News

Monique is doing so well in school. She is learning so many things. If she could slow down, listen and calm down a little bit she would be a whiz. She has trouble sitting still and paying attention. THey have a system in their class that is like a traffic light. Green = Ok, Yellow = Strike 1, Red= Not Good. Monique comes home a usually saying she was a little in the yellow and a little in the red. When I ask her why she always says she doesn't know or that she didn't feel like listening. On the rare occasion that she does come home in the green, we celebrate!!
Are other heart kids this active? Monique's cardiologist told me when she was born that there was a good possibility she would be a very active child but holy! I didn't expect this! She's a sweetie though!
She has learned to write her name, and a few of her friends' names as well as Mom and MereMere. She has learned to read le and la. IT is wierd to see her learn all these new things but it is great too. She can learn. THe fact that she is going to be reading at the end of this school year (beginning to read anyways) scares me half to death. Is she going to succeed like allt he rest? Will she be average, above or below? I guess these are all normal questions moms and dads have about their child.
I am curious what her next check-up will be. We go the first week of December to her pediatrician. I hope all will be well. She seems tired but it could be me being paranoid I guess... can you be too paranoid about things like this or is it good to be concerned... I am sure concerned is ok, but over-concerned is a possibility too.
I guess I am full of babble tonight. It has been a while I guess. Good news though. A bunch of Heart Moms are getting together in the city soon. I am looking forward to meeting them all. I have found enormous support from them and reading their stories. Every year, our children's health centre hosts an information session for families dealing with children who were born with a CHD. It is called Heart Talk. Every year I way I am going to go. Monique is now 5 and I have not gone to one. I am making it my purpose next year to go. I think it would be a great help and source of knowledge and support.

Update to come about her check-up... please pray that all will be well.

Visit to the Pediatrician

I brought Monique to see her pediatrician today. My suspicions were right on! Her mood was definitely a huge clue to what was going on. She did not complain once not did she say she hurt somewhere. Double ear infection. Her first dose of Cefzil for the season. An early start.

I feel better now that we have seen her pediatrician. He reassured me that he will keep a close eye on her with me. He wants to see her once a month to track her progression. I am a little relieved. I know some things I will pick up on but others I will miss. I can count on him to notice things that I will not necessarily notice. His wife is also fantastic. She is his receptionist. She gave me their home number and invited me to call whenever I need anything. They are great !

I started talking about Remembrance Day today at school with my students. Wow... tough! I was close to tears the whole time. Miss you Papa!

Today

I am ok. Monique is and will be ok. That is what I have set my mind to. I have the best support system anyone could ever ask for. Thank God for family, friends and loved ones.
Monique has a cold. YUCK! Poor thing hardly has a voice. I hope it won't last all winter and that ear infections won't start already. It's not like I would know. She has never ever complained of hurting ears or a hurting ear every time she has had an infection. She just acts differently.
Is this common with most heart kids?... I often ask myself that question. Her tolerance to pain is ridiculously high!!! Sometimes I know I would be crying because of something or somehow she has gotten hurt but she brushes herself off and away she goes. I am always amazed. She is a quite a gal.
She has learned so much in school. Tonight she was a chatterbox at bedtime. She wanted me to lay with her for a few minutes for cuddles. Well... ha ha ha... more like a never ending chat. She's cute, she talks like a little woman. Asking questions like... So mom, what did they teach you tonight? (I had a meeting)... What did you learn? Did it help you?... She was asking me all the questions I ask her about her day on a daily basis. At least I know she is listening to me! Cutie pie...