Back from Children's (again). Whew. After running some blood work, they have decided that Jenica does NOT suffer from a blood disorder. (Nor will she go down easy if she is ever -- God forbid -- attacked. Wow, Jenica and the blood draw are not friends). The bruising is most likely
not spontaneous, but caused from normal play and then exacerbated by her aspirin dose, which she has to take for three months (which is what we suspected all along).
Doctor's advice: don't allow Jenica to do anything "too crazy." (Down came the trapeze on the swing set!) and should she sustain any kind of trauma or head injury, immediately seek medical attention. OK!
We are waiting on one last test for "
von Williebrand disease" (I honestly don't even want to know more about this unless I have to), but it's quite rare.
By the by, spending nearly the whole morning at the Hematology/Oncology department at Children's Hospital was (another) true eye opener for me. When I rounded that corner and saw several kids (ages 15 mos to 6 years of age) sitting in the waiting room with nearly no hair, pale and drawn faces, and at least two in wheelchairs, my stomach hit the floor. Jenica thought nothing of it and immediately went over to play with them. When I was done with reception and headed over to sit with her, she joined me and playfully announced that she had made "new friends." She then continued to try and play a game with another boy nearly exactly the same age as she, but who was in a wheelchair. He quickly became frustrated playing with her, however, because she could move so much more easily and reach pieces, etc. He moved off with a frustrated sulk. She stared after him, a bit lost, then went back to playing. My heart felt sad. I was upbeat the whole time, but felt (and still feel) an immense sorrow for what these kids and their parents are dealing with. I know the next time one of my little
beasties does something that sets me off I am sure to "hit the high notes" as usual, but I hope that today will resonate some, and I will also see their complete and total joy,
mischievousness, and
curiosity as the true traits of a healthy child. There but for the grace of God go I....
Go and give your loved ones a hug. From me. :)
Thanks everyone -- just knowing you are there -- you truly make it easier.
After nearly a month, today was Oma's last day in Bellingham. We got "fancied up" a bit and took Oma out for some B'ham seafood the night before last, and then we took a nice walk along the marina. 
No one will recognize this famous Hollywood blonde...
A simply perfect evening...
A light breeze, some "flower picking" (courtesy of the Hotel Bellweather...)
The girls will certainly miss their Oma. Kerry was very confused this afternoon after her dad and Jenica returned from the airport "sans" Oma. It's difficult living so far away, for sure. It's also especially hard when we were all so pleased at how far both girls had come with their French and French pronunciations. Well, we are looking forward to her next visit where we will can parlez encore and passe le bonne temps ensemble (don't hold me to the spelling there, please). :)
