We survived the trip to the University Hospital, gambit of tests and back again. And now… now we get onto fixing the sad van. BUT I am sure everyone else is MUCH more interested in Echo and her tests than the van (well most everyone). We started with the test we needed her to be the CALMEST with – the ECG. That was actually an easy one, though a bit of a wait there… you can wait up to 4 hours to get in one of those in the children’s wing! Basically we stripped her down to diaper, stuck stickers on her and then held her arms and legs still when plastic clips are clipped to the stickers and a quick reading is taken. She was rather enthralled with the technician’s bracelet and only cried once the stickers were pulled off (hurt a little) and the results were printed out (loud!). Those results we took with us to drop off at the specialist’s office.
Next we did bloodwork, which had at least a 20 min wait. Echo and I waited in the waiting room but due to limited space the other 4 and Ken waited elsewhere. We lucked out in the ECG waiting room – they had cartoons on!!! To do bloodwork on an infant they take us to a tiny room where there is a bed to lay her on, this time just take one arm out of her clothes. Then with TWO technicians and myself, hold her down… put the tourniquet on her arm and do the bloodwork. One of the ladies held her arm and I got the thrashing bottom half. They took enough for 4 different vials including her genetic test blood. Not a lot in each but still substantial. All the while the ladies were trying to be soothing and after they were done one even stuck around to talk to her until she was much calmer. BUT at this point she was starting to put 2 and 2 together and get a very solid FOUR.
Our last stop, after tidying up our crayons and pictures and waking up a dozing daddy, was to head over to x-ray. There I ran into a lady who I had met first in the ECG waiting room. She was ALSO there for her baby’s heart murmur, though his was so loud you could hear and feel it easily! She also had an 8 hour drive back to B.C. after she completed her testing (she did her x-ray and THEN was going for bloodwork). It was nice to talk to someone who had been there done that with all of this. In fact, in the ECG waiting room there was one lady there with a son who had had 3 open heart surgeries (though looking at him you would not believe it!) and she was sweet to talk to as well.
Anyway… the x-ray and the greatest indignity of the day… Well, we didn’t wait too long before they came to get us. Then it was BACK down to diaper… of course, by this point white coats and a paper covered bed meant she was NOT going quietly. Once her clothes were off one technician took her and placed her in what honestly looked like a big plastic tube with the back open. I had to hold her legs straight through the holes until they strapped her in somewhat like a corset with her tiny arms up and her hands over her head! She was NOT happy about it. Then behind the glass for me and 2 x-rays later she was back in my arms and being dressed back up.
The x-rays go right into the computer system and soon after our doctor’s office and check them out. We dropped off the print off for our doctor and double checked that we were good to go home. Our follow up to all of these tests (except the genetic which is ANOTHER appointment we have not yet had scheduled) is July 25th, though I am sure IF there is something pressing we will be notified way sooner.
Recovering after her ordeal with a snack
We had TONS of compliments on Echo (her lovely pink ensemble by the lady with the baby boy who missed dressing a baby in pink, and technicians who thought her impossibly perfect and pretty) and our family as a whole. An older woman came up to me to share that she too had twins – though after her first was 9 months old and that we were doing a marvellous job and she was very impressed. Even Trinity got reminded that she was a VERY pretty girl. The kids were all pretty good, there was some whining and some not watching where they were walking but for being there over 2 hours that was to be expected. Much longer and we would have had to have lunch there I think.
I didn’t take pictures during tests etc, but I DID get one of my family on the way out of the hospital. Today was another blustery and cold day so everyone was bundled up a little more than usual, well except Ken and myself in our shorts… not smart!
On the ped-way
So we survived the ordeal and even managed to keep the kids somewhat occupied and out of trouble. They each did up a drawing by the end of it as well… can you guess which is Trinity’s?
The finished art
The boys started their newest and simplest ongoing project – reading the chapter book The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. We borrowed the book for Karyn and finished the first chapter today. Then each of the boys did an illustration. I am thinking of doing a couple sentences copy work for the next chapter. It will depend on how we all feel, and what the chapter is about.
Our book
I am not sure why the funny faces
I have to admit there is a bit of frustration after all of these tests… even with meeting other moms dealing with issues there was no one like us… all these babies and little ones were so not… well… little. Even the little boy who has had THREE open heart surgeries and is on the the donor list looked so healthy and large. Some days I just want to meet someone ELSE who has a tiny, healthy baby. My heart feels lighter though talking with other moms facing stuff like this… and the nurses and technicians were all so nice. A big part of me wanted to run home to my daddy or mommy myself though. Sometimes it is tough being and adult and a parent.
There is so much that I want to do before we move and the time is quickly ticking away. Worst of all, we are facing the fact that the van is going in tomorrow to be repaired and then we hope it is a fast fix. Thank goodness I have the stocking to keep me busy!
Stocking
I am ready to have everything be done and over. BUT on the plus side – one thing already is – her tests are done… results are what they are… and the next appointments are scheduled. Next is the van, then on the weekend Sunday School and that (fingers crossed) rental. I am just so glad that the specialist wrote up a requisition to get her genetic bloodwork done now as well, it makes me feel a little bit ahead of the game. I just want to move on and keep going FORWARD. There is still so much to do this summer and I need to regain my feeling of peace and control.
BUT lets focus on the good…
- Echo’s tests are DONE DONE DONE…
- We at least are 10 steps closer to our rental in the new city
- Packing is getting accomplished and I have a plan to take some extra stuff to Karyn on Sunday to hold for us until the 1st as an optimistic measure
- The stocking is progressing
- Ken is still smiling! BIG ONE!!!!
And with everyone’s prayers, support and positive thinking life is turning back around for the Reinsch-Johnson family and for that I thank you all!!
Gavin and his Lego creation for the day