It's all Bon Bons from here...

The bon bon thing is a running joke between another mommy of a disabled child and myself.  We joke all the time about how we are unappreciated for all the work we do and the guys in our lives (my husband (soon-to-be ex I guess) and her baby daddy) think we are just sitting around the house eating bon bons all day.

So far this morning I have gotten up and fixed the children breakfast, fed them, put up the dishes and put those dishes into the dishwasher. Then came back to the office and checked my email.  Talked to my mother to catch up on what is going on with my immediate family while I was cooking,  I got a call but I ignored it.  When I checked the call in the computer room (had to wait until then b/c the kids were fed and watching TV so I can make calls in peace).  It was Roni from the insurance company telling me that Dr. Sheih DOES work on pediatric patients.  All I can say is that is NOT what the receptionist told me.  She said she did not understand why no appointment had been made and did not know why I was having such a problem.  Well, to be honest Roni, I have NO idea either!  I will have to call UCLA later today and see what I can find out.  I then called Liberty National trying to find out why I am paying $17 and $18.25 for a couple of policies.  I had to wait on hold for about 15 minutes.  Then I got to talk to someone.  She had to look up the information and so did I for that matter to help her find the policy.  I found out that the $17 policy is a life insurance policy for Joseph.  With all of his medical issues it is practically impossible to get any type of coverage on him.  So, for now, I will keep it.  The other policy is a Family Hospital and Accident policy.  Again, for now, I will keep it.  It is actually a good policy and will pay out if we are in an accident or need to be hospitalized.

Next I called my soon-to-be boss.  I am still trying to get the job offer letter.  When I called I got his voice mail again so I left another message.  I have called a WIC office in Arizona trying to see how I transfer service.  So far I have called twice this morning.  I left a message once and the other time I hung up.  Yesterday Margaret was crying and telling me her teeth hurt.  Then she said her cavity hurt.  I am sure this is from Yo Gabba Gabba (the verbage she is using) but I know the pain is real.  She went to bed last night without complaint so I was hoping that was the end of the issue.  This morning when I was trying to feed her she was in pain again.  She even asked to go to the Target medicine cabinet...lol.  Target is where we get our prescriptions filled so I am sure that is where that come from.  I gave her some pain medicine.  I called the dentist and I got her an appointment to be seen today.  We have to leave the house in 30 minutes to get there on time.

So far I have even taken time to write this post.  I will have to come back later.  Just think I did all of this and MORE, much more, since 8:00am this morning.  Don't have the time to write all about it...lol!

Yummy Recipes, Vaccines and Other Things

Today I went to the doctor and have him look at my hand.  The scar from the carpal tunnel surgery is VERY sensitive and there is a lot of scar tissue forming under the scar.  It hurts!  :(    In talking to the docotor he said he thought I was healing ok still but I find that debatable.  He recommended therapy to help  decrease the sensitivity of the scar and to break up the scar tissue.  I thought this was a great idea and make an appointment.  I just realized this evening that I could not pay for the therapy because each therapy session I to pay my $20 co-pay.  This SUCKS!  So I will just have to do what I can to increase the flexibility and strength in my hand.

Joseph's Medical Summary Letter

I went to the pediatrician today.  I had worked on a medical summary letter for each of the children as a rough draft for the doctor.  Took me about 2 hours for all three children. I think a medical summary letter is fantastic when you have a child with a long and complex medical history. You can pull the letter out and just hand it to another doctor to give them a quick run down on all the medical issues of your child.  Here is an example of Joseph's letter.  (if the type is too small hit CTRL and the + sign 3 or 4 times to enlarge the font).  When I got to the doctor's office I figured out I was an idiot and FORGOT to burn a disk with the letters to give the doctor's office.  Ugh!!!  I did remember to take the WIC forms to get Margaret and Joseph their Pedisure AND I got the right form filled out to get a handicap plate for my car.  It will make taking the kids out MUCH easier in some places.  The doctor was funny.  He said which child is this for since all of them could qualify.  LOL  That was both a funny and sad statement!  I got the permit for Joseph though.  I also got the information I needed sent off to to the medical supply company to get Joseph's wheelchair.  That will be SUPER helpful!  So I did pretty did pretty good today.

Just as a quick note to people in Nevada applying for a handicap plate or placard for their minor child here are the instructions on what to do.  I called the Nevada DMV twice and waited over 30 mintues on the phone for this information because I could not find it online...lol.  IF you call talk to the Special Plates Department.  Their number for the Las Vegas area is 702-486-4368 and them wait for the options and press 2, 1, and then 5.  That should get you to Special Plates.

Online you go to the Nevada DMV page for handicap plates.  Download form SP27 Applications for Disabled Persons License Plates/Placards. Once have the form you fill it out for the child you want the plate for by putting their name and address on the form. The Nevada Driver's License or Identification Number you leave blank.  For Signature of the Applicant the parent signs the form and puts in parentheses minor child.  This lets the DMV know the child will not be on the registration of the car nor have a driver's license number.   Just have the doctor fill out the medical portion and you are all done!  I just saved you at least 10 minutes on the phone.  : )

While I was at the doctor's office the doctor mentioned getting the kids vaccinated for the flu. I just brushed it off.  He is right though in one thing.  I LOVE the kids pediatrician and he is a VERY cool doctor but he is in a VERY busy practice and he mentioned that over the winter he sees a lot of super sick children.  Just taking them to the doctor's office  during the winter would be putting them at risk of catching something. It makes me worried.  I worry EVERY winter about the children and in particular Joseph.

Speaking of vaccines there is a great article by Marcella Piper-Terry saying vaccines do not cause autism.  At first I thought, "What?!?!" Then I read the article and it all made sense.  Basically the article states that vaccines do not cause autism but a host of other illnesses and conditions that are the underlying conditions of autism.  Really great read!  Then another great article by Moises Velasquez-Manoff was published in the New York Times Opinion Section called An Immune Disorder at the Root of Autism.  The article has some sad information talking about the immune system of the mother attacks the child in the womb.  Autoimmune disorders significantly increase the chances of having a child diagnosed with autism.

Blog to mention is the Naked Kitchen.  Like Jamie Oliver's Food Network show Naked Chef the blog is about keeping food whole and simple.  It is a great blog with LOTS of good and healthy recipes!  Speaking of recipes I came across a great little recipe for making pizza dough.  SUPER simple and I am looking forward to trying this!

Two Ingredient Pizza Dough

• 1 cup Self Rising Flour
• 1 cup of Greek or natural yogurt

In a bowl combine flour and yogurt.  Stir until it forms a ball (might be a good job for a heavy duty mixer). Remove dough and turn out onto FLOURED board.  Knead dough for at least 5 to 8 minutes until the dough is nice and pliable and stretchy.