they are staring. My favorite is when they burst out laughing. Nice. Do you laugh at people in wheelchairs too, people?

Anyway. Back on course here. Hubby has been very helpful, actually. I spend a lot of time on the couch with my foot up and my laptop in (where else?) my lap. My digital photos for the past 2 years have been labelled and organized, I've read 4 or 5 trashy novels, countless magazines, and I think I'm going to start making my Christmas cards now. I know sick.

The kids are getting used to me dictating from my couch throne. And sometimes they even listen. A positive side effect has been that they have become very independent in the mornings. They are up on time, dressed, brushed, make their own breakfasts, pack their own backpacks, and sometimes even their own lunches! It's so great. Last year mornings were never our best time. We were rushed, I was yelling at them to hurry, etc., etc. I'm not sure if it's the fact that they are older now (7 & 9), or if it's just that they don't have a choice. Whatever the reason for this latest upturn in behavior, I will take it! Maybe after my ankle is healed, I won't let the kids know. I'll keep sitting on the couch bossing them around. Whatever works, right?