Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Second Car Accident
Monday, July 30, 2007
First Car Accident
Accident One
I got my learners permit, YEA! I was 15. My mom let me drive. I was driving home from somewhere. I can’t remember where, but I had my ugly Girl Scout shirt on. So, it must have been somewhere Girl Scouts related. Then I was turning into, or should I say trying to turn into my subdivision. I hit the gas instead of the break. I accelerated into a power pole. The power poll broke in half and I put the power out in four different neighborhoods. Everybody freaked out, my mom, my sister, oh and me. My sister unbuckled and ran out of the car which was really dumb because she could have been electrocuted. My mom got out and then I got out of the car. My sister was sitting in the middle back seat so she only had a lap belt and she went forward during the crash. This caused her to get rug burn or should I say seat burn on her forehead. My mom got bruises on her chest from the seat belt. I was fine, except for the fact that I was wearing an embarrassing shirt. All the emergency vehicles came. I was crying. The police officer asked me if it would make me feel better if he gave me a ticket. I said no. After a while when we were all just waiting for someone to come tow the car I begged my mom to let me run home and change my shirt. She did. I was so thankful for that because I couldn’t handle being seen in that shirt, I just thought it was so ugly. What can I say I was a teenager? I was never popular, or wore any fashionable clothes, but I hated that shirt. Well back to the story. I came back to the car and it got moved. People came to fix the power poll. Some neighbors came over and brought some sodas and snacks. We had no power so we used candles. I knocked one to the floor, but nothing caught fire. Wouldn’t that have been a story though? My sister swore she would never ride in the car with me driving again and she didn’t. There ended being a huge dent in the front of my mom’s car. She still drives this car today. So the damage did not prevent the car from working for many years after. Well, that was my first car accident on the first day of my learners permit. By the way I did not get a ticket.
Now just after reading about this accident aren’t you glad I am not allowed to drive.
I am sure one day there will be a car that blind people can drive. Then I will be back out on the road.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
We went to a birthday party
Gregory’s birthday is in September and I am trying to figure out what I want to do for his birthday. I know I won’t do anything big, but I want to do something. Hum... Any ideas?
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Today after lunch
“No” said Gregory.
“Are you lying to me?” Momma said.
“Meeeeee?” said Gregory copying the last word Momma said.
Momma then broke out laughing from the cuteness of it all.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
See his eyes are closed

072607 Gregory sleeping2.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
My little snoozer is starting to fall off the chair. I better go put him into bed.
A strange place to sleep, when not in Momma’s arms

