Thursday, February 28, 2013

Scottish Rite Hospital

Jason, Bella, and I took off Sunday afternoon for Dallas.

Four hours in a car seat  and she was ready to play.  No harm came to this Denny’s  - we did clean it up.  Just a cute girl pretending to call everyone on the phone at the hotel (who gave us a special Scottish Rite discounted rate – thank you Marriott!)

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Bright and early in the morning, we headed over.  Loved the free and ample parking!  Everyone was so nice, from the receptionists to the nurses to the radiology techs!  Our NPN was great with Bella.  She did a thorough exam, listened to me, and talked to Bella – and Bella didn’t cry once!  Yeah!  The doctor walked in and could immediately tell me all about the three types of problems kids with Down syndrome have with their patellas.  She, of course, has the most complicated one.  He wants to do surgery to attach that patella.  She should be able to walk(!!!!!!!) after she recovers.  She’ll be in a cast for six weeks and then she’ll have her rehab time.  But from an anatomy standpoint, she should be able to walk!  So excited!  We meet with one of the anesthesiologists.  We signed all the releases so they could get her cardiac, pulmonology, endocrine, and GI clearances for surgery.  We just have to meet with one more doctor and then we can schedule the surgery. 

I was impressed with how unrushed everyone was.  They took their time with us.  The doctor knew the specialist that we had been referred to up in Seattle.  They worked together in Boston.  He felt that Scottish Rite could treat her and we wouldn’t have to make any trips out of state –yeah!  They said the minimum stay would be four days (my hospital PTSD kicked in at this point).  But four days in exchange for Bella’s ability to walk is a very small price to pay!!  We are so excited for what this could be for Bella’s future!

A 30 second video Jason caught of us.  I thought he was taking a picture!  :)

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Our Week

I had to take six of my seven to the dentist and Kathie needed an emergency baby sitter, so all nine children went to the dentist together.  Fun times!  The van was full.  Brother did really well!  Everyone was so well behaved.  We survived.  :)  Bella has improved so much that our dentist is willing to start seeing her – yeah!

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Time to play with chalk

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Vision therapy                                                                  

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Becca got this coat and hat in San Antonio.  We are hoping it’ll be good for Idaho.  People keep telling us we don’t know the definition of cold yet!

Reading to Bella

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Eye lashes                                                My cute big girls

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Sammi made us these amazing chocolate treats

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Beauty in the garden

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New Beginnings – we had a 70s theme.  Everyone really enjoyed dressing up.  The girls and I tie-dyed shirts for the event.

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Klein HS held a special ceremony for those kids graduating in the top 10% of their class.  Becca was number 60 of 819.  We are so proud of all of your hard work Bec!

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Lizzy’s beads from Art Club     Love this picture of Joy all dressed up

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Playing

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Sutherlands came by and played

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Our monthly family night dinner – this month at our house

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