@PSUBecky23 It's my a/s day, too! I hope you get to see everything, and that everything looks good. Also, happy voting!
@sporty1216 I'm sorry for the mixed news. We'll all be thinking of you and your little girl, so keep us updated. Also, my BIL did that as a kid all the time, and now he does it specifically to get flavored milks to use in baking. Maybe you have a culinary genius on your hands! (or, I guess a toddler who likes sweet things and does weird toddler stuff Might be both, though!)
Random sentiment today - yesterday was DH's first day at his new job. They asked him to be in at 10am and he texted me shortly after 3pm when he was leaving. My first thought was that the short day (nice, right?) was because it was his first day and there wasn't a huge agenda for him. But nope, he said everyone else pretty much got there at 10 and left at 3, too. And went out for an hour lunch. Must be nice!!! (These are all guys who generally work 100% from home so I'm sure that accounts for some of the lax in scheduling - they're all used to not physically being in the office unless there's a direct reason.) But still. I'm officially jealous.
Oh! And I loooooved that DH picked DD up from daycare yesterday, was home with her the same time I was home from work, we all went for a walk and played at the park, he made dinner when we got home and we were settled in to watch DD's favorite movie by 7:15pm. When normally, he's not even home from the city until that time. I can get used to that!
So my poodle has epilipsy. We found this out shortly after he completed assistance dog training and decided that we were already too bonded to "career change" him and get a new dog (though the organization we worked with to get him was happy to let us make that decision and would have gladly replaced him if we decided that was the way to go). Thankfully, he doesn't have frequent seizures, only once about every 4-6 months or so. Well today he had another seizure and this one was a bit out of his normal pattern. Typically, he'll wake up from a deep sleep, vomit, and then go into his grand mal seizure, but today he was up and about before it happened .
SInce Fred is an assistance dog, I'm worried about what this new development might mean for bringing him in public. When I knew his seizures only happened in the AM after waking, I knew it was something I could handle - the chances of him having a seizure in the middle of Target (for example) were incredibly low - but if he has seizures anytime throughout the day it could mean a major change in his routine and life.
I knew I'd have to keep him as an "at home only" assistance dog eventually, I just didn't think it might be a possibility so soon, at the age of 4.
@steephers123 I'm also from outside of the city. Spent a few years in Seattle for college, but eventually moved back to the outskirts. Where are you now?
@PoodleDoodleOooI'm so sorry to hear your pup had a seizure. That, on top of his responsibility of being your service dog, is scary! I hope this instance is isolated so you can continue taking him out in public, at least for a while longer! What will you do when he has to be an "at home only" assistance dog? Will you have to get a second pup to go out in public with you?
@JennM205 - No, I wouldn't get a second dog. I'd just have to adapt to being dog-less in public like I did before him. The majority of his work is done inside the home (alerting to door knocks, oven timers, alarm clocks, etc), but I really like having him out in public, too, since he's able to help me get my "sound bearings" if that makes sense. If someone comes up behind me and says "excuse me" I probably won't hear it, but he will. He'll look back, so I look back and thus, know someone is behind me. Or if we're at Starbucks, I often tell them the coffee is for "Fred" and when they shout out his name, he reacts by looking so I know it's my order. It's not something he's specifically trained to do, but he does help a lot in public. I too hope this is an isolated instance!
@PoodleDoodleOoo- I'm so sorry to hear that... I certainly hope it was an isolated case and he goes back to the norm, since that seems like you handle it well already. Is he on medication already, or would that be an option? When I worked retail I had quite a few doggy patients who were on Phenobarbital to control their epilepsy (doggy patients were my favorite.. always pleased by a milkbone at the drive-thru, and rarely yelled at me to go faster )
I just got my teeth cleaned, happened to have my 6 month appointment today. Always good to get your teeth cleaned while pregnant, but holy smokes - The Bump had just warned me about swelling/bleeding gums and they were so sore!! Glad that's over, and when she was scheduling my next visit for November she said "next time you can bring the new baby!" EEEEE! (I won't be bringing baby to the dentist but I love that things are being scheduled post-baby at this point)
@AnnaS930He's not on medication yet and our vet doesn't want to put him on medication unless his seizures are more frequent or too severe. Right now they are so infrequent (1-3 times per year) that he thinks the risk of negative side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication. Thank you for your thoughts!
