Through The Eyes of Jesus: Shoe Cobbler & Potty Trainer

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Shoe Cobbler & Potty Trainer

It's been a week of trying new things. I started out so frustrated over AJ's inability to wear shoes. I have purchased so many pairs of shoes for him - but none have worked out. He blisters over and over again on his feet. When he sees me coming with shoes he screams, "no, owie". I finally decided to sew him some shoes. I figured I couldn't be out much by trying; Wrong! Shoe materials are expensive. After I finished making them I decided they will work out better than others I have purchased. I have some tweaking to do but AJ likes them. They don't blister his feet and he can walk outside in something other than socks. I hope to try some more styles with lighter fabric that will keep his feet cooler. Here are his cute new shoes (Ok, I could have used a cuter fabric)

With his feet happy, I decided to go ahead and start potty training him. I'm not sure what happy feet have to do with potty training but I had one success so why not try another. I headed off to the store and guess what; Target did not have any boy's training pants. I wasn't about to be undone so I bought cute pink ones. I threatened the kids with the loss of food for the summer if they dared to tell AJ they were girl's underwear. (You know I wouldn't really do it but it got my point across). AJ has done great. He looked at the pink underwear a bit cautiously but he caught on quickly to potty training. Do I dare say we are over the hump? I hope so. Here is the underwear: Pink cupcakes

What else could a three year old boy ask for? Answer; The potty dance. We do it every time he - you know.... If you have not heard the potty dance - it's a keeper. We go to youtube and dance to it - you can watch it here:

AJ had lots of fun playing doctor in his new shoes and pink cupcake underwear.

Today we celebrated birthdays. AW turned eighteen.

EE turned Ten - double digit!

It's been a good week, one of rest and achievements!

Barbara

7 comments:

RachelMay 21, 2011 at 6:52 PM
What a precious young man you have there - both of them! :) So nice to be able to read about your life here on your blog and congrats on the idea of special shoes!
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RachelMay 21, 2011 at 6:53 PM
And your daughter as well! Wow - she's growing up fast!
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caseymommyMay 23, 2011 at 6:04 AM
Hi guys!! Those shoes are awesome..You are totally talented!!! I have been exploring options for sneakers for Casey and have tried everything people suggest, but nothing has worked. He's always been able to wear the Pedors For EB kids but they only come in black and we're all sick of black..especially for the summer. You seriously...no joking here barbara ...have to let me know how they work out and how you make them...The underwear is too cute. I used the gerber training pants for Casey...just like those and now that he is older I use the hanes with the soft waistband that are like tight boxers. Potty training went fairly normal for Casey and I hope it does for AJ too. I forgot how germy public rest rooms were until I started training casey and he had to do a poopie while we were out unexpectedly in the airport... You should have seen us trying to hover him over the bowl while he went...EWWWWWWWW...so, as he trains remember to always carry protective equipment!!! :) Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you guys...Hope it's a peaceful week..
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KaDeeMay 23, 2011 at 9:20 PM
Barbara I have no words for how incredibly cute AJ is in his cupcake undies! So CUTE! I think I need to steal a picture for my fridge.
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Robert and Kim CarlsonMay 26, 2011 at 9:56 PM
Hi Barbara!
Love the shoes - you did an amazing job. Are you coming to the Twin Cities soon? Maybe we could meet up?
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Gabrielle CordesJune 1, 2011 at 8:25 PM
I love love love this post. Everything about it! The shoes, the potty dance, the birthdays! And especially the pink cupcake training pants :) Miss you guys, give everyone my love!

Gabrielle
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AnonymousSeptember 1, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Barb, you are deeply missed and everything I wished I could be. Your talents and loving presence are so inspirational. I only had 4 sons to care for and wished for more chidren over the years but backed off of foster care because I didn't feel I would be good enough. Keep up the good 'work.' I know for you it isn't work, but rather a blessing and privilege to have these wonderful children in your lives. Tell Scott hi for me. I miss him as well. Love, Mamie
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What is Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa?

It is a rare genetic disorder that causes AJ's skin to blister and tear with the slightest friction or contact. He can have severe blistering anywhere on his skin. Internally his mucus membranes and organs are affected. Due to blisters in his mouth and throat, he eats very little by mouth and receives his primary nutrition through a gastrostomy-jejunostomy tube (G-J) that is placed in his stomach and small intestine. He struggles with breathing at times as blisters form in his mouth, throat and upper airway. There is no cure for EB. AJ will live with constant pain and scarring. With each tear to his skin, the skin scars and eventually limits his movement. His fingers and hands will begin to fuse and curl together. The only treatment for EB is daily wound care and bandaging. Each day we unwrap his body, bathe him, treat his open wounds and then wrap him up all over again. AJ has many medical providers that help us with his care. He has a power chair that he uses in the community to reduce the friction on his feet. He also takes many medications to reduce the acid reflux that damages his esophagus and to help with the intense itching that EB creates. Children that do not succumb to infection, malnutrition or airway complications develop an aggressive form of skin cancer in their teen years. Children with AJ’s disorder are often referred to as, “Butterfly Children” as their skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wing.