This nasty routine

Must STOP.

1. Post blog entry for the day (with net surfing)
2. Process work emails
3. Work
4. Watch FRIENDS
5. Repeat 1-4 when I wake up in the middle of my "night"

This is what I should be doing after shift:

1. Post blog entry for the day
2. Shut down laptop
3. Read book

And I start today with this chick lit title.


He's Just Not That Into You:
The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys
Want it?

Neighbors hate me

I was feeding these babies a few minutes ago. I was getting a little worried because it seems that they are, once again, dying on me. My anxiety caused a little accident. I gave them twice the usual volume of water. Water overflowed and soon enough, neighbors downstairs started screaming and yelling.

For apartment dwellers, the fire exit is a convenient make-shift clothes drying area --- or garden for people like me. The water for my babies dripped, giving an unexpected soil-rust flavored rain for the neighbor's clothes and curtains.

After a couple of minutes of screaming and complaining, the maintenance guy knocked at our door. He delivered the first official complaint against me. I apologized, several times. Said something about accidentally pouring a lot of water. Told him to extend my apologies to the warring neighbors. He said that I may want/need to transfer the plants at the rooftop. I said sorry and promised it won't happen again.

In my head, I told him to tell the neighbors to fuck off and stop acting like whining bastards. I know, I know, I was at fault. But I love my dying plants.

And love is blind.

Developmental Pediatrician

In case there are moms out there looking for a DevPed in Makati:

Dr. Ma. Veronica Reloza, M.D.
Room 216, 2/F Tower 1A, Makati Medical Center
Contact Numbers: 8935134, 8888999 loc. 2216

We've seen her once and we appreciated the experience. She referred us to HELP for therapy and we're scheduled to see her in February (2012).

Little One - First Assessment

We're waiting for an important call. After almost three months of waiting, it seems like we're going to have our first appointment for her therapy. The search for a reputable therapy center has been tough. We hope we get this one.

I'm hoping to be able to write religiously about our "global delay" adventure. If I'm able to sustain the discipline and passion, I may be able to maintain this blog until she's old enough to read. I want her to know about this... every detail, every update... because it's the third battle she's bound to win. :)

First Battle - To be born

At 23, I was told that I will not be able to conceive the natural way. The OB GYN gave me a referral to a Reproductive Endocrinologist - for when I'm ready to have a child. We were never officially ready but eventually, we tried and tried. When I found out, at 27, that I was pregnant, I was the happiest woman alive. Little One, this was your first miracle.

Second Battle - Cleft Palate

The Little One was born without a cleft palate (roof of the tongue). She had to go through two major surgeries (at 6 mos and 9 mos) for cleft repair. This condition, before operations, made everyday life unique for her. Special bottles, sippy cups, way of feeding... She's a little big fighter.

Third Battle - Possible Global Delay

Little One has yet to speak. She's already 2 yo. She makes syllabic sounds but she has yet to say any word. She responds through sounds and actions. Below is the diagnosis of the Developmental Pediatrician who evaluated her condition.

Little One's tougher than mom. There's nothing she can't handle.

###

Patient Information by history:

• concern regarding speech delay, cleft palate (s/p repaired), drooling

Patient information by observation:

• good eye contact, casting, did not always follow

Patient information by examinations:

Result of Assessment using the following tests: GRIFFITHS

Developmental Domain	Estimated Age Level
Locomotor / Gross Motor	1.4 – 1.7 y.o.
Eye – Hand Coordinator / Fine Motor	1.0 – 1.3 y.o.
Hearing and Speech / Language	11 m – 1.2 y.o.
Performance / Problem Solving	11 m – 1.2 y.o.
Practical Reasoning / Comprehension	NA
Personal – Social	1.2 – 1.5 y.o.

• behaviour (tended to refuse/ throw objects) may have unduly lowered scores too

Current Working Impression:

• To consider global developmental delay
• Need to rule out locomotor apraxia
  

Recommendations:

A) Diagnostics

· (hearing test was normal)

B) Referrals

· (for ff-up with ophthalmology for "lazy eye")

C) Therapeutics

Occupational Therapy

o Locomotor coordination

o For behavioural modification, attending skills/on task behaviour, fine motor/ ADLs/ prewriting skills/ cognitive skills/ coordination, balance and strength

o HELP Therapy Center 1655 Peñafrancia Street Santiago Village Makati, 8965195

Speech Language evaluation and therapy

o Especially in light of cleft palate, drooling, for communication skills

I should have done the same

Watching this Friends' episode, where a pregnant Rachel becomes extremely emotional, unreasonable and would go ballistic over the most innocent remarks, made me regret all the effort I've put in while I was pregnant.

There were two specific situations that pissed me off back then. I wanted to scream like a banshee and throw plates at the wall. I was so close to being violent. But then I controlled myself and just went the safe route - crying and silence.

I deeply regret it because last Monday, I was confronted with the same issue (and people) but in a different situation. Back to safe route. Back to the desire to shout and break stuff.

I could have worn myself out two years ago with a perfect excuse. Can't use it now.