Snow, blood work and Igor returns

It's snowing outside! I wish Igor were here because he pines for snow and it rarely snows here. Igor will be home tonight!!


This morning Henry was up at 4:15 AM so we had plenty of time to play in the snow before we went to the hospital. Henry was not impressed with the snow. He stared at it, walked in it, then decided he wanted to go back inside where it was warm.

After a few pictures I made a few calls to the hospital but no one answered.

I gave up on reaching the Goth Guy because we really needed to get Henry's blood drawn today. We decided to take Henry to the Women's and Infants Hospital. Because most of our town shuts down when it snows, I wasn't sure if there would be anyone at the lab. We were able to get rock star parking which is a rarity at the hospital. When we arrived at the lab no one was at the desk but we waited until a nurse arrived and registered us.

There was a sign saying only one parent could go in with the child but Mary, the phlebotomist, said she wouldn't do that to us, we could both go in. Mary is a grandmother and loves little children. She was a sweet woman with a gentle touch. She quickly took Henry's blood... there was some crying and gnashing of teeth but they were able to get the five vials of blood! As soon as they took the needle out we gave Henry a bottle and all was right with the world. Henry fell asleep in the car before we got home.

This morning the pediatrician confirmed Henry has giardia. I am so glad they found it! It can be hard to detect. I think Henry will feel so much better once the giardia is gone.

TB test and a Hernia?

Over the weekend I did something to my stomach. I have bulge less than an inch long and some bruising just to the right of my belly button. It doesn't hurt, it burns. I scheduled a doctor's appointment for this afternoon but 3 hours before the appointment the doctor had an emergency call so I will go Thursday. I looked online (always dangerous!) to see if I could self diagnose (also very dangerous!). One google search and "hernia" came up. Of course, I immediately pictured myself having a hernia operation AND trying to deal with a son who is a barnacle! Not to mention the number of stairs in our house.... So what did I do? I went to work in the yard because once my hubby finds out I have a hernia, I'm sure I'll be on restriction. It's January- we need to prune the apple trees, weed, get ready for a truck full of mulch this spring, etc. Ah, but really, what are the chances I have a hernia? I'm guessing really,really small. I did a lot of yard work, just in case.

This afternoon I took Henry for his TB test. One of my favorite nurses did the test. The burning pain on my stomach drove me to ask her about hernias. She shut the door asking to see the spot. After she saw the bruising and felt the bulge she said, "Let's get the head nurse in here." So here I am in the pediatrician's office having them look at my tummy! Have I no shame??? Well, clearly not! The head nurse comes in, takes a look and then says you've torn something, do you have an appointment with a GP? She tells me that it doesn't look like a hernia but I need to have it looked at this week. So, I don't have a hernia, whew!
I've got to go google "tear in the stomach muscle".... uh, just kidding...

One last thing, remember- When lifting heavy objects (such as your 25 lb child) it is important to lift correctly, with knees bent and your back and abdomen straight.

doctors, blood and finding the Goth Guy

Yesterday, Igor and I took Henry to the doctor for his IA medical evaluation. We were scheduled for one hour and ended up being in the office for 2 1/2 hours! The doctor was able to confirm that Henry's ears are all cleared up. Woo-hoo! She said to keep Henry on a bottle for one more month, not because he needs it but because it's familiar. Henry has gained a pound in the last twelve days, so she was very pleased. Now, I can put on my work-out chart that I am carrying around a 25 pound boy.

She gave us the kit to collect "samples" so they may determine if he has any parasites. We dropped them off this morning. They couldn't do the TB test because the office will be closed on Sunday so the next step.. blood. I am not sure if I should insert circus music here or sad dramatic music, both probably apply. A former NICU nurse and 2 Physicians Assistants tried to draw his blood with no luck. Henry cried his little eyes out! I got the job of holding Henry down- ugh....The receptionist had to take Igor out of the exam room... you get the picture. The former NICU nurse told me that we will have to go to the hospital to get Henry's blood drawn. She said, "You want the "Goth Guy" at the hospital., he's the best." She could not remember his name. They gave me some formula, I paid the bill, scheduled the TB test for Monday and went home exhausted.

At home I shared our time with the doctor with Rob and mentioned that I need to find the Goth Guy. Rob shook his head- how are you going to find the Goth Guy? I didn't know but I figured it would all work out.

This morning I called the hospital and was transferred several times. I finally spoke with a nurse who suggested I call the Women's and Infant Unit of the Hospital since Henry is 23 months old. She gave me the number but before she hung up I asked her if the Goth Guy worked in this unit. She said he worked in her department but they don't make appointments you just show up and get one of the phlebotomists on duty. I explained my situation then she whispered, "His name is xxxxx. Call him at the following number xxx-xxxx between 12:30-1:00 to talk with him directly." Now we are getting some where! So, in 2 hours I will call to see if he will draw Henry's blood.
More to come...

Good News

Dear YG, you are the best! I am so grateful that you are part of our adoption journey!

I am feeling a better. I was able to eat some bread this afternoon and scrambled eggs for dinner.

The contractor and I had a chat this morning. He lied to me which made me really mad. BUT he knows that I am on to his wily ways! The quality of workmanship has improved 100% since our chat.

The electrician arrived this morning. He was able to fix the electrical issue so we have power in the entire house! The electrical problem was a screw in the wiring, ops.

The contractor and I will be having a discussion tomorrow about the electrician's bill, since it was their screw that shorted power to our house. The contractor dreads meeting with me because I hold him accountable. Our working relationship would be so much better if he didn't lie AND he didn't cut corners. heavy sigh

Igor and I spent an hour at the new construction site in town. We watched excavators fill up dump truck after dump truck with dirt. There was a strong breeze today so Igor and I were a lovely clay color! When we returned home we played with sand and water. Playing with water has been prohibited because of the drought. This year we have two rain barrels so Igor may play with rain water! Igor thought this was such a wonderful treat. I cannot wait to play with him and the water tomorrow.

Thankfully Rob is back in town! He returned home in time to read Igor books and tuck him into bed.