Ophthalmologist

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

We had a yearly checkup for William and the twins up in Grand Rapids. It wasn't ridiculously early, but we cut it close for our 9:30 appointment between rain and construction on the interstate.  We checked in exactly one minute before our scheduled appointment time.

I only took two pictures.  One is of the new lights (red or green) that they put up in the parking garage, so that you can easily tell where to park. I am a big fan, for as long as it works.

I also took a picture of Grace, but I don't recall why.

 William and Grace got good reports.  Not much of a change, but each left with a fresh prescription and an appointment a year from now.  Juliet had a drastic enough change that they want to see her back in 6 months.  Thankfully, that appointment is virtual!  Juliet also got a new prescription, which will hopefully help her see with her changed eyesight.

later days

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1st Week of July

120th Day of Quarantine

The expected high today was 80F.

We had a lovely lazy day.

Before lunch, Billy walked to Carl's to get the makings for chips and queso.

Grace made spaghetti and meatballs for lunch, with just a little help from me. = )

I made a little progress on the pile of masks.

Billy went to get Wendy's for a late dinner, but ended up taking my car since his car did not start. = (  Hopefully it's just a battery issue, but we won't find out until tomorrow.

We watched some Jim Gaffigan comedy and the first episode of Carnival Row.   I'm not that into it, but we might give it another chance, sometimes it takes a few episodes for things to get going.

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119th Day of Quarantine

The high today was a warm, rainy 79F.

We were up and at it early today, since we had quite a list of things to do!

For Art this week, the kids followed a tutorial to draw some funny monsters!  They each inserted their personalities into their products and I was so impressed!

Once morning activities were finished, Emily and I ran some 'consolation' packages by the Eaton's & Stepp's.

Jessica modelling some of the goodies! <3

Matt and Deb with their gear:

We then dashed home so that I could grab William and get to Hastings for an 11:50 covid test for him, in preparation for his surgery on Monday. 

There is not a good direct path, so we ended up zigzagging the backroads.  I had trouble twice, due to road names being the same.  In Vermontville, Main Street intersects with Main Street!  And in Hastings, two roads called State Rd. come in from the East.  We did make it on time, but just so.

We were there less than 5 minutes, and only that long because William fought me when it was time to take his sample.  (This was not the awful test with the swab in the throat, but an easier one that they just need to poke the swab in his nose.)

When we left, we decided to go to a few touristy spots on the trip home.  We saw a park called Fish Hatchery Park.   It was a very nice park, and there were tons of fish in the water!

I found 6 fish (or most of a fish) in this picture:

The playground was open, but there was a party going on in the pavilion, so we were trying to keep our distance from the other park goers.

We found a very cool tank in downtown Vermontville. William thought it was cool enough to get out and take another picture. = )

We stopped for gas in town, since we have such an early morning Monday.

Once we got home it was time to pick up and put things away.  Then check the mail, and get started on dinner, since we had a Zoom scheduled with the Stepps at 5!  It was nice to 'party' with them for a few minutes and catch up.

The weather today has been very rainy, so, had the party occurred as planned earlier this year, we would have all been in the carport with our swing music, root beer and liquorice.

For dinner we scarfed down Hamburger Helper (that Juliet requested.)

We finished off the day with some Kim Possible. = )

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118th Day of Quarantine

The high today was 93F.  We had some light rain blow in this afternoon dropping the temperature to not so warm by the time I took out the trash.

I spent some time today cleaning the mailbox and painting the flag back to a bright red.  It isn't perfect, but it does look better. = )

For dinner we had PF Chang's Honey Chicken and rice.  Everyone liked it.

I spent some time picking out fabric and cutting out masks to give away.  I think they will go up to the kids' (previous) school (assuming it opens.) If not, I'll find somewhere else to donate them.  I also made myself another mask using my bluebonnet fabric that I found buried deep in my fabric chest. = )

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117th Day of Quarantine

The high today was 90F.  We had some clouds roll in this afternoon, bringing rain (hopefully) and cooling things off. = (

Alice finally had her final appointment with her eye therapy doctor today.  Originally it was scheduled for April, and was bumped back today.  She exited the program with flying colors!  She will not have to do the exercises any longer.  And, as a bonus, the doctor did her yearly 'check up' so we won't need to make another eye appointment for her until next year!

After we left the doctor, we went up to Menard's to gather science supplies.  It feels good to have most of the list squared away at this point.  = )

For dinner we are having beans and hotdogs.

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116th Day of Quarantine

The high today was 94F!  We spent some time on the porch this afternoon enjoying the warm air and cool breeze.

For Alice's monster, she chose to draw the flag of Albania, inspired by one of the monsters in the book. = )

The washer repair man came today and fixed my washer (just as 5pm approached.)  It seems to be working perfectly.  Now, I just need to get caught up on my backlog of laundry!

