Sometimes Life Gets In The Way
I know you’re all excitedly awaiting my BlogHer post, and I promise that it’s coming. But we’ve had a new development today in the life of the G-wine Posse and it’s taking up all of my brain space right now. Except for the part of my brain that’s thinking “Holy shit, it’s only 11:30 in the morning and I’m ready for a fucking huge drink.” But that’s related to this new development, so, I guess technically it is ALL about Baby Zach.
Some background: When I got to Grandmaother’s on Sunday I was watching him crawl around, and occasionally when he would look at me it would seem as though one of his eyes was turning in, other times it would look like they were starting to cross. And, of course, being the rational person that I am, I totally freaked out and convinced myself that there was something horribly wrong with him. Grandmaother concurred that there was something strange going on with his eyes, but assured me that he had not been dropped on his head while on her watch.
This is what I was seeing:
So first thing Monday morning, I logged onto Infantsee.org and scheduled a free eye exam for him. (If you’re not already aware, Infantsee is a program that offers free eye exams to children between the ages of 6 & 12 months. The thought being that if there IS in fact a vision problem, if it’s caught early enough it will be less likely to cause lifelong problems.) Luckily, there was a local Doctor who had an available appointment this morning. So, I packed the boys up and drove over there. At first the Doctor didn’t see what I was talking about. And he was nicely telling me that occasionally if they can’t focus on something right away their eyes will cross or blah blah blah…but then he saw it too.
So he put drops in his eyes to dilate them and spent the next 30 minutes trying desperately to get Zach to cooperate and look patiently at the light he was shining in his eyes while putting an array of lenses in front of him. Zach would have NONE of it. So we’re going back on Thursday with a rested and happy baby and the Doctor is going to purchase a TV with a DVD player so Zach can watch some cartoons while he’s being examined. From what he could tell, Zach is INCREDIBLY farsighted and will require glasses with a REALLY THICK lens to correct it. I put the stress on “really thick” because that’s how the Dr. said it to me. And now all I can picture is this:
*Courtesy of Google Images
And I know that in the grand scheme of things this is stupid and little and totally not important. That there are parents out there who would KILL to trade places with me. I know that it’s petty and shallow, but I keep thinking about his beautiful blue eyes and that they’re going to have to be hidden behind super thick lenses and it kills me. It makes me sad to think that for some time now (who knows how long?!) he hasn’t been able to see things clearly. That the close up world is blurry to him. I feel as though I’ve somehow failed him. And I know that there’s nothing I could have done about it. And by finding out now and taking care of it we’re helping him in the long run. But…
Anyhow, I’ve got a call in to my Family Doctor so I can get his opinion and I’m most likely going to get an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist to get another opinion. Because, you know, if I’m going to take advantage of his health insurance, I’m REALLY going to take advantage of it!
So my beautiful, sweet, funny, outgoing, active little boy will look like this now:
Or this, if I go with the blue ones:
And I will love his just as dearly. Maybe even a little bit more.
And YOU will love him just as dearly, or maybe even a bit more, when you see him “blow” kisses. And yes, it does look like he’s giving a big “F-You” but I assure you he’s not. I think.
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Renee on 22 Jul 2008 at 2:28 pm #
Hugs to you and Zach. I know this is scary but it is good that it was caught early. I would call the pediatric opthomolgist and your family doctor, get all the opinions you can.
You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Renees last blog post..You Like Me, You Really Like Me
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Lara on 22 Jul 2008 at 2:34 pm #
my sis had thick glasses from 18 months. i think it just made her cuter, though, looking all geeky in her little diapers. and actually, she went to contacts when she was about 12, but over the years, her eyes actually got much better, and now she doesn’t use any corrective lenses at all. woo!
Laras last blog post..BlogHer08: Cheers and Jeers
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Stacey on 22 Jul 2008 at 2:38 pm #
Such a cute video!
My older son got glasses a year ago for nearsightedness and I felt the same way you do, that somehow I screwed up things for him, that I should have noticed sooner, that if I had eaten more broccoli while i was pregnant or made him eat more carrots his vision would be ok and my perfect little boy would still be perfect. I had the same visions you did. Followed by guilt, because as you say, glasses are nothing & there are plenty of parents who would love to trade problems with me. It was awhile before I didn’t feel a little sad & vaguely guilty when I saw him in his glasses but it did go away in time. Now I think he looks kind of like a 5 year old Harry Potter.
