May 2009 - Forever In Mom Genes

The First Seizure

May 31 2009

How sweet she looks strapped into this retro looking wheelchair. We laughed about how it looked like a prop from the horror movie, “The Changeling.” We made jokes, but what our family had just gone through was far from funny. Though our daughter has spent her fair share of time in pediatric wards over the past few years — always without complaint and never failing to win over the staff with her sunny disposition and ready smile — this week was truly frightening. Though our Avery has many challenges, we try not to focus on the “what ifs.” Research tells us that many of the significant medical issues for our daughter tend to present later in life, if at all. Since Avery’s initial diagnosis we’ve had our ups and downs. Mostly ups. Doctors told us that Avery might never walk, or talk but she has proved them wrong by doing both. Tuesday however, after celebrating the great results of her perfect hearing test, things took a nasty turn. I went to wake Avery from her afternoon nap — a nap I let go on longer than usual after a long day of appointments. When I entered her room I found her unconscious.[…]

May 20 2009

Grade 2: A boy in my class told everyone my jacket was the colour of poop. He called me “Poop Coat” for the rest of the day. The other kids laughed hysterically. Naturally. I mean, they were eight and anything poop related was hilarious. I was obviously traumatized as I still remember this clearly, decades. Grade 6: My three-some of best girlfriends become a lonely party of one when the other two ditched me. I was devastated—stomach aches, didn’t want to go to school, cried my eyes out. Funny enough, one of those bitches and I patched things up the next school year and have been best friends ever since. I should really remind her of how lucky she is that I forgave her. Kids can be mean. Even the kindhearteds can get sucked into a teasing vortex. When I was teaching I was shocked by how quickly things could go bad. Recess could quickly turn into The Lord of the Flies, with sticks and everything. Until I blew my whistle and confiscated the sticks. Children can be like a pack of wild animals – the predators sniff out and circle the weak, ready to attack. When MY child is[…]

May 20 2009

I did succumb to the guilt of going behind my “deer” husband’s back to post that picture of him wearing elf tights. I have since removed it. However…while going through my photos to select a picture for another post, I came across this geeky gem. I can’t believe that I had forgotten about Christmas 2007! I also can’t believe they agreed to this after the elf catastrophe of 2006!! Was there a similarly ridiculous shot taken to commemorate Christmas of 2008? Not on your life. Hubby put his socked (no tights) foot down and flat out refused. Grinch.

May 17 2009

I trust you’re familiar with this hilarious site–Awkward Family Photos? One of my fave shots is this family up a tree. You’ve heard the expression “riding pine” but c’mon, are you kidding? That poor kid in the front was surely the victim of some school yard teasing after his buddies “logged” onto the internet. So, I was feeling all smug about my completely non-awkward family photo collection until I came across this ridiculous post (from an old family blog) and suspect these pictures might be “awkward family photo” material? December 2006–this was originally going to be our first annual “Family Holiday Card” until we came to our senses. This was even too nerdy for us, and we’re pretty darn nerdy. Plus hubby threatened that if I showed these pictures to ANYONE he’d snap! Apparently he wasn’t taken with my idea of an annual family card with us dressed in over-the-top tacky costumes adorned with Christmas ornaments. Noteworthy: 1. The baby is indeed wearing a dog sweater purchased from the Dollar Store. It seems they don’t make ugly infant sized Christmas sweaters. 2. I can’t even believe I got my jock of a husband to wear tights! I’m pretty sure he[…]

May 05 2009

Our daughter had ear tube surgery today. Not a major procedure, but to me it may as well have been a brain transplant. Avery is 33 months old and isn’t talking. She has underlying genetic issues that are likely the cause, but we also know she has fluid in her ears. A whole lot of gunky fluid. What is “Glue Ear?” She failed hearing test after hearing test. They finally put a number on it – 40% hearing loss which is like listening while pressing both hands tightly against your ears. We decided to go ahead with the ear tube insertion. It would help Avery hear and hopefully speak clearly. We hesitated only because her genetic condition also includes cardiac issues which can make anaesthesia more risky. We arrived at the hospital at 7 am and took a seat in the surgical waiting area with the other gowned patients. Everyone wore the same expression of exhaustion, fear and nervous anxiety. I tried not to touch anything and probably used the community hand-sanitizer more often than would be considered NOT INSANE. While we went through the pre-surgery protocol, I kissed Avery’s little blond head a hundred times. We sat and watched[…]

Archive - May 2009

The First Seizure

Mama Lion – Hear Me Roar (and then possibly scratch someone’s eyes out)

How Could I Forget This Family Photo?

Merry Awkward Christmas!

Paging Dr. McDreamy—Ear Tube Surgery