A Few Things

Tisha B'Av was alright. I fasted pretty well. I rested a lot and didn't even feel weak for the most part. I have a little headache now, though.

Part of what made it easy on me was that the boys are big enough to understand that they should not bother me too much. They took care of themselves. I didn't have to feed them at all; they took food themselves. They brought me Adel when she cried. They kept an eye on her when she was playing in their room with them while I stayed in bed. Some mothers told me they got new toys and games for their kids to keep them busy. I explained to the boys that although some kids get new things on Tisha B'Av, we are not supposed to get new things. It makes us happy. So I promised them something new and nice the day after Tisha B'Av, as long as they didn't make it hard for me. I'm proud of my boys for understanding and acting so maturely!

We read a book about the story of Tisha B'Av. The boys kept asking me before taking a toy if they are allowed to have it today. They also waited until chatzos to play computer games. (I needed them to be on the computer so that they can be fully occupied without my interference.)

Tomorrow we are going to a gastroenterologist to test Adi for celiac disease. The geneticist referred us a while ago. I just haven't gone because I am afraid to get an awful doctor, like the ENT an orthopedist that we saw. Well, I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment. I have a separate appointment book/planner for Adel and all her therapy and doctor info. It's the binder type that you can order refills for.When I took it to write in the appointment date, I saw that half of July was not there. Huh? 
It took me almost a minute to realize that the reason it was not there is that the year is finished. Yes, finished. It's been almost a year since it hit me that there's something about Adel'eh that needs to be addressed. Last August is when it all began. (Actually it began before, but I was willing that feeling away. Far, far away.) So since the pages are back to back, half of July was on the back of last August. I hadn't realized it's been almost a YEAR.

The reason we are testing for celiac disease is that Adel doesn't digest her food properly. She has awful constipation and used to get bleeding rashes with every dirty diaper. She has a dirty diaper once a week or less and is in terrible pain whenever she goes. When I mentioned to the speech therapist that we will test for celiac disease, she started saying how she knows someone with celiac and they are living a full and normal life... going to seminary in Israel and all that. As long as the diet is controlled, everything is great.
It took me a moment to realize that she understood me wrong. She thought we are testing for celiac disease as the cause of all Adel's delays, and when we get her on the right diet, she will begin to develop normally. Oh, how I wish! We are testing for celiac disease in addition to genetic/chromosomal stuff. I think I might be one of the only mothers to whom celiac disease sounds appealing. If I can choose it instead of a genetic disorder, I'd take it in a heartbeat! But unfortunately, we are testing in addition, not instead.

I received a letter from my insurance saying that our geneticist is no longer in the network. I got so upset. We love him. Seriously. The experience we have when we go to him for an appointment is so enjoyable that I actually look forward to the trip. And now I'd have to look for someone else?
I decided to call his office and see if there is anything to be done. The receptionist had no idea what I was talking about it. She asked me to fax the letter. Well, guess what? The insurance made a mistake! The doctor isn't leaving the network. How could they make a mistake like that, type up the letter, and even give me the date until which he will still be accepting our insurance? I don't know, but I sure am glad we get to keep our geneticist!

So that's the story for now. Adel is falling asleep on the floor, so I better get going. We're heading to the library for an arts and crafts activity, and we better leave before Adel falls asleep!