Camp, Hamsters, and Rashes -- What next?

Well, in two days, Gracie has finished softball camp, gotten a new hamster, and developed a lovely rash all over her body. To say it has been an eventful few days would be a HUGE understatement. We also worked in two days of fun in the sun at the swimming pool.

Gracie loved camp, and she said she learned a lot. She had nothing short of positive things to say about it...which is unusual...she usually can find something to complain about.

Leona, Gracie's last hamster, died last weekend. We promised her that we would get a new one this weekend when I had time to go. We ended up going to 3 different stores before we found what she was looking for. She now has a very cute (for a rodent) new blonde and white hamster. It has been temporarily named Blondie. Who knows...the name may stick.

Finally, Gracie has developed a nice, large red rash. We originally thought she was having an allergic reaction to the new medications, but the pediatrician thinks it is just a virus. We are keeping a close eye on this situation as it progresses. In the time it took John to go to the pharmacy, the rash had spread onto her arms and farther down her stomach. It is awful and apparently itches like crazy. She is currently sleeping covered in calamine lotion. I feel sorry for her. I know she is miserable.

After all these medical situations, all I have to say is, "what next?" I really am about at my wits end with all this stuff. I just hope the light at the end of the tunnel comes soon.

Doctors and medicines and phone calls -- oh my!

We spoke to the pediatrician yesterday, and Gracie has been diagnosed with hypnic headaches. These are headaches that usually only occur in older adults (50+). She took her first dose of VERY STRONG medicine last night. It works well for putting her to sleep. She took the med at 8:00, and by 8:30 she was out! She slept all night, and we had very little grogginess this morning. She was very calm though. She will take the second med for the first time today. There is potential for dizziness with the second medicine, so we are waiting until after softball practice. For some reason, I just didn't think dizziness, heat, and softball would work well together.

Gracie still has to see the child psychologist (poor lady) and the nutrionist. By the end of July, we hope to have all these medical issues solved. I don't think the psychologist realizes what she is in for. Gracie will probably talk her head off. I envision this lady ending up on the couch with Gracie solving her life problems! If you have ever met Gracie, you can probably see this too.

I picked Gracie up from practice yesterday, and out of the fence comes this girl in black shorts and pink t-shirt -- SOAKED from head to toe. She was giggling, and the coach was carrying her bag. I asked what happened, and they both said, "we played in the sprinklers." They said this like it is a normal activity for softball practice. I just laughed and put her in the car. I think this may have been the best day of practice so far, as far as Gracie is concerned anyway. I think her expectations may be a little high today...I hope the coaches have the water buckets ready!

Kickball and doctors

Today was a busy one for us. Gracie had softball camp this morning @ Ensworth followed by a rather extensive and long neurologist visit. Nothing major to report yet. We are waiting to speak to the pediatrician (hopefully tomorrow) before we know anything more. She loves softball camp which blows my mind because it is like a million degrees outside everyday. I am thrilled that she enjoys it though.

After all of that, we had our first kickball meeting. Our softball league decided to start up a kickball league for kids to play in during the summertime...just something fun to pass the time. Of course, my husband had to coach. So, Gracie is on his team. They will be wearing green jerseys and called the "Muddy Buddies". Yes, I know it is very cute (I came up with the name). Anyway, there are 6 kids per team, and they are very into kickball. I had forgotten how much fun it is when you are a little person. Those kids were all running after the ball tonight. I think it will be a fun experience for all involved. All three of us are excited about it!!

The rest of this week should be rather calm and uneventful. Now that I have put that in writing, something will be added to the calendar!

Oh, today was one of my brothers birthdays too. He is now the ripe old age of 28.

Knowledge from Gracie

Tonight, Gracie and I are walking out of the store. I bought her a pack of gummy life savers (a very yummy treat). On the way to the car, Gracie says -- "Oh great, daddy is going to be pissed that I got these." To which I reply, "Gracie you shouldn't say that." Of course, she asks why mom? You say it all the time. Just a quick reminder -- be careful what you say around your children. They will always remind you when you are being bad!

I've always said that I wanted to write a children's book or two about the things Gracie says and does. She is definitely a good source of inspiration. One of the many things that still cracks me up is the fact that she thinks a two piece swimsuit (known to some as a bikini) is a "broken" swimsuit. She still to this day refuses to wear one. She first told me this when she was about 3 or so. Now she uses words like "bogus" and "lame". She actually explained to us what those words meant the other day like we were the oldest and dumbest people on the planet. We found it to be absolutely hilarious!

Life can be full of mess all the time, but it is the silly and sometimes BOGUS things that make it all worthwhile!!

Ahhh, growing up fast!

So, Gracie is 7 (almost 8 if you ask her), and I swear I am living with a teenager already. We constantly battle emotions around here. It is quite funny honestly. People always say cherish all the time you have with your children; they grow up fast. Boy are they right! I love the moments when she is just Gracie, the sweet little girl that has been living with us for the last 7 years. She has great ideas and conversations that would blow your mind. These moments seems to be coming fewer and far between now. I have a feeling that I will wake up one day very soon and find that there is a new Gracie living in my house. I just keep my fingers crossed that the new Gracie is just as great as the Gracie we have now (minus the moodiness :-).