Redefining MommyhoodJourney of a mom whose son is overcoming hypotonia

Luke and I started a new mommy & me-type class this week. It is a lot of fun so far. It is only once a week, but that is probably enough for us for now. It is a little bit of a drive, but worth it. It’s basically preschool with the moms present. This school has a very good reputation and apparently anyone who is anyone sends their children there. It is definitely reflected in the price, but you do get what you pay for. I don’t really care about being one of the “elite” or whatever, as long as we are having fun and Luke is learning new things.

They have a small toddler playground which I was worried about. I thought that Luke wouldn’t be able to play with the other kids (who of course are all walking). I was wrong though, the playground is really cute and he had a blast playing with the steering wheels on the platforms. Unlike our neighborhood park, this truly is a toddler playground, so I don’t have far to climb up with him or worry about how to get both of us down.

I’m glad we signed up for our new class. I hope we are able to make some new friends and continue on to their next program next term.

It’s a little late, but I had a good weekend. I got lots of “mommy time”, which is unusual! Friday night I went to my friend’s Pampered Chef party. It was a lot of fun. The consultant made 30 minute chicken in the microwave, potatoes, 2 kinds of appetizers and chocolate cupcakes. I also had a glass of wine, which was needed after a long week. The consultant heard that I am a stay-at-home mom, so she gave me a DVD about becoming a consultant. I still haven’t watched it. It sounds nice, but I just don’t know if I could do the demos in front of people I don’t know. Out of all of the multi-level marketing schemes, Pampered Chef is one that I may consider though. They do have a lot of products that pretty much anyone can use, and the prices range from $1- $300. I’ll keep it on the back burner for now.

Saturday I got my hair cut, then we spent the rest of the day as a family. Sunday I got another free outing to the grocery store. Isn’t it sad when I consider a trip to the grocery store alone an “outing”!? Ah, the life of a mommy:-)

Public schools started here this week. It made me realize that we have 4 more years before Luke goes to kindergarten, and 4 years to figure out where we want him to go to school.

I’m not sure how the local schools are here since we’ve only lived here for a few years. I grew up in a very small town with no choices. You went to the only public school and that was that! Things were much simpler back then though (I sound old!). There weren’t as many scary things going on. My elementary classes were very small and everyone knew everyone else. The downside to that was that there weren’t many opportunities for us growing up. We lived in a little bubble.

I want Luke to have every opportunity I didn’t have. I’m not sure if that means I’m ok with sending him to a big public school, or if I need to pay out the butt to send him to a private school to make sure he is safe and gets a great education. I also hope that he is able to catch up to the other kids his age by then, so he doesn’t get picked on. See, more mommy worries to come!

On the occasional weekend, I get a mini-break which I like to call mommy time. Today I went and got my hair cut, then picked up lunch for the family and me.

It’s important for stay at home mommies to step out and take a break at least once a week (or more!) if they are able. It helps recharge the mommy batteries so you can go back home and keep on going.

Yet another mommy myth. I love how every mom you meet always says things to you like “oh, it gets easier.” Well, that one thing you are currently struggling with may get easier, but it’s replaced by another struggle, sometimes two or more.

Why do mothers not want to share the truth? Do we forget once we are past that part of mommyhood, or do we not want to scare mommies?

I’m here to hopefully be truthful to any mommy who is brave enough to listen.

One thing no one really tells you about before becoming a mom is all of the advice and opinions you hear once you have your precious bundle of joy.

Sometimes people actually offer constructive criticism, I mean advice. Other times, it makes me wonder if they are really just trying to push my buttons and be intentionally mean or judgmental.

With our situation, I’ve heard almost more than I can stand to hear. I’ve heard such ridiculous things like “oh, he doesn’t walk because you hold him too much and you don’t make him do anything.” Another great one: “all you do is hold him and nurse him.” Um, hello?!?! He’s a baby, that’s what they do.

For awhile, I would second-guess myself. After all, these opinions came from seasoned parents, so they should know right?? NO!!! Every mother and child is different and I’ve learned over time to trust my instincts and know that I’m the best mommy I can be (on most days anyway). I do still place some blame on myself though for not picking up on the cues sooner or getting him into therapy earlier. There is nothing I can do about that now. We have to live in moment and know that things will be ok.

My name is Tilly and this is my first attempt at blogging. I am a 33 year old stay at home mom (SAHM) to a wonderful 20 month old son named Luke.

Luke is a normal toddler in almost every way. He is not walking yet, which makes him different from most toddlers his age.  He has gross motor delays and a condition called hypotonia.

This blog is to share the story of our journey together. I hope to make more people aware of hypotonia and to hopefully offer some support to others in our situation.

I will also be blogging about other mommyhood issues that any mom can relate to.