Collin and the kids had a good time camping last weekend, despite the torrential rainstorms that plagued their campsite. The kids helped set up the tent and were very proud of their work. (William brought his gun so as to defend the campsite from any wandering bears.)
Unfortunately, on the way home, Collin stopped at a scenic overlook to show the kids the scenery and somehow managed to nearly tear the front bumper off the car. (There was a piece of metal sticking out of the concrete barrier at the end of the parking space, and it caught on the bumper as he was backing out.) The bumper was dragging on the ground so he couldn't drive it home and had to call a tow truck.
After the first towing company changed their minds about going to get him (half an hour after they said they'd be there -- apparently the employees were unable to LOOK AT A FREAKING MAP when they accepted the job and didn't realize how far it was to our house), he called a second company and they towed the car home. The kids weren't in bed until 11:30pm (the night before school started...) but at least everyone got home safely.
We had the car towed to a body shop on Monday, and we should (hopefully) get it back tonight.
On Monday, Elanor started 3rd grade and William started kindergarten!
They both had a GREAT first day!
After I took the requisite "first day" photo, Elanor asked if Violet and Gabriel could be in a picture too. I was pleased with the result -- all four are looking at the camera and only one is sticking out her tongue (quintessential Violet).
Last night I met up with Leila! She bought me supper and we talked for 2+ hours non-stop (we could have talked longer, but the restaurant was closing so we had to leave). It was so much fun!
Yesterday was also my long-awaited appointment with the only Ponseti-certified pediatric orthopedist in Phoenix, Dr. Lee Segal at Phoenix Children's Hospital. My appointment time was 4pm but I didn't see the doctor until past 5:30 - there was some sort of emergency so all the appointments were running behind. (Would have been nice to have been informed of that EARLIER, but oh well.) The staff was very apologetic - the nurse kept checking in on me and offered snacks and bottled water.
Overall, I was very pleased with both Phoenix Children's Hospital and Dr. Segal. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and reassuring, and assured me that they were very strict about following the Ponseti protocol to the letter. I feel that Tiebreaker will receive excellent care, which is a relief.
In related news to #6, I've started a new blog! Introducing...
I wanted to create a more focused blog for Tiebreaker's journey, to make it easier for other parents dealing with clubfoot to find. It's pretty basic at the moment and I only have one post up so far, but I hope to get several more posts up this weekend.
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
I would have loved to have been at that dinner!!! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the medical care for TB!!
Things have come a long way in 40 years but my brother was born with club foot and is doing fine.
ReplyDeleteI wish we could have talked for at least two more hours! Too fun!! And Sew, that would have been an amazing dinner! Come on down to AZ and let's get it going….
ReplyDeleteWhen there's something "wrong" with your kid (I hate using that word but you know what I mean) feeling good about the medical care is a HUGE weight lifted. Toddler Hebrews' drs and nurses mean the world to me!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking lately, as I watch her go through her latest developments, about you and Tiebreaker. And I just want you to know--it's scary, and it's okay to be scared. But you know what? There is SO much good waiting for you. Tiebreaker will amaze and astound you. And if s/he does need surgery, I won't sugarcoat it--it'll be one of the worst days of your life. BUT--I can't overstate how incredibly rewarding it is just to have a front-row seat to the curiosity, tenacity, persistence, and generally inspirational spirit of these little people. I feel like we get SO much extra joy because we take much less for granted. Sure, some days are hard but most of the time my heart is overflowing with love, pride, and humility at the kindness of others. Not that I'm GLAD Toddler Hebrews is disabled, but I have had SO many wonderful blessings come out of it.
Hopefully that came across as encouraging. It was supposed to...but I'm pretty tired so who knows what I just said. :)
I love the gun for protection! Man too bad about the car and then the tow truck. Hopefully the repair won't be too expensive.
ReplyDelete