Parker's Brown Eyes

We've had quite an emotional ride the last few days. I'll start from the beginning.

Parker has always squinted, a little. The last month or so we've been noticing it a lot more. He's lost interest in books, drawing, and learning letters. I noticed that he can't see airplanes in the sky or stars at night. He does see the moon, which he loves to point out. Monday I called our pediatrician to get a referral. Later that day Parker's preschool teachers told me that they thought he needed glasses. I called the eye doctor and got him an appt. for Wednesday.

The eye doctor. His name is Dr. Levine. He's a household name in our family because he was my brother's doctor. My brother had cataracts in both eyes when he was 3. He had surgery after surgery, cataract after cataract, etc. My brother was Dr. Levine's poster child. The funny thing is that everyone in that office new who I was because I am Robbie Strickland's sister.

The appointment. We first got Parker's eyes dilated. I don't know if you've ever had this done before. I don't like it. It makes me feel really sick. They put drops in your eyes that open up your pupils so that they can see clearly. The assistant first checked Parker's eyes. She told me that he is severely nearsighted. His number is 600. I'm not sure what that means, but it's pretty bad. But, then she said, "And, there's something wrong with his eyes." What do you mean there's something wrong? "When I look into his eyes, there's something there. Something isn't normal. The doctor will know more. But, I want you to know that there's something wrong. Wait here and the doctor will see you soon." That was the hardest part of my day. I had no idea what was going on. I couldn't imagine my little boy going blind, etc.

The diagnosis. We don't know everything yet. We have to go back in a month for Dr. Levine and another doctor to check Parker's progress. Dr. Levine said that there are spots on Parker's eyes. Sometimes these spots just go away on their own, but sometimes it's the beginning signs of cataracts. Given that cataracts are likely hereditary and that Parker's vision has been getting worse, Doc said that they will probably turn into full-blown cataracts. It's hard to know that my little boy's vision is getting worse and worse at the age of 2!

What's next? Parker will start wearing glasses for his nearsightedness. They should arrive sometime today. We will go back in a month to reevaluate his eyes. At that point, if he has cataracts, will start the process. I'm not sure what that process will be yet. I know it's not the same as it was 30 years ago when my brother had this same problem.

I know that there are worse things out there. I know that I have friends who have had worse things happen to their children. And, I'm thankful for modern technology. But, I'm having a really hard time with the fact that my son's life is going to be different now. I know he'll be fine. But, I don't want this for him. I don't want him to be limited because of his eyes. I don't want him to wear glasses or something for the rest of his life. So, I need a few days to grieve. And, in a month I may need that again, or even more. I do know that it's going to be okay and that God is in control. And, in a couple days it probably won't be that big of a deal to me. But, for now, it's hard.

I'll post pictures as soon as the glasses arrive.

Abigail's Photo Shoot

I just can't get over how much my little girl has changed. She looked like a sumo wrestler when she was born. I stare at her all the time now. She sat on her own today for 5 minutes, she's trying to crawl, and she eats solid food. She amazes me. I snapped some pictures of her while Parker was taking a nap.

Field Trip

Yesterday we went to the GA Aquarium again with my brother and his family. Parker was very disappointed that the penguins are gone. Abigail loved the little fish and cried when the big fish would swim by. Let me know if any of you ever want to go. We go quite often.

Here are some of my favorite pics from the day.

Cousins

We actually had all of the cousins in our house this month. All three of us kids had baby girls within 3 months of each other. The best part is that Tabitha and Cali look like twins. Tabitha is actually adopted.
Here are the three girls. One of these things is not like the others...

We never did get that perfect picture with all 5 cousins. We tried...

Fashion For A Cure

Saturday evening we went to Fashion for a Cure with our friends, Tina and Sam Dula. Tina's foundation, Myles-A-Part, was the recipient of the donations given. We had a great time! The best part, other than Tina's speech and watching her receive the check, was watching the guys endure the fashion show. Needless to say, they all excused themselves after about 3 minutes, and ended up at the bar in the lobby watching the game.

Here we are at the pre-gala party where the photographer of Jezebel Magazine referred to Eric and I as the "variety" of the evening.

Tina and Sam Dula

Eric and Sam hanging out. (i.e. standing in the back where they could see the big screen that was showing the game.)

The guys watching the fashion show. :)

The Principal's Office

Today I got the call. The dreaded call. My son had been sent to the office at preschool, and I needed to go pick him up. Apparently he had been hitting, taking toys, throwing toys, and wouldn't listen to the teachers or calm down. School starts at 9:30am. The call came at 10:15am. Only 45 minutes!

As I look back on the morning. I remember screaming the word "orange" as loud as we could in the car because today was orange day at school. I remember tickling him fiercely as I took him out of the car seat. And, I remember racing him into the classroom. He won. I guess my actions didn't help get him into the calm mood required at the school. The best part? Look what it says on his shirt that he wore to school today...

Six Months Old

Newborn

Two months old
4 months old