Mark Twain was a wise man

Courage for my voiceless child

Today my oldest son asked me what it means to have courage. I listed several ways to express courage and what is inside a person who is courageous. One such example, the ability to standup for those who are unable to stand for themselves. Especially- in the face of opposition when it would be easier to look the other way. Thank you McHenry. You have courage. When she is with you, I have no fear. Unbelievable article, but sadly, it is true for so many. Follow the link to read the article : Have Courage

Special Olympics 2012

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3,285 Days

give or take, actually give, I have been changing diapers.  And if you are wondering, it takes 9 years to rack up a number like that.  Collectively those diapers span the years.  For the record, Knox was the first born, so he had a full 18 months of diapering solo.  And also for the record, by 18 months of age he was potty trained just in time to welcome his baby brother to the world.  Do not include night time in that little accomplishment.  So then it went to two boys in diapers all night, one potty trained during the day and another in diapers during the day.  So Walker got 20 months and ~ wham ~ he was potty trained (again during the day) just in time to welcome his sweet sister to the world.  So that left me with three in diapers at night and one in diapers during the day. 

For the record talk of potty training and Ivey has cropped up in the same sentence on occasion, and mostly with the professionals.  And all of us have wained at the idea.  That is until now. 

She will be 6 years old in a couple of weeks.  She seems to be drier during the day more consistently, she wakes up dry some mornings and then floods her diaper.  So it only seems natural to toss around introducing the potty to Ivey. 

Our plan (home and school):
Since concepts are so challenging, our only goal is to introduce a new chair to Ivey.  This one is short, has a hole in the middle and we sit on it with our pants off.  Again, the goal, to introduce a new chair or sorts.  The idea of teaching her its purpose and function isn't even on our radar. 

And here we are with a typical Ivey moment...
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Day One of New Chair (at school): 

1st time:  Ivey sits on potty.  Go through pottying routine.  Nothing.
2nd time:  Ivey sits on potty.  Go through pottying routine.  Ivey pee-pees.  What? 
3rd time:  Ivey sits on potty:  Go through pottying routine.  Ivey pee-pees.  Teachers party it up. 
4th time:  Ivey sits on potty: Go through pottying routine.  Nothing.  Hmm?

Pottying at home that night:  Nothing.  Mom questions if school is crazy. 
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Day Two of New Chair (at school):

1st time: Ivey sits on potty. Go through pottying routine. Nothing.
2nd time: Ivey sits on potty. Go through pottying routine. Ivey pee-pees.  Maybe it's not a fluke?
3rd time: Ivey sits on potty: Go through pottying routine. Ivey pee-pees. Teachers take picture as proof.
4th time: Ivey sits on potty: Go through pottying routine. Nothing.

Pottying at home that night: Nothing. Ivey grins at mom with a ha ha smirk.  So that's how it's gonna be...perform for Ms. Gail and Ms. Stephanie, toy with mom??? 
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Sooo.  We are several days in and no more pee-pee, but she's got us spinning.  Some of these kids never get out of diapers.  She has shown us potential.  So the plan is to keep introducing the "new" chair at designated times.  Teach that bladder to be time trained. 

So for the record, we have been changing diapers for 9 years.  That equals 3,285 days.  A minimum of 6 diapers per day, well, that makes 19, 710 diapers....minimum....and this number is based on only ONE child... not the overlap of those few years..... 

BUT..my girl may just conquer this potty thing, it could even take years, but here's a start, and maybe we just won't change as many diapers, but we have hope!

And please, double check my math....and I would love to have an idea of just how much money we have tossed into the land-fill of disposable diapers!  So for any of you math junkies, figure it out and let me know. 

I've never been so proud of pee-pee in the potty!!! 

Handicap Parking and the Law of ADA (American Disabilities Act)

Eligibility of Handicapped Parking~

By regulation of the American Disabilities Act, people who are allowed to use handicap parking are defined as persons who are blind, have a limited ability to walk, are parents of a handicapped child, or any organization that transports handicapped persons.

Enforcement of Handicap Parking~

All states will ticket anyone using a space without the handicapped designation. 

If the handicapped member of your family is NOT with you, you are not permitted to use the handicapped parking spot.

Handicap parking marked "VAN ONLY" really is for vans only. Those spaces are reserved for those in wheelchairs who must use the extra spaced (marked with the blue striped lines next to the spot) for use of a ramp to unload a wheelchair from the side of the van. You park there or in the stripes and you just limited a person from access.....completely.  

What is the American Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability. It affords similar protections against discrimination to Americans with disabilities as the Civil Rights Act of 1964,  Disability is defined by the ADA as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity." The determination of whether any particular condition is considered a disability is made on a case by case basis. Certain specific conditions are excluded as disabilities, such as current substance abuse and visual impairment which is correctable by prescription lenses.

And By the Way ~