A nurse called for William's pre-surgery chat.  She gave me bad news about his covid test.  We will have to go on Friday to a hospital almost an hour out for him to be tested.  = (  I'm not looking forward to this additional drive on top of his 7:15am ear tube procedure.  Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the early timeslot (since he will have to fast) but two drives just days apart for less than fun medical procedures is not really my favorite.

For dinner, I made grilled cheese served with a side of grapes.  It was simple, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. = )

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115th Day of Quarantine.  

Thought I'd take a moment to reiterate that it is currently voluntary.  We are not required to distance ourselves from society by any governing entity. I'm feeling lonely, and I know the kids are missing their friends, and Billy is missing the comradery of the office, but it is for the best.

It was bound to happen, and finally did.  Someone that I knew (in high school) is living through the corona virus.  He's posting updates each day, which might be helpful should the virus find it's way to us.  Michigan is fairly isolated from the raging cases in Texas and Florida, but as people travel, gather and party the situation can quickly change.  

The high today was a perfect summer temperature of 92F!  Billy worked out on the porch (but did commandeer the box fan from our room.)  We ran the air conditioner inside though.

Today was busy.  This morning I picked up groceries, got gas, went by the bank, dropped letters at the post office, took the medicine recycling box to FEDEX, and then dropped the mixed recycling at Sarah's.

When I came home, I decided to tackle the science list, and it is a doozy.  I have many of the items, but will need to claim a few from future recycling and make a trip to Menard's for the rest.

I've been feeling a bit introspective the last few weeks, as old memories crop up.  I recognized that one of the main influences in my skirt wearing was probably my 2nd/4th grade teacher (Mrs. Gerrick) who wore broomstick skirts much of each year.  Also, Mark Lester (of Oliver circa 1968) was the vision of how any of my boy children would be.  William does have some traits, though not the ones I would have predicted. = ) 

I also came to the conclusion today that very soon many people are going to switch to homeschooling, and it would be best if I finished purchasing the books for the later terms.  I realize this will mean that some of them will not be used (since I'm combining Forms I & II) but I don't want to not be able to get a book that we need, due to lack of supply.  So, finishing up book shopping has moved up on my todo list.

For dinner we had leftover steak & veggie PF Changs veggie egg rolls.  I though it was tasty, the kids thought I was trying to kill them.  ::eyeroll::  Billy was middle of the road, but didn't' complain.

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114th Day of Quarantine

The temperature today is expected to reach 90F.

I emptied the pool yesterday, cleaned it and started to refill it today.  Most of the kids spent their 'hour outside' in the filling pool.

The laundry is quickly piling up.  I'm ready for our repair guy to come Tuesday!

For dinner we had frozen dinners.

I'm trying my best to engross myself in another book, but am still feeling too emotionally involved in the cormoran strike series to fully engage in another series.

Our 'indoor' plants that I place outside for the nice temperatures were eaten and torn apart (probably by a chipmunk) so I moved them inside for safety.

later days

Delayed Ophthalmology Visit

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia. And now adding Emily to the list.

Due to some strange circumstances, William, Grace and Juliet's ophthalmology appointment was moved to early June from March.  With the corona virus closing everything down for a while, this turned out to work in our favor, since we were able to keep this appointment.

Sadly, the appointment was at 8:10am, which meant a 6:30 departure time for us, on a Friday, the last day of instruction for the school year.  

We made it on time, but Grace forgot to pack up her mask, so she wore on of the back up ones I carry, until we got inside and they made us all trade them out for paper ones.  In an unusual turn, I've been up to this hospital twice with Emily since the last time they came up, so everything was very different for them.

This was a dilation appointment, so we were there a while waiting for the drops to take hold.

Everyone received good reports and new prescriptions.  She also said that we could move out to a 4-6 month recall versus our current 3 month!

It's almost dystopian seeing my sweet little twins all dressed up, with bows in their hair and masks on their faces. 

We went to sonic afterwards, and I made a few phone calls that I needed to make.  One of them was to the eye glass center in Holt to see if they are open.  No one answered, so I left a message, but Friday messages are rarely returned on the same day.

We have a virtual appointment later this month, and William has an Ear Tube Removal surgery scheduled for July, but more appointments are rolling in now that things are reopening.  It's sure to be a busy summer full of doctor visits!

later days

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March 16th, Day 3 of Quarantine, Day1 of School at Home

The highest I saw today was 43F, it was cold but not very windy.  We did get an afternoon rain shower though.

After brushing hair and teeth, the kids were eating breakfast and hard at work before their usual school day would have even started.

The schedule helped, no one was asking me what else they had to do.  Timers are something we're going to have to work at.  I had several questions of "how long do you think I've been doing [this task]." lololololol (like I know.)  They'll get better though. And I only had to email the teachers once or twice!

Billy went in this morning, picked up his essential office supplies (computer, reference guide, etc.) and was home before 10.  He's now working from home too!

William had very itchy eyes this morning, and since both Billy and I had taken allergy medicine over the weekend, I gave him some allergy remedy.  It made his work slow, and transitioning painfully slow. He didn't finish his work until after dinner.