My advice is what another mother who’s 18 month old had have eye surgery & get glasses said – “Buy the extended warranty on the glasses. It’s worth every dime.”
Staceys last blog post..I will let them make their own choices
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Marinka on 22 Jul 2008 at 2:38 pm #
I think that when anything affects our babies, it hurts us. I can tell you that the things that they can do now are amazing, so that if he needs it, there is no better time to be a kid! And as for glasses, my kids are older and their friends LOVE having glasses because they feel all Harry Potter-like in them. Hang in there, motherhood is tough!
Marinkas last blog post..Dreamy
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anymommy on 22 Jul 2008 at 2:42 pm #
He looks just as cute if not cuter. So glad that you noticed and that glasses will help him see things clearly. And, um, yeah, you NOTICED and got him the help immediately – kick as mom, anyone?
anymommys last blog post..I Can Stop Whenever I Want to Stop
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Insta-Mom on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:09 pm #
The glasses aren’t going to hide his beautiful blues….they are going to draw more attention to them. Look at it that way.
And good for you for getting him the attention he needs now. Way to be on top of things, Mom.
Insta-Moms last blog post..Tag…I’m it!
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feener on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:11 pm #
ok first off, i am sorry. second off, you effing crack me up. way to see the humor in life. hey my brother in law was crossed eyed, so was my sister, they both had an operation and are fine. my brother in law has always worn glasses and the ladies DIG HIM big time. so i think your worries will wash out when he brings home the ladies even with the glasses on.
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Headless Mom on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:29 pm #
Take advantage of the 2nd and third opinions-you’ll feel much better. Not your fault and you’re the good mom to take care of it right away.
Can I eat him with a spoon?
Headless Moms last blog post..Pimpin For My Peeps
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Quart on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:29 pm #
Will is cracking up along with me! I love how mad he gets when you stop feeding him!!
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Andrea's Sweet Life on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:34 pm #
First of all: Watching the video all I could think was, “OhmyGAH, does he look like Meghan!” which is not quite as apparent in still photos.
Secondly: My super-handsome hubby had to wear ultra-thick corrective lenses as a kid, and they FIXED his eyes, because he started wearing them so young. So, picture him with his thick coke-bottle glasses and his experimental braces that didn’t work, and just laugh a little. It only made him CUTER, I assure you.
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Tootsie Farklepants on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:42 pm #
He’s WAY too cute to be a Milton. And the video: I laughed more at when he got mad that he’d swallowed his food and the spoon wasn’t RIGHT THERE. Such a boy.
Tootsie Farklepantss last blog post..Nine Common Annoying Conversation Habits (AKA My List of Crap that Bugs Me and Two of Which I’m Guilty)
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mamagingertree on 22 Jul 2008 at 3:46 pm #
You should be applauding yourself for noticing something and acting so quickly. I think babies with glasses are so damn cute. And I have a feeling if he is anything like his mom and is able to find humor in life’s ups and downs he’ll be just fine in the long run, glasses or no glasses.
mamagingertrees last blog post..Dear Jolly the Sister
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merlotmom on 22 Jul 2008 at 4:14 pm #
Nothing could screw up that unbelievably, adorable face. He is too cute. Don’t worry about feeling like you’ve failed him – you’ll feel that way so many more times in the years to come. I’m sorry you’re going through all this stress. Wish I could come over and share a drink with you. It will all be okay. Just one of life’s little curveballs.
merlotmoms last blog post..A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To BlogHer…well, not really…
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Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children on 22 Jul 2008 at 4:33 pm #
How did it happen so suddenly???
He’ll be fine, you’ll be fine…other than the fact that you’re a worthless whore.
I loved, loved, loved meeting you and hanging out with you, even though my meeting with Amalah was nothing short of AWKWARD. I blame you.
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for childrens last blog post..Reverting to my old standby of ALL CAPS!!! And EXCLAMATION POINTS!!
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Meghan on 22 Jul 2008 at 4:40 pm #
Thank you EVERYONE for your reassurances! And for making me smile today. I need it! It’s always amazing to me what an awesome group of women I’m able to surround myself with, here in the good ole’ land of the internetz. You guys are the best. Fo Sho.
Meghans last blog post..Sometimes Life Gets In The Way
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Lee Anne on 22 Jul 2008 at 4:41 pm #
That video is adorable (and I am totally jealous of your arms)! Zach is a cutie and will remain that way with Coke bottles or not. You’re a great mom for having noticed a problem in the first place. And I totally hear you on making the most of your insurance! Good luck with whatever happens, and keep us posted!
