Abscess Tooth!

On Sunday evening, I noticed that Jenelle had what looked to be an abscess tooth in the back behind her right side molar. She had been quite fussy that evening, but never had a fever or any swelling on the outside to indicate there was a problem. By chance I was feeling in her mouth because I thought she was choking on some food. I took her to daycare on Monday and called our Pediatrician, Dr. Patel, to see where to start. I must admit, I haven't been very good about taking care of Jenelle's dental needs. My Uncle the retired dentist will cringe at reading this I'm sure! (Sorry Uncle Jim!) Currently, Jenelle does not have a dentist and was last seen by my dentist over a year ago. I had been hoping to find and get her into a pediatric dentist in our area, but those are hard to find, especially one to cater to her needs and is covered by our insurance.

By the time we saw Dr. Patel yesterday afternoon, she was in a lot of pain and the swelling was definitely visible from the outside. Poor thing cried real tears when we touched her cheek. Without even looking into her mouth, Dr. Patel prescribed Motrin and anti-biotics. He felt we needed a few days for the swelling to go down before she could be seen by a pediatric dentist, which is our next step. Dr. Patel felt she most likely needed to be sedated for the x-ray and exam. Earlier in the day, I inquired for a referral from our local Epilepsy Support Group and was referred to Dr. Brostoff in Orange. Unfortunately, he isn't on our insurance, so I decided to call our insurance to find out where to go from there. Luckily, given Jenelle's seizures and need for sedation, our dental insurance approved a visit to "any licensed pediatric dentist", so with that blessing I made an appointment with Dr. Brostoff for Monday. If she gets worse, we are to go to CHOC's ER in the mean time where Dr. Brostoff is on call this weekend.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers that it doesn't get any worse. I've learned that impacted and abscess teeth are very common for children on seizure meds because their gums are often thicker. Dr. Patel feels it may be her 6 year molars coming in.

Poor thing! I promise to keep you posted!

Jenelle gets an award at school!

Last Wednesday was the award/promotion ceremony at Jenelle's school. This was our third such ceremony. They are always emotional, and this year was no exception. These kids have done some amazing things much due to the wonderful dedication of the teachers, aides and staff.

Earlier last month, we found out that our school district wanted to move Jenelle into a new class within the District away from this wonderful program where she has thrived. We fought it and thankfully she will stay put for next year!

Jenelle has had an exceptional year when it comes to her progress. I wasn't sure what her teacher was going to pick when it came to her award this year; walking or eating. I will let you listen to the video below to find out. Her teacher says she went with "her favorite." The award was overshadowed however by one amazing thing... This year instead of being wheeled to the podium, Jenelle walked! I am just tickled pink to see this progress!

Please enjoy this short clip of Jenelle "walking" to the podium to receive her award from the principal. Her teacher is speaking and she is walking with the aide.

Flowers at the Swings ~ for Evan

As a tribute to Evan, a little boy who loved the swings and who was taken from us too soon, I give you my photos of "Flowers at the Swings." You can read more about this special tribute here and here.

Vicki, I am so sorry I can't be there for you at the service today. My heart and my prayers are with you right now, and I will be here to listen in the days that come. Much peace and love to you all.

To view all of the photos involved in this lovely memorial, please visit the Flickr Group Website here.

New Hair Cut!

I finally got brave and decided to cut Jenelle's lop-sided hair. I held her in my lap, put my feet over her arms to hold them down (criss cross applesauce style) and started chopping. This is the left over hair.

And the new look! It looks much nicer at this length, even if it still is a bit shorter on the right. At least we can use her clips again.

She's such a pretty model, isn't she? ;) Nana thinks she has "Angelina Jolie" lips.

God's Garden

God looked around His garden,

And he found an empty place.

He then looked upon this earth,

and saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you,

and lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful,

He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering,

He knew you were in pain.

He knew that you would never

get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough,

and the hills are hard to climb.

So He closed your weary eyelids,

and whispered "peace be thine."

It broke our heart to lose you,

but you didn't go alone.

For part of us went with you

the day God called you home.

~Author unknown

~~~

Sharing this poem in loving memory of our friends,

Mollie Jean Casey
April 16, 1996 - July 20, 2008

and

Evan Kamida
July 30, 2000 - July 24, 2008

Problem... solved!

Well why didn't I think of that? Today, Jenelle came home from school wearing her crash helmet. She never wears it at home as it always stays at school. Immediately, when I saw her I said, "Of course!"

You can't pull out hair you can't touch!

Some thing is missing...

Or as I like to say, Jenelle is "rocking the Napoleon Dynamite pony tail!" Thought I'd share some photos of Jenelle taken last night to show her bald spot.

Here is a front view of the side pony tail.

Here is a view of her bald spot (where she has literally pulled out all of her hair!)

And here it is from the back - looks like someone just pulled off the pony on the other side of her head!

She was very interested in the camera, but then decided to walk out the door to watch big brother brush his teeth. He uses an electric tooth brush and the sound just fascinates her!