Retina check up and hair cut

Abby had her annual check up with her retina specialist this morning. It went very well! This was the first time I didn't have to hold her down (with the help of 2 other nurses) for the Dr. to get a good view into her eyes. For anyone who knows Abby's history and extreme dislike of anyone holding her head, than you know what a triumph this is! And anyone who is a mother and knows how awful it is to hold your child down during a tormenting experience knows how thankful I was.

Of course the dilating drops came first, at which Abby did scream a couple of times. I'm told these drops do burn a little. Josiah was standing nearby, holding onto her wheel chair and was very upset by her cries.

Then we went to the waiting room, and eventually into an exam room where we met the good Dr. We caught up on any changes, improvement and worries before he shut off the lights to take a peek. Abby did so great! She stayed in her chair and actually let him shine the very bright light into her eyes, while he held her lids open and peered through a magnifying lens. She did scream again which upset Josiah, but it was all over quickly and the lights came back on.

Nothing has changed since last year. The left eye has a funnel shaped, complete, retinal detachment which means "no hope for vision in that eye." Although we know that she can see light. The right eye is structurally ok, a little scaring but overall "should have good vision potential." This is the news we have heard every year since we have been seeing this doctor, and we usually leave feeling hopeful that with continued stimulation Abby will be able to learn to use the limited vision she has in that eye.

All in all it was a great visit compared to some in the past at this office when we have had to wait, give drops, and wait after giving more drops then wait some more.

Last night we gave our big girl a hair cut... actually just a trim. She was so cute I had to post a few pics we took during the process. I couldn't believe how grown up she looked! Our baby really isn't a baby anymore. Today her little pig tails looked especially cute and curly.