Scribblings

Dr. Roboto & Boob Pillows

We’re back to a routine this morning. After a week off thanks to spring break, we all slept in – ha ha – and everyone basically did their own thing. Today, though, everyone had to be in and out of the shower on time and once the kids leave for school, we’ll have a little more peace in the house. Baby Tomas is still sleeping and hopefully the worst of the teething is behind him – for now. TB has a doctor’s appointment this morning. We heard through the grapevine that the specialist he’s seeing works in “permanency” issues. I guess the insurance company is beginning to get the idea that TB might have a permanent disability.

I am supposed to be developing a writing routine. I figured that 2 hours in the morning would get me off to a good start. My thinking is a little more clear in the morning although I’m not necessarily more focused. Besides, it tends to be a little quieter. I’m hoping I can get into the habit and actually get going again.

Later …

TB is worried about the visit to the doctor. I have to say I did not like that man at all. He was cold and his face was totally devoid of expression. He sat down in a chair with TB’s medical file and a note pad and barked these questions out. He asked about TB’s limitations now and after each one, he’d ask “What else?” or “Anything else?” When he felt he’d gotten enough information he stood up and told TB to take his shirt off and he’d be right back.

He came back with his receptionist/nurse/assistant. She had some kind of a packet to fill in and the doctor marched over to TB, had him stand up and then rattled off about 50 different instructions. It all sounded the same to me: do this, do that, face here, face there, put your hands like this, like that, blah blah blah. As TB complied, the doctor would snap off some number and the nurse would fill in a blank.

Finally he said, “Put your shirt on and have a safe trip home.”

Thank you?

He didn’t ask, do you have any questions. He didn’t say a single solitary word to either of us.

That’s a third party carrier doctor for you. They are there at the bidding of the insurance company and they don’t show any concern or emotion at all. It’s like we went and saw Dr. Roboto. Ugh.

I have a feeling Dr. Roboto is supposed to make some kind of recommendation about how disabled TB is. I think that’s what the measurements and numbers were for. Of course, we worry that Dr. Roboto will understate everything because he’s for the insurance company. We won’t know anything for a couple of weeks.

Tomorrow TB has an atherogram and after that, I think he goes back to the surgeon. I am hoping someone finally comes out and says, okay, he can’t work in the shop anymore … period. Let’s get all this over with already!

Tomas is still fussy and his voice is still hoarse. He doesn’t have a fever but his appetite has been about nil. Linda felt a tooth on its way through in his upper gum. I remember (it wasn’t that long ago) that a teething baby drools, is uncomfortable, cries a lot, is off the feed and just generally miserable. There are a couple of teething rings in the fridge, nice and cold, but T doesn’t seem interested in them. I don’t remember that any of my kids sounded hoarse though and so Linda has an appt for T to see the doctor tomorrow morning.

It’s kind of weird how putting T into my arms seems to help calm him down. He falls asleep within minutes. I think it’s the big boob factor. T has a nice soft, squishy pillow and his body rests on a soft plump belly. It must be like sleeping on a water bed! I’ve said to him, “I’m a nana, not a pillow” but that hasn’t convinced him yet.

That’s okay because I enjoy holding him. He is a sweet bit of perfection, downy hair and soft skin and tiny little fingers and toes. When he sees me, he starts to stick his tongue out and that really tickles me. I make faces at him and sometimes I see a smile as he tries to copy me.

It’s nice to have Linda here too. I think she just needs time and support – with counseling and having a safe place to stay – and she will eventually be able to take care of herself and T on her own – if necessary.

And so it goes.

Monday Madness:

Pick a letter; any letter.........Got one?
.....
Ok, for the following questions, each of your answers must begin with the letter you chose.......Have fun!! =)

1. If you were limited to 3 things to pack for an overnight trip, what would you pack?

Chocolate
Coffee
Coveralls

2. What 3 things would you pack in your picnic basket?

cookies
corn
cranberries

3. What are 3 things you'd rather do than go to work?

chat
canoodle
cook

4. Name 1 song.

Come On, Eileen

5. Name 1 movie.

Casablanca