2011 - Page 6 of 14 - Forever In Mom Genes

Get ’em While They’re Hot

Aug 09 2011

While many families spent today’s sticky 33 degree day in the cool of a pool, I took my kids shopping for Halloween costumes; stifling, zip up to the chin, plush get-ups. In my defense, we DID go swimming first. But on the way home, we passed a Once Upon A Child gently used clothing store. We popped in to look for a rain coat to match Avery’s new back-to-school rain boots. I didn’t find a rain coat, but instead discovered a treasure trove of Halloween costumes. Admittedly, I’m a closet snob when it comes to my…closet. The same holds true for my children’s clothes. GAP and Gymboree have me by the Coach Wristlet. Second hand stores have proven to be my saving grace during recent budget constraints. People sell their stuff; GOOD stuff and for a fraction of the cost. I have yet to purchase school supplies, but I can happily tick “costumes” off my fall to-do list. Visit a consignment store near you and grab your costumes now! The selection is unbeatable and the price is right. I got two full costumes today for under $20 (and laughed my ass off during the air conditioned fashion show)! My[…]

Aug 01 2011

We are so lucky that our son, is our son. He’s an old soul, compassionate and wise beyond his eight years. Many children might resent the attention and time required to parent a sibling with Special Needs. Fortunately, our son chooses to participate and nurture. His little sister looks up to him and mimics his every move (dance moves included). Last night after playing in the sprinkler, we took Avery inside to get her dried off and jammied up in preparation for family movie night. DS stepped up and said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got it.” They returned a few minutes later changed and ready for the movie. Yes, he neglected to put her in a Pull-up. And sure, she was wearing winter PJs on a 30 degree night, but it didn’t matter. He had chosen matching stuffies for each to cuddle on the couch. A pink pig for Avery to match her pajamas and a blue bear for himself. As I said, we’re lucky our son, is our son.

Jul 28 2011

With a relatively sleepless night under our belts, we headed to today’s early morning EEG appointment. The nurses were appropriately impressed by the dark shadows the little patient was wearing under her eyes like a badge of honour. Being sufficiently sleep deprived allowed the oral sedative called Chloral Hydrate to take effect quickly. Once fully asleep, the lab technician took head measurements to map crucial attachment points for the leads and started the test. The reading took about thirty minutes. We watched as brainwaves traveled across the monitor. Some left a smooth, even trail, while some lines were wildly jagged. The sudden flickers made me wonder, “Was that a seizure or an innocent dream?” Maybe we were witnessing memories being relived or new skills being rehearsed before our eyes? When Avery woke up she offered groggy hugs to mummy and daddy and a raspy “Bank you” to the nurse. We’re home now cuddled in bed watching Dora and getting ready for a well deserved nap. The neurologist will read the results and give us a call.

Jul 28 2011

Our beautiful daughter has Epilepsy. I refused to believe it at first, but couldn’t dispute that the squiggly lines on the electroencephalography monitor were indicative of a life threatening seizure disorder. After a year of tweaking her meds, we were thankfully able to control her seizures and Avery has been footloose and (nearly) seizure free for over a year now. Though she still has the occasional absence seizure, the BIG ONES seems to be a distant memory. So as pediatric neurology dictates, Avery goes into hospital as an outpatient for an EEG to get a look at what’s going on in her little blonde head. Patients must remain still and be completely relaxed for this test. Um, this patient is five and a little monkey; hence the fact that she will need to be sedated. Can they sedate me too ’cause every time she goes under I want to barf. If you ask me, there’s nothing “general” about general anesthesia. There are risks and the possibility of very real complications…especially with a medically complicated child like ours. Alas, in order to get a proper reading she needs to be asleep. She also needs to be sleep deprived[…]

Jul 14 2011

At the end of the school year, our family went to the annual Fun Fair. It was the usual fair fare; games, cotton candy, raffles, a bouncy castle. There was also an inflatable tunnel. My child handed over his ticket, went in, crawled around and eventually attempted to exit. He got stuck. Somebody had to pull him out. Feet first. And suddenly, I was transported back eight years. Oh yes, it was all coming back to me in excruciating detail. Though, I don’t recall spectators or buying tickets.

Archive - 2011

Get ’em While They’re Hot

Big Brother

EEGee

Brain Waving

Happy Birthing Day