Appointments

Yes, its that time of year. Where all the little boys -- except Andrew -- get checked out by specialists! Yippee! I'm so glad that they all have MORE appointments! I'm really quite thrilled. Couldn't ask for anything more...

Sean, small but mighty. Or so I thought. He had some hearing screenings done related to being enrolled in speech therapy. He failed twice miserably. This turned into a hearing screening by an audiologist. This turned into a sort of diagnosis. Severe hearing loss in both ears due to massive amounts of non-infected fluid behind both ear drums. Now he has to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. But no "worries," after the fluid is magically drained (surgery for tubes) his hearing should be restored.

Bottom line, although happy that he's hearing loss is most likely not permanent, I am worried about tubes surgery. Anyone who's kids have had this want to give me a summoning up?

Ryan, not quite as small but also mighty. In November, he is due for a bladder study test. I haven't heard from the spina bifida clinic yet. And I'm not reminding them. He hates this test. He's had no infections, and shows no other symptoms that his cord has re-tethered. In December, he is due for his clinic visit. I'll casually drop in such remarks when he sees the urologist, and with any luck, he won't have to endure the 2 catheters and scope and leads all over his body.

Bottom line, he's been proving his amazing health to the specialists for almost a year now, give the kid a break.

Alex, not small but very mighty. His toe walking has led to a new complication. Hammer toes. He sees the podiatrist next Wednesday. I'm hoping we don't have to spend $500 on shoes he'll grow out of in 6 months. But we'll do what we must.

Bottom line, Alex has to stop toe walking.