We're jumping back in...

Well, as of tomorrow, we are jumping back into the world of monthly appointments, and something to deal with Daily.

Jack is getting a retainer. He's 3. Ok... he'll be 4 soon enough. Crazy huh? Retainers are bad enough on a teenager. UGH

This retainer is to pull his midface out slowly. And by slowly... I mean 2 years. The thought process is to pull gently while he is still growing. Hopefully, this will help us avoid having to do it surgically when he is 8 or 9 years old.

I am feeling very anxious about this. I'm not really sure why. I feel very unprepared. I feel very overwhelmed with my life as it is, and now to add this. I know some of you are saying, add what? Well...

Making sure he is wearing it EVERY NIGHT.

Luckily... it is only an overnight, not an all day, retainer. This may not seem like a big deal, but I work most evenings, so this is out of my hands. I am not very good at giving up control, and having relying on someone else to do it. TO make sure he has it on before he goes to sleep. I can of course make sure it's on when I get home. But if he doesn't have it on, I can't really wake him up to put it on.

I am also worried he won't like it. That it will bother him, and it will be a fight. I'm so tired as it is, and to add fighting with a 4 yr old to improve his life does not sound appealing. Especially when there is daily fighting with others around me, to do things to impove their life. *sigh*

He has been wearing glasses since october-ish. And there are days, he doesn't wear them. Cuz they never got put on before we ran out the door to go to school. I haven't quite gotten the hang of the glasses yet. So to add another appliance to this kids life... ugh.

He will have monthly appointments to tighten it.

I think I will be able to coordinate his appointments with times I will be up there anyway, but not always. Up there, meaning the hospital, or in the area. For those who don't know, we live about 20 minutes from Primary Children's Medical Center. It is not far compared to some who go there, but I HATE to drive. And HATE to drive far even worse. I work a block and a half from my house, if that gives you any indication. :)

I will admit I like everyone in the ortho's office. I enjoyed when he was a baby, going there regularly. It will be fun to "hang out" with the girls regularly for awhile. :) Also, meeting other families going through stuff too. I enjoy the camaraderie of that whole aspect.

Also, I had braces. NOT FUN! I HATED getting them tightened. And this is his whole face, not just teeth. But then... this is Jack. This kid NEVER complains! It's weird. :) But... it is something I'm worried about.

Financially

Do you really need further explaination about this?

All that aside. This is something he REALLY REALLY needs. His sweet little face is soooo flat. It makes me kind of sad. It's always been flat, but the bigger he's gotten, the worse the flatness has gotten. The technical term is midface hypoplasia.

So whether I like it or not, we are in for the long haul. I can't wait to see the results! Should be interesting for sure!! :)

How bout some pictures?!

This is from the appointment where he was measured, xrayed and they took lots and lots of pictures. This one was taken at the end. So so sweet. They of course were highly impressed with his good nature. :)

Here is doing the mold. The nurse said she gets thrown-up on all the time. Of course Jack didn't even flinch. heehee

Here is Jack with his molds a few weeks later. He thought they were pretty cool.

These are just two pictures trying to show his sweet flat face. You can't really see it when he is looking at you:

But look at the difference between my face and his.

I'm going to try and track the growth of his face. So be watching for that too!

And... WISH ME LUCK! :)