I decided to start blogging about Jordan from the moment I found out I was pregnant. Jordan was born with a little arm that didn't grow like most babies. Her left arm stopped just above the elbow. Now I'm committed to making sure Jordan gets everything out of life. We feel blessed to be the parents of a very special little girl.

11.06.2007

A few things going on

So my girl got to come to the newsroom with me for a while -- She brought her stroller and two little babies. It was funny when she decided to lay on the floor and throw a little tantrum - a very tame one where she kind of calmly stomped her feet. It was really funny. I know the tantrums won't be funny for long.

So yesterday I was dropping the boy off at Tae Kwon Do with Jordan in my arm. She didn't have her prosthetic on and I looked over and right next to us was two boys Cam's age whispering about Jordan. I went over to them and said whispering wasn't needed, all they needed to do was ask questions. They denied whispering but went right into the questions: "What's wrong with her?" "Will her arm grow?" "How does she eat?" (That's a new one) "How does she do stuff." It went on and on. I didn't mind and they seemed okay and asked me to come back with Jordan's prosthetic another day. One of the Moms came over and asked if it was okay that the kids were asking questions. I said I didn't mind but then I wondered if I was handling the situation properly. I don't like kids whispering. I'd rather they step up and ask what's up. But I felt a little uncomfortable that I chastised the kids a bit. I told the Mom I hoped it was okay that I had a little talk with her son, but I'm still learning how to get kids who are around Jordan feel more comfortable around her. We're going to do Tae Kwon Do until March, so we're going to be there a while around these kids.

That leads to another challenge -- Jordan woke up from a nap at school and her prosthetic arm started going nutty. The hand motor started opening and closing really fast and scared Jordan. Her teachers said she kept yelling "STOP IT!" and tried to close the hand. They turned it off. So I put it on the next day and turned it on. It did it again and Jordan started screaming "TOP IT!" Yeah, that's how she actually says stop.

So we have to send the arm back to the manufacturer and she's only had it for a month and I was just finally getting her comfortable with wearing the prosthetic again after such a challenging fitting process (it's just emotionally draining).

Anyway. That's what's up in our world. It's getting cool out and I'm getting ready to plop the kids in leaves for some pictures even if it's cold out.

2 comments:

Tracey said...

your girl is just LOVELY... and thanks so much for the link!

Seeker said...

I was born (56 years ago!) without fingers on my left hand.

It is good that you are trying to address the issue of people staring, asking questions etc. I don't think I really learned to deal with this when I was young. Even today, I just loathe it if anybody stares.

If adults ask me questions about my hand, I don't mind - I can deal with it. But children are a different matter. I had a child staring at me just the other day and didn't deal with it at all. I just tend to feel angry with the child - which is unreasonable really, as it is only natural for children to be interested in anything that is different from the norm.

I think it is very important that you help Jordan deal with her attitude to this problem. I wish you both well.