Keeping Everett up until midnight proved harder than I thought. He watched movies and played with us . . . but we eventually resorted to chocolate to keep him up and interested. And, of course we all shared on the goods.
Everett did a marvelous job putting up with the irritations of the EEG! He laid so still while the wires and sticky stuff were placed on his head. He weathered the itchiness of the hospital bed very well and was asleep within ten minutes. Since then, he has been really tired and a tad cranky. But, we don't blame him.
On Tuesday, when we loaded into the car for our long ride to the doctor, I gave him a "magic bag." In the bag was the Chosen Blanket, pjs if he wanted to change for his "nap at the doctor's," magic gloves that he could put on his hands if the wires were bothering him and he wanted to scratch, and 2 surprises.
The first surprise was gum--which he loves for the whole 30 seconds he chews each new piece. The second surprise was a bag of yogurt balls, which I thought he liked. Which he didn't think was the second surprise as he looked at the bag, tossed it aside, and kept digging for the other surprise. "No, this is not the surprise, Mommy."
In an attempt to keep positive vibes going, Erik and I scrounged through the nooks and crannies of the front of the car and I slipped two quarters into his bag.
"MONEY!!!" he screamed when he found the quarters. And, since then, those quarters have been a precious commodity. He pocketed them confidently to take with him into the doctor. He made sure they were in a safe place while he slept . . . and now he plans to spend them.
"I have money. I buy a house?" he asks because he knows that Daddy goes to work so we can have money to pay for our house.
So, anyone know of a house for 50 cents? Evy is interested.
Next stop, MRI with sedation.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
EEG tomorrow
Friday was Everett's neurology consult. The doctor was just as concerned as I was about his seizure a couple of weeks ago. Good, in a sense, because it means I wasn't totally overreacting and being sensitive. Bad, well-you know, who wants their child to have something weird enough to warrant a doctor's concern. The result, a quick scheduling of an EEG and MRI. yuck.
(He was amazed at the size of Everett's head. We've already established that big heads run on my side of the family, but it is still a bit comical to see the looks on their faces when they measure him.)
Finding his doctor was a huge hurdle. I miss the options that the DC area has for medical care. I now understand better why people travel hours to find a doctor that is right for them. We were initially scheduled with a 5 doctor staffed pediatric neurology practice not far from our house. But, I never really talked to a person. They emailed me my appointment which was 6 weeks away from the time I called for an appointment. There were TEN attachments to the email . . . and not one mentioned their concern for quality care for my son. They were adamant about an EEG BEFORE meeting the doctor. I was able to ask the doctor if we could delay the EEG until after she, uh, had seen my son. In the end, I felt like Everett's care was second to their punitive policies and crazy scheduling staff that lied to us several times.
So, I went with a doctor that has a home base in Sherman (30 minutes away). He is in my town twice a week. He is the only pediatric neurologist in their practice. But, he LISTENS and he was great with Everett and he was very thorough in answering my questions.
I learned that the "ticks" that Everett had in the past were more serious than his previous pediatric neurologist had considered them. I learned about the potential harm that successive seizures have on the brain even febrile seizures. I learned about how early medication now can prevent a longterm dependency on antiseizure medication. Yes, I've read quite a bit on seizures, but nothing is like a 20 minute conversation with a very thorough medical practitioner who is answering questions related directly to your child.
Today I've been showing Everett images of the children getting an EEG through google images. He thinks that it is silly that he will take a nap at the doctor's office. We've picked out his kitty and his blanket that will help him.
We've been through both an MRI and EEG before . . . but Everett was much younger. The MRI was much easier than the EEG. This time there won't be any medication involved. Alle-freaking-luia!
(He was amazed at the size of Everett's head. We've already established that big heads run on my side of the family, but it is still a bit comical to see the looks on their faces when they measure him.)
Finding his doctor was a huge hurdle. I miss the options that the DC area has for medical care. I now understand better why people travel hours to find a doctor that is right for them. We were initially scheduled with a 5 doctor staffed pediatric neurology practice not far from our house. But, I never really talked to a person. They emailed me my appointment which was 6 weeks away from the time I called for an appointment. There were TEN attachments to the email . . . and not one mentioned their concern for quality care for my son. They were adamant about an EEG BEFORE meeting the doctor. I was able to ask the doctor if we could delay the EEG until after she, uh, had seen my son. In the end, I felt like Everett's care was second to their punitive policies and crazy scheduling staff that lied to us several times.
So, I went with a doctor that has a home base in Sherman (30 minutes away). He is in my town twice a week. He is the only pediatric neurologist in their practice. But, he LISTENS and he was great with Everett and he was very thorough in answering my questions.