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heather on 22 Jul 2008 at 4:42 pm #
GOD my future son in law is so cute. Glasses will only enhance his beauty.
But dude, the children he and Maddie have someday will be blind as bats.
heathers last blog post..In The Face of Fear, True Beauty
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Z on 22 Jul 2008 at 5:05 pm #
Zach is the most adorablest baby ever and if he does need those big thick glasses, they will just make him even more so!
But still – my thoughts are with all of you, and I wish you all the best… (And yes, take good advantage of that health insurance! That’s what it is for!!!)
Zs last blog post..It’s the little things
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christy on 22 Jul 2008 at 5:38 pm #
He will look cute with glasses. Personally, I like the blue frames:)
My cousin’s little girl had eye problems too. She wear glasses, and she is super adorable.
christys last blog post..In which I blame Eva for all of my problems…
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Susie on 22 Jul 2008 at 6:12 pm #
Those baby blue eyes are going shine right through any thickness of classes. Anytime something with the kids is not right I feel guilty. But you got him in for an appointment SO FAST. And from the sounds of the other posters… that will probably make the difference in how long he’ll need glasses.
The video… ADORABLE. Also – he did sort of looked like he was hailing a cab. Then he was all NEVERMIND. FEED ME.
Susies last blog post..I am going to Ireland. I am going to Disneyland.
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dysfunctional mom on 22 Jul 2008 at 6:13 pm #
He’s adorable, and will be just as adorable with glasses. I love the kiss-blowing!
Medical science is amazing…they may even be able to correct his vision down the road.
dysfunctional moms last blog post..Mindless Rambling Monday
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HRH on 22 Jul 2008 at 7:10 pm #
He is so freaking cute that it is possible that no one but you will even notice the glasses. What a scare…ugh. I can only imagine the crazy thoughts going through your head because I would have thought them too if I were in your place…maybe Holly can make that sentence a little longer…lets try! Also, really is it appropriate for her to reference herself in the third person on someone else’s blog. NO. That would be my answer. Hang in there. A relaxed child in front of a TV will be much easier to handle next time around.
Oh…and I totally need your BlogHer update not to put any pressure on you or anything.
HRHs last blog post..Next time Holly is going to get a root canal…
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Manic Mommy on 22 Jul 2008 at 7:10 pm #
I always stop and smile when I see babies with glasses on. I think it adds to their cuteness.
But I totally get it. Everything is our fault. I can’t help but thinking about lasik and all the other miracles that have occurred in the last decade. Imagine what’ll be around in the next ten years.
And by the way, I’ve ALWAYS preferred Clark Kent to Superman.
Manic Mommys last blog post..We Can’t Have Nice Thingz – The (letter between R and T) Edition
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judy haley (coffeejitters) on 22 Jul 2008 at 7:33 pm #
It’s good that you caught it early.
Glasses aren’t so bad,
besides, everyone knows that your IQ goes up by 20 just buy putting them on.
judy haley (coffeejitters)s last blog post..Sail Away
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Elaine on 22 Jul 2008 at 7:35 pm #
That is one beautiful child, glasses or not!
I can understand where you are coming from though. At my sons 4 -yr check they told me that his vision was not so hot and so we are off to see a highly recommended pediatric opthamologist in a couple of weeks. I don’t really want my guy to have to wear glasses either but we do what we gotta do, right?
Love the video – so cute!!
Elaines last blog post..Sweet & Stinky Boys
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Kesler Crew on 22 Jul 2008 at 7:43 pm #
No way would cute, adorable Zach ever be anything but that! He’s going to look so sweet in his little glasses! I got glasses in elementary school, but probably should have had them before. I remeber vividly the day I got mine – I COULD FINALLY SEE!!!
I’m glad that you’ll be getting lots of professional opinions. My motto in life is that “it never hurts to ask.” Better to know too much than too little for sure.
Tell Zach that only really cool people wear glasses, like me!
Kesler Crews last blog post..Big Boys
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Shannanb aka Mommy Bits on 22 Jul 2008 at 8:24 pm #
What a handsome little boy. I tell my husband all the time that he looks better with his glasses on.
Keep us posted. I’m glad you took him to the Dr. right away.
