10 on 10/Blake's Clinic Day

Thursday was Iowa City day.  Nothing too major, just our typical scheduled clinic day.  It was also the 10th of the month, so I took 10 pictures throughout the day.

Coffee. Is. A. Must. Amen. 

  Labs were brutal.  The gal poked his left arm first and kept grinding around and couldn't find a vein.  After about the fifth time of her pulling the needle halfway out and then shoving it back in, I just held Blake as tight as I could and closed my eyes.  She then moved to the right arm and on the fourth try she got it.  It is the most helpless feeling for me and I'm not even the one who is in pain.  

Sidenote: why do they put smiley faces on this wrap post-blood draw?  It's not happy!!

Overall, Blake's appointment went well.  Here are some highlights:

1. Increased his feeds to try to get him to gain some more weight

2. Tweaked some meds, as always

3. Changed his dialysis prescription

4. Exit site infection.  Again.  Anti-biotics to the rescue.

5. Had the social worker ask me if I was getting enough sleep.  Seriously.  Code:  Wow, Jamie, you sure look like hell today.  I won't even elaborate, but let me tell you I wasn't too happy with that question!!

And this...

 

...our homework from Dr. Jetton.  I really and truly love our doctor.  I know she loves Blake and will do anything in her power to keep him healthy and be the best little Blake he can be.  She has broached the subject of growth hormone shots a couple of months ago.  I wasn't too excited about giving Blake a daily shot, so she brought us some articles about post-transplant and growth.  His height is 0 percentile.  Yes, 0%.  He has totally leveled off.  Dr. Jetton wants Blake to reach his potential in height, since he does come from the land of tall people. :)  I think she finally has me convinced.

Lunch.  With the biggest Diet Coke they had.  I don't drink a lot of pop, but I needed some caffeine after the appointment.  I don't know what it is about Iowa City that makes me drink caffeine like it's my job, but that's what I do when I'm there.

 

My tired boy.  I think to myself sometimes, 'Isn't it crazy that the bravest person I know is 20 months old?"  Crazy, but true.  

  Our friend, Sara, kept Bowen and on our way through Marshalltown we had to stop and get important things.  Like diapers.  And coffee.  Funny story, when I was checking out an older gentleman behind me looked at the twins and asked if I got them on a 2-for-1 special.  Ha!  Made me smile. :)

 After supper Jenna practiced her book she had to read to the class on Friday.  All reports say that she did great!

 Aaron went to take some photos at a wrestling meet, so it was just the kiddos and me.  I wanted to load the dishwasher and asked Jenna and Brody if they could occupy the twins.  They asked if they could take the cushions off the couch and I told them they could.  Jenna responded, "You're the best mom ever!!" Hmmm... and all it took was cushions off of a couch. :)

My mother-of-the-year moment: the living room was a disaster and I took the twins up to put them to bed.  I told Jenna and Brody if they picked-up without any fighting I would make them a chocolate malt.  Worked like a charm! I'm not ashamed of this bribery...

 A tired, tired Brody.  Good night!

It was a crazy, chaotic, day.  Traveling, school, doctor's appointments and just everyday stuff.
On days like this I remember this quote, 'Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day."  Love that.
P.S. I had to take all of these photos with my phone, so please don't mind the bluriness!