Doctor Visits

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

As November approached, and my mother was now in Oklahoma, instead of Michigan, I was getting a little worried about who would be able to collect the big girls from school during our quadruple doctor's visit in Grand Rapids.  My back up plan had been to use the Eatran, but they didn't run any routes this direction, that time of day, as they were short on bus drivers.

I finally asked my friend Natalie if she would be willing to pick them up.  She agreed, and that was the plan.  Then, my mom returned sooner than expected, so she did not have to worry about collecting them that day.  

With rides arranged, I was able to focus on getting the little ones to their appointments.  First up was a follow up visit for the curve in William's spine.  We were crazy early, since we left straight from Alice and Emily's school drop off, but they were able to take us back early.  After a few xrays, she told us that he had actually improved and that both curves were smaller than they had been!  So, she wants to see him back in a year, or if any concerns come up before then!!

From there, we went to have lunch, and then played.  

That still didn't eat up much time, and so we were quite early to the second appointment as well.  Sadly, they were booked solid, and were not able to bring us back early.  So, we finished the second part of Sonic 2, and got through the first half of Turning Red before we could meet with the Plastic Surgeon.

His assessment was also good news for now, no big changes yet. He wants to continue yearly checkups with them.  I was concerned about a lump that seems to be growing on Juliet's head.  He ordered a CAT scan for her.  I was surprised when we were able to schedule it so quickly.  So, about a week later, the day after Thanksgiving, Billy and I accompanied Juliet to a very short appointment.  

Since she had to give up part of her break, we decided to do some fun things with just the three of us.  

First up was a much busier mall than I had anticipated, despite being black Friday.  I guess I'm just so used to empty malls at this point, but the one in Grand Rapids was busy!  We found a booth that rents ride on animals, and she had her pick of the litter. (lol)

She and Billy also spent some time in the Arcade.

We were hungry, but skipped out on the Cheesecake Factory, because they too were swamped.  We drove out to an adorable town, not too far away, called Lowell.  We ate at the brewery there (because many things were closed!) and it was very pleasant.

I think Juliet had a good time, despite a less than fun task at the beginning of the day.  We didn't hear from the doctor (aside from the technical report in her online portal) which to me is an indicator of good news.  It's when the doctor calls himself, and promptly, that you have to worry.  So, I guess we'll be able to wait another year!

later days

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edit: backdated for continuity

Ophthalmologist and Holland State Park

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

Early in the summer, we had to make a 'dilation' trip to the ophthalmologist.  While not a fun trip, we made the most of it by going to a state park afterward.  It must have been on a Monday or Tuesday, because Alice didn't go, and must have stayed with Billy.

Everyone got a new prescription, no major changes, just tweaks.

They got rubber ducks from the phlebotomist!

The cloud cover was nice, and we knew a storm was due to roll in that evening.

We appreciated the cloud cover, but did not expect the storm to start thundering hours before it hit. Once the thunder started up, it was time to get out, but Avia treated everyone to ice cream!

On the way to the ice cream stand, they found some "summer snow*."  

Since we were forced away from the beach, we went in search of adventure.  We found a giant castle, full of private residences in Grandville.

After checking out the exterior (there was nothing fun to do yet, as they are just finishing up construction) we went to a nearby playground and walked a trail.

We outran the storm for a while, but it did eventually catch up to us.  We squeezed in one more adventure to the airport in Grand Rapids.  They have a park at the airport fields.  It has lots of seating, trashcans and even restrooms!

They braved the rain to watch the planes, but the lightning put a quick end to their adventure.

It was a pleasant day, considering it started at the doctor's office.  And we persevered, despite the rain.

later days.

 *Floating seeds, if you are unable to tell from the picture.

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Edited 7/18/2023: This post is now a part of my project: 78 State Parks! #61

Tahquamenon Falls #15
PJ Hoffmaster State Park #52
Grand Haven State Park #53
Waterloo Recreation Area #70a
Van Buren State Park #73

Closing in on Christmas

288th Day of Quarantine.

28F was our high today.  That made it really cold when outside taking down all the Christmas lights!  There is still a layer of snow, so I ended up leaving Olaf's third stake in the ground, since I couldn't find it and was just too cold! 

