Bi-annual trip

Hi all,

Makenna, Sheri and I just got back from our "6 month trip" to Omaha. It was due in June but 'Kenna and Mom were in California at that time. We were able to reschedule the dentist; audiologist (hearing aids); orthopedic (scoliosis); and orthotics (the guy who makes the brace for the scoliosis). We were unable to reschedule the opthomoligist until September.
It was a typical trip. We learned things we expected and we learned things we didn't expect:
First of all Makenna is loosing one baby tooth. Bottom, front. The x-ray showed the permanent tooth pushing it out of place. If there hadn't been a fight between the xray tech and 'Kenna and then Sheri noticing some bleeding gums I really don't know if we would know that much. It was a good answer to the blood. After the questions about, "did her teeth come in early"? No. "They actually came in late", we said. All I was thinking was, "you should know that, you have all the records". "Normally kids don't get their first permanent tooth this early", they said. They knocked one loose, a little early, I believe. Or the way Makenna chews and pulls on stuff with her teeth did? I was there I don't think they did anything wrong other than being single minded about getting x-rays. And I agreed with that approach and was trying to hold 'Kenna in a vice grip so they could do it. She didn't have to clamp that hard on things in her mouth. I really feel like a lousy father, but that is not new. I am putting no blame on the staff at the Tooth Fairy.

Hearing aids: no news there. No great advice to help us make her wear them. Makenna had another "behavioral hearing test", you know: hear a sound turn to look at the monkey in the box that lights up. She did better this time (with her behavior). She played along after a while. Nothing conclusive. Nothing changed. Response time given her didn't seem fitting and some subtle clues were missed, I think. Oh well. It was a hoot....again. I do believe we have the best clinical audiologist in Nebraska or any surrounding state. But he is used to dealing with kids with "hearing loss" they respond quickly or they don't based on what they hear. Makenna as a MR patient maybe heard that tone, at the volume, but why would she care to look for some monkey? She hates stuffed animals on principal, hates most animals generally. Why look to see what is going on again? You can't make her do it just because that is your rules for the game you want to play. Her game is different and you don't understand her rules either...so why wouldn't we dislike each other? Maybe I am reading to much into this?

Scoliosis: Some change. Last visit 6 months ago her curves were 5-7% better than this time. But her curve isn't as bad as once recorded. Maybe the brace is helping? Maybe the growth spurts are helping? Anyway the latest Cobb Measurements are; In brace: 41%/30% out of brace 60%/40%. As I remember it Makenna's highest readings, before bracing were 68% and something?. The readings 6 months ago were 53%/33% out of brace and 48%/25% in her brace. A 7 degree change in months is still significant. The lumbar curve is now the one that is progressing....That is bad news. But for all the families NOT dealing with scoliosis I would say: congratulations!...It gets blamed for more bad results from me, and Sheri, than it deserves: feeding, breathing, sleeping, crawling, walking and any bad behavior. I have a back that hurts. Maybe Makenna doesn't? She is not saying. So I have something to pin it on in my mind. Dr. Ginsburg was very sociable this time...that worries me. First hint of growing rods(surgery) mentioned by him. Maybe by the age of 6 or 7? I don't write this to be depressing. It is just time to start recording this for posterity. With witnesses.

Thanks for reading,

Clyde

We ARE alive!

Hi everyone,

Makenna and Mom have been traveling some.... about 4000 miles. And Makenna was "very good" the whole time! And Sheri had fun even though that many days on the road takes its' toll. Yes, it has been forever since my last post. While they were gone I got a lot of work done. I didn't have the mindset to post. Anyway Sheri and Makenna have made it home from California, then Colorado. So I have a few photos to put up.

This is Austyn, 'Kenna and Ally. They are cousins that live in Colorado.

This is Alyx, another cousin in Colorado, and Makenna wearing her cap like a gang-banger" wanna-be.

I will try and be more regular with posts. I am trying to keep this about Makenna and as many realize...sometimes nothing changes for months and months....So I guess it is based on my ability to craft a story? Clyde