072607 Gregory sleeping.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Gregory would not go down for a nap today I put him in his room for one hour and he just played with his toys. Usually when it is nap time he goes in and falls asleep. He just would not go to sleep today. I went to the bathroom, brushed my hair, and then went back in the living room and Gregory had fallen asleep on the rocking chair. I don’t see how he fell asleep, but he did. I had only left him for two minutes tops. Lately it is hard to take pictures of my little boy because he is very speedy and he wants to see everything. As soon as I pull out the camera he comes over and wants to see the pictures. I need to get some awake pictures. I don’t know if I will ever get tired of the cute positions he sleeps in.
Morning me time
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It is nice to know that the world is making progress
Monday, July 23, 2007
A big kid swing and crib to toddler bed
Well, thinking of bed I am very tired. The fluffy pillows, soft mattress, and sheets just seem to be calling my name.
I almost forgot to mention that Gregory swung in a regular swing, instead of the baby swing, for the first time today at the playground.
Good night
My written caffeine
When I was in school, before I lost my vision, I would read a book a day. I loved to read. I would stay up until I could no longer keep my eyes open to read. Reading made me very happy. When I started to lose my vision I could no longer read words off a page and this was the hardest part of losing my eyesight. I missed my books. There were books on tape, but I could never get the energized feeling from listening to a book on tape. I started listening to books on tape anyway and enjoyed them. It wasn’t the same thing, but it was the only way I had access to the books I longed to read. I would lie in bed in my college dorm room in the middle of the night listening to my books. I needed books. They made me feel good. There is something to be said for not being able to sleep because you are so anxious and excited to know what happens next. Books are special to me and because of this I wanted to get my boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband, to read. He has always had trouble reading because he had a learning disability in that area. So, I figured if I was reading by listening why should not he. I know it sounds bad forcing my love of books on him but I wanted to share how I felt. I decided to have Cullen sit down with me and listen to the first Harry Potter book. He was against this but because I was his girl friend he sat down. I told him if he did not like it then he did not have to listen to the book after the first tape. Cullen enjoyed the book and began to listen to it on his own. After he finished that book he read the second and the third then the fourth. The fifth book had not come out yet and like I was, Cullen was also excited for the book to be published. While we waited for the next books Cullen began to read other books on tape. He enjoyed many other books. Over the past year while I have read very little other than a massage therapy textbook Cullen was going into the fictional world of many books. He would read on his way to and from work. I am so happy that Cullen has the book world to be excited about. Reading on tape the past two days I got that excitement I had when I read with my eyes. That excitement I never thought I would have again. Today I am still adapting to my vision loss. I have moments that I just want to cry because of the unfairness of it all. Life is not fair and I know that, but it does not make things easier. I make jokes about my eyesight, because I can. Laughing makes life better and jokes can make me laugh. Every so often I just break down because I have had too much. I try to do things that would have been so simple if I could see well, but I make a mess of because of my vision. I look for something and miss it by an inch because I can’t see well. I do have all of my peripheral vision, but I lack central which is all the detail. I miss little things that Gregory does. The way he smiles or how he moves his hands, but I am blessed to be able to hear his laughter. There are so many things I want to just cry about. The one thing that helps me through everything is that I know I am blessed with love from people around me. My family and friends especially, but the one person I need most and love most is my husband. I do so even on the days when I think our relationship won’t work anymore. I am thankful to have a husband that does things he knows will make me mad, but also does things that will touch my heart and make me smile. I am blessed that he so understands of my feelings and when he gets upset and doesn’t understand me he always eventually comes back and listens. My husband is wonderful even when I am mad at him and even when I say things that I shouldn’t. I am so thankful that I have a husband that will let things go, so that we can start fresh the next morning. A fresh morning is sometimes the only thing that makes life doable. Oh and one more thing my husband played a key part in giving me my little boy. Cullen is such a great father. He has his moments where he has no idea what to do, but don’t we all.
I know there are people who are worse off than me, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. My feelings are important just the same as a person who has no disability, there feelings are just as important, and mine are just as important as a person who has twice as many problems as I do. I have been given so many blessings and I still have my hard days, but those blessings are what keep me going.
Although my writing sounds like I am sad or upset, but I feel very happy right now. I just started writing and reflecting on what was going through my mind and couldn’t stop.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Reading and Scary Birds
For the next few days my free time will be devoted to reading Harry Potter. I got the book on CD yesterday and I am already on the CD 10 out of 17. I think it is chapter 20 but don’t know for sure. I have also gotten Cullen into the HP books so he was quite excited when this book came out. I am reading it so quickly because Cullen also wants to read it. I needed to get ahead so he can take the CD’s right after I finish it. Cullen is on CD 3. I am so glad that the book comes out on CD the same time it comes out in hardback, because I think I would go crazy if it didn’t. I think I would scan the book into my computer so my computer would read it to me so I would not have to wait. Cullen listens to the book on his drive to and from work.
Oh yes, I also have a new fear of birds. I don’t mind most birds. I am scared of the ones that swoop at your head as you are minding your own business. Yesterday I was outside walking for a couple of minutes to let off some steam. I got to the bigger pond near my home and I hear a swoop. I keep walking thinking nothing of it then another swoop. Being legally blind I couldn’t see what it was but I am quite sure it was a bird. The reason I was really scared was the sound of the swoop sounded just like a baseball bat being swung right by my head. I ran.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Is it potty time already?
Another trip to Kings Dominion
Monday, July 16, 2007
Bed or Floor

071607 Gregory.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
He chose BED.
Lately when I put Gregory in his room for a nap and leave the door cracked he decides to sleep on the floor right behind the cracked door. Today at nap time I put him in his room and left. He peeked out the door a couple of times and then decided to get into bed. He is holding on to his book “bears on the go”. I read him this book before nap time and bed time. It is a fabric book made by Grandma. I think it is sweet how he decided to hold his book before he fell asleep. So, as you can tell nap time and bed time have been a success lately.
Yesterday I had a terrible migraine and went to bed as soon as Gregory fell asleep. This morning I feel so much better. Cullen has been great this morning helping out with Gregory and getting food for the three of us. Oh and we watched the movie “Cars” this morning too. I thought it was very cute. The pillow case Gregory has on his pillow is a “Cars” pillow case. Cullen and I figured that we should watch the movie considering that Gregory has so many things that came out for the movie. Such as two fabric cars, a board book, a sleeping bag, nightlight (which is not up, because I did not know where to put it), and his pillow case. Oh and future underpants and pull-ups with the movie theme. I got those because I did not know when the right moment for potty training would begin and I wanted to be ready. Well, all I can say is it is a good thing I liked the movie. Now I am off to fix lunch with Cullen and do some studying. I haven’t been able to take my massage therapy test yet because of all the extra paperwork that I have to do to get assistance because I am blind. I am hoping to be able to send in the application at the end of this week. Then schedule the test in August. That is the plan anyway. Now to get my hubby off the computer and in the kitchen so we can cook something up sounds spicy.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I got scared that I would never see this beautiful smile again