Shannanb aka Mommy Bitss last blog post..Why BlogHer Was So Special
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ali on 22 Jul 2008 at 8:57 pm #
babies in glasses? ADORABLE. just sayin’
alis last blog post..i will never learn…and i suffer from the wonk-eye
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Kelly on 22 Jul 2008 at 9:05 pm #
First, I’m sorry. Second, ditto to all the other comments. It is normal to feel sad and guilty and to mourn what was your perfect child. ANY kind of blemish on our perfect babies is hard. As you go forward (and I wholeheartedly agree on the 2nd and 3rd opinions) you will find that Zach and everyone around you will take your lead on the situation. He is a doll and there aren’t glassed made that could take that away. Hug yourself and him and rest in the fact that we are saying prayers!
Kellys last blog post..Football Season So Soon??
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Mike on 22 Jul 2008 at 9:45 pm #
“Stapler? Stapler? Does someone have my stapler?”
The fact you posted that photo shows why you are awesome!
Hang in there! If he looks half as cute in real glasses as he does in the ones you drew on he’ll be okay.
Mikes last blog post..Moms Gone Wild
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JCK on 22 Jul 2008 at 10:22 pm #
Meghan, I’m so sorry to hear you are having to deal with this worry, especially before you even get to breathe after the conference. Yes, there are many worse things, but everything is relative and this is worrisome to you. So, I’m sending good thoughts and I think it is great that you are getting other opinions, too. Nothing will change the glory of his blue eyes. Nothing.
JCKs last blog post..The Aftermath of BlogHer ‘08: Let’s slam Mommy to the ground
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Terri on 23 Jul 2008 at 4:38 am #
Meghan – wow. I am sorry you are dealing with this. I know EXACTLY what it feels like because Caroline has the EXACT same thing. Strabismus and farsightedness. She was diagnosed at 4 months and got glasses at 5 months. I have to tell you though, find a good optical shop, because they can make even really farsighted glasses much thinner with some sort of fancy technology. Also, just a though, see about getting those “transitions” lenses – the ones that change to darker in bright sunlight. We have those for Caroline and they are great. Automatic sunglasses, which is nice in our tropical environment. PLEASE email me if you have any questions. We’ve been through it all – patching, 2 surgeries, 3 pairs of glasses (and about to order a new pair). Oh and I have lots of tips about the importance of glasses that fit well (the ones that don’t get taken off and thrown in the street a lot – trust me.) I have to say as an experienced strabismus mom, Zach’s eyes don’t look so bad. I can email you some of Caroline’s really skeery ones.
Oh, and start now working on your smartass responses to the question: “how did you know your baby needed glasses?” cause you’re going to hear that about 10000 times. now I just tell people “her eyes were crossing , so it was obvious” but I used to say stuff like “well, she was having trouble reading the blackboard at school,” or “what, my baby has glasses? where did those come from?” or “she was squinting at her calculus homework.”
WTG you listening to your gut andgetting him to a doctor. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: more and more pediatricians are recommending eye exams for all children by age 1, because they can catch things like this that aren’t always visible to us, and a lot of it can be corrected at an early age.
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beachmom on 23 Jul 2008 at 8:08 am #
wow – quite the way to come home, but WTG listening to you gut and getting in with a doctor so quickly … sometimes getting the answers (regardless that we don’t want to know anything is amiss with our precious little ones) is better than the nightmares that we give ourselves by guessing!
He is an absolute doll … with glasses and without! Good luck to both of you!
beachmoms last blog post..*The Secret Life of Kat – A Typical Southern, Suburban, Soccer Mom….or maybe not.
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Susan on 23 Jul 2008 at 8:51 am #
I am so sorry. He is an absolutely adorable little boy and those glasses will make him even more precious.
Susans last blog post..Joining the fight
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Becca on 23 Jul 2008 at 9:23 am #
OMG he’s cute, and will be cute even with glasses!!!!
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Kate on 23 Jul 2008 at 10:06 am #
While my kids don’t have eyesight problems (that I know of) I’m familiar with testing and doctors and insurance and worrying about what life will be like for them AND feeling guilty for worrying about something that isn’t life threatening.
I’ll be thinking about you.
Kates last blog post..Why I Hate Being a Truckdriver
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Maura on 23 Jul 2008 at 10:46 am #
He’s beyond adorable and will be no matter what. I happen to think that the glasses you drew on him give him a superhero look that can’t be beat!