I learned that the "ticks" that Everett had in the past were more serious than his previous pediatric neurologist had considered them. I learned about the potential harm that successive seizures have on the brain even febrile seizures. I learned about how early medication now can prevent a longterm dependency on antiseizure medication. Yes, I've read quite a bit on seizures, but nothing is like a 20 minute conversation with a very thorough medical practitioner who is answering questions related directly to your child.
Today I've been showing Everett images of the children getting an EEG through google images. He thinks that it is silly that he will take a nap at the doctor's office. We've picked out his kitty and his blanket that will help him.
We've been through both an MRI and EEG before . . . but Everett was much younger. The MRI was much easier than the EEG. This time there won't be any medication involved. Alle-freaking-luia!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Adoption and a Great Family
I am placing a new link on the blog. That in itself is not noteworthy. However--the link, the family it speaks about, and why is important to mention is noteworthy
Melanie and Trey Morgan have been our friends for a long time. We knew Melanie and Trey before it was Melanie AND Trey. Trey and Erik grew up together. Melanie and I were undergrads at UT . . . Melanie even helped with our wedding reception. They adopted their son Max as an infant a couple of years ago, and we were lucky to meet him when he was a wee baby. Currently, Trey and Melanie are actively pursuing adoption again.
Please take a look at their profile. We all know the of the power and importance of adoption. Melanie and Trey are spectacular people and parents.
Trey, Melanie, and Max Morgan
Melanie and Trey Morgan have been our friends for a long time. We knew Melanie and Trey before it was Melanie AND Trey. Trey and Erik grew up together. Melanie and I were undergrads at UT . . . Melanie even helped with our wedding reception. They adopted their son Max as an infant a couple of years ago, and we were lucky to meet him when he was a wee baby. Currently, Trey and Melanie are actively pursuing adoption again.
Please take a look at their profile. We all know the of the power and importance of adoption. Melanie and Trey are spectacular people and parents.
Trey, Melanie, and Max Morgan
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Chills and Thrills
Last week we had a great Family Home Evening hosted at our house. It was fun to be filled to the brim.
This weekend we had family over to visit. We went to the Tornadoes ice hockey game, which Everett loved. The cousins had a great time playing together and entertaining the rest of us.
Sheila is enjoying the fact that Merritt is back to better sleeping at night. The weather is warmer and she is loving that.
Everett's speech has just blown us all out of the water. In the past couple of weeks, he has grown so much and started to really, really, really talk. The current favorite . . . dinosaurs.
Merritt is all over the place. He is signing and starting to talk a bit. Nothing stands in his way if he wants something. He will literally bulldoze his way through the house, pushing furniture out of the way with his body, sometimes his head.
Erik is busy at work and with his calling.
The next couple of weeks will be especially busy. It keeps us honest and out of trouble.
This weekend we had family over to visit. We went to the Tornadoes ice hockey game, which Everett loved. The cousins had a great time playing together and entertaining the rest of us.
Sheila is enjoying the fact that Merritt is back to better sleeping at night. The weather is warmer and she is loving that.
Everett's speech has just blown us all out of the water. In the past couple of weeks, he has grown so much and started to really, really, really talk. The current favorite . . . dinosaurs.
Merritt is all over the place. He is signing and starting to talk a bit. Nothing stands in his way if he wants something. He will literally bulldoze his way through the house, pushing furniture out of the way with his body, sometimes his head.
Erik is busy at work and with his calling.
The next couple of weeks will be especially busy. It keeps us honest and out of trouble.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Debut of Sorts
There is this draw to the podium that Evy has had for a couple of months now. Whenever I was in the building setting up or counting this or that for the activity committee, he would want to step up to the podium in the primary room and address his invisible crowd.
Today he had a real crowd with a mircophone that was ON. Poised with the rest of his sunbeam class on the front row, he went for it. Four times, no more no less--as reported by his primary leaders, Evy took the podium (evidently he waited for the gentlemanly long pause between podium users). And, what did he say, what wisdom did he impart to his peers--only a language they could understand because he spoke total jibberish all four times. (he does this sometimes when his mother's native tongue of English fails to fully encapsulate what he is trying to say in that important moment).
The leaders reported that they thought it was riotously funny. So they must have understood him on some level.
Today he had a real crowd with a mircophone that was ON. Poised with the rest of his sunbeam class on the front row, he went for it. Four times, no more no less--as reported by his primary leaders, Evy took the podium (evidently he waited for the gentlemanly long pause between podium users). And, what did he say, what wisdom did he impart to his peers--only a language they could understand because he spoke total jibberish all four times. (he does this sometimes when his mother's native tongue of English fails to fully encapsulate what he is trying to say in that important moment).
