No Doctor

Today was the Monster’s check-up with the developmental pediatrician.  We have these checkups about every nine months or so, a touch-base to decide if there’s things we need to be doing to try to get him caught back up, and to watch for any places where we might have been less than diligent about doing what’s best for his development.

But first, there’s always the simple physical. Continue reading

Teefs!

Yesterday was the semi-annual trip to the dentist.

In theory, the Monster understands fully well that the dentist is not going to hurt.  He’s able to vocalize that we’re going to the dentist, doesn’t put up a fight about the issue, and knows that the dentist is going to check his teeth. Continue reading

Tissue, Anyone?

It’s nearly the holiday break, so that means it’s time for everyone to get sick in our house.

I happen to sniffle almost all winter.  It has little enough to do with whether or not I’m sick, but I do seem to go through tissues like no one’s business.  (I’m just used to it at this point.) Continue reading

A Tale of Two Sickies

Just as I’m getting ready to be alone with the kids for a few days, R has gotten sick.

It’s nothing too major – it is just a cold – but as with all nearly-two-year-olds, it’s just messy and wet and full of a shrieking, whining child who can’t easily be placated or made to feel better. Continue reading

Cold Season

As one of the parents brought up on the local Autism Facebook group, it’s hard for us sometimes to know what’s going on with our kids health-wise, depending on their tendencies.

In the case of the parent on the group, her child was complaining she didn’t feel well, but didn’t have the verbal tools to explain what was wrong, and therefore why there was a request to stay home from school. Continue reading

Spoonful of Sugar

I don’t really remember being as resistant about taking medication as the Monster is.

The Monster’s had a lingering cough for about two or three weeks now – he was sick earlier in the summer, but he’s started up coughing again more regularly, in a manner that makes it sound like he’s ill… though he’s not acting all that much different than normal.  Save for being a bit more whiny than usual, and for being more difficult than usual about eating… it’s all par for the course. Continue reading

Summer Concerns

So we made it through most of the weekend without the Monster having an accident.  (We had two – one at the game and one on the ride home – but by and large, it was a successful weekend during the waking hours.)

This is after a week where he’s had few enough accidents at camp as well – of course there’s always the chance he’s just peeing in the pool – and we’ve been feeling very good about the whole thing.  At least that was until the wife was checking his bag this morning and realized that the Mio in it is still nearly full. Continue reading

When Days are Hot

I, myself, really prefer winter.  There’s just a heck of a lot more you can do about being cold than you can about being hot, and besides, you don’t often get all disgusting because of the cold.

Unfortunately, it’s not winter now.  It’s summer, and here in Maryland, that means absolutely disgustingly hot and humid when it gets into full swing. Continue reading

Not-Quite-Sleep Study

Just as a follow on to yesterday’s post (see Heal Thyself), I thought I’d give an idea to anyone who’s never been through a sleep study what it’s like.  (I’ll have a real post later today, related actually to life with the Monster.)

I will admit, to start, that I didn’t look forward to doing this at all.  I realize, of course, that finding out whether or not I have sleep apnea is very important (and potentially life-saving), but… it’s a matter of both not enjoying the idea of having someone watching me sleep and not wanting to be uncomfortable both during the study and with the resulting treatment if it turns out to be the case. Continue reading