Cast Away

After all the craziness of last week, here's a quick update on Caleb's arm.  We went to the pediatrician last week and came away with a sling and a diagnosis of a "dislocated elbow that won't pop back into place". About an hour after I left the office, the doctor called, telling me that the official report came back from the radiologist where they saw some fluid in his elbow. He recommended that I make an appointment to see an orthopedic to have it further diagnosed.  We went the next day and came out of the office in a bright red shiny cast.  The doctor saw the fluid, but didn't see a fracture, but thought it would be a good idea to play the cautious card for a week.  We went back in a week later, they cut off the cast, did some more x-ray's, and we left the office in another cast, this time blue.  She couldn't see a fracture (her best guess is that it's in one of the growth plates in his elbow, but it's so small we can't see it on the x-ray), but Caleb still wouldn't move his arm once the first cast was off and it was hurting when she did her exam.  He's now in the blue cast for two weeks then we'll go back and repeat what we've already done.  He thinks it's pretty cool and especially loves the lightning bolts that his Dad drew for him. Hopefully it will heal completely so we'll be able to move on from this and enjoy our summer!  Thanks for all the concern on his behalf!

Pobrecito

You'd never know it with his cute little smile up there, but this poor little guy ended up in the doctor's office today with a diagnosis of a dislocated elbow.  Sunday night was a beautiful night with perfect weather. We decided to take advantage of it and head outside and enjoy it. Caleb learned how to ride a two-wheeler last fall while we were still living in Illinois. Once we got his bike out again after we moved, he learned all too quickly about hills and wheels. Just as quickly, he decided he didn't like riding his bike anymore. In an effort to help him not be afraid, we decided to put the training wheels back on his bike. He was doing pretty well until he got going too fast and lost control and ended up on the pavement.

The doctor tried to pop it back in today, without much success, but with more than just a few tears.  We had a few x-rays done which concluded that there was no fracture. We left the office in a sling and with a charge to watch it and call in a couple of days if it doesn't get any better. About an hour later, I got a phone call from the doctor telling me that the official report came back from the radiologist and there is some fluid around his elbow that they are worried about.  Tomorrow we head to the orthopedic office to find out what exactly is going on. Until then, we've got a little boy who thinks his sling is magical and is making his arm feel all better.

p.s. This kid has the craziest cowlik right in the front of his forehead.  I can't figure out how to cut it without it looking like he cut it himself.  Our most recent remedy is to comb it back and give him "spikes". He thinks it is so cool. Any tips on how to cut it would be very helpful at this point!

Shiner

It has been an interesting week around here.  We had sub-zero temperatures here yesterday which only reminded me that I am not tough and I really hate the cold.  But, we did still walk to and from school with the kids and Caleb even fell asleep in the stroller on the way home (I still can’t figure out how). 

Our car was completely frozen shut which made it hard to get anywhere yesterday too, but with a little man-power from my man, we at least got in.  The rest of the doors are now working today since it has warmed up to a whopping 21 degrees (but feels like 10).

Wally has been up late every night and up early every day preparing for his talk he is giving at his job interview next week.  I think he is going to crash hard tonight!

And, as a final note, you may have notice the shiner Brandon is sporting.  That is what happens when you run smack dab into the side of the table with your eye.  It was pretty swollen for the first couple of days and is finally starting to look better now, but I wouldn’t be a good mom if I didn’t document it with a picture now, would I?!