I'm happy to report that all of our Christmas décor is labelled and stashed away for next year!

For lunch, Billy used one of his gift cards to Steak n Shake, and bought us all lunch. = )

I also got my file folders that are sorted by year labelled and ready for next year.

There was another stack of Christmas cards in our mailbox today, a nice Boxing Day surprise.  

The trash also ran (the delayed day) so it was nice to be able to empty the mudroom which was a temporary holding area for all the trash that wouldn't fit in from last week. = /  Back in the "before times" when we could recycle our cardboard boxes at Billy's work, we rarely filled our trash can.  But now, we fill it almost every week with all the boxes. = (

For dinner we had leftovers.  We finished the potatoes and green beans, but have plenty of ham.  So, I'll have to make a few things to use it all up. = )

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287th Day of Quarantine.

The high today was only 24F, but we were gifted our first "white Christmas" since we moved to Michigan!  

My mom braved the snow, and apparently the plowers did not have the day off, since the roads were looking pretty good.  

We had a fun time opening dozens of gifts!  Billy's favorite gift was an rtic tumbler (for water, that I customized, and am super happy that he loved!) 

My favorite was a 3-way tie between sugar cubes (WGJ), a hand warmer (from Billy, that I stick in my back pocket and feels soooo good) and llama earrings from Emily!  (Noteworthy are the tablecloth from the Helterbrands and blog book from Sarah and money, of course) = )  

Alice's favorite gift was from santa, an otamatone.  It is wildly annoying, but she is loving it (partially, I think, because I'm so annoyed by it. lol) 

Emily really liked her face painting kit from the Helterbrands.  

William has loved bouncing on his squeaky foam pogo stick.  He also really likes his light up mouse/keyboard and I know he will get lots of use out of it!

The twins loved their LOL surprise, but as soon as the Our Generation School was unwrapped, that became their toy of the day.  They have had so much fun with the lights and sounds and accessories, that even the market from Santa was not as loved!

For dinner, of course, we had leftovers. = )

Today, the lyrics of O Holy Night, have resonated with so many. "...the weary world rejoices."  Oh how we rejoice in the one true constant love, especially in the middle of turmoil (aka pandemic.)

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286th Day of Quarantine.

The high today did not even make it to freezing.  Thankfully, I didn't have to go outside other than to bring in a package and take out the trash!

Billy had to work today, but got to "leave" a little early!

At around 4:30 the kids opened their new pajamas (the only gift they open on Christmas eve.)  Then, they started getting ready for church.   Then, we took pictures.

With lots and lots of outtakes.

Until I got one that I liked!

We "attended" the five o'clock service online.  I made hot chocolate (in disposable cups with lids) for them to drink while we watched.  I even made up some candles with protective paper circles so that the kids could participate.

For dinner we had lasagna.  

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285th day of Quarantine.

51F was the high.

Avia and the twins picked up our Sam's club order, then went Christmas shopping.

The only time I ventured out is when I went to Goodwill to drop off a load of donations.

For dinner we had teriyaki chicken.

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284th day of Quarantine.

39F.  Warm enough to put out the snow sticks.

I went to a thrift store, where I ended up buying only books, and a copy of the Settlers of Cattan Board Game.  It was always such fun to play with the Prescotts! I ran a few other errands which included a trip by Biggby to taste an eggnog latte that has been in several books that I've read in the past few weeks!

The house smelled divine when I returned home.  We had a crock pot roast (or sandwiches) for dinner.

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283rd Day of Quarantine.

The high today was 37F .

Emily & Avia went Christmas shopping.

Grace had a virtual appointment with her pulmonologist.  It's been a while since her sleep study, which came back completely normal. She was released unless we need them again in the future.  = )

My mailbox had a lovely pile of Christmas cards today!  So few had arrived, I was worried that we'd been removed from everyone's list!

Sadly, it was too cloudy for Saturn & Jupiter conjunction.  This event was highly anticipated, since it was the only time it would happen in our lifetime.  I did get to see some pictures online, of people who had better weather than we did. = )

Spaghetti for dinner.

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282nd Day of Quarantine.

37F was our high.

Church online today.

Grocery pick up.

