R.I.P. Mickey...

We hardly knew ye.

The day after my last post, I was unpacking groceries in the kitchen when I heard a "SNAP!" come from inside one of the kitchen cabinets. Sure enough, ol' Mickey had decided to partake of some peanut butter. Unfortunately, the PB was attached to a mousetrap and practically snapped his ass in half. I then called my father for mouse removal. We've baited another trap, but I think he was the only resident. We'll see.

Last weekend, DH and I moved everything around in our living room. Our new layout is designed to be more "kid friendly" and give them more room to move about the cabin, if you will. We got it done in about 12 hours, which included cabling moves for the cable TV and modem. We were exhausted but it was done. Now there's only cosmetic stuff to be done - moving pictures on the wall etc. We had to purchase a SECOND play yard XT in order to gate off forbidden areas but all in all, the move was a success - Miss S. is now walking much more than she was; and its all because she has more "elbow room".

And speaking of the girls, I'm feeling like I've officially hit my limit with this whole Ei process.To date, the girls have been receiving therapy since July. They have shown improvement (the biggest improvements have been in the area of their physical development and their eating).As EI requested, we've had hearing and vision checked (OK), we went to a neurologist and she says it seems like the girls are just delayed. But we had blood drawn (6 vials for each girl!)The neurologist is considering an EEG for S (because she has "staring episodes" and the EI folks are saying that she could be having seizures. Christ, I often zone out and just stare off into the distance - what does that say about me?)

And although I've been told that this test is "no big deal", I'm just not comfortable with the idea of her being sedated for this thing. I'm not sure its warranted at this point. Now one of the EI folks is talking about the girls maybe receiving a second psych evaluation due to their "slow progress". I swear, if I didn't know better, I'd swear these folks are working on commission! It seems like every time I turn around they want me to take my kids to another specialist, take them for another test. And I feel like I've hit the wall. I mean, if they're delayed isn't the burden on EI to provide my kids with the therapy they need so that they will catch up? I'm tired of listening to my kids screaming in doctor's offices. Tired of doctors and techs asking me to hold my kids down while my baby screams in agony and looks at me like, "why are you letting them do this to me?" I'm torn between wanting to do what's best for my children, and wanting to be their advocate, and stopping the madness when its all become too much. I feel like EI is preying on my fear - fear that my kids are going to need the "special class" or that they'll be labeled as they get older and get to school. And everyday I'm stressed out that they are 17 mos old and not saying any words, not waving "bye", not clapping their hands. It causes me to have nightmares, believe it or not.

My MIL is coming over to sleep tomorrow nite. DH and I are attending a Halloween party at my BIL's house in Long Island and sleeping over. While I'm looking forward to a kid-free night, I'm also worried -- for obvious reasons. I've already written out her marching orders (knowing full well that she'll probably ignore most of them). I don't "do" costumes, but I did buy a cool mask. The girls are going to be "butterfly princesses" and we'll be going to grandma's on Sunday. Can't wait to see the girls all dressed up!

On a final note, my little contribution to the blogosphere is officially one year old! Can't believe I've stuck with it for so long. My heartfelt thanks to all who come by here and comment regularly. I've met some very cool folks and I appreciate you all.

Here's this week's Friday Fiver:
1. What's the last item you mailed? - Bills and some administrative correspondence
2. Who has made you smile recently? - my girls
3. What's the weather like outside? - sunny and chilly
4. Do you consider youself a good judge of character? - yes
5. What's your favorite photograph?- my wedding portrait.