The one (and only) good thing I can say about this burnout mode is that it is me who's burned out, not Bug. ;) That in and of itself is a blessing.

I think that most parents agree that we would do anything for our kids, and we try our best to live by that. I know I do! But man, it gets tiring! I know we don't have it nearly as bad as some people. I know that we don't have it as bad as some kids with EDS. But the fact of the matter is that my personal level of stress just keeps getting higher and higher. Some days I wonder how it is that I am supposed to help my daughter when I have nothing left to give?

We had a variety of appointments Friday. Psychology was first, and it went well. Really. The hard part is that 1) It was more missed school 2) We got more homework on feelings (journaling) and relaxation techniques 3) I found out we see the GI in less than a month, and we all know Bug isn't ready quite yet - which I'm assuming means extra therapy leading up to that point.

Next was PT - which again, was great! Bug had a good time, she was *really* tired, but she did everything he asked with a smile. We spent a whole hour in PT this time, and learned some new exercises. The hard parts for me: 1) We have to go back, and I thought we were done (I know, wishful thinking!) 2) We have to keep a daily PT log, and I stink at record keeping let alone staying on schedule. Now he'll know exactly what days we missed! LOL 3) He identified some other areas of concern, which while I'm glad to know it's still hard to hear.

Finally, we saw the OT. We love our OT, and were SO excited to try on Bug's new Silver Ring Splints (a full set of 10). Well, either her hands were swollen during measuring, and now weren't, or he was a bit generous during the measuring because she swells so much, or a combo. But regardless the rings were a bit on the large size. He adjusted them, but several still were a bit loose, to the point that Bug took them off an hour later because she was afraid they were going to fall off. I know she'll grow into them, and I think what I'll do if they aren't fitting better by Monday is try moving the fingers around. We should be able to at least get a few fingers working well. I'm still holding out some hope that they will fit better now that we are back in our typical environment which is warmer than his office. I guess we'll see!!!

I feel good about being proactive, and doing things like working on strengthening her muscles now before things get worse. I feel good about her learning more about feelings (and feelings about Dr's and being "different") and how to relax. I am just going through another phase of "I wish my child didn't have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome" again. I suppose it's a private pity party, LOL. What's crazy about it is that Bug is doing well, and it is so obvious that these things are paying off. So why can't I just do them, and not feel sorry for her/us? Wahhhhhh....

Anyway, things are going well - and hopefully after our Christmas vacation I'll feel more relaxed and ready to be "supermom" again. Bug did tell me several times today what a nice Mom I was, and how happy that made her. :) She also told me yesterday how much she loves shopping and "hanging out" when we go to Iowa City. I think it's little comments like that which keep me going. That and her most amazing smile - there is just so much love and beauty in it and her. She is remarkable.

Talk to ya'll later! (that's hello to my southern friends!)