Ohio Quarantine Week 2

Our first quarantine weekend was good.

We FaceTimed friends Friday night. My office had an online Happy Hour. We blew up the air mattress and Nora got to watch a movie we actually purchased. 

Last Saturday was some laundry and bathroom cleaning. We made cookies. I made a ClickList order for a Tuesday pickup – I had a hunch a lockdown was coming so I made sure to get ahead of the game. I was right. 

Sunday I ran 3 miles after feeling anxiety and sadness creep up. By the end of the day we were all in a good mood. 

We took a drive to nowhere just to feel like we were going anywhere. It was actually nice - we live on the edge of the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area, so we can dip into rural country very easily. Both girls fell asleep and it was actually nice.

Week 2 has been better-ish; our expectations are set (lower)... I’ve seen enough social chit chat telling parents to give themselves grace; at the end of the day, if the kids are happy, their mental health is more important than academics. I keep reminding myself that and I feel less tense. 

The influx of worksheets, emails and links from the schools and therapists are a bit overwhelming; 26 so far since the schools closed on 3/16. All Hannah’s therapists are wanting to schedule video therapy for Hannah which is just adding to my stress of working and keeping the kids progressing.

Emails, emails, emails.

Spring is here, flowers are out, everything is turning green - thank God this weather is now cooperating for our mental health and moods! 

I wish I could pop out and get flowers but I’m staying back for the greater good!

The World Stands Still : Quarantine Week 1

The 2020 Pandemic has been sweeping from China to Europe and now the US.

As soon as governor Dewine announced Ohio schools would close for at least 3 weeks, my gut said to lock down in our home and limit our exposure out and about. I had an oil change on Saturday and Ailo had a checkup. We got a carryout pizza and that was about all for leaving the house. 

It’s pretty astounding how much my view changed from when Governor Dewine announced Ohio schools closing (Thursday) to Sunday. Kids with DS - again - catch a lot and have a hard time shaking viruses. 

Almost immediately, Moms on Facebook were clamoring for homeschool ideas. So of course I was swept up and felt the need to start getting ideas, too. Additionally, the girls’ teachers had links, files, and ideas too. I tried my best to compile and get ready. 

I told my office on Sunday that I would be working from home for the foreseeable future - at that point I believe Ohio wanted groups of people under 100. 

Monday came and I tried so hard to stick to the “schedule”... the girls weren’t always compliant. Additionally, having a kid with delayed development during this is double hard; I can’t send Hannah off with a worksheet; she needs 1-on-1 guidance for most tasks. Preschoolers learn through play. And you know what two parents who work 40 hours a week can’t do? Play. 

Tim’s 1st week was busier than usual and thank heaven my week was lighter than normal, so I ended up spending a lot of time trying to keep the girls busy. 

Monday night after my schedule fell apart, I cried. We had SUCH a routine and it’s dissolved. Knowing this lockdown will go on for a while, I’m sure we’ll get back to some type of “schedule” - loosely. 

We had a good weekend and Week 2 of quarantine should be a touch better now that we have expectations and know we have to stay loose. Our girls just aren’t going to get super homeschooled and we have to give ourselves grace. 

Sick, Sick, and More Sick

My God. 

I can honestly say this winter season’s illnesses have been more abundant than any of the past eight years of having children. We have literally been catching and passing various viruses around our family since Thanksgiving. 

I had strep twice; actually reinfected myself. Hannah had a stomach bug. Nora had a day long fever. Both girls had double ear infections earlier in the season. It’s been rough out there. 

I was afraid Hannah was going to head back to Children’s for dehydration during her stomach bug. 

We are momentarily free, but I’m just waiting for the next virus to sneak up on us : ( 

Wash your hands and keep your hands off of your face!

Dentist Saga (Hannah)

I’m not sure I’ve continuously documented Hannah’s dental visits here, but they have been... disastrous. 

We’ve been going since she was three years old and every cleaning we end up restraining her and she loses her ever-loving mind, screaming. It’s awful. 

This week I even told the manager about Hannah’s phobia of the loud buzzing brush - they kindly adapted with a regular toothbrush with fluoride, and sat in my lap facing me, head back in the dentist’s lap (still a little weirded out by that) and I still ended up restraining her. 

I think she just doesn’t want people in her mouth - it’s a control issue. 

The current pediatric dentist is “fine.” Very nice, experienced dentist and staff... however, they are a bit older, so I’m not sure how savvy they are with a lot of kids who have sensory needs and what different strategies can be used. 

