It is OFF...

..and she is WALKING!

The REAL diagnosis you ask? A broken heel. Go figure.

The doctor said he still harbored some resentment from their (Ashlyn and his) "visits" together. So, what exactly does that mean? Any suggestions?

Discovery

What to give your child who won't stop screaming in the Grocery store:

a block of CHEESE

These were the remains. I had already chopped off the gnawed end.

I decided to let him feed his own self with a spoon this time.

Here was the outcome:

I guess he needs more practice?

Emerging Scientist

Materials: bottle, vinegar, balloon, baking soda, funnel, measuring spoon, and, of course, safety goggles




A little practice at home before the real thing.




Waa-laa: a blown up balloon!



And a quick check to make sure the onlookers from home weren't causing a ruckus.

Looks like the cast isn't interrupting this girl's sleep!

The Lowdown

Here's how it all played out (note: it is still 'playing out'):

Tuesday, September 29th -

Climbing into bed that night, I had an impression that something was going to happen to Ashlyn the next day and that needed to go love her. I brushed it aside, because I am always worrying about my children. (I know, I know, NEVER 'brush aside' impression of the Spirit.)

Wednesday, September 30th -

8:00 a.m. Packing up to go to the church. The captain chair is normally folded down, so I can help her get into her seat in the back. She climbed up onto the chair herself. I ran inside to get a diaper for Spencer and was going to stay inside to change him, but decided I needed to go back out to Ashlyn. Just as I was coming to her, she slipped and fell off onto the garage floor. Thank goodness it was not her head. Of course, she was crying, but I decided to wait to do something thinking she would be fine.

10:30, she was still whimpering and never played, so I called the doctor's office who did not call me back until

12:30 telling me the doctor couldn't see me today, but they would write a referral to get an X-ray done.

2:30 arrived at the hospital after dropping the boys off with a friend (thanks, Sara!)

3:30 got the X-ray

4:15 got the X-ray results: some swelling in her foot, but no fracture, but a significant appearance of osteopenia. What? Not what I was expecting! My pediatrician said she wanted to Ashlyn 1st thing in the morning.

5:00 left the hospital (with our collection of toys - see below)

Thursday, October 1st -

9:15 saw the pediatrician who determined that the fracture is most likely in her leg since Ashlyn still wouldn't bear any weight. Set us up to see an Orthopedist and sent us off to do blood work since there were signs of osteopenia in the X-ray

10:15 arrived at hospital #2. Got Ashlyn's 2nd cool bracelet and got Ashlyn poked. She actually did an awesome job. Her skin is so thick so it was hard for them to hone in on a vein, so they had to work the needle under the skin to get it.

3:00 got a call from the Orthopedist office. They get us in for the next day versus in a week. Hoo-rah!

Friday, October 2nd -

Still lots of pain (but now in my back too from carrying her everywhere - potty, couch, kitchen, car) and no standing.

1:00 Appt. to the Orthopedist. Poked and prodded, got more X-rays. got poked and prodded some more. She did so well, but was a little stinker. She told me that she would tell the doctor where it hurt, but as soon as he got in, she hid her mouth behind her arm and just looked at him with her big, brown eyes. When he was feeling around, she still wouldn't make a sound, only a few facial expressions said that she was in pain in certain areas. Anyways, he couldn't see anything clean nor obvious, but put her in a short leg cast (doesn't she have a short leg anyway?) and we are get it off in 2 weeks. But...there is more...he didn't see any osteopenia, but he called later to see if she was walking on it. I told him that she won't and says it still hurts. So, it looks like we will be going back this week and get some more X-rays (or maybe an MRI?) to see if there is anything further.

That is it (and I am pretty sure this is the most I have ever written on my blog at one time), but not really. Stay tuned for more.

This past week is officially named "Ashlyn Week".

The Prognosis

Still not sure, but a cast nonetheless. After 2 hospital visits, a pediatrician visit, blood work, and a trip to an orthopedist this is what is known (or unknown depending on your perspective). Other unknown things have been discovered all from this fall, but we will wait for the results.

But, take a look at the loot we have collected! I am thinking about hitting these places up around birthday times.