@AnnaS930 - Thanks for asking. We did. It's funny because it's one thing to just know that something is going on but it's a completely different thing to get any sort of diagnosis. He was diagnosed with both ADHD (emphasis on the hyperactivity and impulsivity part of it) and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder). The ODD diagnosis was a surprise and that hit me really hard since his chances of dealing with a mood disorder are increased. I deal with both depression and anxiety and I wouldn't wish that on anyone, least of all my own child. Needless to say, yesterday was a very emotionally charged day for both DH and I.
But we can move forward now. He has an appointment with his pediatrician this week to discuss options going forward and I'm waiting for an email back from his principal to discuss the diagnosis with her as well as his teacher. As a family there are things that we need to change to help set him up for success (provide more structure than we already do, be more patient in general, possible diet changes, etc.). At least he doesn't have to do it alone, it'll probably just be hardest for him unfortunately.
That all sounds good, @UnwritteN12. The silver lining I see is that you having faced anxiety and depression will have a better understanding if he does face such a challenge and will be more in tune with seeing early signs/indications. My father struggles with depression and when I had PPA/PPD it was really easy to talk to him because I knew that he would understand and wouldn't judge. I remember being on the verge of tears asking him if the medication would help or not and he assured me that it would. You'll be a wonderful support for him. I'm sure it'll be hard for him at times but with good interventions that you're making now I'm sure he will see marked improvements
@JennM205 It's awesome that your husband has that kind of flexibility now. My life changed so much for the better when I escaped the 8-5 world. Then again, that flexibility also meant I was on call last night and I've been up since 3 AM so I'm a little incoherent pineapple giraffe sailboat.
September '16 - May Signature Challenge Awkward Family Fun
@PoodleDoodleOoo- I thought that might be the case with the really infrequent happenings, seems a bit much to go on preventative treatment.. but at least you still have that option in the years ahead should seizure activity (and I certainly hope they do not) increase.
Yay for everyone having a/s's today. Mine is tomorrow afternoon and I have decided to take the day off of work, since there is no chance in the world of me getting anything done.
@PoodleDoodleOoo, I loved reading about how Fred helps you in public. So cool. I hope that this was just an isolated incident and his seizures go back to being infrequent and somewhat predictable.
@Steephers123, where in KC are you? I grew up in KC but now live in Jefferson City (sad face). I moved there temporarily for a job, but met my husband, who is from St. Louis, and he didn't want to move to KC. I for sure didn't want to move to St. Louis, so we ended up staying put. But I still dream of moving back to Kansas City. My whole family is there and it's my favorite place.
@UnwritteN12, I absolutely relate to everything you are feeling and going through. I think that I said in another post that I had known something was "off" with my son since he was three. People kept telling us that he was just an energetic boy and that there was nothing diagnosable about him, but when he was almost held back from first grade, I decided to take matters into our own hands and have him evaluated. Even though I knew, it was still hard news to hear. We had to do all of the things that you are doing in terms of restructuring, meeting with the schools and pediatricians, etc. I hope that you can find the solutions that will best help him. The great news is that he is young and he can learn coping skills now so that he won't struggle so much going forward and won't fall far behind in school. My son is now like a completely different kid....Still energetic, still his goofy self, but gets A's and B's in school and is able to control his impulsivity soooo much better than before. I'll be thinking of you and hoping that you have the easiest path to get him what he needs.
@Ssoccerball I'm in the J Cty area. We were in Lawrence for a reeeeeally long time, and I finally got my husband to move, so I'm counting the tiny move as a win One of my college friends is from Jefferson City and she still talks about the pizza place there that she loves, I can't remember the name? I think she'd marry that pizza if she could, the way she talks about it!
My random is that I think I broke my toe last night. I went to push a trashcan over in our pantry and banged my foot on the door frame. Now my toe hurts like crazy and is all black and blue. I couldn't put it in a real shoe, so I'm wearing flip flops. I guess I should feel the worst for my co-workers, who might have to see it.
@Steephers123, I went to law school at KU. I loved Lawrence! But not as much as I love KC. I lived up north, about 5 minutes from Zona Rosa and went to Park Hill (before there was a Park Hill South). Was it Arris' pizza? That's probably the most popular place in Jeff. Though Columbia is only a half an hour away and people lose their minds over Shakespeare's pizza.
That's it! Yeah people get attached to their pizza places. I did undergrad at KU and I think I just got burned out on living there after I was done with school. I love KC so much more after moving east closer to the city, and it's a great place to raise a family!
