At Shecklet #4’s 5-year well visit yesterday, the doctor noticed something about her eyes that she wanted double checked by an ophthalmologist. When I called to set up the appointment, they had one for this morning. Everything checked out just fine – no concerns. She did a great job reading letters and following directions.
Random side note. I compared #4’s 5-year stats to her sister’s 5-year stats and #4 is 2.5 inches taller than #3 was at age 5! I had a hunch she was taller, but didn’t realize it was by that much! It will be interesting to see if she continues to grow at the same rate!
Shecklet #3’s class worked with one of the advanced academics teachers today and completed a worksheet where the kids had to write about and illustrate bad news/good news. #3 continues to process what has happened in the last 6 months. I’m glad she can articulate her feelings so we can continue to talk about the situation and keep moving forward. 💗
One of the teachers at the kids’ school saw Shecklet #2’s invention and told him she’d like to have one for her house. Jake took the four kids to Menards to buy PVC pipe so #2 could make her one. The other Shecklets took advantage of the empty garage and rode their scooters and balance bike.
We finally received a decent amount of snow and the temps stayed mild enough for the Shecklets to go out and play in it. More may come tomorrow, so hopefully more outside time is on the agenda.
Two weeks and counting. Veronica has avoided using any pain medication for 48 hours. That’s not to say she has no pain, but when she isn’t laying down the pressure in her head is minimal. Today we went to Northtown Mall for some walking. Veronica made two loops around the mall, then at home she took a well-deserved nap. She is working on the balance and dizziness and she is diligent with her therapy. One of Veronica’s vestibular exercises requires this complicated medical device. She has to try to keep her eyes trained on the ‘X’ while moving her head and neck.
Vestibular training ‘X’.
While we were in California, my mom had to take both #3 and #4 to the doctor because of different symptoms. Shecklet #4 was put on an antibiotic for an ear infection. Tonight at dinner Veronica and I noticed what we thought was wintery, dry, irritated skin on her hands getting worse and some other signs showing up on her torso, face, neck, arms, and legs. Veronica had an anaphylactic reaction to this same medicine a few years ago which brought back memories and stresses. I briskly but calmly took #4 from the dinner table and went directly to urgent care. She didn’t have any breathing complications and the doctor confirmed that she should not have that medicine ever again.
Overall a productive day, we now know one more way to better care of #4, and Veronica continued her recovery efforts.
Veronica was able to sleep for 12 hours last night. I wasn’t able to sleep very well after the Eagles pulled off that win, but I was able to get all 4 of the Shecklets off to school on time. We found a good PT option for Veronica and we have made requests for the correct approvals. Veronica and I picked up Shecklet #4 after school and the three of us went to Target to get in some walking. Half of the way around Target Veronica ran out of steam. We grabbed a few quick groceries and went home. I left Veronica and Shecklet #4 at the house while I picked up #1 and #3 from the bus stop. When I got back to the house a great friend of ours was over to spend time with Veronica; it was good to see her. I picked up #2 from basketball practice and we had Chipotle for dinner. Veronica has fought a good fight against the exhaustion today. She has rested a little but she didn’t take any naps. Hopefully, she is able to sleep well again tonight.
This afternoon Veronica was brought out of the ICU to a regular hospital room. When she arrived at the new room, she got out of the wheelchair and walked with help from the nurse to a chair about 12 feet away. She was given the choice of laying down or trying to sit. She chose to sit. A short while later she walked with me to the bathroom which was about 15 feet away. After that, we walked back to the bed. She was exhausted but stayed sitting up on the side of the bed. The more time she spends sitting up, and moving the faster she will recover. The OT came a little while later. Veronica at first walked with the OT and me helping. She then took a walker all the way out of the room. She turned around in the hallway and made it all the way back to the bed. When the OT asked Veronica if she could speed up, she did. She is exhausted now. The doctors and nurses are working diligently to manage the pain. Vestibular therapy is really hard, but whenever the shecklets are mentioned or asked about she fights through. During what I hope is the hardest day of her life she is still a mommy first.
Larissa came over earlier in the day and entertained/watched the kids so Jake and I could get some last minute house things in order before his parents come tomorrow. House is clean, laundry is almost caught up, schedules for the next two weeks are ready to go.
After mini-golf we went out for dinner and came home and played Telestrations. Jake read to the boys and I laid in the girls’ room and talked with them before saying goodnight.
I am really going to miss our kids. Deep breath. I hope I can sleep tonight.