At noon I prepared to leave.  My chores were to run the recycling by Sarah's (she had a box of milk duds ready for me), pick up my Kroger click-list order (they were the busiest I've ever seen 5/6 slots filled!,) and go to my eye appointment (that I thankfully didn't have to drag the children to!)  I was gone just over 2 hours, and when I arrived home William was napping, poor boy. = (

For dinner we had crock-pot chicken in red wine with penne.  It was a big hit with everyone except for Billy.

After dinner Grace, Juliet and I watched about half of the Cincinnati Zoo's Hippo livestream (as a replay.)

Tomorrow we will hopefully all be better prepared. I've made a few adjustments to my schedule and now we've logged into each of the apps the kids are using once. = )

Thankfully the big girls' dentist appointment tomorrow has been rescheduled to a later date, so we don't have to venture out again until Monday (my next grocery run.)

later days

Edited 3/17/20:
I reviewed my Kroger order last night, and the only things that we were not able to get were strawberries = ( and a loaf of bread (thankfully we had some left from last week.)

Alice's Final in Office Eye Therapy

We knocked out Alice's 3rd, and final, eye therapy appointment!  She seemed to show improvement.

We came home with 3x a week homework for the last time. WooHOO!  It has been a tough 12 weeks.  She only has one more day of work at home before her 'check up' this Wednesday.

The doctor told us that she will have homework still, but it will be far less intense.  20 or so minutes a week, versus the 90 she's booking now.

I am hopeful that the hard work Alice has put in will pay off.

later days

A blurb about her last appointment can be found here.

Doctor Visits

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.  And now adding Emily to the list.

I've gotten the best update on the hpp front, Alice does indeed have Emily's (and my) strand of hypophosphatasia, but the endocrinologist does not believe that either of them are suffering from symptoms.  So, the medication is not indicated for either of them! 

This does leave the question of what is causing Emily's crashing.  We will explore that with the doctor at her appointment in November.  Also, she has sent down lab orders, so that if Emily does crash at school, we can go straight to the lab and have her tested.

So, I'm removing Emily from the hpp list above, but I'll try to post on what we find, when we find it.

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At the tail end of summer I made appointments for Alice and Emily to see the optometrist for their yearly visit.  Emily's eyes are still perfect, they don't need to see her for another year.  Alice's eyes changed a little, so she picked out some new frames.  I did have him check for pressure on the optical nerve and calcium build up, but they were both in the clear.

He did diagnose Alice with something called divergence excess.  From what I understand, the muscles in one of her eyes are not working as hard as the other eye.  So, she has to undergo therapy for 12 weeks.  We weren't able to go in weekly, since their only appointments for therapy are on Tuesday, so Alice was given 'homework' to do three times a week between appointments.  This was her first therapy session:

Sadly, this appointment was during the second week of school, the day right after her (and Emily's) 6 month dental cleaning appointment.  So, we've logged half a dozen doctor appointments so far, and it's still the first month of school.

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Labor day weekend is a four day event for my children, so on Friday, my mom came with us to find some garage sales!  Since we were out, we swung by to pick up William's new frames (the old ones met their demise on the playground a few weeks ago.)  We ended up back in their office at the end of the day for a quick adjustment, before the holiday weekend.

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Grace failed her hearing screening at her yearly pediatrician appointment.  I'm still amazed that they had the audacity to fail her with all of the issues their machine was encountering.  Luckily for me, William is on a 9 month visit with an ENT, to keep an eye on his ear tubes, so I just added her to that appointment.

William didn't need to be tested, he just wanted to try too.

She passed with flying colors, and does not need to be followed.  William on the other hand still has  his tubes that were put in in Dallas, and they are showing no signs of coming out.  In March, if they are still in place, he will have to have them surgically removed. = (  That's over six months away, so I'm hopeful that we can avoid another surgery.

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On Friday that same week (which means two Grand Rapids trips in one week. ew) Grace had her sleep study.  So, after a rushed dinner, Grace and I packed up and headed to the hospital.  It's a very desolate place compared to the daytime hours!

It will be a sad day for me when we walk across this bridge and no one wants to climb along the railing.

Once we were all checked in, Grace got ready for bed and picked Moana to watch while she was being connected to the machine.

It wasn't all bad, she was given a variety of snacks to munch on while the tech worked.

Ready to go!

We finished up the movie, and somehow she was out like a light.  The tech only had to fuss at her once over the speaker to keep her cannula in, and only came in once to adjust something.  It was a good night for her.

At about 6am they gave us a wake up call and we had to get ready to go.  We rinsed out the wax/gel stuff as best we could in the shower. Then  we explored parts of the hospital that we'd never been to in search of breakfast!  We were given $12 in gift certificates, so we both ate well.  Grace was in much better form than I was at that time of day. = )

I just received the call yesterday, that her results came back normal!  So, we will still meet with the pulmonologist in December, but probably not again until there is another concern. = )

We have no appointments scheduled for this week, which I had to double check, because I was in disbelief!  I think we are slow for a while, but it never stays slow for long.

later days

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