@Sbrown721Yes, it definitely feels like it's moving fast. For some reason being 22 weeks next week with only 18 weeks left to estimated due date, 18 weeks doesn't feel like a very long time. I'm sure it'll drag, but Summer usually goes by too quickly so I'm liking the timing of this pregnancy (let me get back to you on that when it's August and I'm a sweaty beached whale)
For me pregnancy seems to drag on from when you find out until you announce to the world around 12 weeks. Then it goes quickly from 12-16 weeks and drags from 16-20...I'm in a this is taking forever stage . Then 20-30/32 flies and the last 8 weeks just drag on.
I love the timing of this pregnancy too. I really like the idea of a September baby. I am not sure how summer will go as a this is my first pregnancy...I am looking forward to living in maxi dresses/skirts, but I am REALLY hoping I am not swollen all summer! I'll just be chugging water and lemonade in the shade
@Sporty216 I just read the update. I'm so sorry to hear that, they found an abnormality at our first trimester screen and had us come back in 2 weeks and it was gone. Most difficult 2 weeks ever. A lot of people I spoke to during that time said they had similar experiences, something abnormal at a scan then it was gone, or their child is perfectly fine. Both my boys everything was normal on all of their scans, but my younger son was found to have a heart murmur at his 12 month checkup. We went in for an echo and he has a tiny hole between his 2 ventricles. Apparently this is one of the most common "birth defects" and he will likely grow out of it...if he doesn't it shouldn't cause him any problems.
The waiting game is the worst, but everything will work out. Best wishes sent your way.
My random of the day- does anyone else feel like random people are just coming out of the woodwork now that your pregnant?? In the past 2 weeks I've had about 5 people who I haven't talked to in YEARS reach out to me.
This is my second September baby pregnancy. Granted, I've never been pregnant any other time, but I love the timing of it. First tri coincides with icky winter weather, so the end of morning sickness evened out with the weather getting nicer. Lots of ice cream and time in the pool when we are in third tri. My only complaint was that Indiana weather decided to get its hottest and most humid the last month when I was most swollen and huge. Which leads me to the fact that the only time pregnancy seemed to slow down for me was the last 4 or 5 weeks. That last month felt as long as the prior 3 had.
How was it when your baby was a newborn? I live in CO so, the winters aren't too bad here. I am glad we'll all have a couple months to go for lots of nice walks!
@Sbrown721 The weather stayed nice for a month or two after she was born. We were able to take her out for walks before winter started, and we were able to make it to a bonfire party with her when she was 3 weeks. I admittedly stayed in a lot with her because she was my first, but I've got plans to take this one to the pumpkin patch, orchard, and zoo for trick or treating. I love the fall, and can't wait to spend it with both of my girls this year!
@camichael84 I can't wait to take LO to the pumpkin patch! Every year I go apple picking and I got really excited when I realized this year I'd get to bring my baby
Having a December baby was hard for that exact reason - we could rarely go for long walks on unseasonably warm days (Hello Maine winters) but otherwise there were lots of days that we couldn't go outside (unless driving somewhere and hustling inside from the car.. and that's no fun). Looking forward to getting 3 solid months of Fall weather with this baby to apple pick, go for walks, etc.
@Ssoccerball As someone who has broken a toe, I would say if the pain isn't relieving it may indeed be broken! I broke my second to pinky toe and it was a pain I had never felt before. The swelling and bruising happened very quickly afterwards. Hopefully you are okay!!
@poodledoodleooo I am so sorry to hear about Fred!! That is so scary The poor little guy. I really hope the vet is able to manage it well and you'll find a new norm for you and Fred to work together.
I'm so excited to have this LO just before the holiday season. I know my family will go nuts over a tiny, squishy baby when they visit! We won't go out trick or treating for Halloween but I'll be passing out candy so I want to dress her up somehow. I saw a costume on Pinterest of dressing up as a web and wearing baby with a fuzzy spider costume covering the carrier, might do something like that. Or maybe have DH dress up and dress baby up in something similar, as long as it's simple and comfy.
Re: April Randoms Thread
@PSUBecky23 It's my a/s day, too! I hope you get to see everything, and that everything looks good. Also, happy voting!
