Where do the days go?

 I really am unsure how the days and weeks fly by so quickly!!! This week has been extra busy with quite a few appointments!

I'll start with Alex. Things are about the same with him. He is feeling better overall. He still is having some pain and bleeding, but not nearly as worrisome as a few weeks ago. His blood counts have dropped a bit more so we will continue to monitor those and make sure we don't need any further interventions. We are still hard at work on financial aid and scholarship applications, but are in pretty good shape overall for him to start school in August! He had his final visit with our pediatric ophthalmologist this week as well as his first visit with an adult Nephrologist! We really liked the new nephrologist and felt great about the visit. Our final appointment for Alex was with the pain team. They were really happy about his college plans and how far he has come. We have a long term plan to try and wean down on one of his pain meds in a year if his transition to college goes well. Nobody wants to rock the boat right now understandably!

Ms. Maddy Moo saw our ophthalmologist and her urologist. She is getting really brave with things that used to be so scary! I attribute a lot of that to all the work we have done addressing anxiety through her therapeutic riding. We have a plan for what is to come next as we sort out her bladder issues. There is more testing in the future and we are changing medications. I am hopeful we can find some answers and treatment to help her find some relief. On a positive note she continues to love her time at the barn as well as her tap, ballet and art lessons. She enjoys school especially the time with friends. With her disabilities school work isn't easy for her, but she continues to work hard and persevere and find success! We have a fun and exciting week coming up. Maddy is participating in a horse show that Supports Cook Children's. Not only do we love that she gets to do her favorite thing all while supporting the hospital who has taken such amazing care of the kids, but she is also competing in a few new classes! She is actually showing in 6 classes this show!!!She will do the same three western classes she typically shows in along with showmanship and two English classes. 

I also saw my rheumatologist this week. We have added a third medication and are hoping we can finally get a handle on my autoimmune issues. I definitely don't have time to not be feeling 100%!

We would ask for continued prayers for health all around. Also, for more scholarship money for Alex and for Maddy to have an awesome show!

Ali

PS- If are you are looking for a way to support Maddy's new riding program, we have a T-shirt fundraiser currently running. Click here to check out the cute shirts available in 6 colors!