071407 Gregory after hair cut4.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Today at the playground two Spanish ladies were playing and talking with Gregory. I don’t mind this because he is within two feet of me. These ladies I did not know. We were talking and I could not see something and I told them that I had very bad vision. They helped me get out a splinter out of Gregory’s hand. Well, after a while all the other children who were playing at the playground went across the street to play. I have never taken Gregory over there to play because I do not know the area. With my limited vision I did not feel it safe to go over there. Gregory wanted to go over there. I was not going to take him. He was running around all over the area where the playground was and that was great until one of the ladies thought that she should just take my son across the street without asking. This totally freaked me out. I grabbed my keys and ran after my little boy. I could not see him. I had no idea where he was. I was so scared. I tried to go where I thought he was but I tripped. I did not have my cane with me. The other lady came across the street and helped me to get where my son was. I stayed for a couple of minutes because Gregory was happy, but I was very upset. I carried him fussing back across the street and right on home. Nothing bad had happened other than the fact a woman took Gregory somewhere I did not know how to get without my permission. I did not know this woman and did not know her name. Usually when Gregory is playing I am only a couple of feet away from him, but today I was a couple of yards. I was still very close I could still see him (My bad vision doesn’t allow me to see very far). I knew where he was and that he was ok until this woman took him across the street. Never again will I let him play more than a couple of feet away from me. I still don’t know why this woman thought it was ok to take my son anywhere without asking. All it took was two seconds. I love my little boy so much. Right now I am mad at those women and scared because what could have happened. Thank God that everything was ok.
After Picture

071407 Gregory after hair cut.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
This is Gregory’s hair now. I think it is much better. It is also not so out of control, but we kept it long enough so there will be curl. That is one thing even strangers liked about Gregory, his cute curls.
Before Picture

071407 Gregory before hair cut3.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
This is Gregory’s mess of hair before he got his hair cut. It was not so bad in the front but the back was really growing out. He needed the cut bad
Gregory’s first hair cut

071407 Gregory getting hair cut.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Gregory got his hair cut for the first time this morning. We got it done at Cartoon Cuts. Gregory watched Sesame Street while a nice lady cut his hair. He really needed a hair cut. It is crazy how much older he looks now. This is just another first. Yes, we got some of his hair to save forever along with a little certificate. As a treat they gave him a lollypop.
I will post before and after pictures later today.
Friday, July 13, 2007
A happy morning
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Eight Things
1. Before I lost my vision Cullen and I were friends. Cullen did not have a driver’s license but he had a job and he needed a ride to work. I was 16 and had my license so I drove him to work. Now I am blind and can’t drive so hubby drives everywhere. I think it is special that I did give him a ride first though. Cullen is still working at the same chain of grocery stores ten years later.
2. Cullen and I were friends for two years before we started dating and finally in our senior year of high school we became boyfriend and girlfriend. So, Cullen is my high school sweetheart.
3. Cullen did not go to college, but my college may as well have been his too, because everyone at my school including the teachers and staff knew and liked my hubby.
4. Cullen and I got married the day before my college graduation and we went to my commencement ball in my wedding dress and his tux.
5. Cullen and I both have a goofy sense of humor. Jokes that we make no one else might understand but us.
6. Cullen and I have secret codes and sayings. We made these up and some of them are so strange that if one of us died and a psychic said the other was talking to us from the other side we would know if the psychic was lying or not.
7. When music is playing Cullen and I take turns making lyrics up. This is a favorite of ours during long car trips.
8. The song Jingle Bells has special meaning to us.
Since the link thing is frustrating me right now anyone who would like to list their eight things on there blog go for it and put a comment here so I can go read your eight things.
Gregory’s first trip to a theme park
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I have
I got it while stepping over a baby gate.
A cut on my left knee.
I got it while changing Gregory on the floor by a couch at my dad’s house.
A bump on my left shin.
I got it today while running into the laundry basket three times, thanks to Gregory moving it around.
My arms are in pretty good shape, well for the exception of a couple of bruises. I would like to say this is all because I am blind and couldn’t see the things that hurt me, but I had this unfortunate problem of hurting myself before I lost my vision.
All I can say is ouch!
snore snore
I don’t know why but snoring in the hallway makes me smile.
I need smile moments every day to keep me running. I was running low before Gregory’s snoring. Now I have a smile moment to help me make it through the rest of the night.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Another day
I washed up then got dirty.
Then washed up again.
I cleaned and made a mess.
Then cleaned up again.
I got some things done and I didn’t get around to others.
I will try tomorrow.
Gregory laughed and Gregory cried.
I did too.
Gregory went to sleep happy
And so will I.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
A splashing good time

