Mother said there'd be days like this...

It seems like we've gone for quite some time without major issues. So I suppose it is appropriate that we're thrown suddenly back into the thick of things.

Today, we visited the world renowned Developmental Pediatrician at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. While he was pleased with Jack's progress, he had some not-so-pleasant things to say. We need a Behaviorist consult. Jack is apparently "emerging ADHD". Our goal for him should be to attend "normal" Kindergarten with supportive services. His muscle tone will likely never improve which means he will always have major issues with handwriting and other fine motor activities. He has severe speech apraxia. He has significant learning disabilities. So much for "growing out of it". This same doctor also advised against putting Jack into an "inclusion classroom" with typically developing peers. His fear is that this will exacerbate Jack's speech difficulties and behavioral issues. Add to that visit, significant insurance complications and it made for a rather rough morning.

Jack as been suffering from recurring nosebleeds for the past week or two. Often having multiple "significant" bleeds, lasting longer than 15 minutes. It has been so bad that his nose is raw from all the tissues, washcloths, and whatever else has been handy to catch the blood. This morning, after a really rough night, I finally gave in and called the pediatrician for advice. Call the ENT I was told, which is exactly what I expected, he needs to have the vessels in his nose cauterized. Great.

During the course of my conversation with the pediatrician, I also asked her about Ainsley's recent tendencies to pull her eyelashes out. She started this sometime mid school year and managed to stop for a bit. She has however resumed and has moved on to her eyebrows as well. Her eyes are completely void of any lashes and half of her left eyebrow is missing. I am beside myself, having asked her repeatedly if there was something bothering her, if she was anxious or upset about anything. Coaxing from her a response of a standard "no". So now that the behavior has resumed our Pediatrician has recommended that we take her to therapist. Really. Take our seven year old daughter to see a therapist.

I'm still thankful for Jack's overall health and cognitive abilities and for Ainsley's brilliance and beauty. I recognize that these small details, which when compiled make for a rather ugly day, are very small in the grand scheme of things. But every once in a while I just have to vent. And this is one of those days.