Mauras last blog post..Wanna Be on Top?
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Auds on 23 Jul 2008 at 1:10 pm #
Awwwww Megan, he’s simply darling and he’ll be ever so much so with glasses. But I do know how much your heart aches for him and that’s completely normal.
*hugs* to you and Zach.
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good&crazy on 23 Jul 2008 at 3:49 pm #
A story.
My friend in highschool, with very thick lenses VERY THICK, told this story. His mom was devastated when at 5 he needed fairly thick glasses. They got home from getting the new glasses and he hopped up on the couch and exclaimed, “Mom! I can see all the way to Noah’s house!”. She stopped feeling bad right then. Noah’s house was only across the street…..
Good luck to the little one.
good&crazys last blog post..Picture Prose Update
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Grandmaother on 23 Jul 2008 at 4:03 pm #
What a lovely and supportive group of women.
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Denise @ EatPlayLove on 23 Jul 2008 at 6:19 pm #
Thanks for sharing with us. We all have those unexpected moments, but you faced yours head on! I love pediatric specialists, I would definitely check one out.
Loved the video and so did my girls..They were begging for more Zach!
Denise @ EatPlayLoves last blog post..Tuesday Tips: Five Food Ingredients To Avoid
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Danielle on 23 Jul 2008 at 7:30 pm #
I love the blue ones!!! Very charming!!
He is precious and handsome and will be even with glasses. I promise!
I was devastated when Grant lost his two front teeth at three years old. I hated that his perfect smile got banged up and his teeth were gone. I’m so used to his appearance now, and he’s still just as handsome!
Hang in there!
Danielles last blog post..Sincerely, Your Wife
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Her Bad Mother on 23 Jul 2008 at 7:41 pm #
he is beautiful. that is all.
Her Bad Mothers last blog post..Now The Party’s Over. I’m So Tired.
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Inzaburbs on 23 Jul 2008 at 10:03 pm #
Just look at him! He will possibly be even cuter with glasses!
I do know that heavy feeling in your heart though, I just paid a lot of money for a mouthful of stainless steel caps for my perfect child. And that after a lifetime of careful tooth brushing… Strangely, most people haven’t noticed, but it still kills me every time he smiles.
Inzaburbss last blog post..Not Quite Like A Fish But Getting There
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Angie @ Keep Believing on 24 Jul 2008 at 11:25 am #
hmmmm…. this pretty much does suck, but as you said, is not the end of the world. Could be much worse. My mind would be going crazy with how the hell am I going to keep those things on him??
I like the blue ones.
KEEP BELIEVING
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Jess on 24 Jul 2008 at 11:56 am #
He is adorable. Good luck with the visit.
Jesss last blog post..Jessica, This Is Your Life……
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Auntie Jen on 24 Jul 2008 at 12:22 pm #
Well I think he looks cute no matter what he has on his face. We can now tell his cousins that Zach is the smart professor of the group. I know one thing, the glasses won’t have any affect on his appetite! I love you Zachary!
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Madge on 24 Jul 2008 at 2:14 pm #
Hang in there. I know how hard this is. it’s easy to say other people are worse off but you have every right to be stressed out about what you are going through. good job on catching it and taking care of it. you know some parents wouldn’t….
Madges last blog post..New Diet Plan!!!
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flickrlovr on 24 Jul 2008 at 6:15 pm #
While yes, you are right that Mister Zach’s needing to get glasses isn’t the WORST thing in the world, it’s still a shock and will take some getting used to, and it’s something you weren’t expecting. And ditto to everyone who said good job for catching it so early! Yay Mama.
Zach is SUCH A CUTIE. But of course-you knew that already, right?
Hang in there, and keep us posted.
flickrlovrs last blog post..Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Tiny Mini Blog Bikini
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AMomTwoBoys » When The Shit Hits The Fan, It Pours on 26 Jul 2008 at 6:18 pm #
[...] let me start by saying THANK YOU to everyone who gave me a big virtual hug in regards to my post on Zach and his apparent eye problems. There were a lot of tears this week, and a good bit of them were caused by your outpouring of [...]
AMomTwoBoys » Did Y’all Know I have TWO Kids? on 05 Aug 2008 at 10:47 pm #
[...] been posting heavy on Zach lately, but not so much on Dylan. Which totally has to do with all the drama that’s surrounded the baby lately. Speaking of which, his glasses are in and we’re [...]