Worth The Trip

Well.

We spent six hours at the hospital.

The doctor doesn't think she needs hip surgery at this time. Maybe later, so we'll have to keep an eye on it. She might also need surgery later to realign one of her kneecaps, which was pulled off-center by the contractures.

They took off the top half of her KAFOs to make them temporary AFOs.

They said that with the lighter bracing, she'll be walking independently in a matter of months.

I know better than to get my hopes up too high at that idea, but I really want to. It does help us decide which preschool to put her in (it is slightly less accessible than we would like, but better academically).

What I found most amazing is that even in a hospital full of children, she was continually singled out for praise and "how cute she is!" comments. And how she completely ignores it all.

Love Is

... picking off all the pieces of shredded basil from your toddler's slice of margherita pizza while yours gets cold, because she decided she "didn't like the green stuff."

We are ensconced in our lovely hotel in downtown Philly with free wireless internet. I will get through tomorrow because Saturday, we will be going to this museum, as well as this one. Plus, there's cheesesteaks, and apparently people think they're pretty good to eat.

Well, Big Daddy won't be going to the latter one. Uncle Carlos and I will be. And I'd like to take Peanut, because she thinks that stuff is neat (she is not the slightest bit scared of skeletons), and I think it's a nice reminder to those who are going there to look at the freaks that these were all people once too. We'll see how tired she is after the kid's place.

And a random observation: she's getting much more used to people staring at her. It doesn't make her stop dead in her tracks anymore, though I do miss the dead-eye stare she gave the particularly rude ones.

Oh, I didn't even tell you about the whole debacle with Peanut's medical records. I'm too sleepy now, but it ends well with the hospital having the appropriate records, after a crazy amount of phone calls and pleading and running around that ended up not being necessary. Made getting ready just that much more stressful.

I'm babbling. Thanks for the good wishes. I'll let you know what is said tomorrow.

Off To See The Wizard ... Of Wilmington, DE

We're leaving today for DuPont Hospital. We'll spend most of the day tomorrow at the hospital, where Peanut will see the orthopedic surgeon, a physical therapist, and an occupational therapist. They know what her issues are and are looking forward to seeing her, according to the PT.

We just need to keep our fingers crossed that the doctor says, "Surgery? She don't need no stinkin' surgery!"

Maybe not that exactly. I hate double negatives.

On Saturday, my friend Carlos (he's the coffee cup icon in that link) will come down to Philly to meet us, and we will go see museums.

Anyway, have a nice weekend.

From Cannibal To PETA Member

T. Rexasaurus: Rowr! I'm T. Rexasaurus! Rowr!

Unnamed Little Blue Dinosaur: Oh no! Please don't eat me!

T. Rexasaurus: Rowr! I'm a nice T. Rexasaurus. Here. Let me pick you up. Oh, baby dinosaur, I love you.

Happy Holidays!

Peanut and "Zuzu", the brand-new daughter of my best friend from junior high school. When we met almost 20 years ago, never in a million years would I have guessed that someday getting a picture like this would be the best birthday gift she could give me.