“Where has Velma been all afternoon? I haven’t seen her since we had lunch in the dining hall. Today is Wednesday, it’s not her day to work at the library. I’m a little concerned, she never just disappears. You know, she’s usually in the puzzle room or sitting in the garden writing to her New York City friends.”
“I saw her about an hour ago, scuttling in from the garden. You know she doesn’t actually *work* in the library; she’s a volunteer. But anyway, I saw her earlier and she did look a little rough around the edges. And I swear I saw lipstick on the side of her face! Now what could that be about? Hmmmm? She’s a bit of a loner, if you ask me. None of us really know that much about her.”
Velma’s hat can’t save her from gossip, but you can get it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82743474/womens-hat-royal-blue-with-olive-cream
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About AngelaLTodd
I am queen of the helicopter parents. But there are enough of us that we are becoming a social problem. Here’s my story.
Thing 1 was coming, they couldn’t stop him, it was only 24 weeks and 3 days. Someone asked: should we try to save him? Well, yes. Yes! Ten days later, a team of doctors closed the door behind us to explain brain bleeds, sepsis, meningitis. Shall we pull the plug? Well, no. No!
Babydaddy laid hands on him every day, massaged him when he was ready. For the three months he was in intensive care, and the three weeks at an intermediate hospital, I would get up in the night and pump breast milk, thinking about my baby across town. Babydaddy delivered it every morning, earning the name “milkman.” It was funny.
We had every therapy going for as long as possible: early intervention, the intermediate unit, private therapies. Terms multiplied: sensory processing dysfunction, sensory integration problems, orally defensive, auditory sensitivities, comprehensive developmental delay, cognitive function impairment, retinopathy of prematurity. He did occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, play therapy; we consulted with a neurologist, school psychologist, wraparound service provider, developmental specialist. He worked with an occupational therapist for a year and a half to tolerate teeth and hair brushing.
Not surprisingly, parenting didn’t feel natural. I learned to read to my baby watching Phyllis, our physical therapist. Voices, commentary, labeling colors, counting… she was very good! Merging professional research skills with my genetic propensity for silliness (mom was class clown, dad’s distantly related to Lucille Ball), my mothering style came together. Eventually. But I still channel Phyllis on occasion.
Thing 2 was full term. They are complete opposites; she is a sensory seeker with a wild sense of adventure and an inventive sense of fashion. Keeping them both busy and happy is an exasperating and sweet challenge. I still believe that every day can be fun and educational while reinforcing kids' boundaries. I’m on a mission to save us helicopter parents from ourselves. No more bubble wrapped kids and guilty parents. Let’s teach them coping skills. Let’s get fun.
“Where has Velma been all afternoon? I haven’t seen her since we had lunch in the dining hall. Today is Wednesday, it’s not her day to work at the library. I’m a little concerned, she never just disappears. You know, she’s usually in the puzzle room or sitting in the garden writing to her New York City friends.”
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