I will most likely look into other offices a bit further away who have been recommended and have various strategies for sensory issues; TVs, therapy dogs, etc. I’ve even heard of people laying on the floor for cleanings. 

At the very least we need to take baby steps and friendly visits to get Hannah to a comfortable level. I really don’t want my child to have a fear of the dentist. Nor need to be sedated. Hannah is already going to have several dental issues - small mouth, overcrowded teeth. The current dentist already mentioned expanding her palette. 

It makes me sad and anxious. 

In related news, dental students just now will be trained to care with those for special needs - !

“The National Council on Disability helped push for the change in standards after publishing a report in 2017 showing that adults with developmental disabilities are at higher risk for poor oral health and face multiple barriers to accessing care, including a shortage of appropriately trained professionals.”

Something you never think about, huh?

TEDxCincinnati

TEDxCincinnati Women happened back in early December but the videos were just released - pretty great seeing women from Cincinnati tell their stories. Lots of great thought and fodder. 

One of my favorite speeches was from Jenn Jordan - she’s been the morning on-air talent for 102.9 for many many years. She also has a teenage son with autism, so I love that she has a public voice for not only autism, but kids with disabilities as a whole. 

To Love Under Any Condition

My other favorite speech was from Kara Ayers - some of my fellow DS Moms know her, and has a great speech for understanding ableism and parenting with a disability. 

Disabled Parenting in An Ableist World

I think Kara’s talk is eye-opening, even for me. 

December Birthdays

Nora had seven pals over for her 8th birthday. Turning 40 doesn’t make me feel old, but having an 8-year-old does! 

The girls were al well-behaved and it was a bit loud and boisterous, but all good!

Oh yeah - I also turned 40 this year. I haven’t be dreading it; I don’t *feel* 40... maybe like 34 still. We had one good evening to celebrate. Dinner with Tim at 20 Brix in Milford; prosecco and scallops - yum!

Afterwards we hit Bishop’s Quarters; a 3-level bar in Loveland. Such a neat space, however the 3rd floor was closed for a private party AND they kicked us out of the 2nd floor unexpectedly to an over-booked party. The bar covered our floor 2 drinks and gave us appetizers, so I supposed that made up for it. 

Nearly all my good friends showed up for a drink which was fantastic. 

I’m grateful for my health and my body and looking forward to a new decade; not everyone makes it this far 🌈✨

Thanksgiving 2019

Geezum - Thanksgiving flew by. It always goes too fast. Nora received a few gifts. The llama pajamas have been a bigger hit than the Barbies 😄

Nice quiet time at my parents with siblings and partners.
Lots of buzzing at the Krons with people all about.

Hannah with pals Ewan and Ellie

Pope Francis & People with Disabilities

December 3rd was International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

I do not tie myself tightly to any particular religion at this time, however Pope Francis released a great statement to commemorate the day. 

One highlight: 
“Making good laws and breaking down physical barriers is important," the pope wrote, "but it is not enough if the mentality does not change, if we do not overcome a widespread culture that continues to produce inequalities and prevents people with disabilities from actively participating in ordinary life.”

“A person with disabilities, in order to build himself or herself up, needs not only to exist but also to belong to a community,”

💗

True Inclusion in Sports

A great article about a high school student who is truly included: 

“Someone with a disability wants a job. A local business hires them. The media goes wild.

Someone with a disability wins homecoming king or queen. The media goes wild.

Someone with a disability is a manager, mascot, or token player on a team. A huge deal is made, awards are given and the media goes wild.

...But these stories do trouble me, because I see very low expectations. ...But the reality is that getting a job or being on a team should be the norm, not the news. 

...Because this is a real story of a young man who earned his spot as a kicker on the varsity team with his ability. There were no “staged plays” for him, or last-minute substitutions when the score showed a solid lead. He played often in some games, and less often in others — just like many other players. He was not only a solid player for his team, he actively encouraged his team and the crowds. He is a very real and integral part of his school. For all those reasons, he won Homecoming King — not because he has Down syndrome. Because he is the one and only Caden Cox. Someday I hope and believe this will be the norm. As of now, in December 2019, this is not the norm. But it certainly gives us a higher bar to aspire to.”

Ballet Moves

Well we wrapped our first session of Ballet Moves with Cincinnati Ballet this past Saturday. It was such a great program - Hannah really enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing the kids & parents every week, too!

We may try a new dance/tumble class in Loveland starting in January; closer to home : )