October Updates

Well, the month of October ended the same way it began, with a major doctor appointment for Alex. This time it was an MRI under sedation. Alex was a trooper even though she had to wake up at 4 am in order to eat before the 5 am cut off time. We really only had 1 major break down around 9 am when she realized she could not have anything to eat or drink. She handled the sedation well, and contrary to what the doctor said, she was not sleepy for 4-6 hours following the sedation. In fact, she was wired, begging for food and talking a mile a minute. Right before bed time that night, when I was so exhausted I could barely stand, Alex was laughing hysterically at nothing. I guess drugs are good :)

As for the MRI, it showed us exactly what we thought, that she is completely normal with the exception of her spinal lipoma. The doctors are confident it can be removed without making her symptoms worse, but they aren't sure if any of her problems will improve with the surgery. Since we have no idea how her symptoms have progressed, we can't be sure if removing the lump will reverse anything or not. Her surgery is scheduled for Nov 19th at Children's Hospital. They expect her to be in the hospital for 3-4 days. The funniest part was that for the first few days after surgery they want Alex to lay still on her side. This kid doesn't lay still, not even when she is sleeping, so this should be an adventure.
Alex did have some fun this past week. To start with, my mom and sister, Rhonda, came up for a visit. Alex loves her Aunt Rhonda, so they had a ball and I got some much needed rest. We rented Cinderella and Alex watched it for the first time that Friday night. Over the next few days, we watched it 845 time...give or take. On Wednesday, Alex got to go trick or treating at the city hall. This was her first time and she loved it. Afterwards, Alex came by my clinic to trick or treat so everyone could see her in her costume. Alex also went trick or treating on Halloween.

First, we drove to her friend Cameron's house and went around his neighborhood. Alex loved it but decided after the first couple of house that walking was for the birds, so I had to carry her, which meant I only got a few pictures. After we stopped at all the houses in the neighborhood, we drove home to trick or treat here. Since it was cold and I was tired, I put Alex in her stroller and wrapped her up in a blanket, which is were she stayed. She refused to get out and so I ended up ringing the door bell and holding up her Elmo bucket while she sat in the stroller and yell "Trick or Treat". Halloween was also a big day for Alex because she got her first manicure. My mom took her to a nail salon and Alex picked out a bright pink polish for her nails. Apparently she sat still while the polish was put on and while she was under the dryer. By the way, I was at work the whole time and knew nothing about it. Now Alex is begging me to paint her toe nails...

Anyway, that is all for the month. November looks to be even busier for us. Dan comes home the second week of the month. Alex surgery will be the third week and Alley is coming home for Thanksgiving week. I'll try to do better with the updates.

Now for the pictures, which is the only reason you come here anyway, right.

Alex at 7am when I am trying to wake her up. She is NOT a morning person.

Tinkerbell and Scarecrow

Goodbye October