Cards for Papaw

The kids and I make cards for people all of the time.  We make all kinds: birthday, get well soon, thank you, Valentine's, thinking of you, and even thanks for being our neighbor!  Brian's Papaw is very sick and most likely isn't going to make it.  Last night, Brian went to see him without us.  Normally, we try to load up and take the kids.  We didn't this time because Grammie said she didn't think the kids should see Papaw like that.  Plus, it is an hour away and it was late in the day before we realized we needed to go see him.  Macie and Gavin were very unhappy about the fact that we didn't get to see him.  I told them kids weren't allowed to see him because he was so sick. 

Today, Macie asked me why we hadn't made a card for Papaw yet.  She kept asking and begging to make him a card.  I fought back the tears because most likely Papaw will never see these cards.  However, I kept it together and let them make cards for him.  After all, I've taught them that when someone is sick, you make them a card or draw them a picture.  I was so proud that she insisted we do this.  I hope they always think about others and take the time to do something nice for them, no matter how small!

 Their cards

They even signed the back!

ENT Appointment

This afternoon, I took Gavin back to see Dr. Wahle.  I was anxious to see what he'd been able to find out since our last visit.  I also was curious to see what he would recommend.  He started out by reading me a 2 and a half page letter he'd sent to Dr. Voyles.  It basically recapped everything we'd talked about last time.  He told me that after reviewing the report from Gavin's hospital stay and MRI, he feels confident everything was done correctly.  He told me that the tube size was 4.5, which would be the correct size for most children Gavin's age and size.  I now know that if Gavin has to have another procedure done, a smaller tube will need to be used. 

Basically, after going through the letter and talking about Gavin's latest episode, we decided that Gavin needed to see an ENT more specialized than him.  He kept talking about a procedure, but he said that no doctors in Evansville do it.  He was kind of on the fence about the Riley referral, but when he realized that Gavin already sees two doctors there, he was convinced.  He didn't want to take any chances and I don't either!

For most children, we would be able to play a "wait and see" game, hoping they would out grow it.  Because of Gavin's vascular lesions, we can't.  Dr. Wahle is concerned that he has one in his throat.  If he doesn't have one, than it is probably just a narrow passageway that he was born with.  As far as the treatment options, etc., he didn't know.  I'm supposed to hear by Friday when this next appointment will be.  He gave me copies of his notes so that I can give them to the next doctor.

While I am very thankful that these doctors are trying so hard to help my son and figure out what is going on, I wish they didn't have to work so hard!  I would love to go to a doctor and get a direct answer.  Not a "go see this doctor" or "We need to wait and see" or "I've never seen that before".  Nothing is more frustrating!  Looks like we will be meeting yet another doctor soon to add to our "team".  Hopefully, they will lead us in the right direction and give us some answers!

Gavin's Day Take 9 - The Final One

Today, Gavin and I had his last one-on-one day.  We went to therapy in the park, my school, home to nap, to his ENT appointment, and to Michael's.  I let him pick out something at the store, so he was so excited. I was planning to take him to Chuck-E-Cheese, but he wanted to stay at school and destroy play in my classroom instead.  I've never taken him to there, so he had a blast.  It was not very productive for me, but oh well!  At the doctor's office, Gavin was so well behaved.  I had to wake him up to take him there, so I was hoping he wouldn't be too cranky.  Dr. Wahle was impressed with his behavior and even gave him a Tootsie Roll Pop.  Gavin picked a brown one.  He made a huge mess, but I didn't even care. 

I've also enjoyed my time with Gavin.  He is so funny and creative.  He comes up with solutions to problems and it is fun to watch him work.  He has made improvement in his therapy, but not as much as I'd hoped this summer.  We are going to start meeting every other week due to scheduling.  I'm super lucky to be Gavin's mommy and I love how he is wanting me more, even though he is becoming more and more independent! 

 Yes, that is sucker drool on his shorts!

Macie's Day Take 9 - The Final One

Macie and I had our last one-on-one day of the summer.  We went to buy her school supplies, worked in my classroom, went to Teacher's Aide, and to the mall.  At the mall, she played on the playground, got some chocolate covered raisins, and rode the carousel.  It was the first time she's been on a carousel that she actually stayed on the horse the whole time.  She loved it!  I've had so much fun with Macie this summer and I feel like I've watched her grow and mature.  We will be spending more time together this year because I will take her to school everyday.  Our relationship has grown stronger and I'm so lucky and proud to be her mommy!