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Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Today Gregory blew bubbles for the first time. He has been trying ever since summer started and I bought some bubbles. He finally got it. He was so proud of himself. Today we also splashed around on the balcony. I fill a shallow bin up with water and Gregory gets to splash. It is just enough for him to sit in. He likes to play with his bucket and some cups in the water. Before we went out I changed him into swim trunks and his swim diaper. I was about to take him outside when Gregory came walking up to me going “ewwe”. I leaned down to see what he was holding. It was his dirty diaper. I had forgotten to take care of it. I told him thank you and took care of it. Lately when I have been changing Gregory I say “ewwe”. I make a funny face and that sound. I call it the yucky sound. Gregory likes it. He has been copying me, so cute! I am glad he got me that dirty diaper. I hate having those lay around. It is nice having someone else help me clean up around the house. Gregory finds all the tiny things that I miss, what a big help.
Sleepy time
The door is squeaking open and shut. I bet he is thinking should I go out or stay in.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Sleeping arrangements
I just checked on him and he fell asleep right behind the door. Why can’t he fall asleep where he should? Oh well I woke him up when the door hit him. I told him to get in his bed. He did, wait he is up again. This will work, just wish me luck.
Tomorrow I will have Cullen take the side off of Gregory’s crib and maybe then Gregory will want to sleep in it again, who knows.
Inconsiderate People
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy Independence Day
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
He can pick his daddy out

070207 Daddy and Gregory14.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
I have a picture of Cullen and Gregory together on my mobile phone. I had the phone open today and Gregory saw the picture. He pointed to it and said Daddy. I think that is very special when Gregory can look at a picture and recognize his daddy. He is growing up and his two favorite people in the world are Momma and Daddy. I was just surprised that he knew that the picture was of his daddy. I am not sure if he knew that the little boy in the picture was himself. It just makes me wonder what is going through that little brain of his and how much he understands.
Gregory’s Blanket

070307 Gregory.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
I picked this blanket out before Gregory was born. I wanted it to be his blankie, his favorite blanket. He did not like the blanket; he did not want the blanket. I wanted him to like the blanket, but when he did not I just put it in with all his other blankets. A couple of days ago Gregory found the blanket in with all his other blankets and decided he wanted to sleep with it. He seems to really like it. It seems now that he has chosen this blanket to be his favorite if only for a few days. The memory of picking out the blanket brings back the tender feelings I had before my sweet little boy was born. Just knowing that I picked out this blankie especially for him and that he likes it, is a special feeling.
A nice long walk

070307 George and Uncle Bob.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Cullen’s family is in town and Cullen’s dad, called Pop, and Cullen’s Uncle Bob came over today. We went to a park with board walks and woods. We were walking for almost two hours. I would say Gregory was in the stroller a total of five minutes of the whole trip. I carried Gregory most of the time, he is heavy. Gregory was all over the place. Pop wasn’t sure what to do. I think he had forgotten how much work a toddler could be. They both had a good time though. Before we went to the park everyone took a nap and Cullen got a picture of Uncle Bob and Pop snoozing. I can say though that this is how they felt after the walk with Gregory. I felt the same way, but I am a little more use to a toddler. On our walk we saw a deer, a snake, squirrels, butterflies, frogs, and bugs. It was a lot of fun.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Uncle Shawn got married

063007 Cullen Angela and Gregory1.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Today is a good day. Yesterday Cullen’s brother Shawn got married to a lovely lady Sarah. I only got a few pictures, none of Shawn and Sarah, but they had a professional photographer so there will be plenty of pictures. I got this one before the wedding. It is Cullen , Gregory, and me. The wedding was very nice. It was a Catholic wedding. Sara had a strapless dress and a long train. It was a pretty dress. The wedding went pretty smoothly. Gregory was a ring barer. Gregory made it all the way up and then fell when he was headed off to his seat. I thought that was cute. He was very good during the ceremony the reception was held at her brother’s home. There were tents set up outside. My step-mom made the cake and both my dad and step mom did the catering. The cake was pretty cool each layer had a different shape and texture. It was ivory color with strawberry filling, yum. Sarah’s brother’s house had a game room where I played some air hockey and slots spending no money, it was all for fun. My arm hurts today from the air hockey. The reception was almost over and I asked Cullen why he did not dance with me. He said we will dance tomorrow. Personally dancing at home and at a wedding reception is not the same thing, but I let it go. Cullen then went over to the DJ with out telling me and had him play some slow songs for us to dance to. He did and we danced along with a few other couples. It was very sweet of him. I also got a break yesterday because so many people were watching Gregory. It is great that so many people want to spend time with my son. I gladly let them spend time with him so I could relax and enjoy myself with out worrying if he was going to fall in the pool or run off and join the circus. Gregory fell asleep on the way home and I got a good night sleep.
