For the Love of Ivey

Sometimes You Just Have To Laugh To say the least the world of prosthetic eyes has invoked experiences that I never could have imagined, even in my wildest dreams. We, like the rest of you, have had to learn new terminology and learn how to raise a well-rounded blind child (and in our case, well-rounded siblings too). So I would say life is a smidge different than the original blue-print. Yes, different. And not so much because of the drama of explaining to people that Ivey does not actually have eyes, but more so learning to laugh, when we can, in the oddest situations that we tend to find ourselves because of her eyes, or lack thereof. You all can remember that first visit to the ocularist. I do not know about your experience, but ours was a little rough around the edges. Ivey was only weeks old and there we found ourselves sitting in this office that we never knew existed waiting on this person to come out to meet us and give us a set of eyes. Emotional does not quite cover i...

into my category of "So this is my new normal"'s. For those involved, it probably did not really play out like this. However, in my desolate, panic stricken, maniac mama mind that has evolved in light of our daughter, to this file it goes..... This morning I, along with three others, went to our 5:30 am, that's right - for all you lazy folks, that is AM, group training. Hence, we pounded the gym for 45 solid minutes that I am most certain my body will remind me of as I contemplate a maneuver to get out of the bed in the morning..trying to figure out exactly why I am sore in places that I didn't even know had muscles... That's okay come February 8 th all will prove worth it (I will explain that later). Anyhow, after running 15 minutes late, no less due to showering after a brutal workout, Ivey and I skipped off to an appointment with her GI doctor, which by the way, is on the third floor of the pediatric wing at Floyd. Remember third floor, that tidbit o...

Our children teach us what life is all about..... ~ Unknown ~ That is a quote on a frame that surrounds a picture of my children. It triggers limitless thoughts. Memories. The future. I glanced at that frame today while I was hastily pedaling away on the elliptical machine. Below me Knox watched cartoons, Walker played with a toy and Ivey wiggled away on her piano mat. Watching them made me smile. I can't wait to find out what new lessons lie in store for me.

As most of our family and friends are coming to learn, and especially Matt and I, Ivey does not do most things in a traditional manner. She is quirky. Her own little self. And, the things that we 'sighted' people tend to lean on and more so DEPEND on, just do not exist when we are with Ivey. It is natural for Matt and I now, and I most often forget that my interactions with Ivey are not 'typical' until I hold another baby or talk with another toddler. Primarily, they make eye contact and respond to facial expressions. Ivey does neither. What she does do is make you use other senses and qualities beyond 'sight'. Point being, Ivey has never 'reached' out for me. I have never really ever given it much thought, except when I see other babies reach for their mommas. So we have worked on her signing. Every so often she will reach that sweet hand up to her mouth and sign 'momma'. And now she has developed the habit of reaching to find my hands and then ...

Okay. I am mired down in 'stuff', just like the rest of the world. So, here's my question. How do you, other special needs families, get it all done? How do you get the house work caught up after the holidays, spend quality time with the ones who need it, practice signing, keep hearing aids in, keep the feeding pump on schedule, (thank the Lord the eyes are on hold), talk to family and friends (well, actually, right now, just return phone calls in adequate time), check emails, keep the follow up appointments, schedule the needed follow ups, keep the therapy schedule, and somehow maintain sanity? Is there really such a thing as sanity? Just curious. I am questioning mine right now. It's the first full week of January and I am already behind, umph . And to imagine, I actually have friends who think I am organized. So seriously, will all of you out there (with shiny tieras and rubber gloves and don't forget the minivans) give me some hints as to how you get it done. Wi...