Cookie delivery to Zoey and Kennedy.

Billy fixed the leaky pipes!

For dinner we had pizza.

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later days

March 26th, 13th Day of "COVID Bonus Time!", Day 9 of Work at Home

The expected high today is 53F.  Rain is in the forecast, but we managed both recess outside.  Their bikes are now officially out for the season, apparently! = )

We had Grand Rapids doctor trip scheduled for next Tuesday, Emily in the morning and the other 3 in the afternoon.  I called today to see if any of those were still on, and as it stands now, Emily's might be a virtual appointment and the other was mistakenly moved to June????????

I called in last month to reschedule their neurology appointment that was in late June since, I'd inadvertently scheduled it during our Great Wolf Lodge trip (that may or may not happen.) And instead of moving the neurology (which is just a yearly check-up) they moved the ophthalmology appointment which is one the kids have been needing for an update to their glasses prescription.  oh, bother.

So, as of now, we only have one appointment (maybe?) scheduled virtually for next week, and will have to worry about rescheduling the others once life gets back in gear.

But, in happier news, we had our first MOPS virtual meeting!  It was supposed to be spa day, but, well, you know, corona virus and mandatory social distancing kind of interrupted that.  So, we had some lovely ladies who donated giveaways and showed us how to work them too!

William's class met up at 10am via Zoom, he was all smiles as he met up with his classmates, but I couldn't take a picture since he was on my phone. = )

After that my table had a 'zoom' meeting that was only interrupted several dozen times by several dozen kids. ; )

Today's art project was to draw Skippyjon Jones to mail to William's teacher.

It rained a little when Alice took the trashbin to the curb.

For dinner we had chicken skewers al a penne alfredo.

Then we had a dance party. And tonight I learned that my children prefer hard rock (AC/DC) and 80s pop (tommy tutone) to 90s grunge (soundgarden) during a dance party.

later days

Doctors, Doctors and More Doctors

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

The week prior to seeing the pulmonologist, Grace had to do some testing.  When we met with the doctor on Monday morning, it was just the two of us, Avia kept tabs on the other four.

The doctor essentially said that he doesn't see any cause of concern from her testing, or in office observation.  He wants to do a sleep study, but the first time that would work for us and them wasn't until September.  He did say that her tonsils and adenoids were large comparative to her size, but wants to evaluate the results of the sleep study before we make any plans.

Avia was taking the other four to dollar tree, so I offered Grace the opportunity to go somewhere fun as well.  She picked McDonalds. = )

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The next appointment was on Wednesday.  The twins had to return to the dentist for their crown.  Plan A didn't work quite as well as expected, but well enough that they were able to build up the middle of the tooth and just shave the sides.  The dentists were quite happy with the fit of the crowns.

We will not need to return until their regular 6 month visit this fall. = )

We also saw Hawkeye again!

And Grace wanted a picture of the squirrel to show daddy.

On campus. I thought it was ironic considering the location.

On Friday, it was Alice's turn.  She had an appointment to pull one of her baby teeth that was overstaying it's welcome.  Avia took the other ones over to a park during her appointment, so when we finished, we walked over to the library to read while we waited.

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The following Thursday, William, Grace and Juliet all had an appointment with the Craniofacial doctor.  He is the only yearly doctor. He doesn't have to keep super close tabs, as the other specialist will notify him if they find something concerning.

He does not have any immediate concerns.  He did warn me that as their heads grow and change, there many come a time when they correct the shape of the skull.  This won't happen until they are around 10 years old.  It would be an extracranial procedure, with a single overnight stay at the hospital, and no blood transfusions or ICU.  It only takes around a week for most patients to recover, and they would cut on their existing scars.

I'm not elated by this news, but it sounds like a fairly straight forward procedure.  As they age, I know they will have more opinions and preferences, so I'm glad it's still a few years off.

Aunt Rocky brought us donuts!  The big girls and Avia had already gotten into theirs, but we hung out in the parking lot while everyone finished their treat.

You'd never know that this isn't aunt rocky by just glancing in the rearview mirror:

 (it's Emily)

In a few weeks we go up to Grand Rapids  for an appointment, but thankfully next week is looking nice and void of doctors!

later days

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