The leaders reported that they thought it was riotously funny. So they must have understood him on some level.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Beating the Cold--Baking Style
My house is awesomely cold. Probably not an issue in a regular winter, but it is during this one. They just don't make homes in Texas to withstand cold weather. I am colder here in my home built in the 90s than I was in my townhome in the DC area built in the 70s.
I had a terribly hard time with some dough this afternoon; it would just not rise. I tried to start it early enough to shape it for cinnamon rolls to allow them to rise a second time in the fridge for a party tomorrow. But, it was too cold for the dough to work.
After 4 hours of nonrising, I put a heating pad above and below the bowl, and it is working beautifully! And, so I go out on the internet and other people do the same thing like on a regular basis. Who knew? It is working so nicely, I think I'll do it from here on out.
I had a terribly hard time with some dough this afternoon; it would just not rise. I tried to start it early enough to shape it for cinnamon rolls to allow them to rise a second time in the fridge for a party tomorrow. But, it was too cold for the dough to work.
After 4 hours of nonrising, I put a heating pad above and below the bowl, and it is working beautifully! And, so I go out on the internet and other people do the same thing like on a regular basis. Who knew? It is working so nicely, I think I'll do it from here on out.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Whining to Win
Both kids are sick and I have a headache. Evy talks about headaches a lot these days . . . I don't know if it is because he has headaches or the fact that both his dad and I have been carrying around the affliction quite a bit. So far, Evy has decided that vitamins help with headaches.
Merritt, clothed in pajamas, turtleneck, sweatpants, and socks, is in that awful transition from two naps a day to one nap a day. I seem to never judge what kind of day he is having correctly and invariably have to listen to heartstoppingkillercrying interspersed with babble as he figures out what he needs as well. I am always so glad when the transition is over. More time to play and go on field trips.
Everett, clad in rainbow striped rainboots, Lightning McQueen flannel pajamas, flannel shirt, and a runny nose is convinced that he just needs to carry around a roll of toilet paper to catch the nasal drips and use like 20 squares of the tissue for each nostril wipe. He has lost all sense of independent play. Is convinced that watching shows is the only way to help his malady. Even cars and books are just not of interest right now.
I'm in fleece pajamas, cosy long socks, and a flannel shirt. I suppose I should shower but I don't want to change anything because I am finally warm. But, I am thinking I should get me a pair of rainboots, too.
The next decision . . . do I succumb and go with Chicken Little or Hercules or drag a whining preschooler through some activities?
Chills and Thrills
We enjoyed ourselves over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Erik was off, and we visited museums, completed some odds and ends around the house, and enjoyed playing with the boys.
Winters in Texas are typically mild, except for right now. It is downright cold!
Merritt is leaving babyhood behind. He is walking more and more. He is signing "more/all done/night-night" and adding words to those as well. He loves his Daddy and playing with his brother. You better watch what you eat around him because he wants a little of everything he sees.
Everett went to Primary as a Sunbeam for the first time on Sunday. He is growing up to be such a sweet boy. We talked about this transition from nursery to a "class" for several weeks. He thinks that they should still have toys in class, but overall, he says that he liked Primary. We've struggled in finding a good pediatric neurologist for him . . . I miss the medical care in the DC area.
Erik is busy at work and being a good dad. He is also busy with helping others find jobs. He always takes time to help around the house.
Sheila is balancing motherhood with house-elf duties and some community college courses related to financial management. She is also preparing to lecture at a community college at the end of the month on education and at-risk students.
We recently had some old friends over for a couple of days, and we had a great time playing with their son Max and just chatting up a storm.
We do have pictures. Someday I'll get a chance to post them.
Winters in Texas are typically mild, except for right now. It is downright cold!
Merritt is leaving babyhood behind. He is walking more and more. He is signing "more/all done/night-night" and adding words to those as well. He loves his Daddy and playing with his brother. You better watch what you eat around him because he wants a little of everything he sees.
Everett went to Primary as a Sunbeam for the first time on Sunday. He is growing up to be such a sweet boy. We talked about this transition from nursery to a "class" for several weeks. He thinks that they should still have toys in class, but overall, he says that he liked Primary. We've struggled in finding a good pediatric neurologist for him . . . I miss the medical care in the DC area.
Erik is busy at work and being a good dad. He is also busy with helping others find jobs. He always takes time to help around the house.
Sheila is balancing motherhood with house-elf duties and some community college courses related to financial management. She is also preparing to lecture at a community college at the end of the month on education and at-risk students.
We recently had some old friends over for a couple of days, and we had a great time playing with their son Max and just chatting up a storm.
We do have pictures. Someday I'll get a chance to post them.
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