Diagnosis...

Yesterday we finally were able to get Hunter in to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist.  I've asked his pediatrician for years about his weight, or lack of it, but was always told that I was little therefore my kid was too.

Last year I switched pediatricians and the first thing she said to Hunter when she walked in was, "Whoa- you are one skinny kid"- she saw it right away.  The first thing she did was send us to see a dietician/nutritionist.  All of that checked out, so the next step was the GI doc which took three months to get into.  I knew in the back of my mind what the diagnosis would be, but seeing it in black and white took my breath away...

Failure to thrive.

He is 4'10 and weighs in at 67#.  The doctor suspects that his stomach does not empty as fast as it should.  A large breakfast for him can hold him over until the next morning.  We saw for years that breakfast was his best meal of the day, but the rest of the day he barely touched anything to eat.  When he was in public school he was on high doses of ADHD and anxiety meds- all which have weight loss as a side effect.  For years we wrote off his low weight to that, but now that he's been home and off meds for almost two years we are still not seeing any weight gain.

He will be going in to have a nuclear gastric emptying test performed, followed by a endoscopy/colonscopy.  Not only am I complete wreck at knowing there is something wrong with my son, it is further compounded by the fact that we were dropped from our medical insurance when the strike went into effect.  Hunter being the good natured kid that he is said that maybe they'd find money coming out his wazoo.  I love that boy.

When it rains it pours, right?   But the sun has to peek out at some point...

Boo...

Halloween was a fun one this year.  With older kids it's so different than the days of purchasing costumes and getting everyone ready.  These days they do it all on their own...

I'm totally loving this stage of raising kids!

Dear Miley...

Dear Miley,

From a mom of a 16 year old who pretty much thinks you hung the moon, I want to thank you.  Yes, you read that right- thank you.

Anne attended a Hannah Montana concert back in the days when you were sporting your blonde wig and singing about having fun and being a part of the in crowd.  She was around eight or nine, and we laughed at how excited she was to see you on stage.

Us telling the girls they were going to see Hannah Montana...

Eight years later....you've changed a bit.  And that is totally okay, you are supposed to change as you grow up.  You are 20 and I find myself marveling at how you have found a way to use that amazing voice while changing up your image as an "adult artist" so uniquely.  I imagine if I had been in your situation, and everything I did during that "let's figure out who the hell I am as a grown up" phase had been documented and I'd had access to the stage as you do, well, it wouldn't have always been pretty.

You are growing as a woman, an artist- a person, and you are figuring it out.  I get that because as a mom of a 16 year old girl who is trying to do the exact same thing- it's just plain 'ol hard.  Just like yourself, Anne doesn't always get it right- and there are times where I have to correct her and she cannot even begin to see my reasoning.  And that's okay too, because right now she's not supposed to.

Last night you gave Anne one of her best memories as a teenager.  She stood in a sold-out stadium, wearing a shirt she made just for you to see, and sang right along with you about growing up and changing.  She could relate.   And for that I thank you.   Keep doing what you are doing.  I am confident that just like my own "little" girl you will go on to do amazing things, and just like all of us "grown ups" you will shake your head at some of the crazier things you did.  Just as it's supposed to be.

Signed,

A Mom

Hunkering down...

Storms rolled into Texas last night.  Temperatures dropped, rain fell, and we kicked the heater on.  In short, we hunkered down.

perspective

A storm of a different sort rolled in as well, one that comes without warning and usually blindsides you. Being a parent is tough because just when you think you have it down and have it all figured out, a curve ball gets thrown your way.  You stumble back, regroup- and sometimes you just have to hole up and heal.

my comfort food:  homemade meatballs & marinara sauce

I am taking a few days off from blogging.  I am staying home, cooking comfort food, and staying close to my kids.  I need a minute to catch my breath and figure it all out again.  I need to savor the next few days and create some happy memories- no matter how small.  We need to regroup and reconnect as a family.  The ebb and flow of life- full tilt to slow crawl.

Have a good weekend...I'll be back on Monday.