These are pictures from the kids' appointments over the past year. They are usually a bit long and somewhat stressful beginning with a long car ride.
First the nurse weighs and measures the kids. She is so good with them!
18 lbs @ 6 months old - SCORE!
J takes the length measurement quite seriously. We're pretty sure B is going to be tall, but he's not taking any chances. :)
Next is either the EKG (electrocardiogram) or Echo (Echocardiogram) depending on which technician is available first. We don't really have any pictures of the Echo since it's cold and dark in there and the kids have to lay perfectly still - not exactly an ideal time for picture taking. We do have a few EKG pictures. S loves to "help" take the "stickers" off of B. Family bonding time takes on a whole new meaning...
Next we will wait for the doctor while he looks over test results and see others patients. The waiting is usually better if you don't hit yourself in the head with a wooden giraffe, B. Sorry, kid, couldn't resist...
Although it looks like J was the culprit in this picture, he was not. I started to take a picture of the two of them playing so sweetly and somehow captured this instead. Sorry, B.
Since this is a university hospital, usually a resident comes in next and asks a bunch of questions. Although it makes a long morning even longer, we are very thankful for more pediatric cardiologists! Then the doctor comes in. We love him!! He is so great! He patiently answers our questions even if we've asked them before. He explains everything to us and we feel very valued and involved as B's parents and primary care-givers. We will always have a soft spot in our hearts for this physician. He is the one who first diagnosed our son's congenital heart defect. After our terrible experience at the first hospital, we will never forget the kindness and respect he showed us on one of the worst days of our lives.
And four hours later, we're on our way. And that's our day at the cardiologist. We schedule our next appointment on the way out.
And S talks for days about her heart and B's heart and this momma does her best to answer her questions and speak truth. Thanks for remembering us. :)