Expected News in an Unexpected Way

OK, let me explain. We went and saw the Neurologist. We talked, he read all the reports, we talked more. Then he put Lauren through several tests. The good news . . . its NOT dsypraxia, just ADD. He then went on to explain the I'm too used to the boys version of ADHD. Lauren has what he calls the GIRLS VERSION. OK. He then went on to explain that girls have different issues, especially when they're not hyper. He thinks most of the issues she's having, expect for the dsylexia, is all due to ADD. The falling, the memory, the lack of focus the panic attacks. The falling part surprised me and I even asked if he was sure it wasn't dsypraxia like Brandon. He assured me it was not. He thinks she falls and trips due to a large problem with inattention. She so distracted that she doesn't focus on walking or going up and down the steps. SO, he suggested we try the meds that Brandon takes. Now don't all you people freak out. I know there are people out there that are fully against meds, but not me. I've seen the difference it can make for my boys. If it helps her stop falling and the emotions that are running wild, I'm all for it. Of course we will be keeping a very close eye on things for the first month. With Arion I kept a log, think I will do it again with Lauren. Things like how she feels, if she falls, change in appetite and if it effects her sleep. So, wish us the best. I really hope this makes a big difference in her life.

Packing For Camp

This week is a little crazy. I am trying to get two kids packed for camp. Lauren is not too hard. She was just there last month. I really only had to get some new batteries for her flashlights (yes, two . . I assume she will lose one). I guess the bigger issues is Brandon. This will be his first year at camp. Last night we went out and got him a new pair of hiking boots. His old ones were just too small to go another year. As we shopped, we were talking about what he needed to bring. He wants to take everything. I told him he could take his blanket and ONE stuffed animal, but then he wanted to take his dream catcher. I told him that the dreams he has here wouldn't travel and he would have camp dreams. I know, lame. Then last night he was having nightmares about having nightmares at camp and I decided that I would squeeze it in. I guess I am also worried that he will have a good time. At least at boy scout camp, Jim will be with him. The whole troop goes at the same time, so they will all know him. I guess it will be an easy first time out.

Stability Sneakers

So, the PT therapist thought it might help if I got Lauren these "stability sneakers". They're really stability running shoes. She gave me a coupon for a running shoe store. Went there yesterday and saw a whole wall marked "STABILITY". Explained what I needed and sort of why. Funny, he looked at Lauren and then back at me and then checked that it was her and not me that needed the shoes. Now I know I walk with a limp, but come on. Of course he started out my showing me some for $140 and then $100. HELLO, she's 10. NOT HAPPENING. I kindly told the man that I had a problem with spending that much for a 10 year old that might only get 6 months out of them. He then mentioned "last years model". Like I'm worried some guy who reads running magazines is going to notice her out of date foot wear. With my coupon, the clearance shoe was only $57. That, I can do. They better work or we won't be getting any more. Definitely going to check some other store to see what prices they have.

Last Night of PT

Tonight will be Lauren's last night of PT until she can see the Neurologist. I am hoping he will write another prescription for her to continue. She fell again yesterday. No major damage, just hurt her chin and shoulder. In the 6 short weeks since she started, her endurance is better. I'm not so sure that it has had any effect on the clumbiness. I guess there is no quick fix. This is going to take a while. I feel myself getting nervous about the upcoming appointment. What if I'm wrong. What if it's not the dyspraxia and it's something else. I guess the known is better than the unknown. It least I understand the dyspraxia. Then there's always the chance that he says nothing is wrong and then what do I do. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there. I should have more faith in this doc. I've known him for more than 15 years. He's always know what to do. I guess I'm just tired and worried that the next fall will break a bone or need stitches.

Big Day Yesterday

Yesterday was very busy. Jim finally got a day that he could take Lauren up in a plane. Brandon had his fight a month or so back and now it was her turn. They flew down to the beach and had lunch. While there Lauren hurt her finger. She closed it in the plane door when they landed. On the way back the weather started to get a bit rough. Jim took the plane to 6,000 feet to get over it and that was great for Lauren. She got to see the clouds from above. Really liked it. Unfortunately, Jim didn't get any pictures. He brought the camera, but he said the wind and all took all his concentration. Couldn't put the plane on auto pilot.

I decided to take Brandon to play tennis. He has been asking to learn for a while. I think they did a little at school and really peaked his interest. When we stopped to get some balls I saw some kid size rackets. I checked the chart and found one that he like that was just his size. It was only $15 so I got it. We stayed at the court for about 30-45 minutes. No bad for holding his interest. I think the heat was what did it. I plan on taking him back some more this summer. Of course I didn't get any pictures, since Jim had the camera. I will try take some when we go back.

Lauren at Camp

Can't believe Lauren has been back from camp a whole week. Meant to write and just don't seem to have the time anymore. By the way, she had a great time. She earned lots of credit towards badges and should be able to finish at least 3 before the end of summer. She also wants to work on two other badges, just need to find the time. When I picked her up we stood waiting for her group picture and I asked the one question I needed to know. The director was there and gave me a look. One other counselor looked at me like I was crazy. "So, Lauren, did you make it through the week without falling??" Yeah, didn't think she would. Fell twice. No bad injuries.

The picture is cut from the group picture at camp. You can see her wearing her hat. The hat story is kind of funny. You see I have a similar hat that I put our SWAPS on. A swap is something you make with a pin and pass them on to friends or keep to remind you of something you have done or a place you have been. She wanted a similar hat so I found a cheap one and she has since filled it with swaps. Before camp she made swaps for all her bunk mates. When she got to camp she started to feel very embarrassed about the hat. I told her not to be. That the leaders would really like it. It's a Girl Scout thing. Still she was worried. When I picked her up, she was not only wearing it, but some of her bunk mates had added swaps to their hats too. It was like a badge of honor. She ended up not only giving out the swaps she made to give but some of the one she had for her on the hat. I told her we would just make them again.

All in all she is excited about going back in August.