Today, I took Chloe to the Opthamologist to see if her eyes have any of the problems that can be associated with Down syndrome. This was just a routine check. I had no concerns so wasn’t worried about this appointment.
I was however, a bit stressed as we walked down the street to the clinic. It took ages to find a parking spot and when I did, it was miles away. I also made a very big Mummy Fail. The appointment was at 11.30 and Chloe was due her next feed at about 12.00 and I hadn’t brought a bottle! For some reason, I thought that we would be in and out in about half an hour and Chloe could hold off a little longer while we drove home.
This was a very bad call on my part. With all the doctor and hospital appointments we have been to, I feel like I have spent half of the past 12 months sitting in waiting rooms so I should have known better and been prepared. Chloe doesn’t normally cry but someone poking and prodding her in the face while she is hungry might just be the thing to set her off. I was worried that they wouldn’t be able to go through with the examination and we would have to reschedule.
Chloe fell asleep during the walk over and didn’t notice the 30 minutes we spent in the busy waiting room. When it was finally our turn, she woke up with a smile and I was so in awe of my hungry child as she enthusiastically played the “game” of following the light and the frog where ever the lady moved it. I was also so amazed when I laid her back so that eye drops could be placed in her eyes to dilate her pupils. She cooperated so beautifully.
We went back out to the waiting room to wait the 15 minutes for her pupils to dilate fully and finally went in to see the Opthamologist. Chloe didn’t make a fuss and kept her head super still while I sang to her and the Doctor checked her eyes out with various pieces of equipment. Then, he turned to me and said “everything is fine, her eyes are perfect.” I was so overjoyed to hear these words.
I returned to the front desk and was very happy to inform the receptionist that we did not need another appointment. I walked out and down the street to my car, this time with a spring in my step. (And maybe a little skip) I rang Andrew and quickly told him the news and when I got off the phone, I continued to enjoy this happiness and relief that I was feeling. What a way to end the week!
When we reached the car, I got Chloe, (who by the way, was starving at this point but still not crying) out of her pram and squished her cheek against mine. My clever little chicken!! My daughter who gives me the most amazing smiles and the most beautiful cuddles also has perfect eyes. Best news ever!
Chloe has taught me so much and I feel that I have learned how to really love life. I am now a very proud life enthusiast. Life is grand. Life is a gift. I am so lucky! I have so many things to be happy about and this has been a particularly lovely week. One of my dear friends had a gorgeous baby boy on Wednesday who I can’t wait to meet! I am also off to Melbourne tomorrow for the weekend to visit another good friend for her birthday. We are going to laugh lots, eat lots and shop lots. Happy days!!
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing, this has left me with a big smile on my face. And I am so glad Chloe’s eyes are fine, what a relief! xx
That’s awesome chick. My great news this week was we got a position at a private speech therapist. On our first appointment she was really impressed with Wils speech and we are on the same page as what to work on to get him ready for kindy next year!! Have fun in Melbourne chick. Xxx