Conversations with a 5 year old

This summer, I was blown away with how 'grown up' Hannah became.  Her mannerisms and tone of voice were more adult like than I remembered.  It was only when we had the following conversations, that I realized just how 'intellectually' grown up she had become.

Conversation #1.

The Setting:  hiking in the woods on a beautiful summer afternoon.

Hannah:  "I wonder how this all started?"

Me:  "How what all started, honey?"

Hannah:  "You know, the trees, the sky, the Earth."

Me:  "Ohhhh."

Hannah:  "Like, who had the first baby?"

Me:  "Well, honey, there are lots of theories....."

Hannah:  "Theories?  You mean like the theories about dinosaurs?"

Me:  "Exactly!"

Hannah:  "Mom, did you know that turtles were alive when the dinosaurs lived?  They survived because the dinosaurs thought they were rocks!"  This is followed by a huge belly laugh, since that is probably the silliest thing, you know, that the dinosaurs didn't know they were turtles.

We did have a great conversation about how 'this all started'.  But it was awe inspiring watching her grasp such a philosophical thought.

Conversation #2.

The setting:  The beach, building sand castles and pools with water.  Parker is worried that we won't have enough water.  I assure him the ocean is large and we will have plenty of water.

Hannah:  "Mom?  Will the ocean ever run out?"

Me:  "Oh no, honey.  There's actually more ocean than there is land on Earth."

Hannah is quiet for a couple of minutes and then her thoughts are verbalized.

Hannah:  "So, what happens if there are too many people and we run out of land for everyone to live on?"

Me:  Completely shocked, I pick my jaw up from the sand and say "Yeah, it's a growing problem, actually."

WOW!  Aren't children just amazing?  It is a gift to be raising my two great kids.  And everyday I am grateful that I get to see the world through their eyes.  They are constantly teaching me things.  For example, these conversations?  A lesson, that Hannah is comprehending things I didn't think she was old enough to understand, let alone question and grasp.  

This just in from Boston....

We are ecstatic to report that Hannah is looking perfect!  

We met with her rheumatologist yesterday and he confirmed our feelings:  Hannah is looking just perfect.  In fact, he said, just looking at her, one wouldn't know she has JRA.  

We've been feeling like Hannah has been doing well all summer.  No illnesses, she's eating great, growing quite a bit (she's gained 3 pounds and grown 3/4 of an inch since June!) and her energy level is right up there with her peers.  

Her doctor informed us that we can start a plan to wean her off of the Enbrel (the stronger of the two meds) immediately.  So, instead of four injections per month, it'll be three injections per month.  Woo hoo!  Who knew that would be worth celebrating!  Keep your fingers crossed that her little body will continue to be healthy with less meds.  

Summer Fun!

Enjoy the slideshow!  We've had a ball this summer, here are a few of our favorite moments!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Parker at the Park!

Here's our busy boy!  He can never get enough of the park and climbing apparatus!  Parker's proudest moment this month?  Learning to pump on the swing all by himself!  Congrats Bubby!

Medical Update

June was filled with check ups and blood draws for Hannah.   

Her eyes checked out just fine, thankfully!  And Boston Rheumatology was pleased with her progress.  No added joints, no added medications!  YIPPIE!  We were just thrilled to hear this.

The only concern we (and the doctors) have is her immune system.  It is compromised with the arthritis alone but the addition of her meds compromise it further.  This is why it took her little body 10 days to fight off a 105 degree fever.  In general, it takes Hannah at least twice as long, if not longer, to fight off infections.  

Fortunately:

*she is a very good hand washer

*we have so much purell (in the car, in the house, in the back packs)

*we boost with vitamin supplements

*we eat healthy (aside from the occasional Wendy's visit!)

So, we're doing what we can, on our part anyhow, to ensure that she is clear of germs.  I always felt like I was a 'laid back' kind of mom about common illness (tummy bugs, colds, etc) but now that Hannah is so susceptible to infection, well, not so much.

The dilemma I do have right now is about vaccines.  Hannah is up to date, technically.  There area  slew of vaccines/boosters kids need between 4 and 6 years of age.  She is due for more of the polio/pertussis, etc.  Given her weak immune system and the slightest chance of infection from said boosters I have opted to hold off for now.  I have heard about some disturbing possibilities with vaccines and RA and the meds for RA.  So, I've got some research to do.  Fortunately, our doctors will have medical reason for any issues we may face with schooling.  

Mother's Day Tea

Hannah's school does this wonderful thing each Mother's Day.  They have 'tea' for moms!  

I was given clear instructions from Hannah to wear a dress and bring a purse.  I really wanted to enjoy this time with just Hannah in her space at school, so Parker stayed home with a sitter.  

As I walked into the school, I was ushered by Hannah to a beautifully set table with fresh flowers.  I had a special card and gift placed beside my name card.  The gift: a pin with a painted face that Hannah made herself.  

The children did all the work for this shin-dig.  From setting the tables, to preparing the delicate snacks and the best part: some singing!

Arthritis Walk

In May we attended the Arthritis Walk with friends and family in honor of Hannah.  We raised more than $3,000.00 to aid in the research for a cure for JRA.  

The support that pours in for Hannah continues to amaze us.  It is truly humbling to have such wonderful and thoughtful people in our lives.  

So thank you to everyone who helped with the walk, it was a complete success!

A special thank you to Logo Loc who donated our tee shirts for  "Team Hannah"