@sporty1216 I'm sorry for the mixed news. We'll all be thinking of you and your little girl, so keep us updated. Also, my BIL did that as a kid all the time, and now he does it specifically to get flavored milks to use in baking. Maybe you have a culinary genius on your hands! (or, I guess a toddler who likes sweet things and does weird toddler stuff
Random sentiment today - yesterday was DH's first day at his new job. They asked him to be in at 10am and he texted me shortly after 3pm when he was leaving. My first thought was that the short day (nice, right?) was because it was his first day and there wasn't a huge agenda for him. But nope, he said everyone else pretty much got there at 10 and left at 3, too. And went out for an hour lunch. Must be nice!!! (These are all guys who generally work 100% from home so I'm sure that accounts for some of the lax in scheduling - they're all used to not physically being in the office unless there's a direct reason.) But still. I'm officially jealous.
Oh! And I loooooved that DH picked DD up from daycare yesterday, was home with her the same time I was home from work, we all went for a walk and played at the park, he made dinner when we got home and we were settled in to watch DD's favorite movie by 7:15pm. When normally, he's not even home from the city until that time.
I may have overspent on Earth Day. Between diapers and carriers, I got FIVE shipping notifications yesterday. It's going to be a fabulous week!
Happy a/s day @jabreen and @psubecky23!
@steephers123 I'm also from outside of the city. Spent a few years in Seattle for college, but eventually moved back to the outskirts. Where are you now?
July: Patriotic Fails
But we can move forward now. He has an appointment with his pediatrician this week to discuss options going forward and I'm waiting for an email back from his principal to discuss the diagnosis with her as well as his teacher. As a family there are things that we need to change to help set him up for success (provide more structure than we already do, be more patient in general, possible diet changes, etc.). At least he doesn't have to do it alone, it'll probably just be hardest for him unfortunately.
I'm sure it'll be hard for him at times but with good interventions that you're making now I'm sure he will see marked improvements
Awkward Family Fun
Yay for everyone having a/s's today. Mine is tomorrow afternoon and I have decided to take the day off of work, since there is no chance in the world of me getting anything done.
@PoodleDoodleOoo, I loved reading about how Fred helps you in public. So cool. I hope that this was just an isolated incident and his seizures go back to being infrequent and somewhat predictable.
@Steephers123, where in KC are you? I grew up in KC but now live in Jefferson City (sad face). I moved there temporarily for a job, but met my husband, who is from St. Louis, and he didn't want to move to KC. I for sure didn't want to move to St. Louis, so we ended up staying put. But I still dream of moving back to Kansas City. My whole family is there and it's my favorite place.
@UnwritteN12, I absolutely relate to everything you are feeling and going through. I think that I said in another post that I had known something was "off" with my son since he was three. People kept telling us that he was just an energetic boy and that there was nothing diagnosable about him, but when he was almost held back from first grade, I decided to take matters into our own hands and have him evaluated. Even though I knew, it was still hard news to hear. We had to do all of the things that you are doing in terms of restructuring, meeting with the schools and pediatricians, etc. I hope that you can find the solutions that will best help him. The great news is that he is young and he can learn coping skills now so that he won't struggle so much going forward and won't fall far behind in school. My son is now like a completely different kid....Still energetic, still his goofy self, but gets A's and B's in school and is able to control his impulsivity soooo much better than before. I'll be thinking of you and hoping that you have the easiest path to get him what he needs.
One of my college friends is from Jefferson City and she still talks about the pizza place there that she loves, I can't remember the name? I think she'd marry that pizza if she could, the way she talks about it!
July: Patriotic Fails
I love KC so much more after moving east closer to the city, and it's a great place to raise a family!
July: Patriotic Fails
For me pregnancy seems to drag on from when you find out until you announce to the world around 12 weeks. Then it goes quickly from 12-16 weeks and drags from 16-20...I'm in a this is taking forever stage
. Then 20-30/32 flies and the last 8 weeks just drag on.
@Sporty216 I just read the update. I'm so sorry to hear that, they found an abnormality at our first trimester screen and had us come back in 2 weeks and it was gone. Most difficult 2 weeks ever. A lot of people I spoke to during that time said they had similar experiences, something abnormal at a scan then it was gone, or their child is perfectly fine. Both my boys everything was normal on all of their scans, but my younger son was found to have a heart murmur at his 12 month checkup. We went in for an echo and he has a tiny hole between his 2 ventricles. Apparently this is one of the most common "birth defects" and he will likely grow out of it...if he doesn't it shouldn't cause him any problems.
The waiting game is the worst, but everything will work out. Best wishes sent your way.
In the past 2 weeks I've had about 5 people who I haven't talked to in YEARS reach out to me.
@Ssoccerball - Thanks so much. I'm grateful to know that we're not alone and that things have turned around for your son.
@poodledoodleooo I am so sorry to hear about Fred!! That is so scary